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# Event Management Platform: AI-Powered Trade Show Solutions by ExpoPlatform
ExpoPlatform's event management software helps world-leading exhibition organisers to deliver engaging and ROI-driven in-person events and 365 communities
## Posts
### [Top 5 best event management software providers for 2026](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-5-best-event-management-software-providers-for-2026/)
**Published:** September 1, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Here is your complete guide to the best event management software providers and what distinguishes them.**
We uncover what organizers must consider when choosing a platform to enhance exhibitions and meet visitor needs.
A key part is ensuring that the provider streamlines and optimizes the experience before, during and after your event.
**Top features to look out for when choosing the best platform include:**
- Advanced[ lead retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)
- Optimized[ registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)
- [Data capture and analysis](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/drive-tradeshow-roi-data-analytics/)
- [Clear meeting scheduling](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/best-event-meeting-formats/)
- [Exhibitor](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/) manual
- [Monetization options](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
- [Mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-app/event-organizer-mobile-app/)
- [Event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)
- Customization and white labelling
- Exhibitor/Sponsor and product directory
The best exhibition platforms offer sub-features and additional tech solutions to enhance the experience.
## **Organizer priorities when choosing an event management software provider**
### **Comprehensive solution or easy integration**
Event management platforms exist to make the exhibition process more seamless.
A key part of this is ensuring the tech easily integrates with the digital tools used by organizers.
Registration, meeting scheduling, lead retrieval etc. The platform you chose must easily integrate with such tools.
The best platforms will also provide comprehensive solutions for the above attributes.
With this approach, organizers provide exhibitors with an omnichannel dashboard that enables them to prioritize meetings and track important information in real-time.
This makes lead retrieval seamless – tracking the quality and quantity of leads in one place makes it easy to determine event ROI.
### **Flexibility and scalability**
Organizers can have portfolios containing shows across different sectors in various formats – including executive summits, B2B trade shows or conferences.
Some event management software providers specialize in specific formats, while others cater to all setups.
This means organizers should prioritize from a functionality standpoint.
Consider whether it is better to have one versatile platform that covers all the basics of every format or pick multiple platforms that are each suitable for purpose.
### **Monetization**
Your ideal event management software should first and foremost be seen as an essential tool enabling organizers to generate revenue rather than be considered a cost.
Clear monetization options should be available to ensure the ROI gained from the platform far outweighs the cost.
These will come in the form of packages for both exhibitors and sponsors.
The options will include premium exhibitor profiles, digital ad space, interactive splash screens, etc.
This increases the value of events and provides more opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to stand out using your event platform.
### **Data security and ownership**
A lot of important data passes through your event management software.
Ensuring this information is safe and secure is crucial when choosing a provider of this tech.
Check that they adhere to all data security compliance and standard practices.
There are also different approaches to data ownership among event platforms.
Some believe that organizers should retain complete and exclusive control over their user data, while other platforms believe in shared ownership.
The latter means the vendor is not obligated to delete the organizer’s data upon request.
Organizers who want to be in absolute possession of their user data should consider this when choosing an event management software provider – one that will respect their data autonomy.
## Bizaboo
Bizaboo is a platform that specializes in conferences and online events.
They provide registration solutions, agenda building and engagement tools.
Bizaboo also offers webinar event options to increase its value.
This platform is suitable for conferences, smaller B2B shows and virtual events.
## EventsAir
EventsAir offers several basic solutions for each stage of the event process.
They have networking, lead management, registration and reporting options.
EventsAir provides budgeting and accounting tools to help set up an event quickly.
This is a suitable platform for first-time organizers or smaller trade shows that need to cover all the bases.
## ExpoPlatform
ExpoPlatform provides solutions in lead retrieval, event apps, AI-powered matchmaking, registration, event websites and data analytics.
They offer a[ 365 community platform](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) for organizers to keep their audiences connected year-round.
ExpoPlatform also provides a range of monetization options for sponsors and exhibitors.
Organizers have access to a library of resources that provides information on different areas of the event process.
Ideal for organizers of large-scale exhibitions and trade fairs looking for a comprehensive solution with monetization options to increase value.
## Grip
Grip offers event management and engagement tools – networking, meeting scheduling, lead capture and events apps.
They offer badge scanning and smart badges that provide heat mapping insights.
Their modular solutions can integrate with native systems in these areas.
Grip is suitable for event organizers focused on networking solutions.
## Swapcard
Swapcard provides event registration, networking, lead scanning and data reporting.
They provide monetization options for sponsors to increase event value.
Their registration solution offers on-site, self-service check-ins, badge printing or monitored access points if preferred.
This platform is suitable for events that do not require extensive customization.
## Is ExpoPlatform the best event management software provider for you?
ExpoPlatform has been named by many as the best event management platform for big exhibitions and B2B trade shows.
This is evident from being the official provider of tech for some of the largest event organizers around the globe such as – IMEX, UFI and GITEX.
If you are looking for a comprehensive solution that will help grow your event and increase ROI, ExpoPlatform is your best option.
An all-in-one platform that provides premium event tech to advance your exhibitions.
[**Book a free consultation here**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **to discuss exactly how we can do this at your next event.**
**Categories:** All
---
### [How to choose the right format: virtual, hybrid or in-person events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-hybrid-or-in-person-events/)
**Published:** November 21, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Event planning now offers more options than ever. Knowing how virtual, hybrid and in-person formats differ helps you pick the one that maximizes engagement, meets your goals and fits your audience.
Each format brings distinct strengths and trade-offs.
This guide walks you through the core differences, how each format runs in practice, and the benefits you can expect.
We’ll cover what to look for in virtual event platforms, how to evaluate hybrid setups, and the tools that make in-person events run smoothly.
You’ll also get a practical comparison of costs and ROI, plus a look at emerging event technologies shaping the future.
## What are the key differences between virtual, hybrid and in-person events?
Grasping the main differences between virtual, hybrid and in-person events is essential for planning an effective experience.
Virtual events happen entirely online, so attendees join from anywhere.
They use streaming, chat, and collaboration tools to deliver content and enable interaction.
The biggest advantage is reach — you can invite a global audience without the constraints of travel or venue capacity.
Hybrid events mix in-person and online elements, letting people attend on-site or remotely.
That flexibility appeals to diverse preferences and can boost overall participation by combining live energy with digital scale.
In-person events take place at a physical venue, offering direct, face-to-face interaction.
They create immersive moments and stronger networking opportunities that are harder to reproduce digitally.
### How do virtual events operate and what are their benefits?
Virtual events run on platforms that support live streaming, moderated chat, and interactive features.
Organizers can produce webinars, virtual conferences, workshops, and on-demand sessions.
Common advantages include:
- **Cost-effectiveness**: Lower expenses from no venue, catering or travel costs.
- **Wider reach**: The ability to attract attendees from anywhere in the world.
- **Flexibility**: Participants can join from home or on the go, across time zones.
Well-run virtual events also let you experiment with formats and measure engagement precisely, making them a practical choice for many objectives.
### What defines hybrid events and their unique advantages?
Hybrid events combine the immediacy of live gatherings with the accessibility of digital delivery, letting attendees choose how they participate.
This format is useful when you want to grow attendance while preserving an on-site experience.
Key features include:
- **Dual participation**: On-site and online attendees share parts of the program.
- **Enhanced engagement**: Interactive tools can bring both audiences into the same conversations.
- **Broader audience reach**: People unable to travel can still join virtually, increasing overall attendance.
Those advantages make hybrid events especially relevant today, as technology and audience expectations continue to evolve.
Research shows that integrating new tech — from better streaming to smarter audience tools — will keep refining hybrid experiences, particularly as organizations balance in-person and remote access.
## Which features should you look for in virtual event software?
When choosing virtual event software, prioritize features that improve the attendee experience and simplify operations.
Look for:
- **User-friendly interface**: An intuitive layout that helps attendees find sessions, speakers and networking opportunities quickly.
- **Engagement tools**: Built-in polls, Q&A, chat and breakout rooms to keep people involved.
- **Analytics and reporting**: Actionable data on attendance, interaction and session performance.
These capabilities are the foundation of a successful virtual event for both attendees and organizers.
### What attendee engagement tools enhance virtual event experiences?
Strong engagement features make virtual events more memorable and effective.
Useful tools include:
- **Live polling**: Real-time feedback that drives participation and discussion.
- **Virtual networking rooms**: Structured spaces for attendees to meet, exchange ideas and follow up.
- **Gamification elements**: Badges, leaderboards and incentives that motivate involvement.
Mixing these tools thoughtfully increases satisfaction and keeps attendees coming back.
## How to evaluate hybrid event solutions for seamless integration?
Evaluating hybrid platforms means focusing on how well technology and user experience work together.
Key criteria include:
- **Compatibility**: The platform should connect in-person production with online tools without friction.
- **Technical support**: Reliable, responsive support is critical during live events.
- **User experience**: A cohesive interface that serves both on-site and remote participants.
Choosing solutions that meet these standards helps create a unified experience for all attendees.
### What technology supports simultaneous virtual and in-person participation?
To run hybrid events smoothly, you’ll need several core technologies, such as:
- **Streaming equipment**: Quality cameras, microphones and encoders to capture and broadcast on-site content.
- **Interactive platforms**: Software that enables live Q&A, chat and shared sessions across locations.
- **Event management tools**: Systems that manage registration, ticketing and attendee data for both formats.
With the right mix, you can deliver a reliable, engaging experience for everyone, wherever they join from.
### What are the common challenges and benefits of hybrid events?
Hybrid events bring both complications and clear advantages.
Typical challenges include:
- **Technical issues**: Connectivity or AV problems can interrupt the experience for remote attendees.
- **Engagement disparities**: It can be hard to give online and in-person guests the same level of interaction.
- **Logistical complexity**: Coordinating two audiences requires more planning and resources.
Still, the benefits often outweigh the hurdles:
- **Increased attendance**: Offering both options draws a larger, more diverse audience.
- **Flexibility**: Attendees choose what works for them, which can improve satisfaction.
- **Diverse engagement opportunities**: Combining tools and formats creates richer experiences for participants.
## What tools optimize in-person event management and attendee engagement?
Physical events benefit from tools that streamline logistics and enhance the on-site experience.
Essential options include:
- **Event management software**: Platforms that automate registration, ticketing and check-ins.
- **Mobile apps**: Apps that deliver schedules, maps and networking features to attendees’ phones.
- **Feedback tools**: Quick surveys and feedback channels to capture sentiment in real time.
Using these tools helps events run smoother and makes it easier to learn what worked for next time.
### How does in-person event software improve logistics and attendee management?
In-person event software improves operations with features like:
- **Real-time tracking**: Monitor attendee flow and session attendance during the event.
- **Automated check-in**: Speed up arrivals and reduce lines with contactless or QR-based systems.
- **Data analytics**: Collect insights on behavior and preferences to guide future planning.
These capabilities free teams to focus on the experience instead of manual tasks.
### What are best practices for using technology in physical events?
Use these best practices to get the most from technology at your event:
- **Testing equipment**: Run full rehearsals and tech checks before doors open.
- **Training staff**: Make sure on-site teams know how to use the systems and troubleshoot issues.
- **Providing support**: Have dedicated tech staff available to fix problems quickly.
Prepared teams and rehearsed systems greatly reduce risk and improve attendee satisfaction.
## How do virtual, hybrid and in-person events compare in ROI and cost?
Comparing costs and ROI means weighing production expenses against reach, engagement and conversion outcomes.
Virtual events usually cost less because you avoid venue, catering and travel expenses.
Their ROI depends on how well you drive engagement and follow-up actions that turn attendees into customers or leads.
Both virtual and hybrid formats can deliver cost-effective results while keeping audiences satisfied when executed with the right strategy and tools.
Hybrid events can be pricier up front, since they require in-person logistics plus tech to support virtual attendees, but they often yield stronger ROI through larger audiences and more engagement channels.
In-person events typically have the highest initial costs, yet they can generate significant value through relationship-building, deeper networking and memorable brand experiences that drive long-term results.
### What metrics measure event ROI across different formats?
Measuring ROI means tracking metrics tied to your goals. Important indicators include:
To understand true ROI, connect these metrics back to the business outcomes you care about — leads, pipeline and customer retention.
- **Attendance rates**: Actual turnout compared with expectations.
- **Engagement levels**: Session participation, interactions and survey scores.
- **Conversion rates**: The share of attendees who take desired actions, like signing up or purchasing.
These measures give you a clear view of what worked and where to improve.
### How do platform pricing and event costs influence your choice?
Platform fees and overall event costs should align with your budget and goals.
Consider:
- **Budget constraints**: Pick a platform and production plan that deliver the features you need within your spending limits.
- **Feature requirements**: Prioritize tools that directly support your event objectives and audience expectations.
- **Scalability**: Choose technology that grows with your needs and supports future events.
Evaluating these factors helps you make a cost-effective choice that doesn’t sacrifice quality.
## What are the emerging trends and future outlook for event technology in 2026?
Looking ahead, several trends are shaping event tech and how events are delivered.
Hybrid formats are becoming the standard as organizations invest in smoother integration between live and virtual experiences.
Expect more tools designed specifically to bridge those two audiences.
Immersive technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality are also gaining traction, offering new ways to engage attendees and deliver memorable experiences.
### How is hybrid event adoption expected to grow through 2026?
Hybrid adoption is projected to increase through 2026 as organizations prioritize flexibility and reach.
Key drivers include:
- **Increased demand for flexibility**: Attendees want options that match their schedules and preferences.
- **Technological advancements**: Better, more affordable solutions make hybrid events easier to produce.
- **Broader audience engagement**: Combining formats lets you tap into larger, more diverse audiences.
Together, these forces are reshaping how events are planned and executed.
### What new attendee engagement tools are shaping event experiences?
New engagement tools are expanding how people interact at events.
Notable examples include:
- **Virtual reality experiences**: Immersive environments that let attendees explore and interact.
- **AI-powered networking**: Smart matchmaking that connects people based on interests and goals.
- **Interactive event apps**: Personalized agendas, networking features and live updates in your attendees’ pockets.
These innovations are making events more interactive, personalized and memorable.
## ExpoPlatform’s expertise in large in-person events
ExpoPlatform specializes in managing large-scale in-person events, providing comprehensive solutions that streamline event logistics and enhance attendee experiences.
Their expertise includes venue management, on-site registration, and real-time attendee tracking, ensuring smooth operations even for the most complex gatherings.
By leveraging advanced event management software and mobile applications, ExpoPlatform helps organizers deliver seamless, engaging physical events that foster meaningful connections and memorable moments.
## Hybrid event solutions offered by ExpoPlatform
In addition to their strength in in-person events, ExpoPlatform offers robust hybrid event options that integrate live and virtual components effectively.
Their hybrid solutions enable organizers to reach wider audiences by combining on-site experiences with high-quality virtual participation.
Features such as synchronized streaming, interactive Q&A, and unified networking tools allow both in-person and remote attendees to engage fully.
ExpoPlatform’s hybrid platform is designed to provide a cohesive, inclusive event experience that maximizes reach and engagement across all formats.
## Conclusion
Picking the right format—virtual, hybrid, or in-person—depends on your goals, audience and resources.
Virtual events deliver reach and efficiency, hybrid events combine flexibility with live energy, and in-person gatherings offer unmatched networking and immersion.
With a clear goal, the right tools and thoughtful planning, you can choose the format that maximizes impact.
[Explore our resources to find the solutions that fit your next event.](https://expoplatform.com/resources/)
**Categories:** All
---
### [RX CEO elected new UFI President](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230619/)
**Published:** June 19, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**UFI has appointed RX CEO Hugh Jones as its new president for the incoming year.**
He will work with the current and outgoing presidents to ensure the exhibition association remains at the forefront of supporting and promoting the industry around the world.
Other news items of the week:
? Informa improves its annual profit and revenue outlook
? dmg events launches a new water exhibition to support Saudi Arabia’s water sector
**Also download ➡️ [Our Blueprint series – five ebooks on modern event strategy](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks-library/)** so you can also have a more profitable year ?
Read on for your full Week in Events ⤵️
## **RX CEO Hugh Jones elected UFI president for 2024-25 ?**
**The UFI board has elected a new incoming president for 2024-25.**
This decision will come into force at the 90th UFI Global Congress later in November at Las Vegas.
RX CEO Hugh Jones will take over as president in the next edition of the congress, which will be held in Cologne, Germany in November 2024.
He said: “I am delighted and honoured to be joining the UFI presidential trio team this November. It’s a really exciting time for the exhibitions industry, with so much innovation in all corners of the world and UFI has a front-row seat to it all.
“I can’t wait to get started and to support the team as we make the magic happen.”
> ? The UFI Board of Directors has elected Hugh Jones, CEO RX, as the UFI President for the 2024-25 period.
>
> ? Find the full media release here: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufielections](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufielections?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufipresident](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufipresident?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@RXGlobal\_](https://twitter.com/RXGlobal_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/91p3ql0oWi](https://t.co/91p3ql0oWi)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 14, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1668991125745463296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Hugh joined RX as CEO in 2020-start and prior to this, worked in leadership positions at Acuity (RELX Group), Fircosoft, NRS, I.C.I.S, Estates Gazette and Cirium.
He will work with the president dmg CEO Geoff Dickinson and outgoing president Michael Duck, EVP at Informa Markets to work on UFI’s mission to promote and support the global exhibitions industry.
Michael, UFI’s current president, said: “Hugh Jones brings with him a wonderful perspective on our business on a global scale. He has excellent feel as to market sentiment and I am 100% sure he will bring many new ideas especially in digital in the years to come. RX is one of the world’s most important exhibition companies.”
## **Informa raises profit and revenue outlook ?**
**Informa has improved its annual profit and revenue forecast, according to company figures.**
The UK-based organiser raised its adjusted operating profit for the year ending December 31 by **10%** to between **£750 million and £790m.**
Revenue also stands **7% higher** than the previous forecast at **£2.95 billion to £3.05bn**.
Stephen A. Carter, group chief executive, said: “The Informa group is delivering accelerating growth in revenues, profits, earnings and cashflows, with a strong balance sheet and increasing shareholder returns.
“This enables us to increase our guidance for 2023 and create further opportunities for growth and acceleration in 2024 and beyond.”
The improved outlook comes on the back of strong growth in its academic (+3.0%) and B2B businesses (+31.2%) as well as new portfolio additions.
All three B2B business reported solid growth – Informa Markets (+43.5%), Informa Connect (+19.2%) and Informa Tech (+8.3%).
According to Informa, its key market China is returning strongly after pandemic restrictions were lifted in March.
The two recent acquisitions – Tarsus and Winsight – were also trading strongly.
## **dmg events launches Saudi Water Expo ?**
**International organiser dmg events will launch the first exhibition in Saudi Arabia dedicated to its water industry.**
The Saudi Water Expo will go live from September 11 to 13 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center.
It will be hosted along with the Saudi Infrastructure Expo – the country’s sole trade event for the infrastructure industry.
> Our commitment to the Saudi market continues with the launch of Saudi Water Expo, the only exhibition in KSA dedicated exclusively to the water industry.
>
> Read more at . [pic.twitter.com/iCdVdHNfJE](https://t.co/iCdVdHNfJE)
>
> — dmgevents (@dmgeventsglobal) [April 12, 2023](https://twitter.com/dmgeventsglobal/status/1646065490383478790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Matt Denton, president at dmg events, said: “Saudi Arabia’s relentless pursuit of water security has created a fertile ground for growth and innovation in the industry.
“The launch of the Saudi Water Expo in September 2023, as a one-of-its-kind show in the Kingdom and co-located with Saudi Infrastructure Expo, presents opportunities for local, regional and international companies to share new technologies, innovation and products and services.”
The show will support the Saudi government’s plan for $80bn worth of water projects as per its national water strategy under Vision 2030.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [ECA criticises US visa delays for exhibitors](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230612/)
**Published:** June 12, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**International visa delays in the US have remained a hurdle for the exhibitions industry ever since global travel bans were removed.**
That’s why the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) has hit out over the long waiting times for appointments and urged the government for a quick resolution to the issue.
That’s our leading story for the week. You will also read about:
➡️ Hyve Group’s acquisition – the deal has finally gone through.
➡️ IMEX Frankfurt releases participation figures in full.
➡️ Explori’s latest exhibitions report – you will get key insights on what’s going on in the mind of exhibition organisers.
**Also download** ➡️ our **[Event Tech Forecast for 2023](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/)** and compare notes on how the industry has progressed so far this year.
Read on for your full Week in Events ?
## **ECA criticises ‘unacceptable visa delays’ for international visitors ✈️**
**The ECA has called on the US government to solve the challenges faced by international exhibitors in obtaining a visa.**
It comes after a House subcommittee hearing on oversight and accountability, but is amid a background of long delays for appointments due to Covid-related disruption.
For instance, first-time applicants from Brazil, India or Mexico may face waiting times for visa interviews which can exceed 400 days.
Vinnie Polito, ECA co-president, said: “More than a year and a half after the international travel bans were lifted, unacceptable visa delays are still preventing us from fully welcoming back many international exhibitors and attendees to US trade shows and conferences.
“This significantly harms our industry’s ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, and empower small businesses nationwide.”
Delays in processing of visitor visas have prevented nearly 6.6 million visitors from travelling to the US, according to a previous report by the US Travel Association.
This has been claimed to have hindered recovery of the US economy and caused potential losses to the tune of $11.6 billion.
Rena Bitter, assistant secretary of state at the Bureau of Consular Affairs, said: “Since the United States re-opened for travel, the State Department has streamlined visa processing and dedicated more resources to reducing wait times, consistent with national security.
“These efforts include surging staff overseas to adjudicate visa applications, working with DHS to exercise interview waiver authorities for low-risk visa applicants and expanding the development and use of IT solutions to take advantage of capacity wherever it exists.”
## **IMEX Frankfurt reveals a successful show in numbers**
**A total of 57,700 appointments were held at the latest edition of IMEX Frankfurt, according to new figures.**
The organiser published the statistics which reveal a successful outcome for the show in the German city.
IMEX Group partnered with ExpoPlatform for its 2023 show and launched an all-new online platform with enhanced capabilities to drive buyer-exhibitor connections.
**Read the [full case study here](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2023/) to find out how our event technology helped deliver successful meetings, lead scanning and more.**
More figures from the show include:
- 11,764 participants
- 2,900 exhibition companies
- 3,059 hosted buyers
- 74,221 unique QR scans by exhibitors and buyers
- 57,700 appointments (individual, group and stand presentations)
- 12,767 app logins
- 285,000 conversations
- 284,000 profile favourites
## **Hyve acquisition by Providence and Searchlight confirmed ?**
**Leading exhibition organiser Hyve Group has been acquired by Providence Equity Partners and Searchlight Capital Partners.**
Completion of the move is hoped to bolster the organiser’s growth plans for its events and give it the support to drive richer in-person business connections.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve, said: “We are delighted to embark on this new and exciting chapter in Hyve’s journey with two investors who support our vision and strategy. The acquisition provides Hyve with increased opportunities for growth and evolution and will allow us to deliver ever-more game changing impact for our customers, exhibitors, and partners.”
Andrew Tisdale, senior managing director of Providence Equity Partners, said: “We look forward to leveraging Providence’s knowledge and experience investing in the events industry, as well as our capital resources and partnership with Searchlight, to support Mark and his team in pursuing Hyve’s full growth potential.”
James Redmayne, partner at Searchlight, said: “The company’s incredible transformation in recent years has established it as an industry leader, with a well-balanced portfolio of leading global events, which provide Hyve’s customer communities with the highest quality opportunities to network and trade.
“We look forward to fulfilling our promise of being a supportive shareholder and helping the team deliver on its wide range of compelling organic and acquisitive growth plans.”
The deal comes in the background of Hyve’s five-year transformation and growth program, under which it refocuses away from emerging markets to advanced economies.
## **Rising inflation could impact event spending in 2023 – report ?**
**Global inflation and skyrocketing exhibiting costs may affect event spending in 2023, according to a new report.**
Research from Explori’s [**Exhibit Leader Insights Report 2023**](https://www.explori.com/exhibit-leaders-insights?hsCtaTracking=d11318e6-547a-4e91-86dc-e5c9fa8a4ca3%7Ce2b6c4c9-0897-4165-bcbd-bf08bafe1cdd) found shows continue to be a valued marketing channel for event teams.
However, a number of factors could lead to reduced per-event spend and budget cuts for exhibit-related activities. These include:
- Increasing global inflation
- Huge cost of exhibits
- Absence of data measurement to prove ROI of exhibitions
In fact, the inability to demonstrate ROI to senior leadership was termed the **biggest internal challenge** after budget issues.
> The Exhibit Leader Insights Report 2023 is here?
>
> Brought to you by [\#Explori](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Explori?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@EXHIBITOR](https://twitter.com/EXHIBITOR?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) & @ExhibitAdvocacy. Get [\#eventinsights](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventinsights?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on the [\#exhibitionindustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitionindustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) from the exhibit marketers' perspective.
> Download the report now:[\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventsdata](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventsdata?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/0dlm584cSy](https://t.co/0dlm584cSy)
>
> — Explori (@explori) [June 8, 2023](https://twitter.com/explori/status/1666814841204637696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mark Brewster, CEO of Explori, said: “Many of our clients amongst both exhibition organisers and corporate event teams have expressed real concerns over the current inflationary conditions.
“There is little doubt that the demand for ‘in-person’ is high and trade shows have bounced back with a vengeance.
“However, the research identifies a friction between the spiralling costs of exhibit programs and pressures on budgets with the absence of measurement data on the real value exhibitions have on achieving business objectives.”
Other key findings from the report ⤵️
? 94% of respondents said they expect their exhibitions to change in some manner over the next three years.
? 82% of exhibitors planning to host fewer in-person shows mentioned costs as a factor in their decision.
? 61% of exhibitors surveyed said their past experience at a show was a key factor in their decision to exhibit.
The report surveyed 255 exhibit marketers active in organising events for different industries and has been developed in collaboration with Exhibitor Group and the Exhibitor Advocate.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [AI to hyper-personalise 2024 event engagement - IBTM report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/week-in-events-20231204/)
**Published:** December 4, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The hyper-personalisation of event engagement has been highlighted as a key focus for 2024 in a new report.**
Predictions from the IBTM study suggest technology and attendees will start to interact to create a more personalised user experience. You can read more of this main story below.
Other pieces in this week’s event roundup include:
- **UFI launches dedicated advocacy portal**
- **Business events’ volume rose in 2023: report**
- **AOE hires executive to support member development and data**
*The future of events will be shaped by AI. **Get up to speed with our [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/).***
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **AI driving ‘hyper-personalisation’ in event engagement: IBTM**
**AI-fuelled hyper-personalisation of events will be a key engagement focus for the new year, according to an IBTM study.**
The company’s World Trends Report 2024 predicts technology will target “Generation Me” by using information shared by attendees to curate offerings for each individual.
Some “at best” examples cited for the future include facial recognition for event entry as well as instantly sharing focused content using human-based algorithms.
Alistair Turner, author of the report, said: “It is no understatement to say that 2024 will be one of the most important years of the 21st century.
“The economic, political and ecological outlook of our planet is on a knife edge and the advent of AI can swing it in a number of ways.
“Our industry has a crucial say in these outcomes and this year’s report looks to understand what this role should be, and how we can act to create positive environments around the biggest conversations of our time.”
It was suggested that AI could elevate event festivalisation by allowing audiences to select their own content, while Chatbots could also create new material based on their input.
This hyper-personalisation works by making delegates more included – the more they talk to the technology, the more needs will be addressed.
## **UFI launches advocacy portal to strengthen industry participation**
**UFI has launched a dedicated advocacy portal on its website to boost exhibition industry initiatives.**
The new tool includes resources for information, materials and profiles to further schemes which address key issues.
> 🆕💻 All things advocacy, all in one place: Introducing the UFI Advocacy Portal!
>
> 🔎 The new portal bundles information and materials on key industry initiatives, relevant industry issues and partner institutions.
>
> 🔗: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#advocacy](https://twitter.com/hashtag/advocacy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/80MPk9HQsd](https://t.co/80MPk9HQsd)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [November 28, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1729432183561990599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Geoff Dickinson, UFI president, said: “UFI is doing a lot of work on and around our industry’s advocacy issues.
“The new advocacy portal now makes that work both more visible and accessible.
“It serves primarily as a knowledge hub in our fast-paced environment.
“And it is also a catalyst for informed action, equipping our members and industry with tools, insights and community to navigate our future together.”
The portal has three main sections:
- **Initiatives:** This section offers resources for industry initiatives like Global Exhibitions Day and Net Zero Carbon Events. It includes toolkits and manifestos to engage with local governments and stakeholders.
- **Issues:** This section provides industry-specific information on current topics such as sustainability, talent and legislation affecting exhibitions. It features white papers, best practices and responses from UFI and the industry to stay informed about relevant issues.
- **Institutions:** This highlights organisations partnering with UFI to align industry efforts and amplify voices for exhibitions. This includes global institutions and collaborative programs influencing the industry.
## **Rise in business events volume in 2023: report**
**The volume of business events rose significantly in 2023 as compared to 2022, according to a new report.**
Findings from the Global Destination Survey by the Business of Events reveals this increase was reported across national, regional and international events – the latter recording the largest increase.
**Source: The Business of Events**
Business volume went down during 2022 – especially in international markets – with the decline attributed to Covid-19 disruptions and restrictions.
Other key findings from the report include:
- A majority (77%) of survey participants felt their business model worked well, while 61% (mainly in Europe) felt they lacked human resources.
- Almost half 46% of those surveyed reported increased budgets, citing government recognition and support. Meanwhile, 54% with stagnant or reduced funding attributed it to a perceived lack of governmental understanding.
- Half of those polled felt they were not fully appreciated by the government and another significant percentage lacked resources to track and grow business event legacy.
- Common industry challenges and threats were climate, sustainability, political, geographical and economic factors.
**Source: The Business of Events**
Claudia Hall, event director at IBTM, said: “The business events industry is a critical driver for global economies.
“Despite this, there is ground to make-up when it comes to the need for advocacy and a greater understanding from government of the value and intrinsic benefits of business events.
“There’s a significant need for better funding and for a change in business models so that destinations have the capacity to deliver the benefits business events can bring when it comes to leaving a positive legacy in the economy and local communities.
“In order to drive this forward, it is essential that destinations collaborate to share, discuss and debate insights and initiatives so that together, we can raise the profile of business events and the significant economic and social impact and change they can drive.”
## **AEO strengthens membership development and data with new appointment**
**The Association of Event Organisers has stepped up its membership development and data operations with the hiring of a new executive.**
Danielle Beru will now work to handle tasks such as new membership applications, sponsorship and partnership agreements processing as well as data analysis and member engagement.
Her new role will involve analysing post-event [data and target audiences to improve future campaigns](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/charlie-taylor-mar25/) and engage the association’s members and stakeholders.
Sarah Scott, director of events and operations, said: “We are delighted to welcome Dani to the team – accurate member data is key to the successful targeting and delivery of AEO events, working groups, research, member-driven campaigns and communications.
“Experienced in analytics, Dani will also monitor and help drive member engagement across AEO’s events, products, and services, ensuring they give value and support members’ requirements.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Savvy eventprofs 'can turn negative campaign data into gold'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/charlie-taylor-mar25/)
**Published:** March 5, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Negative marketing data won’t “derail your entire campaign” and smart eventprofs can turn it into a golden lesson, according to industry expert.**
Charlie Taylor oversees best practice and improvements across more than 20 B2B marketing campaigns for Easyfairs’ European events.
In an interview with ExpoPlatform, she set out how the amount of data available can feel overwhelming but investigating each detail is crucial for future success.
The marketing campaigns manager for Easyfairs UK & Global said: “Having one negative metric for some reason – like you have an email that has a really bad open rate or click-through rate – that’s not going to derail your entire campaign.
“If you try something new and it doesn’t work, it’s worth having tried it to prove it doesn’t work.
“That’s just as valuable as having it do something really good and then being able to build on it.
“So it’s really important to make sure you are trying new things – because you never know when that new thing’s actually going to be a massive improvement to your campaign or open a whole new idea or realm of creating opportunities for you.
“It’s really important to keep trying to build campaigns, even if you’re convinced you’re doing everything the best it possibly can be – there’s always somewhere that you can improve on.”
Marketing professionals in the events industry are faced with a seemingly ever-expanding array of metrics to monitor.
Social media performance is measured through likes, impressions, engagements and comments.
Email campaigns demand attention to open rates, click-through rates and bounce rates.
So for those launching a campaign from scratch, the sheer volume of data points can be daunting.
The challenge lies not only in tracking these metrics but also in making sense of them – identifying which ones truly matter and how they translate into actionable insights.
Charlie said: “It’s pretty evident to anyone who’s worked on any form of marketing campaign, especially for events, there are just so many metrics we’re expected to be keeping track of.
“We’ve got social platforms, likes, impressions, engagements, comments, we’ve got emails where we’re looking at open rates, click-through rates, bounce rates.
“On top of that, all the additional things about registration numbers, conversions, and then obviously the qualitative analysis as well.
“If you’re starting from scratch, you can be really, really overwhelmed pretty early on to try and figure out how you can track all of that actually.”
The interview with ExpoPlatform came after Charlie delivered a session at International Confex 2025 about how to transform complex analytics into meaningful stories for event teams.
A pyramid to driving success through metrics was presented which showed a range of advancements in measurement:
- **Basic** – Registration numbers, visitor numbers
- **Intermediate** – Email CTR, registration sources
- **Advanced** – Cost per registration, NPS and satisfaction, sentiment analysis, content engagement, referral rates
The audience was urged to use an iterative approach, trust the process and make sure to act without unjust fear of being creative.
She highlighted A/B testing that showed how sending campaigns from the Easyfairs team members performed better “pretty unanimously” compared with event email accounts.
However, she warned that it was just as important to take on qualitative feedback.
An example was given of an exhibitor complaining that an exhibition isn’t as busy as the previous year – even when the data shows visitors are up.
The problem could actually be due to a lack of footfall in that area, which would then need to be addressed somehow.
Charlie told ExpoPlatform: “Even if the numbers show improvement, that isn’t going to change the mind of an exhibitor.”
Meanwhile, a firm grasp of core figures is essential as understanding these data points provides a foundation for strategic decision-making.
It’s crucial to analyze where attendees are coming from, how they discovered the event and what drives their registrations.
This insight allows organizers to allocate resources effectively, reinforcing successful channels while identifying areas that may require fresh, creative outreach to expand their audience.
Charlie added: “For events, the key thing is being really, really confident in your visitor numbers, your attendee numbers and also just the information from that.
“So if there are any particular industries that are standing out, job functions – however you submit your data – that’s really key.
“Once you’ve got that, it’s really where these people are coming from, why, where they’re registering, from how they found out about your event.
“Because that’s where you can start allocating support to those where there’s people who are hearing about you, or where you might need to look at doing a bit more and something new and creative in one of those areas.”
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how [event tech can help turn these insights](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-analytics/) into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [International Confex 2025 roundup](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/confex-2025/)
**Published:** February 28, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**International Confex 2025 had a packed programme of insightful sessions. If one thing unified them it was this message: adapt or be left behind.**
But with so much to see it was impossible to catch it all, so Team ExpoPlatform has put together a highlights reel of what was on offer.
From navigating uncertainty to winning audience attention, here are some of the sharpest insights I picked up from the schedule …
---
## A year for growth, but plan for the worst
**A key session at International Confex focused on the disruptive macroeconomics which could shakeup our industry.**
However, many on the panel told how they were confident that it was going to be positive year for their organizations.
The warning came to keep in mind lessons learned from Covid-19 – be prepared.
Rachel Wilde, director of Principal, said: “So far, 2025 is a boom year. We’re on target for growth.
“We know we are heading through a period of known unknowns. The big message is uncertainty.
“The key is to be adaptable – having the process in place to be able to adapt when the worst happens.”
Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Events, added: “We’re having our biggest year ever already.
“Don’t react to the news, we have to react to the data – we run three scenarios for everything that could happen.
“If you have just got one plan then it’s going to break.”
---
## People are short on time, so deliver awesome
**Kati Noakes had a simple call to action – no-one owes you their attention, so make sure you earn it.**
The session was a highlights reel of how to use video to improve your event marketing.
She urged eventprofs to think of building a social media strategy that is less about selling and more about networking.
Kati, founder of KN Comms, said: “You need to be thinking about how you emotionally connect with that audience. What’s in it for them?
“That first picture, that first line – It has to connect with them on an emotional level. What is this going to do for them?”
It comes as some [event organizers have started to introduce](https://expoplatform.com/releases/introducing-exhibitor-events/) shorter sessions to combat busy schedules and shorter attention spans.
---
## From metrics to meaning – how to use data that matters
**Charlie Taylor, marketing campaigns manager for Easyfairs UK & Global, led an insightful session about how to [transform complex analytics into meaningful stories for event](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20220328/) teams.**
The audience was urged to use an iterative approach, trust the process and do it without fear of being creative.
She highlighted A/B tests that showed how sending campaigns from the Easyfairs [team members performed better “pretty unanimously” compared with event](https://expoplatform.com/careers/) email accounts.
The lesson was that personal connections outscore brand connections.
However, she warned that it was just as important to take on qualitive feedback – even if it doesn’t seem to make sense at first.
Charlie said: “Even if the numbers show improvement, that isn’t going to change the mind of an exhibitor.”
This relates to an example of an exhibitor complaining that an exhibition isn’t as busy as the previous year – even when the data shows visitors are up.
The problem could actually be down to a lack of footfall in that area, which would then need to be addressed somehow.
**Keep following the ExpoPlatform blog for a full interview delving deeper into this topic with Charlie soon.**
---
## **Using AI to break down barriers to information**
**Michael Caselli, founder of Clarion Gaming, sat down with CEO of Message Matrix Douglas Orr to discuss AI-powered assistance in events.**
Message Matrix is an “AI-powered concierge” service which can operate on WhatsApp, allowing users to ask it questions about the show.
It [works by using the data from an event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/better-together-smart-events/) website to answer questions through a human-like conversation.
Clarion Gaming was one of the first conference organisers to use Message Matrix and have now done multiple conferences with the tool.
The [session highlighted how the event tech](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/event-watching-watch-recording-of-the-session-event-tech-innovation-keeping-pace-with-the-trends-shaping-2023/) space is breaking down barriers towards better useability.
Douglas said: “You start the conversation where people already are.
“From an exhibitor perspective, I want more qualified visitors coming to me, who know more about my proposition coming to my exhibition booth.”
---
## **Event Tech Forecast takes to the stage**
Finally, a packed crowd gathered at the Event Tech Theatre for a glimpse into the future of digital trends.
Mykyta Fastovets, CTO of ExpoPlatform, presented findings from the new [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/), which saw Industry professionals from around the world take part in the research as well as expert contributors giving their insights on the findings.
He gave his commentary on some of the findings with topics including:
- **The rate of growth in digital revenue**
- **Where AI is best suited to fuel your events
- The key event tech features for 2025**
- **How digital sponsorship is shaping up**
- **Key metrics your colleagues are using to measure success**
[**Download your own free copy**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/) to get the full insights.
---
**Didn’t manage to have a talk to us at Confex? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Eventprofs descend on London for Confex 2025](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-230225/)
**Published:** February 24, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Thousands are starting to descend on London to connect, learn and collaborate at one of the biggest gatherings for eventprofs of the year.**
International Confex 2025 will open its doors on Wednesday to act as a launching pad for ideas that define the next era of our industry. Scroll down for the details.
Here are the [top headlines for your weekly event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/) news updates:
- [**Eventprofs get set for International Confex 2025**](#one)
- [**Informa achieves top ESG ratings** ](#two)
- [**UFI opens Next Generation Leadership Grant 2025**](#three)
- [**Gulfood to double capacity across two Dubai venues**](#four)
Will you be heading to International Confex this week? Team ExpoPlatform is [exhibiting and would love to show you how event](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/event-watching-watch-recording-of-the-session-what-are-the-digital-challenges-in-the-exhibition-industry/) tech for big exhibitions works.
Make sure you drop by **Stand L8C** to say hello!
---
## **Eventprofs get set for International Confex 2025**
**International Confex 2025 is getting ready to open its doors to thousands of eventprofs for a massive industry gathering.**
The two-day show at Excel London will see over 200 suppliers, 500 exhibitors, cutting-edge tech showcases and a packed conference programme.
Among the speakers at this year’s event will be ExpoPlatform CTO Mykyta Fastovets, who will take a deep dive into the power of event tech in 2025.
He explore the [trends and strategies shaping the future of tech](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/event-watching-watch-recording-of-the-session-event-tech-innovation-keeping-pace-with-the-trends-shaping-2023/) in our industry – as well as how to take advantage.
**WHERE:** Event Tech Theatre
**DATE:** Thursday February 27
**TIME:** 13:00 – 13:30
**Heading to Confex? [Add it to your schedule here](https://lnkd.in/dWkEpQNP).**
---
## **Informa achieves top ESG ratings**
**Informa has achieved top ratings for environment, social and government ratings from five top bodies.**
The organizer giant was awarded the status from leading performance evaluators MSCI, CDP, ISS and S&P.
These ratings identify industry leaders according to their exposure to ESG risks and management of them relative to peers.
Stephen Carter, droup chief executive of Informa, said: “Strength in sustainability is good for our brands, for our customers and for the [communities that we serve](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/serve-the-communities-that-comprise-your-audience/) and work with – and therefore it is good for our business.
“At Informa, sustainability has been operationalised, it is not a side-track activity.”
**ALSO: [Read the Transformation Interview with Ben Wielgus](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/ben-wielgus-jul2024/), head of sustainability at Informa Group.**
Informa has maintained its AAA rating, the highest possible level, in the MSCI ESG Ratings.
CDP Worldwide is a non-profit organisation that runs the world’s only independent environmental disclosure system, scoring each disclosing company according to strict measures.
The organizer’s latest A- CDP score is one of the highest ratings possible.
ISS ESG is a division of Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a global leader in corporate governance and responsible investment solutions.
Its Corporate Rating Reported saw Informa maintain its ‘prime’ status and is in the [top 10% of companies ranked](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20220919/) its sector.
For the seventh year running Informa is also included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices, formerly the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, appearing second out of 264 companies in its sector.
Informa also features in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2025, which collates the top performing companies according to the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment.
---
## **UFI opens Next Generation Leadership Grant 2025**
**Talented eventprofs from around the world are invited to apply to an UFI scheme which aims to investigate the future of exhibitions.**
The Next Generation Leadership Grant (NGL) 2025 is now open to candidates, who are asked to focus on a mission that tackles a critical topic facing the industry.
This year’s mission calls for applicants to explore innovative, unconventional formats to inspire the next evolution of event models.
> 🎉 The 2025 UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant is officially OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS! 🙌
>
> 📅 Deadline to apply is 3 April 2025. For more information, visit: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufingl](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufingl?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#talent](https://twitter.com/hashtag/talent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/GRBsnwYFTF](https://t.co/GRBsnwYFTF)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [February 20, 2025](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1892500936465023378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of UFI, said: “There has never been a better time for fresh talent to step forward and rethink exhibition formats.
“The NGL Programme offers a unique platform to challenge conventions and [shape the future of events](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/event-watching-watch-recording-of-the-session-event-tech-innovation-keeping-pace-with-the-trends-shaping-2023/).
“I urge industry leaders to put forward their best and I challenge bright minds everywhere – step up and redefine exhibitions.”
---
## **Gulfood to double capacity across two Dubai venues**
**A new [plan for world’s largest food and beverage tradeshow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/interactive-floor-plans/) has been launched as it gears up to double its capacity in 2026.**
The move will see Gulfood continue to take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), while simultaneously running at the new Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) so the growth can be made possible.
It follows HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s $2.7 billion expansion plan for DEC – announced in September 2024 – transforming it into the region’s largest purpose-built indoor events venue.
Trixie LohMirmand, DWTC executive vice president, posted: “In January 2026, Gulfood shall be expanding and doubling its capacity by 100% to be hosted in 2 mega venues simultaneously at the current DWTC and the new DEC Expo City, a $2.7bn venue expansion project with phase 1 completion in 2026.
“Today we launched the Gulfood 2026 Big Plan to the global audience from 190 countries.
“Gulfood shall be even bigger in 2026. 100% [growth in capacity, multiplier growth in business](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-22020128/) volumes and limitless growth in impact on the global food economy.
“Dubai, UAE and DTWC is ready to welcome you to the most powerful and highest ROI food show in the world – Gulfood, right here at the most opened, innovative and business friendly global nexus in Dubai, the centre of the New World.”
The expansion development will significantly increase the show’s capacity, opening space for new industry sectors and broader participation from global food industry players.
Meanwhile, Gulfood 2025 concluded on Friday and was already the largest ever edition of the show.
**Get in-depth insights into the digital landscape of events this year – download the [Event Tech Forecast 2025](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/)**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Nineteen Group names new president of Americas region](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2025-02-03/)
**Published:** February 3, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Nineteen Group has tapped industry veteran Mary Larkin as new president to spearhead its expansion into the Americas.**
The move marks the group’s first major step into the region following a £200 million private equity backing. Read all about it below.
Here are the [top headlines for your weekly event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/nicola-kastner-elx/) news updates:
- [**Nineteen Group names new president of Americas region**](#one)
- [**Arab Health rebrands to World Health Expo Dubai**](#two)
- [**UKEVENTS to spotlight industry impact at Westminster**](#three)
- [**Clarion appoints new president of North American Energy Division**](#four)
Get in-depth insights into the digital landscape of events this year – download the [**Event Tech Forecast 2025**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/)
## **Nineteen Group names new president of Americas region**
**Nineteen Group has appointed Mary Larkin as president of its Americas region, marking the exhibition company’s expansion into North and South America.**
Mary brings 25 [years of experience in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-2024-04-22/) and media, including leadership roles at Montgomery Exhibitions and Diversified Exhibitions.
The appointment follows Phoenix Equity Partners’ recent £200m [continuation fund to support Nineteen Group’s international growth](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20220905/) plans.
CEO Peter Jones said: “We are delighted to welcome Mary to Nineteen Group. Alison, Jon, and I could not think of a better person to lead the charge for us in the Americas.
“She has a strong record and is universally well respected for her ability to [run large portfolios of events as well as launch](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/week-in-events-2024-11-11/) and acquire events in various sectors and geographies.
“As important as her significant record is her clear fit with our cultural values. From the minute we met her, we knew she was the person we wanted for this role!”
Mary said: “I have admired the progress of Nineteen Group over recent years. I am so excited to join the group at this stage in its development to launch an Americas division.
“Their focus on resilient B2B markets, agility, and passion for the markets they serve has caught my attention.
“Furthermore, their rigorous daily [focus on creating a culture](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220523/) first organisation is appealing and impressive.
“There is so much potential to launch and acquire in The Americas with this approach.”
She previously served as chair of UFI and SISO industry associations.
## **Arab Health rebrands to World Health Expo Dubai**
**Arab Health has announced its rebranding to World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai as part of Informa’s global healthcare events network.**
> Arab Health is now WHX Dubai.
>
> What better way to introduce WHX to the world than with a projection on Dubai’s most iconic landmark, the [\#BurjKhalifa](https://twitter.com/hashtag/BurjKhalifa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)?[\#WelcomeToWHX](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WelcomeToWHX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#WHX](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ANewEra](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ANewEra?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ArabHealth](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArabHealth?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Rebrand](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rebrand?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/8z9xIEcllC](https://t.co/8z9xIEcllC)
>
> — Arab Health (@Arab\_Health) [January 29, 2025](https://twitter.com/Arab_Health/status/1884624806898757686?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The rebranding unifies Informa’s healthcare events across nine countries and four continents under the WHX brand, connecting over 500,000 healthcare professionals globally.
WHX Dubai will maintain its base in the UAE while expanding collaboration between healthcare professionals, businesses, governments and innovators worldwide.
This transition marks a strategic move to foster international partnerships and drive healthcare innovation.
The network aims to strengthen global healthcare connections and advance patient care through unified industry events.
## **UKEVENTS to spotlight industry impact at Westminster**
**UKEVENTS will showcase the events industry’s economic impact to members of parliament during a four-day exhibition at the Palace of Westminster’s Upper Waiting Hall from February 3-6.**
> In [@UKParliament](https://twitter.com/UKParliament?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) all next week [@ukevents\_org](https://twitter.com/ukevents_org?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) will highlight crucial role [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) play in economic growth & community development & advocate key asks for the development of a National Events Strategy; tax credits for new events & expansion of the Business Events Growth Programme
>
> — Michael Hirst OBE (@XChairEIB) [January 29, 2025](https://twitter.com/XChairEIB/status/1884627285333971247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The [exhibition will demonstrate the sector’s £61.7 billion](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20231112/) annual contribution and its support of 700,000 jobs across the UK.
Industry leaders will present proposals for a National Events Strategy and discuss expanding VisitBritain’s Business Events Growth Programme.
UKEVENTS representatives will [meet with parliamentarians to highlight how business events](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/eventbuild-tech-enhanced-curated-meetings/) facilitate over £200bn in trade and investment while advancing science and innovation initiatives nationwide.
## **Clarion appoints new president of North American Energy Division**
**Clarion Events North America has appointed Desiree Hanson as president of its North American Energy division.**
Desiree will report to CEO Liz Irving and oversee strategic initiatives for the division’s portfolio – which includes DISTRIBUTECH, POWERGEN International, Factor This media platform and the recently acquired Infocast events.
Liz said: “Desiree’s commitment to her team and her innovative approach to strategy have been integral to our success.
“Her promotion to President of North American Energy reflects her exceptional leadership and our confidence in her ability to [guide the division into its next phase of growth](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/financial-services-event-tech/).
“With the addition of Infocast, Desiree is perfectly positioned to drive further innovation and deliver unparalleled value to our customers.”
Desiree said: “I am honored to take on this new [role and grateful for the opportunity to lead](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/week-in-events-20221024/) such an extraordinary team.
“With the acquisition of Infocast and the strength of Clarion’s portfolio, we are well-positioned to support our customers’ success and drive meaningful impact across the energy sector.”
The appointment follows Clarion’s expansion in the energy sector through the Infocast acquisition, strengthening its conference and events offerings.
Desiree previously led high-performing teams within Clarion’s energy division, focusing on both events and digital media development.
In her new role, she will drive the division’s market growth and industry partnerships.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Messe Dusseldorf forms strategic partnership to expand REHCARE](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-10-12/)
**Published:** October 13, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Welcome to the Week in Events. Your top story is that Messe Dusseldorf has entered into a strategic partnershing in the Middle East.**
The agreement with Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management has seen the organizer acquire a stake AccessAbilities Expo.
This is hoped to increase the global reach of Messe Dusseldorf’s own event in this area REHACARE.
Your other main industry stories include:
- [IMEX America 2025 closes with record-breaking results](#one)
- [ExpoPlatform launches Event Tech Survey](#two)
- [Easyfairs invest in mobility infrastructure](#three)
Read on for your full Week in Event news.
## Messe Dusseldorf to expand REHACARE global network with new strategic partnership
**Messe Dusseldorf has partnered with the UAE-based Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management.**
A key attribute of the partnership is that Messe Dusseldorf has acquired a stake in AccessAbilities Expo.
This is one of the leading assistive technology events in the Middle East and will extend the reach of the organizer’s own health industry event – REHACARE.
Wolfram Diener, CEO of Messe Dusseldorf, said: “AccessAbilities will remain the region’s flagship, locally led in Dubai, while our strategic partnership – strongly supported by our newly established Messe Düsseldorf Gulf Office – aligns its strengths with the global network of REHACARE in Düsseldorf and China.”
AccessAbilities will remain an independent show but will be closely aligned with REHACARE.
The two events will share co-created content, unique insights and be guided by the same strategy.
Nadd AlShiba sees the partnership as key to boosting AccessAbilities with Messe Dusselforf’s expertise, which in turn will expand REHACARE’s global network.
Ghassan Suleiman, CEO of Nadd AlShiba PR & Event Management, added: “With REHACARE International, Messe Düsseldorf has established a highly successful business and networking platform that sets international benchmarks.
“This partnership allows us to build on that success, combine our strengths, and drive new initiatives in Dubai that foster innovation, exchange, and the empowerment of people of determination across the entire region.”
## IMEX America 2025 closes with record-breaking results
**One of the highlight business trade shows of the year winds down after another successful edition.**
IMEX America [2025 celebrated a record-breaking event](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/) that saw participant and meeting numbers rise significantly.
This year saw participant numbers rise by 7% to 17,000 compared with the previous edition, while buyer numbers also increased.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, said: “This has been a record-breaking week where we’ve seen first-hand how transformative it is for our industry to meet face to face, to shake hands, do business and build bonds.
“The strength in numbers across the board is a sign of a sector that’s both purposeful and powerful right now.”
The show has also been estimated to have over 77,000 pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings this year – another record.
These had been booked through the app and platform provided by ExpoPlatform, who was once again the official technology provider.
IMEX and exhibitors had anticipated increased interest from attendees, with these figures suggesting those expectations had been correct.
Exhibitors increased their booth sizes in preparation for this – resulting in IMEX America’s biggest floor plan to date.
It comes after IMEX confirmed ExpoPlatform will continue to be the official event technology provider for its events for a further three years.
## Event Tech Survey 2026 is launched
**The latest [Event Tech Survey](https://eu.jotform.com/form/252793889386380) has been launched in a bid to uncover the digital landscape of our industry.**
This study gathers responses from across the globe to find out what the biggest challenges, opportunities and developments there are.
Responses will inform the Event Tech Forecast 2026 – the leading annual tech report for eventprofs.
Conor Riordan, content editor at ExpoPlatform, said: “The Event Tech Survey is the most important research about the digital state of our industry.
“Each year, colleagues across the world contribute their experiences and ideas to help shape a clear picture of where we stand.
“This edition will be the biggest and most detailed yet, with a range of new sections dedicated to some of the most important innovations eventprofs are dealing with.
“Make sure to share you voice and help uncover the future of events.”
The survey gathers data from industry professionals to reveal which digital tools are being prioritized and if there are any gaps that tech could potentially fill.
New sections dedicated to AI have been added, with experts and leaders set to contribute their analysis and advice to the final the exclusive ExpoPlatform report.
Have your say – [**join the event tech survey here**](https://eu.jotform.com/form/252793889386380).
## Easyfairs invests in mobility infrastructure
**Easyfairs Belgium has announced a significant investment in its mobility infrastructure.**
The move comes due to growing demand for greater smart accessibility.
This began with a major upgrade to Easyfair’s Flanders Expo – new road infrastructure, digital signage and increased charging points for both cars and bicycles.
Alain D’Haese, COO of Easyfairs Belgium, said: “Our exhibition halls play an important role in bringing communities together.
“That’s why we are investing in sustainable mobility solutions that improve the experience for our visitors.”
This comes after the organizer also invested significantly in mobility infrastructure across its other venues.
Easyfairs has increased the number of car parking spaces and charging stations at both Namur Expo and Nekkerhal.
The organizer and venue manager has also improved visitor navigation for Antwerpen with digital wayfinding.
**That was your full Week in Events, thanks for reading. Bring emerging tech solutions to your event by [booking a free demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform today.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Messe Frankfurt hits 'record sales' for German tradeshow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/week-in-events-2024-12-2/)
**Published:** December 2, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Messe Frankfurt is on track to post the “highest level” of sales by a German tradeshow, according to the group’s latest financial update.**
The 2024 sales figures are projected to increase 28% to €780 million – from €609m in 2023. Read all about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Messe Frankfurt records ‘highest ever’ sales by a German tradeshow**](#one)
- [**AEO partners with M&A advisory firm Novistra**](#two)
- [**Metro Toronto Convention Centre gets new CEO**](#three)
Wondering how the [event tech landscape is shaping up in 2025](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/)? You can have a say – share your insights in the [**Event Tech Survey 2025**](https://form.jotform.com/242593700250349)
*Note: you will get early access to a free copy of the report if you participate!*
## **Messe Frankfurt records ‘highest ever’ sales by a German tradeshow**
**Messe Frankfurt projects its annual sales will increase 28% to €780m in 2024 – marking the “highest level” of sales recorded by a German trade fair company.**
CEO Wolfgang Marzin attributed the growth to successful flagship events and strong international operations.
The company’s report sets out that this will be the “highest level of sales ever recorded” in the German market by a trade fair company.
Source: Messe Frankfurt Gmbh
Preliminary financial figures show:
- Group sales of €780m, up from €609m in 2023
- Domestic sales in Germany reaching €442m
- International operations accounting for 43% of group sales
- Group result expected to exceed €50m, compared to €18.5m in 2023
Wolfgang said: “At present, we expect consolidated sales for the year to be in the region of €780m *(2023: €609m)* – 28% more than in the previous year.
“With this substantial cushion, we are even better positioned to repay the loans that we arranged during the pandemic.
“It also means that we have the reserves we need for further investments in modernising our processes and IT systems, in the Group’s sustainable transformation, in future challenges in our business operations and, of course, in our employees.”
Detlef Braun, member of the executive board of Messe Frankfurt, said: “Face-to-face interaction is absolutely essential for building up and cultivating business relationships, particularly in the face of the many economic challenges and global market shifts.
“Healthy growth, very high satisfaction and record levels of internationality at our Group events all point to the strength of our brands and their importance for their communities.”
The company hosted more than 330 events worldwide in 2024, attracting over 98,000 exhibiting companies and an estimated 4.4m visitors.
Messe Frankfurt is expanding its presence in Asia through new events in Central Asia and ASEAN regions, while strengthening its position in the U.S. market across textiles, mobility and technology sectors.
The company completed its EMAS environmental validation in November and plans to publish its second environmental status report this month.
## **AEO partners with M&A advisory firm Novistra**
**The Association of Event Organisers has formed a partnership with mergers and acquisitions advisory firm Novistra Ltd to provide strategic services to its members.**
The 12-month agreement establishes Novistra as AEO’s exclusive M&A partner.
The firm will offer consulting services to AEO members for acquisitions, restructuring and growth initiatives.
Sarah Scott, AEO’s director of events and operations, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Novistra and bring their expertise to AEO members.
“Mergers and acquisitions are pivotal moments in any business journey and having a trusted partner like this will be invaluable for our members as they explore opportunities for growth and evolution.
“This partnership is an exciting step forward in delivering tailored support that meets the strategic needs of our community.”
The collaboration will support event industry organizations during business transitions and expansion efforts.
Members will receive access to Novistra’s M&A advisory services as part of their AEO membership benefits.
Ash Mittel, managing director at Novistra Ltd, added: “At the core of Novistra’s value proposition is a deep-rooted passion for helping founders and shareholders maximise the value they extract from their business.
“Over the past 10+ years, the firm has advised and helped over 150 founders through various stages of their growth journey.
“The leadership team brings significant exhibition industry experience and knowledge to the table which, when coupled with the company’s global presence and investor network, means we are well-positioned to offer best-in-class M&A advisory to AEO’s members.
“We are excited to be partnering with the AEO and supporting its members on their M&A journey.”
## **Metro Toronto Convention Centre gets new CEO**
**Kathy Haley has been named president and CEO of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, becoming the first woman to lead the organization.**
She joins after having worked for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), where she served as chief customer experience officer overseeing improvements at three major airports.
At PANYNJ, she led customer experience initiatives at LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International airports.
She previously served as the first president of Toronto’s Union Pearson Express airport rail system.
Justin Mooney, chair of the MTCC board of directors, said: “Kathy Haley’s proven track record in transforming customer experiences, managing complex large-scale operations and stakeholder groups, and driving business growth makes her an ideal leader for the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
“Her global experience, combined with her passion for elevating cities and regions, will be instrumental as we continue to position Toronto as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, and events.”
Kathy added: “MTCC is a key asset to Toronto’s tourism and business ecosystem, and I look forward to working with the exceptional team to enhance the Centre’s global reputation, optimize its brand value, and deliver world-class experiences for visitors and event organizers alike.”
In her new role, Kathy will focus on expanding the convention center’s economic impact and enhancing customer service operations.
The MTCC hosts major events and conferences in downtown Toronto, contributing to the regional economy.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [New partnership cemented for UK Construction Week](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-07-22/)
**Published:** July 22, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**A new events partnership will see a major stone industry show being held along with UK Construction Week.**
The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces will co-locate with UK Construction Week in May. The Concrete Show will also unite with the UK Concrete Show, further consolidating the industry offerings. Read more about it below.
Here are the [top headlines for your weekly event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/) news updates:
- [**New alliance comes into force for UK Construction Week**](#one)
- [**GL Events’ H1 revenue hits €820.6 million driven by live events**](#two)
- [**NürnbergMesse projects record €350m+ sales in jubilee year**](#three)
The larger an event becomes, the more overwhelming it can be for buyers and exhibitors. Download the **[Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)** to learn how you can drive quality connections at your events with a curated meetings program.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **New partnership cemented for UK Construction Week**
**Leading event organizers in the stone and construction sectors have joined forces to build a new strategic partnership.**
Marquee events for QMJ Group and Media 10 – the Stone Show & Hard Surfaces – will co-locate with UK Construction Week in May.
> Breaking News! The [@stoneshowlondon](https://twitter.com/stoneshowlondon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) will be co-located with [\#UKCW](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UKCW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) London 2025.
>
> The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces is the only event for the natural stone industry, and will now be partnered with the UK's largest construction show.
>
> Read More > [\#StoneShow](https://twitter.com/hashtag/StoneShow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/XHSCIiTPsH](https://t.co/XHSCIiTPsH)
>
> — UK Construction Week (@UK\_CW) [July 18, 2024](https://twitter.com/UK_CW/status/1813929219719663790?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Key points in the partnership:
- Leverages their combined strengths for the build and design industry
- Creates a more dynamic and vibrant event
- Offers attendees opportunities to connect, learn and grow their businesses
Richard Bradbury, managing director of The QMJ Group, said: “Co-locating with UK Construction Week presents a fantastic opportunity for The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces to connect with a vast, high-quality audience of building professionals.
“It will allow exhibitors and visitors alike to benefit both from our specialist focus, and a wider construction event that delivers 300+ seminars, 20+ live demonstrations and 400 exhibitors.”
Sam Patel, divisional director for UK Construction Week, added: “We at UK Construction Week are incredibly pleased to welcome The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces into the UK’s largest built environment trade show.
“The co-location is an exciting proposition for the architectural and design community, developers, fabricators, and contractors.
“I’m proud to be working with Richard and his talented team to help fulfil their ambition of growing their community, and [building on what is already the market-leading event](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/eventbuild-tech-enhanced-curated-meetings/) for the sector.”
As part of the partnership, the Concrete Expo (organized by Media 10) will also co-locate with The UK Concrete Show (organized by the QMJ Group) in NEC, Birmingham on February 26-27 2025.
Richard said: “Following the success of the 2024 UK Concrete Show, which enjoyed significant exhibitor and visitor growth, we are excited to have this opportunity to expand the show further.
“The acquisition of Concrete Expo allows us to deliver the [event to even more visitors and exhibitors](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-event/) than ever before, accelerating our development plans for the exhibition.
“A range of new partnerships and visitor features will be announced over the coming months.”
## **GL Events’ revenue hits €820.6m driven by live events**
**GL Events has posted an almost 20% yearly [growth in the first six months](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-06-24/) of this year to reach €820.6 million.**
The first half of 2024 saw a 19% increase, with its live events seeing a 35% revenue surge to €496.5m.
Other highlights from its latest financial statement include growth target for annual revenue raised to over 9% – up from 7%- in 2024, with also a 25% cut in energy consumption and use of consumables compared to 2019.
The company’s strategic market positions and geographical footprint continue to fuel its development. Below is the division-wise breakdown ?
**GL EVENTS LIVE**
- - Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games
- International sporting events (tennis, golf, car races, horse-riding, Cricket World Cup)
- Cultural events (D-Day 80th Anniversary, Cannes Film Festival, Solidays music festival)
- Corporate and fashion sector events (Dassault Systèmes, IATA, Christian Dior, Jacquemus)
**GL EVENTS EXHIBITIONS**
- Revenue: €113.4m, down 21% due to less favorable biennial effect
- Highlights:
- Strong B2B momentum (Hyvolution, Aquasur, CFIA Rennes, Sepem Colmar, Global Industrie)
- 10% growth in GL events CIEC exhibitions in China
- Challenges in fashion and fabrics sector, with 5% decline in related exhibitions
**GL EVENTS VENUES**
- Revenue: €210.7m, up 17.6%
- Key points:
- Strong demand for Paris, Lyon and Strasbourg sites
- International growth in Hungary, Belgium and Brazil
- New events venue inaugurated in São Paulo Anhembi
- Awards for Lagune Barra Hotel in Rio Centro
- Ongoing development strategy, including bids for Stade de France and Parc Chanot in Marseille
## **NürnbergMesse projects record €350m+ sales in jubilee year**
**NürnbergMesse is poised for a landmark [year as it anticipates record-breaking sales exceeding](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220624/) €350m this year.**
The projections come on the back of a strong performance in 2023 – including 150 worldwide events, group [sales of €265m and a boosted](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/joe-pulizzi/) workforce of 8.5%.
Looking ahead to 2024, the [organizer has an agenda featuring 137 events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/kaori-pereyra-lago/) including 68 in Nuremberg.
Group CEO Peter Ottmann said: “Our trade fair business recovered from the pandemic far faster than expected, and is growing very nicely.
“Given this tailwind, in our jubilee [year we’re aiming to set](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220311/) a new sales record, and are also investing in our future.”
Looking ahead to 2024, NürnbergMesse has an ambitious agenda featuring 137 events, including 68 in Nuremberg.
The recent [acquisition of trendfairs expands the portfolio](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20240129/) with five specialty trade fairs across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, focusing on kitchen, interior design and related equipment sectors. Here is a lowdown of its investments and aim for the future:
- Over €50m allocated for infrastructure improvements in 2024
- Modernization of exhibition halls, energy systems, and employee facilities
- Goal to achieve CO₂-neutral power supply by 2028
- Installation of 21,000 photovoltaic modules by mid-2025, generating 9m kilowatt-hours annually
- Increase in electric charging stations from 40 to 200 by end of 2026
NürnbergMesse continues to invest in digital products and services, with service-related sales contributing over €70m in 2023. The company plans to expand its e-commerce capabilities and further digitalize event arrangements.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [CloserStill Media acquires leading US cyber security event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-09-22/)
**Published:** September 22, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**CloserStill Media has expanded its technology portfolio with the takeover of a leading cyber security event in the US.**
The acquisition of Billington Cybersecurity comes amid a period of growth in presence for the organizer across the region.
That’s your top story. Here are the other headlines in your Week in Events news roundup:
- RX’s Cannes Yachting Festival sees record edition
- Emerald joins Women in Exhibitions International’s network
Keep reading for your full news stories.
## CloserStill moves into the cyber security sector with new acquisition
**CloserStill Media has acquired the North American event organizer Billington CyberSecurity**.
The announcement comes after the sixteenth edition of their annual summit – which saw record-breaking numbers across attendees, speakers and sponsors.
Billington CyberSecurity has been establishing itself as a US market leader of cyber security events over the course of 16 years.
Tom Billington, CEO of Billington CyberSecurity, said: “CloserStill grasps the importance of our mission, shares our entrepreneurial passion for events and believes that world class cyber education serves the national security interests of our country and allies.”
This marks the latest of several acquisitions CloserStill has made this year across digital health, HR, AI and other sectors.
The organizer sees this as a significant step in growing its presence in North America.
It also broadens their technology portfolio and increases the group’s expertise in the cyber security sector.
Yancy Weinrich, president of North America at CloserStill Media, added: “This acquisition marks a significant step in our growth journey.
“We’re proud to be the new stewards of these market-leading and mission-driven events and look forward to building on the incredible foundation Tom and his team have created.”
## RX’s Cannes Yachting Festival 2025 celebrates record edition
**The Cannes Yachting Festival has reported record-breaking numbers from its 2025 edition of the event.**
Attendee numbers grew by 1.8% compared to last year, while the number of exhibitors rose by 5.8%.
The figure for world premieres saw the most notable increase at 147 – a boost of more than 22% compared to 2024.
Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival, said: “This 2025 edition will remain one of the most ambitious and accomplished.
“We had the pleasure of bringing together the best players in the world of sailing in an exceptional setting and highlighting the major transformations shaping the sector.”
The RX-owned event sees the success of the most recent edition as reaffirmation of their position as the largest on-water boat show in Europe.
Sylvie also announced she will be stepping down as director after the festival’s conclusion.
Current deputy director Constance Brément will take over management of the event going forward.
## Emerald joins Women in Exhibitions International’s network
**Emerald has joined the growing Women in Exhibitions International network.**
The organizer sees this [partnership as cementing](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-07-22/) its ongoing dedication to creating gender equity and inclusivity across the industry.
They believe reinforcing this commitment is vital during a time of significant global expansion for the event organizer.
Ren Akinci, EVP at Emerald, said: “With half of our senior leadership comprised of women, we recognize the important role women play in shaping our industry and value the opportunity to collaborate with peers across the globe to strengthen leadership, innovation and the future of exhibitions.”
Emerald joins other significant event industry names such as Informa, RX and Tembo.
Women in Exhibition believes the partnership will significantly increase their community’s global reach.
Oana Cipca, president of Women in Exhibitions International, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Emerald into the Women in Exhibitions community.
“Together, we continue to build a stronger, more equitable future where every voice is heard, and every leader has a place.”
**Thank you for reading. [Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to supercharge your event through tech.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [92% plan to improve post-event follow-ups - Forrester](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-2024-07-15/)
**Published:** July 15, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**More than 90% of event professionals plan to improve their attendee follow-up strategies to maximize ROI, according to a new study.**
The Forrester study also highlights eight key trends eventprofs should focus on this year. Get the complete details below.
Here are the [top headlines for your weekly event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/) news updates:
- [**92% aim to prioritize post-event follow-ups – Forrester study**](#one)
- [**NürnbergMesse CEO’s contract extended till 2029**](#two)
- [**Global printing association achieves sustainable event certification**](#three)
Are you also wondering how to nurture your red-hot leads before they go cold? Discover how **[omnichannel lead intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/omnichannel-lead-intel/)** can help you.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **92% aim to prioritize post-event follow-ups – Forrester**
**Post-event follow-ups is a priority for nine out of 10 eventprofs trying to boost ROI, according to a new study by Forrester.**
The Q1 2024 State of B2B Events Survey shows 92% intend to improve in this area, while 77% of the respondents are also eager to enhance their efforts to build year-round engagement.
The study was conducted during February – March, polling over 200 industry professionals.
Here are the key trends that event decision-makers need to focus on, according to the report:
- **Budget pressures and shifting priorities:** Most marketers face reduced or flat budgets, despite inflation easing since 2022–23. Stakeholders still demand the same event quantity and quality, prompting marketers to reassess strategies, priorities and team structures for cost and efficiency gains.
- **Changing B2B event mix:** The survey reveals key changes in the B2B event mix: 58% of marketers plan to increase small, hosted in-person events, making it the fastest-growing type, followed by webinars – especially among midsized and North American firms. Marketers should design integrated, audience-centric event plans considering all options.
- **Extending event value:** Marketers are looking to extend event impact, with 92% planning better post-event follow-ups and 77% seeking year-round attendee engagement. Leaders now create integrated 12-month plans, leveraging various event formats and repurposed content to boost engagement between events.
- **Data and measurement reign supreme:** Data and measurement are top priorities, with 95% focusing on performance and ROI. To succeed, marketers need a new approach to selecting, deploying, and integrating event technology.
- **ESG – A regional divide:** Teams have deprioritized ESG initiatives, with notable regional differences: 79% of EMEA teams focus on sustainability compared to 32% in North America. Surprisingly, despite potential brand benefits, CMOs show significantly less interest in ESG-related events than event leaders.
- **Event tech boom, consolidation needed:** Event technology usage and spending have surged. Around 25% of large enterprises use [six or more B2B event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/questions-online-event-platform/) tech solutions, spending over 0,000 annually. Despite budget pressures, most plan to maintain current spending. Leaders should prioritize exploring consolidation opportunities.
- **Tech integration lags:** Event technology integration remains challenging. Only 20% of enterprises have integrated their primary B2B [event tech with their broader marketing](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/email-marketing-b2b-events/) stack. Many teams see event tech as tactical, not strategic, and lack the skills or focus needed for integration, missing opportunities to leverage captured data.
- **Centralization gains traction:** Leaders are looking to centralize event management (planning, execution, and technology) through centers of excellence to boost efficiency and scale event activities.
## **NürnbergMesse CEO’s contract extended until 2029**
**NürnbergMesse’s supervisory board has approved a contract extension for CEO Peter Ottmann until 2029.**
The board, chaired by Nuremberg Lord Mayor Marcus König and home affairs minister Albert Füracker, expressed its confidence in Peter’s leadership for another five years.
The incumbent CEO has been a key figure at NürnbergMesse since 1994, serving as joint CEO from 2011 and sole CEO since 2023.
He will continue to be supported by the four other members of the executive board that will collectively form the management team guiding the NürnbergMesse Group for the next five years.
Marcus said: “I want to thank the Supervisory Board for its unanimous decision and the firm confidence in Peter Ottmann it thus expresses.
“The extension of his contract will ensure continuity at the top for NürnbergMesse.
“With all his experience, his worldwide contacts, and his interest in innovation, Peter Ottmann will assist the company as it evolves towards a secure future.
“He will continue until 2029 to set the course for NürnbergMesse’s next decade.”
Albert added: “Peter Ottmann is part of the bedrock of NürnbergMesse, and has had a fundamental influence in shaping the company.
With expert skill and well-conceived initiatives, he has led the company reliably and successfully through all the highs and crisis-induced lows of recent years.
“I’m very pleased to know that management will remain in such competent hands for another five years.”
Peter Ottmann said: “This year NürnbergMesse is celebrating its 50th birthday.
“I’m delighted to have the privilege of continuing to lead the company as CEO, jointly with my team, so that we and our colleagues at NürnbergMesse can continue our success story.
” I very much want to thank the Supervisory Board for its continued trust and our majority shareholders, the City of Nuremberg and the Free State of Bavaria, for their support.”
## **Global printing association achieves sustainable event certification**
**A global collective of printing groups has stepped up its [sustainability efforts by securing an ISO green](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20230710/) certification.**
FESPA (Federation of European Screen Printing Associations) – which includes [screen printing, digital printing and textile printing](https://expoplatform.com/releases/print-badge-selection-screen-ux-ui-enhancement/) industries – gained the ISO 20121:2012 certification for Sustainable Event Management.
This internationally recognized standard validates FESPA’s commitment to a comprehensive and effective system for sustainable event practices.
It underscores their efforts to minimize their events’ environmental impact, promote sustainability within the print industry, and foster positive community engagement.
FESPA’s 2025 Berlin events will be the first in the specialty print sector to be held under this certification.
FESPA CEO Neil Felton said: “Our [team recognises the importance of operating our events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/event-sales-team-structure/) in a manner that delivers exceptional value to our attendees and exhibitors, while also prioritising environmental responsibility and community engagement.
“We look forward to delivering our 2025 [events in accordance with the certified sustainable events management](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/top-event-planning-skills-to-manage-virtual-and-hybrid-events/) system, and we hope our example inspires our community to look at ways of optimising their sustainability performance.”
To secure this ISO certification, FESPA implemented comprehensive policies and procedures targeting waste reduction, energy efficiency, carbon emission reduction and stakeholder engagement.
FESPA’s sustainability objectives and event targets include:
- **Planning:** Integrating sustainability into decision-making throughout the event management cycle.
- **Environmental:** Prioritizing sustainable products and services, and adopting reduce, reuse, recycle practices.
- **Transportation:** Minimizing transportation needs or reducing journey lengths.
- **Packaging:** Reducing and eliminating packaging, and opting for reusable or recycled materials.
- **Product criteria:** Researching product origins and manufacturing processes to avoid negative environmental impacts.
- **Purchasing criteria:** Ensuring sustainable procurement practices and compliance among all employees.
- **Social:** Partnering with companies that share FESPA’s values on workforce treatment and community impact.
- **Energy:** Enhancing energy efficiency and favoring renewable energy sources.
- **Hazardous products:** Avoiding hazardous products and adhering to UK COSHH regulations when necessary.
- **Occupational health and safety:** Prioritizing responsible occupational health and safety practices.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Essential exhibition management features: a practical guide to scheduling, booth operations and attendee engagement](https://expoplatform.com/event-management/exhibition-management-features/)
**Published:** June 25, 2023
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Running a successful exhibition means mastering scheduling, booth operations and how visitors engage with your event.
Event professionals rely on robust exhibition-management platforms to simplify workflows, lift the attendee experience and make better use of resources.
This guide walks through the core features of exhibition software, showing how each capability reduces friction, avoids common pitfalls like scheduling clashes or lost leads and supports proven industry practices.
We’ll cover the essentials: what to look for in event-scheduling tools, modern booth-management capabilities and visitor-engagement systems that drive interaction. You’ll also get a practical look at analytics and reporting features that inform future planning plus the emerging trends reshaping exhibitions today. The goal is to give you clear criteria for choosing the right platform for your next event.
## What are the essential features of event scheduling software in exhibition management?
Event scheduling software is central to planning and delivering exhibitions on time and on budget. The best systems automate repetitive tasks, reduce human error and keep everyone—from organizers to suppliers—working from the same playbook. That coordination is what keeps events running smoothly.
Key features include:
- **Automated Scheduling**: Manages multiple event schedules and resolves conflicts by applying real-time updates and rules-based allocation.
- **Calendar Integration**: Syncs with popular calendar apps so schedules stay consistent for teams and external stakeholders across devices.
- **User-Friendly Interface**: Intuitive controls and clear workflows let planners find and use tools quickly, reducing onboarding time and mistakes.
Effective scheduling capabilities create the foundation for a better-organized exhibition and fewer last-minute problems.
### How does calendar integration improve exhibition event planning?
Calendar integration keeps everyone aligned by ensuring event dates, sessions and stakeholder availability are visible in one place. When external calendars and the event schedule sync automatically, you avoid double bookings and minimize miscommunication.
That shared visibility speeds decision-making and makes it easier to handle changes so teams can react to updates without costly delays.
### What automation capabilities streamline scheduling tasks?
Automation handles routine communications—reminders, confirmations and follow-ups—so organizers and attendees stay informed without manual effort. Those automated workflows reduce errors and free planners to focus on strategy rather than admin.
Automation also tracks registrations and allocates resources dynamically, enabling fast adjustments when attendance or requirements shift in real time.
## How do exhibition booth management systems optimize trade show logistics?
Booth management systems bring order to on-site logistics, from floor-plan design to last-mile setup. By centralizing layout tools, space allocation and logistical checklists, these systems help organizers create efficient, attractive exhibition spaces that support exhibitor goals.
Key capabilities of booth management systems include:
- **Dynamic Booth Allocation**: Adjusts booth assignments in real time based on criteria like traffic flow, vendor needs and cancellations.
- **Logistical Support**: Coordinates material transport, equipment setup and on-site services to streamline exhibitor operations.
Together, these features reduce the operational burden on exhibitors and improve the overall attendee experience.
### What tools support dynamic floor plan design and booth allocation?
Interactive floor-plan tools let organizers visualize the venue and design layouts that guide visitor movement and highlight priority areas. Drag-and-drop editors, layered views and heatmap simulations make it easier to plan for traffic and exhibitor visibility.
Real-time allocation systems mean managers can reassign space quickly—handling last-minute cancellations or adding new exhibitors without disrupting the whole plan.
### How is on-site check-in and access control managed effectively?
Smooth, secure check-in is essential for attendee satisfaction and venue safety. Technologies like RFID, QR/mobile check-in and badge-printing kiosks reduce queues and give organizers reliable data on arrivals.
Integrated access control also enforces permissions for restricted areas and captures attendance metrics automatically, supporting both security and post-event analysis.
## Which exhibitor lead tracking features enhance CRM integration and data capture?
Lead-tracking tools turn event interactions into actionable sales opportunities. When lead capture syncs with your CRM, follow-ups are faster, more accurate and more personalized—so leads stand a better chance of converting.
Key features of lead tracking systems include:
- **Lead Capture Tools**: Fast, simple ways to record contact info and lead interests onsite—via mobile apps, badge scans or web forms.
- **CRM Integration**: Bi-directional syncs that push collected leads into your CRM and pull back campaign data for seamless follow-up.
These features improve lead quality and make post-event outreach more effective.
### How does AI-driven lead analytics improve follow-up and conversion?
AI analyzes collected lead data to identify intent signals and prioritize prospects. That allows sales teams to focus on the highest-value contacts and tailor outreach based on behavior and preferences.
Using AI for lead scoring and segmentation speeds response times and raises conversion rates by targeting the right message to the right lead at the right time.
### What are best practices for exhibitor data synchronization with CRM systems?
Reliable CRM syncs depend on clean, timely data and trained users. Best practices include:
- **Regular Updates**: Import leads promptly after capture to preserve context and prevent data loss.
- **Data Cleansing**: Routinely remove duplicates and stale entries to keep your database accurate.
- **Training for Staff**: Ensure teams know how to capture and validate data correctly at the event.
Following these steps maximizes the value of leads collected onsite and strengthens post-event sales efforts.
## What visitor engagement platforms boost attendee interaction and experience?
Visitor engagement platforms add depth to the attendee experience, offering tools that encourage interaction, collect feedback and build community. These platforms help organizers turn passive attendance into meaningful connections.
Key functionalities include:
- **Survey and Feedback Tools**: Capture attendee sentiment in real time so you can act on issues and improve the event as it runs.
- **Networking Features**: Matchmaking, messaging and community boards that help attendees discover relevant contacts and opportunities.
Investing in these features increases retention, satisfaction and the perceived value of your event.
### Which features promote real-time visitor feedback and networking?
Real-time feedback tools—polls, quick surveys and sentiment monitors—give organizers immediate insight into attendee needs. Networking features such as chat, meeting bookings and AI-powered matchmaking create timely connection opportunities that boost engagement.
Combined, these features let you iterate during the event and foster a stronger community among attendees.
## How do exhibition analytics and reporting features deliver actionable event insights?
Analytics turn raw event data into strategic decisions. By tracking attendee behavior, engagement touchpoints and operational metrics, organizers can see what worked, what didn’t and where to invest next.
Insights gained include:
- **Visitor Analytics**: Demographic and behavior data that inform programming and marketing choices.
- **Engagement Metrics**: Interaction and participation measurements that reveal high-performing content and areas for improvement.
These analytics provide a repeatable, data-driven approach to improving future exhibitions.
### What key performance indicators are tracked and visualized?
Common KPIs for exhibitions include:
- **Total Attendance**: The overall headcount used to assess reach and scale.
- **Lead Generation**: Quantity and quality of leads captured to estimate commercial impact.
- **Visitor Engagement Rates**: Interaction metrics per attendee that highlight the most engaging content or zones.
Clear visualizations of these KPIs help teams prioritize improvements and plan strategically for the next event.
### How do reporting dashboards help improve future exhibition planning?
Dashboards consolidate important metrics into readable visuals, making it faster to spot trends and act on them. By surfacing attendee preferences and operational bottlenecks, dashboards guide smarter decisions around layout, programming and marketing.
With these insights, organizers can run more focused experiments and continuously raise the quality of their events.
## What are the latest trends and innovations in exhibition management technology?
Keeping up with technology trends helps organizers create more memorable, measurable events. New tools are making exhibitions more personalized, immersive and connected than ever before.
Key trends include:
- **Artificial Intelligence**: Powers personalization, smarter lead scoring and automated attendee recommendations.
- **Augmented and Virtual Reality**: Delivers immersive demos and virtual experiences that extend engagement beyond the trade floor.
Adopting these innovations lets organizers design experiences that stand out and deliver measurable value.
### How is AI transforming lead analytics and event personalization?
AI uncovers patterns in attendee behavior that humans might miss, enabling tailored communications and prioritized follow-ups. Automated lead scoring and personalized content recommendations speed outreach and improve conversion outcomes.
By offloading routine analysis to AI, teams can focus on strategy and relationship-building where it matters most.
### What role do AR/VR and omnichannel experiences play in modern exhibitions?
AR and VR create immersive touchpoints that communicate product value more vividly than static displays. When combined with an omnichannel approach—blending in-person, mobile and virtual interactions—these technologies deliver cohesive experiences that meet attendees wherever they are.
That omnichannel mindset expands reach, supports diverse audience preferences and increases the overall impact of your event.
## Comparison of ExpoPlatform and Eventleaf as Market Leaders
In the competitive field of exhibition management software, **ExpoPlatform** and **Eventleaf** stand out as market leaders renowned for their comprehensive feature sets and robust performance. Both platforms offer a range of tools designed to enhance scheduling, booth management, lead tracking, and visitor engagement, appealing to a broad spectrum of event professionals.
This section presents an objective comparison through a feature and positioning lens to aid in understanding their strengths and ideal applications.
**Feature/Aspect****ExpoPlatform****Eventleaf**Event SchedulingAdvanced automation with calendar integrationsUser-friendly scheduling with flexible customizationBooth ManagementInteractive floor plans and dynamic allocationComprehensive exhibitor management and layout toolsLead Tracking & CRM IntegrationAI-driven lead analytics with multi-CRM syncReliable lead capture with standard CRM connectorsVisitor EngagementRich networking and AI matchmaking featuresEffective feedback and simple networking toolsAnalytics & ReportingDeep insights with customizable dashboardsStandard reporting with KPI visualizationsMarket PositioningPreferred by large, complex exhibitions demanding innovationPopular among small to mid-sized events seeking ease of use## Use Cases of ExpoPlatform and Eventleaf
Both ExpoPlatform and Eventleaf cater to diverse exhibition planning needs but are tailored to slightly different use cases depending on event scale, complexity, and organizational priorities.
**ExpoPlatform** excels for large-scale and hybrid events requiring advanced automation, AI-driven analytics, and immersive engagement features. It supports complex scheduling, dynamic booth arrangements, and personalized attendee experiences, making it suitable for international trade shows and multi-venue exhibitions.
**Eventleaf** is geared toward small to medium-sized exhibitions and trade shows prioritizing straightforward setup and intuitive user experiences. Its focus on reliable scheduling, exhibitor management, and essential [engagement tools makes it ideal for regional events,](https://expoplatform.com/event/re-imagining-events-in-india-smarter-tech-stronger-engagement/) corporate gatherings, and niche industry expos.
## Conclusion
Modern exhibition-management platforms streamline scheduling, simplify booth logistics and elevate attendee engagement. By combining strong automation, reliable CRM integrations and insightful analytics, organizers can run more efficient events that deliver measurable business results. Explore the full suite of exhibition management tools available today to transform how you plan, operate and follow up on events—so every show is smarter and more successful.
**Categories:** event management
---
### [Frankfurt Book Fair partners ExpoPlatform for event tech](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/frankfurt-bookfair-partners/)
**Published:** July 11, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Frankfurt Book Fair has embarked on a new chapter after introducing ExpoPlatform as its event tech provider.**
The show is the largest of its kind in the world and is considered the most important for international deals and trading.
ExpoPlatform will now provide its market-leading digital solutions to build valuable connections and boost the experience for participants.
This is being kickstarted by the launch of [Frankfurt Connect](https://connect.buchmesse.de/newfront), which will provide a “digital backbone” for the tradeshow’s community.
Juergen Boos, Director of Frankfurter Buchmesse, said: “What do we want at Frankfurter Buchmesse?
“We want to exchange ideas across national borders. We want to present our offerings. We want to revitalize old contacts and forge new business relationships.
“From now on, we will also support all these aims digitally: with Frankfurt Connect as the digital backbone for our community.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “This collaboration marks the mixture of tradition and modernity, where the timeless power of words meets cutting-edge event experience.
“We believe this is the beginning of a long-lasting partnership story between the two of us.”
ExpoPlatform is an event technology provider which operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers for its innovative and reliable solutions.
This is the first time the company has worked with the book fair, which takes place at Messe Frankfurt in the German city between October 16 and 20.
**Services made available at the launch of Frankfurt Connect include:**
– New presentation and interaction options for exhibitors
– Networking features for recommendations, suitable new contacts and more
– Digital business card for networking on site
– Interactive floor plan
Ann-Kristin Oestreicher, Senior Marketing Manager at Frankfurter Buchmesse, added: “We have reached the first milestone on our mission to extend our customers’ trade fair presence into the digital world.
“From now on, we will continue to develop our platform together with our users. True to the motto: Frankfurt Connect connects.”
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform has already solidified its ambition in the region having appointed its DACH director Jens Schindler to drive digital growth in the market.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now to learn how these tech features can help you and your events.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Informa and DWTC join forces in new venture](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/wie-20250310/)
**Published:** March 10, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Hello from the ExpoPlatform newsroom, in another week with huge impacts for our industry.**
Your top story for this edition focuses on the joint venture between Informa and the Dubai World Trade Centre – two giants in the exhibitions space.
Here are the complete headlines for this week:
- **DWTC and Informa join forces in new venture**
- **New global security event set for Hamburg**
- **95% trust brands more after attending an event – study**
- **FT Live grows with Invisso takeover**
- **UFI digital group meet in Paris**
Good luck with your week ahead.
## **DWTC and Informa join forces in new venture**
**Dubai World Trade Centre and Informa Group have announced a strategic partnership to create a Dubai-based “global powerhouse” in the events industry.**
The move will see the two exhibition giants forge the new joint company – Informa International – that aims to be fully operational by Q4 this year.
Headquartered in Dubai, it will be servicing super-regional MICE markets as well as leveraging their scale to export home-grown megabrands across the world.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general of the DWTC, said: “DWTC has anchored and enabled Dubai’s leadership as a preferred global hub for the MICE Sector.
“With the city’s flagship events like GITEX and Gulfood expanding internationally, and Informa’s portfolio of leading shows in complementary sectors across the super-region – this strategic partnership is set to be a transformation engine for cross-border trade and enterprise, co-creating sustainable value for the industries and economies served through the convening power of B2B events.
“DWTC has built a portfolio of flagship B2B [event brands and Informa is the perfect partner](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/frankfurt-bookfair-partners/) with whom to combine strengths and capture the next stage of growth in this high-impact sector.”
Stephen Carter, CEO of Informa Group, said: “We already have a great partnership in Dubai with DWTC and today’s announcement will further expand our relationship, allowing us to create something quite unique and special together in what is a highly vibrant and fast-growing market.”
The establishment of the partnership has four key strategic objectives:
- **Become a global MICE “powerhouse”:** Combine DWTC’s global events with Informa Group’s events business in the UAE and connected partner markets to own and operate more than 40 market-leading brands in “highly attractive” growth categories.
- **Accelerate expansion:** Create further scale and opportunity to export DWTC’s brands across the fastest international growth markets for B2B events.
- **Make Dubai the world’s leading business hub:** Target attracting marquee events from the more than 100 specialist Informa brands across wide ranging sectors into Dubai.
Meanwhile, the news comes as Informa released its [preliminary full-year results](https://www.informa.com/media/press-releases-news/latest-news/informa-2024-preliminary-full-year-results/?_t_tags=language%3aen%2csiteid%3ac65bbe3e-31a7-4fc3-aa2f-886eff6e6700&_t_hit.id=Informa_Domain_Models_Pages_NewsArticlePage/_74a6bfb6-ea01-47ee-a14b-484589177e92_en&_t_hit.pos=1) for 2024.
It shows the group grew revenue by 11.4% to £3.6 billion last year 2024, in large thanks to success in its B2B events business.
Stephen added: “On every measure, the Informa Group delivered an outstanding result in 2024 – from revenue growth to higher dividend returns, alongside further international and portfolio expansion. This is a performance we aim to repeat in 2025.”
The report also sets out that it is building its B2B platform around “faster-growing geographies”, shifting the focus from the UK and Europe around 10% of revenue- to the Americas, the Gulf, Asia and China at around 85%.
## **New global security event set for Hamburg**
**A new conference and exhibition exploring global security issues is set for Hamburg.**
The new event comes as part of a joint venture between Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC) and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
It involves new strategic partnership to organize the Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS), which will be launched at the centre on October 22.
Bastian Giegerich, CEO of IISS, said: “Technology and innovation are both a challenge and an opportunity for security establishments around the globe. The increasing speed of change requires an open, interdisciplinary dialogue.
“By establishing the GSIS, we are creating a platform for political, business and technology stakeholders to exchange views and ideas, and bring new solutions to the table.”
Heiko Stutzinger, CEO of HMC, added: “Geopolitical developments in recent years have shown that Europe’s North is steadily gaining in strategic importance.
“By hosting the GSIS in Hamburg, we are closing a geographical gap in the event landscape focused on security.”
The event is set to explore how international security can be maintained and improved in the face of these changes.
GSIS will aim to address this broad topic and develop answers for an increasingly interconnected world.
## **95% trust brands more after attending an event – study**
**Live events remain “the most effective means” of building connections after a new study found 95% trust brands more after attending an in-person show.**
The research by Freeman found the huge proportion of attendees trust brands more after participating in an in-person event, while 71% of brands saw a decline in reputation through other channels in 2024.
This [2025 Freeman Trust Report](https://www.freeman.com/resources/2025-freeman-trust-report/) is the second in a series of three releases examining how live events impact brand perception and business relationships in an increasingly digital world.
Janet Dell, CEO of Freeman, said: “Live events create powerful opportunities for meaningful connection.
“As brands look for ways to build stronger relationships with their audiences, our research clearly shows that face-to-face interactions are the most effective means of building lasting trust and driving business results.”
Key findings from the study include:
- Generational trust dynamics are shifting: A heavy reliance on technology and AI has left Gen Z and Millennials feeling disconnected, while older generations exhibit declining trust levels.
- Engagement increases post-live events: 87% of working professionals visited the brand’s website and expressed a desire to engage with the company online after attending a live event.
- In-person creates a positive brand perception: 92% of working professionals stated that live events have a positive impact on their perception of brands.
## **FT Live grows with Invisso takeover**
**FT Live has grown its portfolio with the acquisition of an premier organizer of events for the structured finance, bond and private credit markets.**
The takeover of Invisso from Delinian comes into effect from April and will expand its top offering in the US and Europe.
Events involved include Global ABS, ABS East, the Central & Eastern European Forum and the Global Borrowers and Bond Investors Forum – attracting over 16,000 delegates each year and convening over 250,000 meetings.
Orson Francescone, managing director of FT Live, said: “Capital markets power the global economy, enabling growth, financing innovation, and creating opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Invisso team and their world-class capital market conferences into the FT Live portfolio.
“This acquisition strengthens our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences while expanding our premium event offering worldwide.”
Alex Grose, managing director at Invisso, added: “At Invisso, our focus is to deliver best-in-class event experiences and highly effective deal-making environments.
“The incredible growth and opportunity we’ve experienced over recent years is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our inspirational team.
“As a business, we look forward to joining the FT Group where we believe the synergies between our two companies add clear value for our customers in the structured finance, bond and private credit markets where we operate.”
## **UFI digital group meet in Paris**
**The UFI Digital Innovation Working Group has met in Paris to discuss the future of event tech innovation.**
Members gathered in the French capital to cover three topics in detail – agents, ROI & digital revenues.
It included a series of productive workshops, with hopes it will progress with collaboration between organizations involved.
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [UFI stands in solidarity with Middle East events community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-03-02/)
**Published:** March 2, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
UFI has express its solidarity with Middle East events community amid military escalations across the region.
The organization has released a statement which sets out the safety and wellbeing of industry professionals is at the top of its minds and of paramount importance.
Here are your other top headlines from the events industry this week:
- [Messe Munchen and dmg events join forces to bring transport logistic to Saudi Arabia](#zero)
- [RX appoints its first ever Global CMO](#one)
- [Messe Dusseldorf repositions supervisory board to streamline future decision-making](#two)
Continue reading for your full Week in Events roundup.
## UFI stands with Middle East events community
**UFI has highlighted the importance of international cooperation as it stands in solidarity with the Middle East events community amid military escalation.**
US-Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation have triggered worldwide disruption for a range of industries, with heightened concerns over energy costs and business in the Gulf.
Now UFI has expressed its “sincere hope” for de-escalation and the “paramount” importance of safety of the events community.
[A statement](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ufi-association_ufi-the-global-association-of-the-exhibition-activity-7434179516073410560-__Wi?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAme24oBSJ2UR2vrN78YRn4xOG3Aay2CIBs) from the organization said: “UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is closely following the recent developments in parts of the Middle East.
“At this challenging time, our thoughts are with all our members, partners and industry professionals across the region.
“The safety and wellbeing of every individual – colleagues, exhibitors, visitors, contractors and communities remain paramount.
“The exhibition industry is built on dialogue, connection and international cooperation. In moments of uncertainty, these values become even more important.
“We stand in solidarity with our members and the wider business events community – and we express our sincere hope for stability and swift de-escalation.”
It was added that any questions can be directed to Naji El Haddad, UFI regional director MEA, at .
## Messe Munchen and dmg events join forces to bring transport logistic to Saudi Arabia
**Messe Munchen and dmg events have entered into a strategic partnership to launch transport logistic Middle East.**
The leading trade industry event for logistics, IT supply chain management and mobility will be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for the first time.
It will take place alongside project cargo Middle East and air cargo Middle East – creating a high-level business networking hub for the industry.
Stefan Rummel, CEO of Messe Munchen, said: “Together with dmg [events as a strong and experienced partner](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/frankfurt-bookfair-partners/) in the market, we are combining international brand strength with deep regional expertise to create a high-level platform for decision-makers and sustainable business growth for both exhibitors and visitors.”
The launch of transport logistic Middle East will support the rapid growth of the logistics ecosystem within the region.
Saudi Arabia’s market alone is expected to grow from $136.3 billion in 2024 to $198.9 billion by 2030.
The trade show will provide opportunities for industry leaders and key decision makers from across the Middle East.
## RX appoints its first ever global CMO
**Leading global event organizer RX has announced the creation of a new executive role**.
Alison Powell has been appointed as the company’s first global chief marketing officer.
She will focus on RX’s global marketing capabilities – increasing customer value, driving growth and ensuring long-term enterprise performance.
Alison said: “I’m thrilled to be joining RX at such a pivotal moment.
“The company’s focus on innovation, customer value, and operational excellence is truly inspiring and I look forward to working with colleagues around the world to elevate our marketing impact and help unlock the next chapter of growth for RX’s brands, exhibitors and visitors.”
Alison has over 20 years of senior global B2B and B2C marketing expertise that she will bring to the role.
This experience comes from world-class organizations including – Kellogg’s, BP, AstraZeneca and most recently Elsevier Health.
RX looks to take advantage of Alison’s proven ability to shape and implement global marketing transformation through data-driven strategies.
## Messe Dusseldorf has reconstituted its supervisory board to streamline future decision-making
**Dusseldorf Congress GmbH has strategically repositioned its supervisory board in an effort to speed up key decision-making processes and defining top priorities.**
Bernhard Stempfle has been elected as chairman of the board, while Christian Zaum has been appointed as deputy chair.
This will move was made in an effort to balance corporate trade show expertise with economic competence.
Bernhard, managing director for finance and infrastructure at Messe Dusseldorf, said: “The new supervisory board sends a clear signal: Dusseldorf’s trade fair and congress sector and the City work in close partnership.
“They reinforce one another and jointly support Dusseldorf’s economy.”
Alongside the repositioning of the supervisory board – Maria Kofidou’s contract as managing director has been extended.
She will now continue her role with the company for a further five years.
Messe Dusseldorf sees this as confirming its commitment to its long-term strategic direction.
**Thank you for reading the full Week in Events news. Stay ahead in the events industry and [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Event wellness and burnout: How to combat this growing industry issue](https://expoplatform.com/event-wellness/event-wellness-and-burnout/)
**Published:** May 21, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**The events industry is built on bringing large numbers of people together for two-to-five days. It’s brilliant but can be draining.**
Each of these can last up to eight hours (not including informal gatherings post-event).
Attendee exhaustion, overstimulation, exhibition fatigue and staff burnout are becoming recurring issues.
**In this guide we will unpack the following:**
- Are events becoming too exhausting?
- Are AI and Automation solving the problem, or making it worse?
- Con(ference) crud: How can we learn from B2C event wellness?
- What can be put in place to ensure event wellness and prevent burnout?
The industry needs to move quickly to avoid an old issue from becoming far less manageable.
## Are events becoming too exhausting?
Events are becoming bigger, bolder and better experiences.
They are more interactive, more personalized and more valuable for all parties.
However, there is also the basic structure of a large event.
The average trade show last a few days, though some can last far longer. But what does that mean?
- A full working shift
- Informal gatherings
- International and local travel
- Networking on the showfloor
- Networking off the showfloor
- Sell, sell, sell
- Collecting information
- So much more we could mention …
Events are becoming more personalized, enabling attendees and exhibitors to connect with more of the right people.
That makes them more valuable and more productive – though no less tiring.
Knowing that every meeting is more likely to lead to an opportunity can make the day even more taxing due to the added pressure of knowing their value.
Overstimulation is also a factor – a busy trade show with hundreds or thousands of people alone can cause this by itself.
It’s crucial to reduce this to stop burnout from happening.
## Are AI and automation solving the problem or making it worse?
AI-matchmaking and algorithms have played a key role in personalizing and optimizing the attendee experience.
This paired with automation tech is helping visitors to do more at an event than before.
But that might be part of the problem – AI and automation can directly affect event wellness.
As we have already established, getting more out of events has both its upsides and downsides.
The quality of connections can improve and the quantity can also increase – using automotive tools.
But AI-powered algorithms don’t just stop at recommending connections – they also show attendees products, content and sessions they might find interesting.
As important and valuable this is, we once again have the issue of stimulation overload.
Yes, people might appreciate every individual suggestion, but together? The more they are presented with, the quicker fatigue can set in.
While AI and automotive event tech could be compounding an existing problem, they could also be key to enabling better event wellness:
- [Automated schedules](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-and-scheduling/) that allow breaks throughout the agenda
- AI which helps with pairing only the [most valuable connections](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
- Simple navigation around the venue with an [interactive floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/interactive-floor-plans/)
- Structured **[meeting formats](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-formats/)** so participants don’t waste energy
These could be valuable tools in ensuring event wellness and reducing burnout.
It is up to organizers and tech providers to develop this tech to help solve this issue.
## Con(ference) crud: How can we learn from B2C event wellness?
There are some unavoidable consequences of having so many people in one space.
It is not uncommon for people to feel unwell after attending an event.
This is a natural part of being in proximity to so many people from all around the globe for extended periods of time.
There is no point pretending that a large-scale event of any kind isn’t the ultimate playground for something like a common cold or the flu to spread.
B2C attendees came up with the term for this a long time ago – they refer to it as ‘con crud’.
This comes from feeling ill after attending a large [event such as a comic book](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/frankfurt-bookfair-partners/) convention.
Organizers of these events have long normalized guidance on event wellness by encouraging attendees to follow some simple procedures.
These include encouraging people to get a minimum of six hours sleep, ensure they are eating regular meals, reminders to stay hydrated and take showers before and after the event.
This might seem like common sense to most, but an eagerness to dive into everything the event has to offer can often lead to these basic practices being forgotten.
A lack of attention paid to hydration, rest and personal hygiene leaves attendees vulnerable to fatigue and illness.
Visitors to conferences, exhibitions and trade shows face the same issues – perhaps more so.
Because it’s business driving attendees, taking care of yourself throughout the day may be even lower on the priority list.
A packed schedule of meetings might make people forgo lunch in favor of two more high-quality connections.
We can all be guilty of treating coffee as breakfast or not remembering to drink enough water throughout the day.
It could be helpful for B2B organizers to offer ongoing guidance and reminders, as B2C organizers do.
This is where automated reminders via the event app could also be useful.
## What can be put in place to ensure event wellness and prevent burnout?
First, accept that events are inherently overstimulating and expose people to all kinds of germs and infections.
Proper event wellness guidance provided by organizers should be prominently highlighted and continually promoted rather than merely suggested.
An automated email could be sent before every event that contains this information for attendees to use as a baseline.
AI tools could align not only with visitor preferences but with parts of events they find physically or mentally taxing.
There are a variety of ways in which this can be done – asking for this information pre-event or pop-ups asking how attendees are feeling throughout the day etc.
The event app can offer automated break reminders and AI algorithms can base suggestions in a way that avoids overload.
Another important element is organizers having the right quiet spaces, a variety of event formats and agenda considerations to minimize burnout.
Event wellness is a key part of creating a highly personalized experience, which remains a high priority for 76% of organizers according to the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/).
With attendees expecting their needs to be catered to more while also not wanting to overexert themselves, it’s only a matter of time before this becomes a bigger issue.
Which is why organizers need to prioritize event wellness and burnout now before it becomes a larger issue.
**That starts with having the right tech in place. To bring the most advanced event tech to your next event, [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Event wellness
---
### [Act or face removal: Net Zero Events signatories warned](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-2024-07-08/)
**Published:** July 8, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Net Zero Carbon Events signatories will be removed from the list if they fail to show tangible CO2 reduction efforts, it has been announced.**
The move imposes an added layer of responsibility on eventprofs to uphold their climate action commitments, a senior leader with the initiative told ExpoPlatform. Read more about it below.
Here are the [top headlines for your weekly event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/) news updates:
- [**Act now or face removal: Net Zero event signatories warned**](#one)
- [**Easyfairs, Fiera Milano win UFI awards for sustainability and industry partnership**](#two)
- [**The Business of Events outlines policy recommendations for incoming government**](#three)
- [**California’s Honest Pricing Law takes effect – what it means for eventprofs**](#four)
- [**IAEE makes key leadership changes**](#five)
Wondering how to make your event more sustainable? Our **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** program helps you reduce your carbon footprint while making your show more engaging.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Act now face removal: Net Zero event signatories warned**
**Signatories to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative will now be required to demonstrate tangible actions towards reducing their carbon footprint or face removal from the program.**
This move signifies the initiative’s commitment to holding signatories accountable for their sustainability pledges.
A senior leader of the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – which hosts the scheme – confirmed to ExpoPlatform that signatories must submit proof of their emissions reduction efforts every two years.
Alexander Alles, executive director of the JMIC, said: “The names of those who fail to report every two years taking tangible actions to reduce their emissions will be removed from the list of signatories on the website.
“As an initiative we are eager to showcase that the meetings industry is eager to combat climate change and that we do our part.
“At the same time, we fully recognise that the vast majority of the industry stakeholders are small and medium size enterprises. This is very much reflected in among the signatories.
“They do not have dedicated teams of people who deal only with the topic of sustainability.
“Capacity building and support is crucial in order to make sustainability more understandable, which is what we are doing right now after the guidance documents have been developed.”
Launched at COP26 in 2021 with over 100 initial signatories, the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge underscores the events industry’s commitment to combating climate change.
Each signatory has pledged to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s targets to limit warming to 1.5°C and cut global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.
## **Easyfairs, Fiera Milano win UFI awards for sustainability and industry partnership**
**Easyfairs has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability by winning the 2024 UFI Sustainable Development Award. Meanwhile, Fiera Milano was named the winner of the 2024 UFI Industry Partner Award.**
The prestigious awards honor:
- Outstanding sustainability initiatives and innovations within the events sector.
- Initiatives that highlight the power of collaboration among industry partners, leading to successful exhibitions.
This year’s sustainability award by UFI focused on ‘**Best example of sustainability integration into business proposals’** – an area where Easyfairs’ comprehensive approach stood out.
The company’s submission highlighted the inherent [sustainability of its business model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/) as well as its overarching ESG (environmental, social, and governance) plan that engages stakeholders at all levels.
Two other notable finalists for the award were Jaarbeurs from the Netherlands, with their project ‘Accelerating [sustainability at our trade shows and events’,](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/) and RX France, with ‘Our sustainability strategy in action’.
On the other hand, the Industry Partner 2024 Award, themed **‘Synergy in Action: Honouring Collaborative Excellence’** recognized Fiera Milano and Montecolino for their innovative green stand design through joint research and development.
The other finalist was ADITUS (Germany) with ‘Building Digital Bridges for Trade Shows: The ADITUS x LinkedIn Community Builder v2.0’.
## **The Business of Events outlines policy recommendations for incoming government**
**The Business of Events has [outlined seven recommendations in its events](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20221017/) policy agenda for the incoming UK government.**
The agenda is aimed at boosting the UK’s economy and fostering knowledge exchange through events.
It also serves to act as a guide for the incoming administration and policymakers on the significant [opportunities within the UK’s events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220711/) sector.
Here are the key recommendations:
- **Updating SIC codes:** Ensuring the events industry is accurately represented and receives targeted support.
- **Simplifying visa processes:** Enhancing international collaboration for both inbound and outbound events post-Brexit.
- **Event tax credit:** Offering financial incentives to attract new events and support existing ones.
- **Promoting international events:** Increasing support to establish the UK as a premier global event destination.
- **Competitive support:** Leveraging events to drive growth across various sectors.
- **Funding convention bureaus:** Strengthening national and regional bureaus to boost economic development.
- **Utilizing events for policy goals:** Employing business events as platforms to advance and showcase government policies.
The policy initiatives were developed after a comprehensive UK-wide consultation in 2023.
These recommendations aim to unlock significant growth in the UK events economy, leading to a stronger and more prosperous sector.
Director Martin Fullard said: “Before Parliament was dissolved, we were working with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events on stress testing policy concepts.
“We hosted several events, including our flagship policy forum, where these subjects were explored and discussed.
“Everything here is broadly agreed upon as being essential for unlocking the industry’s potential.
He added: “This agenda will be presented to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events when it is reformed after the election and shared with Ministers and officials in various Departments and will form the basis of the scope of work for the next Parliament.
“These are recommendations we strongly believe the new government should explore and implement.”
## **California’s Honest Pricing Law takes effect – what it means for eventprofs**
**California has taken a stand against hidden fees which have been taking their toll on events.**
Legislation – also known as the ‘Hidden Fees Statute’ – has significantly impacted the hotel industry – where covert costs such as resort, amenity, destination, urban or facility fees often inflate the final cost of a room.
These fees, typically $25-$60 per night, must now be included in advertised room rates, ensuring clear pricing for meeting professionals and event organizers.
Event hosts have historically struggled with hidden fees, negotiating to reduce or eliminate them, while attendees and exhibitors faced transparency issues.
The new law – SB 478 – ensures all mandatory charges are disclosed upfront.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta said: “SB 478 ensures clear and honest communication with consumers, so we can make the financial choices that are best for us and our families.
“As the hidden fee law goes into effect, I want consumers to be aware of their rights and feel confident to advocate for the transparency SB 478 provides.
“We all win when laws are followed. This summer, enjoy California — without the hidden fees.”
Here’s a quick guide to the law’s key points:
- **Mandatory fees included:** Businesses must disclose all mandatory fees in the advertised price, not just the base room rate or menu cost.
- **Optional fees excluded:** Optional charges like snorkeling rentals or restaurant split fees don’t have to be included upfront.
- **Taxes and tips separate:** Taxes and gratuities are not covered under this law.
- **Delivery fees transparent:** Delivery service fees must be clear and upfront, with no hidden charges at checkout.
## **IAEE makes key leadership changes**
**The International Association of Exhibition and Events has made major leadership changes to bolster its operations and drive innovative digital strategies.**
> ? Exciting news from [\#IAEE](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAEE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as Lisa Buchanan is promoted to SVP of Operations and Stephanie Phillips joins as Director of Digital Engagement and Member Experiences! Congratulations Lisa! And welcome to IAEE Stephanie! [pic.twitter.com/TQ9PIFTXJN](https://t.co/TQ9PIFTXJN)
>
> — IAEE Headquarters (@IAEE\_HQ) [July 1, 2024](https://twitter.com/IAEE_HQ/status/1807853802583716241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Lisa Buchanan has been promoted to Senior VP of Operations, and Stephanie Phillips joins as Director of Digital Engagement and Member Experiences.
In her new role, Buchanan will manage IAEE staff, oversee multiple departments, lead initiatives to [grow membership and explore new revenue](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/luke-bilton-confex-20210901/) streams.
On the other hand, Stephanie will oversee the association’s digital tech, drive membership growth and retention and supervise daily member and customer engagement.
IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan said: “IAEE is undergoing exciting changes as we expand our membership and digital strategies.
“The knowledge and experience that Lisa and Stephanie bring to these initiatives will allow us to deliver the high quality and value that our members have come to expect and that we are continually committed to growing and improving.”
Buchanan joined IAEE in 2014 and became vice president of engagement and digital strategy in 2022. Prior to that, she spent 10 years in the medical and dental industry, overseeing various operational and business functions.
With over 14 years of experience, Phillips brings valuable expertise from her role as Marketing and Membership Manager at DMEC, excelling in membership, marketing, volunteers, events and programs management.
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. Find out how our Meetings Makes Trees initiative can help your organization to offset carbon emissions. [Book a meeting](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) for more information now.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Free Event Strategy Bot launched to help organisers grow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/baris-onay-oct2025/)
**Published:** October 15, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A new AI-powered tool has been developed to create a full strategic analysis of any show in minutes – and it’s being given away for free.**
Baris Onay, founder of Precision Communities, created the[ **Event Strategy Bot**](https://barisonay.com/the-event-strategy-bot) to help organisers quickly understand and benchmark their events.
It was born from his own consulting work with mid-sized companies and designed to make event analysis “as easy as possible”.
He told ExpoPlatform: “In my line of work, I work with lots of mid-size organisers that tend to be in the five to 50 million revenue range, with multiple events around the world.
“When I’m helping them build their portfolio or through digital transformation, first I need to learn about their events.”
This process used to be manual – researching websites, noting target industries and comparing event footprints.
But the repetitive nature of that work led him to look for a better solution.
Baris said: “I found myself repeating the same thing with my checklist, manually and all that stuff. Sometimes when I have multiple projects it’s a bit overwhelming, so I need to really throw myself into learning about some events – then enter ChatGPT.
“I started working with ChatGPT on this and teaching it how to look at an event.
“It started as a single prompt I was writing, then got longer, it started becoming a memory when they turned on memory a few months ago. That memory became a process.”
### **From personal project to public tool**
What began as an experiment to save time soon turned into a powerful internal assistant.
Baris built his own bot – trained specifically on his 20 years of event strategy experience – to automate research and analysis.
He said: “For my own self, I created the bot, a custom GPT in its own container, where it runs much faster and much more rigidly.
“I would throw in just a URL of an event. It would tell me everything I needed to know.
“It became my pet project. I played with it, played with it, played with it.
“Then it came to a corner – I said, ‘Hey, this is cool. Let’s sort it out,’ because then I put it out and sent it out to my own list of people.
“And it became such a thing all of a sudden, because people saw value in it.”
The positive feedback convinced him to make it available to everyone.
He said: “I polished it a bit and now it’s up there, free to use wherever anyone else.”
### **How the Event Strategy Bot works**
The concept is simple: enter the URL of any event website and the bot delivers a 10-point strategic report in about five minutes.
Baris said: “I made it as easy as possible. The only input you need is the URL of the show you want to analyse.
“It might be your own show, your competitor’s show – just the URL – and wait five minutes and you get a 10-point strategy out. It doesn’t get easier than this.”
He added: “You can also run it on your competitors, or if you’re having M&A targets, you can put the bot on one of those and see what it does for you. It will give you a very nice overview of your target show.”
The bot doesn’t just summarise – it compares, analyses and predicts.
It also gives users an overview of the historic performance.
Baris said: “It comes up with a comparison table to your competitors, does a sector analysis, looks at the sectors in your show and your competitors’ shows, finds growth numbers globally for those sectors and then combines where you should be growing and how to look at your strategy.”
It even creates an industry events calendar, analyses content, partnerships as well as technology and ends with a synthesis report outlining where to play and how to win.
### **A starting point for strategy**
Baris emphasised that while the tool is powerful, it’s designed as a foundation – not a replacement for human insight.
He said: “Once you get that, of course, read it and make sure that it’s not making stuff up.
“After you do that, you will have questions. Just ask it directly.
“You can start talking as if it was a strategy consultant, because I taught it how to act like a strategy consultant – in events specifically.
“So that’s what I mean when I say play with it. Don’t just stop by taking the 10-point strategy and putting it on the wall – you can actually play with it.”
However, the bot can’t replace the real work of team strategy sessions or execution planning.
Baris said: “What it doesn’t do is sit with your teams and tell them what to do, or come up with how to attack this – that’s what I do.”
Despite its usefulness, Baris chose to make the Event Strategy Bot publicly available at no cost. For him, the real value lies not in the output, but in what organisers do with it.
He said: “People ask me, why is it free? Because for me, in my line of work, the value is not in what it does, but in taking it and actually deciding what to do with it and doing it.
“It distils my 20-plus years of my view of how I look at events and it does a pretty good job at getting to a starting point of a strategy that you can take forward and play with.”
### **Make event tech invisible**
Meanwhile, Baris believes the current event tech landscape is too fragmented, forcing users through clunky systems that undermine the experience.
He told ExpoPlatform that organisers need to take inspiration from companies like Revolut, where technology quietly enables a frictionless customer journey.
Baris said: “The best technology is invisible technology. If no one thinks there is something like event tech it’s the best place they can be.
“Some of the event technology is very visible and that will need to change at some point.
“If I have to get a login for a customer portal and another login for the app and another login at the registration and those three don’t talk to each other – that’s a problem.”
**Visit the publications in [our resources section](https://expoplatform.com/resources/) to learn about introducing LLMs at your events.**The benchmark for good technology is simple: users shouldn’t have to think about it.
Baris pointed to the example of digital banking, where seamless authentication and integration make the entire process feel effortless.
He said: “If you look at the customer experience of some other sectors out there, you log in once and everything happens.
“In our companies, we use Revolut and they’re amazing, because the login process is, I got the app, I look at my phone and my computer lights up. It’s working.”
Baris added: “That is invisible technology. If we can push the customer experience in events towards that, then that’s the right approach – not worrying about things.”
### **A fragmented playing field**
It was warned that event organisers risk falling behind if they fail to address the growing complexity of their technology stacks.
Baris described a marketplace where multiple systems are bolted together, creating inefficiencies and technical debt that eventually slow innovation.
He said: “There is a new player coming up – disruptive, very well funded – that might create an end-to-end system, which is amazing. But one of them creates a lot of technical debt, because those systems that they buy actually don’t talk to each other.”
It was added that some technology providers are trying to build holistic solutions from in the industry rather than through acquisition.
Baris believes “joined-up” innovation could lead to a new standard in event technology – one that feels as natural and connected as the best consumer apps.
### **Power imbalance between organiser and user**
Another barrier to progress, according to Baris, lies in how event platforms are chosen and controlled.
He argued that end users – the exhibitors, attendees and visitors – often have little say in the technology they are required to use, creating a disconnect between expectations and delivery.
Baris said: “The user is not empowered. The organiser decides and the organisers generally run monopolies.
“Their shows are the big ones. They’re not in a competitive situation. They are the leading show of a certain industry in a certain market, so they have no competition.”
It was claimed this lack of competition can lead to complacency.
However, Baris pointed out that corporate event organisers – such as large vendors hosting their own meetings – often hold themselves to higher standards.
He said: “Let’s be blunt – in exhibitions, there is no drive to really give an incredible customer experience so that the customer is happy, because the customer is so far away.
“That’s the main problem with the evolution of events – the power is in the hands of very few, not the many.
“If you flip that coin to corporate events – where the big vendor is doing their own events – it has to be incredibly slick.
“The corporate events world, with extensive use of specialised agencies are considerably advanced in the customer experience side of things.”
Baris added: “Technology should strive to be invisible and create an actual brilliance in customer experience that just works. ‘This was good, therefore the show was good, so I’m going to rebook.’ That’s how it should feel.”
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** All
---
### [The AI Roadmap for Events 2026](https://expoplatform.com/ai-in-events/the-ai-roadmap-for-events-2026/)
**Published:** January 26, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The event show floor is alive with data – signals, interactions and choices – waiting to be transformed into insight.**
AI is the invisible backbone of modern events, orchestrating everything from matchmaking to follow-up.
It’s the greatest enabler.
Your goal is not to make events more automated – but to make them more personal, impactful and profitable. Let’s explore how.
## **Before the event: From guesswork to precision planning**
The most successful events do not start when the doors open. They start months earlier – with smart planning, personalized outreach and efficient scheduling.
Unfortunately, this is also where organizers traditionally waste the most time.
Manual scheduling, generic marketing and chaotic onboarding often lead to mismatched meetings, disengaged attendees and missed opportunities.
AI tools now act as digital co-pilots for organizers, replacing endless admin with insight-driven automation.
### **Agenda builder: Turning data into discovery**
Attendees have faced dense event agendas – overwhelmed by choice and unsure which sessions would matter most. Organizers could not predict what content would resonate.
Now AI-powered agenda builders can analyse attendee profiles, interests and behavior to recommend personalized session plans. Each participant receives an agenda curated specifically for them, automatically updated as new sessions or speakers appear.
**Impact:**
- Boosts session attendance by surfacing the most relevant content.
- Provides organizers with insight into trending topics and underperforming sessions.
- Encourages deeper engagement and dwell time across the event platform.
### **Automated meeting scheduler: Goodbye, calendar chaos**
Coordinating meetings between hundreds or thousands of participants is a logistical nightmare. Time zones clash, invites go missing and double-bookings become inevitable.
A **[smart meeting scheduler](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-and-scheduling/)** takes care of the chaos, so you don’t have to. It scans attendee calendars, preferences and availability to automatically find optimal meeting times, send invites and even handle rescheduling.
It can auto-convert favorites or matches into booked meetings – cutting manual steps between interest and action.
**Impact:**
- Saves organizers countless hours of scheduling.
- Increases the number of successful connections per event.
- Eliminates friction for attendees, who simply show up at the right time, every time.
### **Matchmaking: Where data turns into chemistry**
Traditional networking can feel like professional roulette. Organizers rely on random introductions and attendees end up wasting valuable time meeting the wrong people.
But an intelligent matchmaking engine transforms registration data, interests and intent signals into personalized connection recommendations.
It builds smart shortlists of people each participant should meet using algorithms that evaluate compatibility, behavior and even past event data.
**Impact:**
- Improves lead quality and buyer-exhibitor satisfaction.
- Saves organizers time by automating pairing and schedule generation.
- Turns networking from chance encounters into measurable business outcomes.
### **The bigger picture: AI for event Marketing and forecasting**
AI tools are also helping organizers:
- Predict registration trends using historical data and audience behavior.
- Optimize pricing and promotions through predictive analytics.
- Generate personalized content using generative AI for emails, ads and campaigns.
AI ensures the audience is right, the schedule is optimized and the message lands perfectly – before an event even begins.
## **During the event: Making every interaction intelligent**
It’s showtime – this is where AI’s role becomes even more visible and valuable.
Even the most well-planned event can feel chaotic in real time. Attendees miss sessions. Exhibitors struggle to find buyers. Organizers can’t keep up with what’s working and what’s not.
Now the right AI can turn data into direction – anticipating attendee needs, improving networking outcomes and capturing insights automatically.
### **Intelligent speed networking: Making the right connections, faster**
Random networking wastes time and drains energy. Event participants want meaningful, relevant interactions – not a lottery of business cards.
An **[intelligent speed networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/speed-networking-blog/speed-networking-guide/)** algorithm analyzes participant data, interests and intent to create high-quality, short-format meetings that actually matter.
**Impact:**
- Increases the quality and conversion rate of meetings.
- Ensures no one wastes time in mismatched sessions.
- Provides organizers with engagement analytics to measure success.
Think of it as matchmaking, minus the heartbreak.
### **AI Meeting Note Taker: Never lose a great leads again**
How many great leads have been lost to forgotten follow-ups or messy handwritten notes? In business events, memory loss is expensive. And too many leads are lost on the show floor.
The AI Meeting Note Taker listens, transcribes and summarizes conversations in real time. It identifies key points, action items and outcomes – automatically storing them for both participants.
**Impact:**
- Ensures accurate records for post-event follow-ups.
- Strengthens buyer-seller relationships through clear documentation.
- Saves hours of manual reporting.
- Qualifies leads and streamlines follow-ups
The only thing worse than a bad meeting is a good meeting you forgot.
### **Engagement recommender: The right nudge at the right time**
Even the most enthusiastic attendee can lose track of their schedule amid dozens of sessions, meetings and social events.
An engagement recommender proactively reminds attendees about upcoming sessions, deadlines or networking opportunities – even suggesting new ones based on interests.
**Impact:**
- Increases session attendance and overall engagement.
- Reduces no-shows and improves event flow.
- Helps organizers boost participation without manual reminders.
### **Real-time insights and emotion tracking**
The events digital landscape is expanding. Emerging AI systems now analyze live attendee behavior:
- Facial recognition and sentiment analysis detect crowd mood, helping organizers adjust experiences dynamically.
- Heat maps and movement tracking reveal popular zones, enabling smarter traffic management.
- Speech analytics in Q&A sessions identify trending questions or common pain points.
## **After the event: Turning data into decisions**
AI’s real superpower lies in what happens after the event. It collates feedback, analyzes engagement and highlights insights organizers might never spot manually:
- Which session topics drove the most leads?
- Which exhibitor meetings resulted in sales?
- Which attendee personas are most likely to return next year?
And so … much … more. AI answers these questions in minutes – not weeks.
## **The goal is predictive, not reactive**
AI is not here to replace event professionals – it’s here to amplify them.
Organizers still provide the strategy, creativity and empathy that make events meaningful.
AI gives them superpowers – the ability to see patterns, anticipate needs and personalize experiences at scale.
This era of event management is not about technology for technology’s sake. It’s about human experiences powered by intelligent systems – where the best events feel both effortless and unforgettable.
As you can see, the future is not coming – it’s already scanning badges, scheduling meetings and taking notes.
That’s a future every organizer can get excited about.
**Categories:** AI in Events
---
### [Event industry at 'pivotal moment' for planet and prosperity](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-mariela-mcilwraith/)
**Published:** November 3, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Event professionals are at a pivotal moment to drive their focus towards “people, planet and prosperity”, according to an industry representative.
Mariela McIlwraith, Events Industry Council (EIC) vice president of sustainability, believes there needs to be a “holistic” approach to creating live shows where digital components work as an enhancement.
It comes as global leaders have gathered in Glasgow, UK for Cop26 to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
https://youtu.be/hNzr75MbzZs
High-profile figures from our industry will be there presenting at a session to deliver a commitment to a net zero future.
***Download our free [sustainable events checklist](https://expoplatform.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dc91a1de0bf9297c698a22a67&id=8752f6bebe&e=ed441d8355) to help you to futureproof your business in this model.***
This pledge already has more than 150 businesses who are registered supporters.
## **Challenges for sustainable events**
EIC has carried out its own research among members which highlighted three main challenges for professionals in our industry: cost, education and difficulty in measuring.
This federation has more than 30 member organisations and represents over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties.
Mariela told ExpoPlatform how [sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) should not be seen only as a challenge, but also an opportunity which is “good business”.
She said: “This is a key moment for our industry to focus on driving results for people, planet and prosperity.
“We need to ensure that events are designed as exceptional experiences and that we continually improve our impact for those that attend, as well as for our workforce and for the communities and natural environments where we meet.
“Sustainability is also good business.
“Our survey also showed that event organisers want to see information about sustainability in proposals, and that often suppliers are waiting to be asked, resulting in a gap of expectations.
“If you’re a supplier, promoting your sustainable practices up front is a great way to help improve your proposals.
“For event organisers, sustainability and social impact practices can also help you financially.
“In addition to the cost savings that come from the more efficient use of resources, designing your events to be more inclusive and accessible can help you grow your audience and improve the quality of your events.”
Signatories to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative pledge – to be deliver on November 10 – commit to:
- **Before the end of 2023, publish their organisation’s pathway to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest, with an interim target in line with the Paris Agreement’s requirement to reduce global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030**
- **Collaborate with partners, suppliers and customers to drive change across the value chain**
- **Measure and track Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions according to industry best practice**
- **Report on progress at least every two years**
Findings from the [EIC research](https://www.eventscouncil.org/Portals/0/EIC%20Documents/Sustainability/State%20of%20Sustainability%20in%20the%20Events%20Industry%202019%20Survey%20Results%20FINAL.pdf?ver=2020-01-15-105615-290) shows the main hurdles for professionals who responded to the survey were in terms of economic impact.
Mariela said: “For most organisations, the survey showed that sustainability practices need to be either cost saving only or cost neutral.
“Fortunately, many sustainable practices fit this description.
“Everything from reusing signage, to opting for vegetarian meals, to cutting back on waste hauls can improve the financial bottom line.”
## **Cutting waste, cutting carbon**
A typical in-person show creates a massive amount of excess and tonnes of emissions over the course of a few days.
This can be through leftover food, goody bags, single-use plastics, transportation, energy used at the venue, resources to build the event, magazines and many more.
Research from [MeetGreen](https://meetgreen.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/eventfoot.pdf) shows the average conference attendee produces 1.89kg of waste per day – that’s 5,670kg created by a 1,000-person event over three days.
However, the biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of events by far is through international travel.
Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
The organisation estimates one two-day event avoided producing almost 1.8 million kg of CO2 emission to just over 8,420kg by switching to fully virtual format.
That’s less than one percentage of the original figure.
Switching to some kind of hybrid format – which includes in-person and virtual elements – could be a more attractive option for organisers wishing to go greener.
It is estimated that by moving 10% of attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – emissions could be cut by almost 90%.
This overseas portion could still engage with sessions virtually or consume content on-demand after the show has taken place.
## **Communities are sustainable**
Mariela sees a year-round engagement approach known as 365 community – as the future for event professionals who want to improve sustainability.
This model has flourished over the last 18 months, when businesses were forced to rethink how they connect and inform their audiences.
It now provides a way for organisers to create year-round revenue and heighten their brand awareness using digital tools.
Mariela added: “I can see us transitioning to a community engagement model that includes both digital and in-person touchpoints throughout the year to help us stay connected and better achieve an event’s learning and marketplace outcomes.”
Her comments come as the threat of the climate crisis, changing attitudes and an increasingly unstable political environment have all reaffirmed the need to limit risks.
Governments around the world are creating targets to hit net zero emissions – which our industry will play a part in meeting.
## **Digital to enhance live shows**
The digital transformation our sector has witnessed will be crucial in helping us to create a more sustainable future.
Virtual components now offer great opportunities to drive revenue, increase engagement and improve the in-person experience.
Spending on pure trade show activities is predicted to decline, with exhibitors anticipated to increase investment in digital content, hybrid events and training of their own teams.
Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on [virtual event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
It is expected this digital component is going to rise from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
Mariela reaffirmed her belief that in-person shows will remain the highlight of an event professional’s calendar – with virtual features acting as an added benefit.
She said: “The future of events will include a digital component, but I see it as an enhancement and not as a substitute to the in-person experience.
“What is essential is that we consider a holistic approach to event sustainability that looks at all aspects of an event, including transportation, circularity and food choices as well as the delivery format to ensure that we are growing audiences and improving impact.”
Virtual components can open up accessibility which can further increase engagement opportunities.
## **Improving diversity and inclusion**
More findings from EIC research show that 72% of organisations were working to create a better environment for diversity in terms of both gender and race.
A further 70% said they were focussing on disability, 61% on religion and spirituality, while 51% were putting effort into gender identity.
These are more components which are key to creating a more sustainable future for our industry – diversity and accessibility.
It is key for organisers to recognise this as these values are of growing importance to the workforce and business leaders.
Millennials and Gen Zs – the largest proportion of employees – are reported to believe discrimination is widespread and is likely enabled by systemic racism in major institutions.
Six in 10 Gen Zs and 56% of Millennials told Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) they see systemic racism as very or fairly widespread in general society.
Furthermore, a total of 44% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Zs said they have made choices in the last two years over where and the type of work they will do based on their personal ethics.
About 15% of those said they had left their jobs or started new careers after reflecting on the pandemic and their values.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [How digital word of mouth can boost your event marketing](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/rachel-stephan-conversion/)
**Published:** October 26, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Digitized “word of mouth” event marketing can drastically boost conversion rates compared to traditional campaigns, according to an industry leader.**
This online referral approach sees speakers, attendees, exhibitors and influencers all take part in promoting a live show using their own social media and email platforms.
Rachel Stephan, founder of Snöball, explained how this tactic creates credibility by reaching a much wider audience through a person they already trust and respect.
She said: “You have all these people who are going to your events – who are also part of your community – that have a stake in the event and its success.
“Having those people to help you get the word out and then promote the event and act as promoters with you can also alleviate a little bit of the pressure – or at least complement what you’re doing.
“So it’s not so much the organizers are always promoting their own stuff and their own event.
“You hear it from someone else, you hear it from the speakers, you hear it from the exhibitors, you hear it from the participants.
“If you know half of them participate in getting the word out, it creates buzz, it gives credibility, it creates social proof, it creates FOMO.”
Rachel, who is an expert contributor in the [**Events Amplified ebook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/), explained that a typical campaign involves a show with thousands of people coming – including speakers, exhibitors, internal teams, attendees and more.
Every group in that audience can then be mobilized and enabled to act as promoters by giving them something very easy for them to share and promote the event.
It also means they are promoting themselves because they can highlight how they will be taking part and open up for connections.
Rachel said: “Some people do it anyway – why not mobilize all of them in a way?
“It’s digitized the word of mouth, it’s referral marketing – that’s what we do with Snöball anyways.
“The results are there when you see multiple times their investment or at least in terms of turn up conversions, compared to something that they might do as a pay-per-click type of campaign.
“I’m not saying this is the only way to do it – it’s a combination.
“So when you’re looking at marketing an event, you have to look at the different channels and what works for you and double down on the one that is working for you.”
Snöball creates shareable content for event participants so that organizers can track the success of their campaigns.
A widget can be triggered at the registration stage, which will then ask the participant to share something across social media to promote the event.
That is just the first stage, with more content being produced which can be distributed among their own channels
These can be images, videos, emails and more – with each one having an individual identity to show marketers what is working and what is not.
It allows marketers to adjust efforts over which platforms to use, which types of content and more.
Rachel said the typical engagement rate for emails they have asked participants to share is over 30%.
She added: “The idea here is to diversify the voices who are talking about your event. So you’re not the only one talking about your event because people are not going to listen to it.
“It’s word of mouth, but it’s all tracked. Our definition of conversion is when someone has clicked on a referral link shared via Snöball and gone through the registration process and reached the confirmation page.
“You can see exactly where the referrals are coming from, where they’re posting it.
“It also opens up your eyes to know if for instance your audience is exchanging between themselves on Slack or by email and not so much on social media – it helps you also shift your own strategy.”
It was set out how the campaign would then move into a second phase which includes incentives for promoters, because typically they are not being paid at all.
This could typically involve giving rewards for the different groups depending on what really appeals to them.
Motivating these people to join the referral campaign through the trackable content also allows marketers to see how it is being shared in ways they wouldn’t normally have access to.
Rachel said: “About 50% of our clients usually implement some sort of campaign to reward the different categories of audiences that they have, with different prizes that would be relevant to exhibitors.
“In some cases clients might say they don’t see anything on social media – then we look at the dashboard and see they’re still sharing it by email.
“With Snöball, we offer 13 different social channels where the user can share.
“Each region, each event is unique, so the audience share to the social channel that is relevant to them.”
Event marketing can be expensive and many companies struggle to justify the cost, meaning organizers need to be creative and find ways to maximize their budget while still delivering a high-quality show.
A total of 44% of respondents to the [**Events Amplified**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/) survey told how marketing budgets were challenging for them.
This came out as the biggest problem facing marketers in that study.
Rachel explained how budgets have also had an impact on how audiences are behaving when it comes to registering for an event.
But this is also where technology can play a part in allowing an organizer to keep in touch with them year-round.
She said: “The expectations of attendees and audience also are different.
“People are attempting to register closer to the event, they’re thinking twice before they book a flight and go on site for meetings.
“So there are different opportunities for marketers and for organizers to be in touch and be closer to their community just before getting onsite or in-person.
“That’s where the technology part of it lets you be in touch with them throughout the year and not wait for one time a year.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Community
---
### ['Clock is ticking' for eventprofs to prove green credentials](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/ben-wielgus-jul2024/)
**Published:** July 3, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The “clock is ticking” for eventprofs to prove decisive action on the climate to expectant exhibitors, according to Informa’s head of sustainability.**
Ben Wielgus, head of sustainability at Informa Group, claimed organisers need to raise their game when it comes to steps they are taking to reduce emissions.
It comes as ExpoPlatform **[exclusively revealed](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/net-zero-events-removal-july24/)** the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative will remove names from its website if organisations cannot prove “tangible actions” every two years.
The scheme currently has hundreds of planners signed up, however questions had been raised about how they would enforce standards on those who have pledged to meet the targets.
He told ExpoPlatform: “One of the things I love about the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative is that it’s brought 700 organisations together.
“The intention there was to make it as inclusive as possible and as accessible as possible.
“We know that time is running out to reduce carbon in the world. But we also know that the clock is ticking because our customers really want low carbon solutions – big exhibitors expect us to be tackling this.
“So as an industry, we need to raise our game. I think we’re going to go into a phase now where the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative is going to expect anyone who signed up to it to demonstrate they’re taking action and they’re heading towards that first goal of a 50% reduction in CO2 by 2030.”
The [**Net Zero Carbon Events**](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/initiative/) initiative – hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – aims to bring together a wide range of industry stakeholders for a range of aims. These include:
- Jointly communicate our industry’s commitment to tackling climate change and driving towards net zero by 2050
- Develop common methodologies for measuring the industry’s direct, indirect and supply chain greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Construct an industry-wide roadmap towards net zero by 2050 and emissions reductions by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement, with support and guidance on key issues
- Foster collaboration with suppliers and customers to ensure alignment and common approaches
- Establish common mechanisms for reporting progress and sharing best practice
In November 2021, the Net Zero Roadmap for Events was launched at COP26 having been aligned with the targets of the pledge.
Ben said: “I think a lot of the signatories to Net Zero Carbon Events initiative are trying to figure out where they start.
“It can be almost overwhelming that there are hundreds of pages of guidance, more than 30 different measurement tools. What do you do?
“I believe really strongly, you’ve got to start within the realms of what you can do with what’s possible.
“I’m a huge believer in just doing the best you can to estimate where the largest sources of carbon emissions are and then really concentrate on tackling those.
“Once you know what your three or four biggest sources of emissions are, you can look around for case studies of who’s dealing with that and then choose to do that.
“Then once you’ve got them under control, let’s tackle the next ones and the next one. It’s a really iterative process, so you’re not trying to bite off more than you can chew.”
Alexander Alles, executive director of the JMIC, said: “We are currently at the stage where many of those who signed up to the pledge soon after it was launched at the end of 2021 are reporting on their progress – what steps they have already taken to reduce their emissions and what plans have been put in place for further activity.
“Most of those who have reported have confirmed that they have implemented specific new steps to, for instance, reduce waste and recycle materials – real activity not green washing.”
Aims of the scheme are in line with global efforts set out by the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5C and reduce total global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.
Signatories also commit to actively promote and advocate for industry efforts throughout the value chain.
**Every organisation undertakes to:**
- Before the end of 2024, publish the organisation’s pathway to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest, with an interim target in line with the Paris Agreement’s requirement to reduce global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.
- That includes identifying and prioritising actions to reduce emissions – such as energy management, water conservation, materials management, food and beverage waste reduction, housekeeping initiatives, sustainable procurement, stakeholder management and employee engagement – and set goals accordingly
- Measure and track its Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions according to industry best practices
- Report on its progress at least every two years
He added: “The names of those who fail to report every two years taking tangible actions to reduce their emissions will be [removed from the list of signatories](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-2024-07-08/) on the website.
“As an initiative we are eager to showcase that the meetings industry is eager to combat climate change and that we do our part.
“At the same time, we fully recognise that the vast majority of the industry stakeholders are small and medium size enterprises. This is very much reflected in among the signatories.
“They do not have dedicated teams of people who deal only with the topic of sustainability.
“Capacity building and support is crucial in order to make sustainability more understandable, which is what we are doing right now after the guidance documents have been developed.”
Meanwhile, Ben set out his vision how [event planners could use sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/) to attract talent to the profession.
Recruitment and retaining staff has been one of the major challenges organizers have been facing, especially since lockdown saw many leave the industry.
Sustainability and a commitment to sustainability has often been highlighted as key concern for those graduating from college and entering the workforce.
Ben said: “Sustainability is going to be essential for our industry to attract talent into the future.
“We know that our industry is not seen as cool and sexy. We know that people don’t really know what we do and how amazing our products are.
“Once you’re in the industry, you love it, but to a graduate who’s looking at Google and Apple or a cool startup in Silicon Valley, or a new food business, we don’t really feature on the radar.
“One of the ways we can differentiate ourselves or at least meet those expectations is on being committed to sustainability and giving those new graduates a chance to get involved with that programme.
“Informa interviewed 140,000 people who applied to work for our business – when they filled in the survey, more than half of them said that our commitment to sustainability was one of the main reasons they were comfortable and excited to apply for us because they want to be part of it.”
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. Find out how our Meetings Makes Trees initiative can help your organization to offset carbon emissions. [Book a meeting](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) for more information now.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Net Zero events signatories face removal over lack of action](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/net-zero-events-removal-july24/)
**Published:** July 4, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Signatories to the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative will be removed if they can’t show “tangible actions” to tackle CO2, ExpoPlatform can exclusively reveal.**
A senior leader has confirmed those who fail to give solid proof of efforts to reduce emissions every two years will have their names axed from the list on its website.
The scheme – hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – has seen many of its sign-ups already report on their progress, with most having implemented positive steps towards [sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/).
However, this latest development adds more responsibility to eventprofs to commit to their pledge on climate action.
Alexander Alles, executive director of the JMIC, told ExpoPlatform: “The names of those who fail to report every two years taking tangible actions to reduce their emissions will be [removed from the list of signatories](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-2024-07-08/) on the website.
“As an initiative we are eager to showcase that the meetings industry is eager to combat climate change and that we do our part.
“At the same time, we fully recognise that the vast majority of the industry stakeholders are small and medium size enterprises. This is very much reflected in among the signatories.
“They do not have dedicated teams of people who deal only with the topic of sustainability.
“Capacity building and support is crucial in order to make sustainability more understandable, which is what we are doing right now after the guidance documents have been developed.”
The [Net Zero Carbon Events](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/) pledge was launched at COP26 in 2021 with over 100 first signatories – setting out the industry’s commitment to play its role in addressing climate change.
Every organisation that has signed up has committed to work towards the goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
This is in line with global efforts set out by the Paris Agreement to limit warming to 1.5C and reduce total global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.
Signatories also commit to actively promote and advocate for industry efforts throughout the value chain.
**Every organisation undertakes to:**
- Before the end of 2024, publish the organisation’s pathway to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest, with an interim target in line with the Paris Agreement’s requirement to reduce global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030.
- That includes identifying and prioritising actions to reduce emissions – such as energy management, water conservation, materials management, food and beverage waste reduction, housekeeping initiatives, sustainable procurement, stakeholder management and employee engagement – and set goals accordingly
- Measure and track its Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions according to industry best practices
- Report on its progress at least every two years
Alexander added: “We are currently at the stage where many of those who signed up to the pledge soon after it was launched at the end of 2021 are reporting on their progress – what steps they have already taken to reduce their emissions and what plans have been put in place for further activity.
“Most of those who have reported have confirmed that they have implemented specific new steps to, for instance, reduce waste and recycle materials – real activity not green washing.”
The news comes as Ben Wielgum, head of sustainability at Informa Group, told ExpoPlatform the “clock is ticking” for event organisers to tackle the issue.
He explained how exhibitors “really want” low carbon solutions at shows they take part, while big players even “expect” planners to be taking action head on. Read the full [**Transformation Story with Ben**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/ben-wielgus-jul2024/) here.
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. Find out how our Meetings Makes Trees initiative can help your organization to offset carbon emissions. [Book a meeting](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) for more information now.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Two Messes announce record sales worth combined €1.2bn](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/week-in-events-2024-07-01/)
**Published:** July 1, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Two German Messes have announced record sales worth a combined €1.2 billion.**
Messe Frankfurt projects it will hit €770 million in 2024, while Messe München has confirmed it secured over €440m last year. Read below for the full details.
Here are the [top headlines for your weekly event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/ramadan-2023/) news updates:
- [**Two German Messes announce record sales worth €1.2bn**](#one)
- [**IEG signs agreement with Deutsche Messe for Hydrogen Show**](#two)
- [**UFI ramps up marketing strategy with new appointment**](#three)
**Successful tradeshows often use [hosted buyer programs to generate](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-intro/) more value for their buyers and exhibitors. Learn how you can create your own with the [Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/).**
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Two German Messes announce record sales worth €1.2bn**
**Leading German tradeshow organizers Messe Frankfurt and Messe München** **have announced record sales worth a combined €1.2bn**
Messe Frankfurt anticipates 25% [yearly growth to reach €770m in 2024 – the highest](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20231127/) in the company’s history.
Meanwhile, Messe München closed a global sales record of €441m in [2023 without the leading construction machinery trade fair](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230717/) Bauma.
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio and extensive global network are USPs that we constantly hone to keep our core business robust and flexible in globally challenging markets and in a volatile geopolitical environment.
“We are busy rolling out [products and breaking into new markets](https://expoplatform.com/releases/sep-oct-product-update/) around the world for our customers.”
Messe München CEOs Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel said: “Trade fairs will play an even more central role in the coming years by providing a platform for the global economy, innovative solutions and knowledge transfer.
“We are a global player with firm roots in Munich. This also means establishing our trade fairs in the most important global markets.”
Here are the key details:
**Messe Frankfurt**
**2023 record performance**
- Sales increased by one-third to €609m vs €454.2m in 2022.
- Consolidated sales outside Germany reached €275m (2022: €140.2 million), accounting for 45% of Group sales (2022: 31%).
- Sales in Germany were €334m vs €313.9m in 2022.
**€50m jump in EBITDA**
- EBITDA rose to approximately €91m vs €41m in 2022.
- EBITDA margin was 14.9% (2022: 8.9%).
- Consolidated annual net income was around €19m (2022: net loss of €-25.7m).
**300+ events with 86k+ exhibitors**
- Hosted 349 events with 86,400 exhibiting companies and over 4.3m visitors.
- Record 81% of exhibitors in Frankfurt were international.
- 54% of retail buyers came from outside Germany, exceeding German exhibition venue averages.
**Outlook for FY 2024 – profitable and sustainable growth agenda**
- Emphasis on profitable and faster growth.
- Strong event brands with key flagship events in Frankfurt and globally.
- Over 20 new events planned for 2024 and 2025.
- Operations in more than 50 global locations.
- Strategic global sales network with 28 subsidiaries and over 50 sales partners.
**Messe München**
**Record financial performance**
- Achieved consolidated sales of €441m, the second-best in the company’s 60-year history.
- Consolidated EBITDA totaled €91m.
- Foreign subsidiaries contributed approximately €100m to the turnover, especially strong in China post-COVID-19
**Strong Portfolio and Exhibitions**
- Hosted 19 of its own trade fairs and cooperations and 93 guest events in Munich.
- Attracted 32,400 exhibitors and 2m visitors, surpassing expectations.
- Organized 40 events and cooperations abroad, demonstrating global reach.
**International Participation**
- Nearly 60% of exhibitors and 35% of visitors were from abroad.
## **IEG signs agreement with Deutsche Messe for Hydrogen Show**
**The Italian Exhibition Group and Hannover Fairs International GmbH are joining forces to launch a Hydrogen Show.**
IEG will work with the Italian branch of Deutsche Messe AG to unveil the project at the upcoming KEY Expo.
This collaboration signifies a major push to accelerate the [development of hydrogen as a key solution](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/agile-hybrid-event-solution/) for reducing emissions and achieving a sustainable future.
IEG CEO Corrado Peraboni said: “We have always believed in the potential of hydrogen, which is why we included it in the exhibition areas of KEY from the very beginning.
“We are proud to announce today a new joint-venture with a partner of great relevance and experience such as Hannover Fairs International GmbH, which, as of the next edition of KEY, will allow us to further [strengthen the presence of hydrogen within our event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/week-in-event-2024-03-04/) with its own specific exhibition, destined to become a reference point at international level.”
The new Hydrogen Show will be integrated within KEY Expo, IEG’s leading [event dedicated to energy transition and efficiency](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/ramadan-2023/) in Southern Europe, Africa, and the Mediterranean.
The show will take place at the Rimini Expo Centre from March 5-7, 2025. It will leverage the expertise of Hydrogen & Fuel Cells, a world-renowned event organized by Deutsche Messe AG.
Andreas Züge, general manager of Hannover Fairs International GmbH, Italian Branch, added: “For almost 30 years, Deutsche Messe AG has been organising Hydrogen + Fuel Cells EUROPE, a successful format where all [market players can exchange ideas each year](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220311/) as part of Hannover Messe.
“Germany and Italy are the most important industrial partners in Europe and share a common vision of hydrogen.
“We are therefore proud to be able to [work together with IEG to create](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/industry-standards-digital-events/) positive synergies and an innovative and attractive platform in Italy.”
IEG and HFI’s collaboration creates a one-stop shop for industry leaders to explore hydrogen’s potential.
## **UFI ramps up marketing strategy with new appointment**
**UFI has hired a new marketing leader to strengthen its member and industry connections.**
Pierre Aurélien Vidon will now head the association’s marketing and communication division.
His primary responsibilities will involve reshaping UFI’s image and crafting strategic campaigns to amplify its mission and member-actions.
> ? Join us in welcoming Pierre Aurélien Vidon to the UFI team! ?
>
> ? Read the full media release here: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiteam](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiteam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#welcome](https://twitter.com/hashtag/welcome?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#marketing](https://twitter.com/hashtag/marketing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#communications](https://twitter.com/hashtag/communications?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Pzyll5e4iZ](https://t.co/Pzyll5e4iZ)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 27, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1806236053029695729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Adeline Vancauwelaert, COO of UFI, said: “Pierre Aurélien Vidon’s addition to our team marks an exciting new chapter for UFI.
“His forward-thinking approach and extensive experience will be invaluable to enhancing our engagement and showcasing the impactful work of our members and stakeholders.
“We are confident that his vision and leadership will help further the global reach of the exhibition industry.”
Pierre added: “I’m thrilled to join UFI and bring my expertise to an organisation deeply rooted in our industry’s history, dedicated to uniting professionals around values of mutual support and collaboration.
“I’m eager to explore this new sector and immerse myself in an international work environment deeply connected to the world’s biggest challenges.”
Pierre’s background includes a Master’s in International Luxury Marketing from ISTEC, France, and extensive experience in marketing and communication across fashion, retail and insurance sectors.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Tradeshows
---
### [Tag takeover as Freeman moves to boost digital marketing](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/wie-20250317/)
**Published:** March 17, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Big moves in the events industry this week. Freeman has acquired *Tag Digital*, boosting its digital marketing capabilities for event organizers across EMEA, APAC, and North America.**
Meanwhile, *GES* has announced two key leadership appointments and *SIGEP World* is shifting dates to secure its spot as the first major foodservice show of the year.
Read on for more insights into these developments and what they mean for the industry. Here’s your Week in Events.
## **Freeman acquires Tag Digital in digital marketing boost**
**Global events company Freeman has taken over Tag Digital agency to enhance marketing capability for organizers and associations.**
The agency – which specializes in services for planners in EMEA, APAC and North America – will combine its services with mdg.
Tag Digital is known for its digital marketing strategies, having supported global trade shows, professional associations and large-scale conferences across the globe.
Janet Dell, Freeman CEO, said: “With millennials and Gen Z increasingly shaping the workforce, digital marketing is more critical than ever as the first channel these generations turn to for information and inspiration – both in their personal and professional lives.
“By combining best-in-class digital marketing capabilities and leveraging AI-driven tools, mdg is positioned as the go-to agency for strategies that engage today’s attendees while setting events up for sustained growth.”
The move comes as part of Freeman’s aim to deliver more customer-focused solutions for event organizers.
Tag Digital’s expertise and investments in AI technology is hoped to enhance mdg’s digital offerings – making them more efficient, cost-effective and impactful for clients worldwide.
Laura Davidson, Tag Digital CEO, “Over the past several months, we’ve worked closely with mdg and have been consistently impressed by our shared values, collaborative spirit, and commitment to delivering exceptional results for clients.
“We’re excited to embark on this next chapter together.”
## **GES announces two key leadership updates**
**GES has [announced two](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/week-in-events-2024-07-01/) new leadership promotions in it North America operations as it aims to strengthen its commitment to innovation.**
Kris Truscott will become senior vice president of North American operations, while Sean Maddock will be stepping into the role of vice president of the western division.
Kris has been part of GES since 2001, beginning in the Las Vegas graphics department.
He has held several leadership positions – including director of operations and most recently vice resident of the western division.
Sean Maddock is moving into his new role having first joined the company in 2014.
He has held several positions including director of operations in California and most recently director of operations for the western division.
## **Italian food services event moves dates to avoid overlap**
Italian food service event SIGEP World has made its dates earlier in January next year to avoid overlaps with other international shows.
The shift comes after Gulfood in Dubai – held in February this year – was announced to next take place the first month of 2026.
Organizer Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) wanted to avoid any crossover and secure its place as the first major show in the sector for the year.
An IEG spokesman said: “This decision has a dual objective: on one hand, to avoid overlaps with other international events, providing exhibitors with a more sustainable management of trade fair appointments. On the other hand, to maximize business opportunities by ensuring an optimal influx of both national and international visitors.”
The global exhibition for gelato, pastry, bakery, coffee and pizza will now be held at Rimini Expo Centre, Italy, fbetween January 16 and 20.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Hyve expands, ACHEMA heads to Riyadh, UFI sees record crowd](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/wie-20250512/)
**Published:** May 12, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This week saw Hyve Group make its first move into the supply chain sector with its acquisition of *Manifest*, the fast-growing Las Vegas-based logistics event.**
Messe Frankfurt and DECHEMA have unveiled plans for *ACHEMA Middle East*, launching in Riyadh in 2026 to serve the region’s process industries.
Meanwhile, UFI’s MEA Conference in Cairo set a new attendance record, highlighting Egypt’s rising profile in the global exhibitions market. Three stories, three signals of strong momentum across key regions and sectors.
Read on for more information.
## Hyve acquires Manifest
**Hyve Group has acquired Manifest as it marks its entry into the fast-evolving supply chain sector and expands its portfolio of global brands.**
The [event was launched in 2022](https://expoplatform.com/event/smart-events-in-2022/) by event entrepreneur Jay Weintraub and has since grown into a global show.
It takes place in place annually in Las Vegas to unite the entire ecosystem of global supply chain executives, logistics service providers, innovators and investors.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Manifest to our portfolio and enter the exciting world of supply chain and logistics – the backbone of many of the [industries we already work](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/industry-standards-digital-events/) within.
“Manifest is exactly the type of event we get excited about. Its customers love it, it draws a community of world class businesses and leaders, and it actively [shapes the future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-20210816/) of its sector by providing the platform for discussion, innovation and trade.”
Jay Weintraub, founder of Manifest, added: “There’s a joy and a magic about bringing people together. Creating connections that can positively impact people, businesses, industries and communities is something we obsess over and in Hyve, we have found a partner which shares that same fundamental approach.”
## Messe Frankfurt and DECHEMA announce ACHEMA Middle East
**Messe Frankfurt has [joined forces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/wie-20250310/) with DECHEMA to launch ACHEMA Middle East.**
The [event will take place](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/raoul-monks-disruptors/) in Saudi Arabia, being held for the first time in Riyadh in 2026 and then every three years following.
Its aim is to [create a new meeting](https://expoplatform.com/releases/create-custom-list-of-meeting-locations/) place for the process industry in the region – bringing together companies, political decision-makers and experts to showcase and discuss the very latest developments, technologies and innovations.
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “We are very proud that DECHEMA has been holding its [leading event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-event-meetings-for-more-leads/) for the chemical industry at our Frankfurt base for 88 years.
“This is why we are especially pleased to join forces with DECHEMA in setting up ACHEMA Middle East and to launch this renowned brand in a whole new region.”
Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Exhibitions, added: “With Messe Frankfurt, we have found a strong partner who shares our vision of further expanding ACHEMA internationally, moving into new markets and adding new, future-oriented elements to our programme.
“Messe Frankfurt brings its vast expertise in the international trade show business and its worldwide network to the table.”
## **UFI MEA Conference sees record numbers**
**UFI, the global association of exhibition organisers, has [announced record](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/week-in-events-2024-07-01/) numbers for its MEA Conference in Egypt.**
The [event in Cairo attracted](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/attracting-talent-to-events/) 160 delegates from 26 countries, including an international lineup of speakers exploring new opportunities in the market.
It was hosted by the Egyptian Expo & Convention Authority (EECA) at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Center.
Naji El Haddad, UFI MEA Regional Director, said: “We are deeply grateful to our host, the EECA, as well as all our sponsors, partners, speakers, and delegates who made the UFI MEA Conference in Cairo such a success.
“Egypt stands out as a key [market for the business events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-2024-04-29/) industry, backed by its strategic location, strong economic outlook, growing infrastructure, and increasing investments in tourism and venue development, offering exciting opportunities for future growth.”
Essam Ahmed Elnaggar, chairman of EECA, said: “UFI MEA 2025 in Cairo not only provided valuable insights and global perspectives, but also showcased Egypt’s evolving role as a prime destination for world-class exhibitions and conventions, while emphasizing the critical role of regional cooperation in shaping the [future of exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/eleni-lialiamou/) across the MEA region.”
**Thanks for reading – we hope you’re up to speed for the week. Why not [book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you stay ahead?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [ExpoPlatform brings AI-powered speed networking to boe international](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-01-12/)
**Published:** January 12, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform will bring its intelligent speed networking to boe international to supercharge connections at this major industry event.**
The Messe Dortmund show will see the implementation of [**NetWorks**](https://networks.app/) for the first time during this week’s edition.
Organizers will utilize the speed networking platform to enable high-value connections quickly.
**Here are your other top headlines from the events industry this week:**
- [UFI appoints new sustainable development coordinator](#one)
- [Trendz and showUP join forces to create the largest retail event in the Benelux](#two)
- [Angela Wilson promoted to managing director of Field and Lawn](#three)
Continue reading for your full Week in Events roundup.
## NetWorks to supercharge connections at boe international
**ExpoPlatform and [boe international](https://www.boe-international.de/en/) have joined forces to bring cutting-edge speed networking sessions to the event.**
NetWorks harnesses intelligent algorithms to quickly match participants with valuable matches.
This will be the first time the Messe Dortmund event will be utilizing the advanced speed networking tech.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “It’s fantastic to partner with Messe Dortmund to bring NetWorks to boe international for the first time.
“boe is all about creating connections that count, which makes it even more exciting to introduce NetWorks – delivering meetings that matter without hesitation.
“That’s the power of combining AI-driven intelligence with a human touch to create real impact.”
Sabine Loos, managing director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, added: “boe international is not just a meeting place. It is the driving force, trend radar and business hub for an industry in transition and for everyone who is shaping the future of the event industry.
“We bring people together, showcase the innovative event solutions and technologies of tomorrow – and set trends that have international appeal.”
Participants will be enabled to make fast connections and prioritize their most relevant matches.
NetWorks also enables easy follow-up discussions after the speed networking session, providing ample opportunities to deepen valuable connections.
boe international hopes to increase attendee ROI by fueling fast-paced, high-energy meetings during this week’s edition.
[**Visit boe international to find out more.**](https://www.boe-international.de/en/)
## UFI appoints new sustainable development coordinator
**UFI has appointed a new sustainable development coordinator as part of efforts to reduce the impact.**
Zeeshan Ghazi will focus on progressing the association’s sustainability agenda.
This will involve identifying key trends and practices across the industry as well as developing tools, guidance and frameworks for UFI members.
Zeeshan said: “Joining UFI is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a global platform advancing sustainability in the exhibition industry.
“I look forward to collaborating with our members and partners to drive collective progress toward meaningful and measurable sustainability goals.”
Zeeshan brings over 10 years of sustainability analysis experience to the role.
The association sees this as an important step in advancing its commitment to sustainability.
## Trendz and showUP join forces to create the largest retail event in the Benelux
**Trendz and showUP are uniting to debut the a new retail event for gifts, flowers and home.**
The [two established Easyfairs events will combine](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/week-in-events-2024-07-01/) their strengths and resources to create a show with more than 500 brands in one space.
This revamped concept aims to give attendees and buyers the opportunity to make bulk purchases at a single event.
Mascha de Bruin, head of cluster retail and interior at Easyfairs, said: “By joining forces, the event will gain a broader base, greater reach and a solid base for further growth.
“Retailers will find everything under one roof, while still experiencing the recognizable qualities that make Trendz and showUP so valuable.”
Trendz has a powerful presence in the home decor, gifts and flowers industry, while showUP is known for innovation in kids’ accessories, lifestyle and stationery.
This collaboration is the seen as the next step in development while maintaining a strong community.
The latest products, brands and industry trends will be available during the combined event with the focus being on inspiration and purchasing.
Daan van Trigt, director of showUP, added: “The community and the brands will gain access to a larger stage, while the content and atmosphere will remain the same.”
## Angela Wilson promoted to managing director of Field and Lawn
**GL events UK has appointed Angela Wilson as the new managing director of Field and Lawn.**
Angela has spent nearly two decades with the subsidiary and was previously the regional director of its Edinburgh branch.
The promotion supports GL’s commitment to developing internal leadership talent.
Angela said: “I’m so proud to step into the role of managing director and to lead such a diverse business forward into an exciting new chapter.
“We have an exceptional team, an outstanding national reputation and we have finished the year strongly, in a challenging market.”
Angela will assume responsibility for the overall strategic direction of Field and Lawn and the daily operations of the leadership team.
Her primary focus will be on operational excellence, the continued investment in people and sustainable growth.
GL events UK sees this appointment as a vital step in Field and Lawn’s continued growth.
**Thank you for reading your full Week in Events news. Stay ahead in the events industry and [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Event sponsorship: how to attract sponsors and build lasting partnerships](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/event-sponsorship/)
**Published:** May 27, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Securing and managing sponsors is a core part of successful event planning.
The right sponsorships bring funding, elevate the attendee experience and create promotional momentum for both you and your partners.
This guide walks through proven strategies for finding sponsors, writing persuasive proposals, managing relationships, measuring ROI and activating sponsors in digital formats — so organizers can form partnerships that deliver real value.
## What are the best sponsor acquisition strategies for events?
Winning sponsors starts with a clear plan and targeted outreach.
The most effective strategies help you identify compatible sponsors, reach them in the right way and use relationship-building opportunities to convert interest into commitments.
These approaches make it easier to match sponsor objectives to your event goals.
### How to identify and target ideal corporate sponsors
Start by defining the profile of your ideal sponsor: industry, audience fit, marketing objectives and past sponsorship behavior.
Research companies whose customers overlap with your attendees and whose brand values align with your event.
When you pitch, show how sponsoring your event helps them reach specific goals — whether that’s lead generation, brand awareness or product trials.
### Which outreach methods maximize sponsor engagement?
Effective outreach combines personalization, relevance and persistence.
Tailor each message to the sponsor’s priorities and include concrete examples of how you’ll activate their brand.
Use LinkedIn and industry networks to make warm introductions, promote visibility through social channels and follow up consistently to keep momentum without being pushy.
## How to craft effective event sponsorship proposals that win sponsors
A strong sponsorship proposal clearly communicates the sponsor’s benefits and the business case for partnering with your event.
Structure proposals to highlight audience insights, activation opportunities and measurable outcomes, and adapt the package to different investment levels so prospects can see clear options that match their objectives.
### What key elements should sponsorship proposals include?
Effective proposals cover the essentials so sponsors can quickly assess value.
- **Sponsorship levels**: Define tiered options with distinct benefits at each level to make choices simple and transparent.
- **Deliverables**: List exactly what sponsors receive — branding placements, session slots, lead capture tools and promotional activities.
- **Pricing**: Be clear about costs for each level and any optional add-ons so sponsors can budget confidently.
### How to customize sponsorship packages for different sponsor levels?
Tailor packages by matching benefits to sponsor objectives.
Offer premium visibility and exclusive activations for headline partners, while providing affordable, targeted options for smaller sponsors.
Provide flexible add-ons and measurable outcomes so sponsors can align their investment with their marketing strategy.
## What are the best practices for sponsor relationship management?
Long-term sponsor relationships are built on clear communication, consistent value delivery and mutual respect.
Treat sponsors as partners: keep them informed, involve them in planning where appropriate and look for ways to extend value beyond a single event.
### How to maintain strong communication and engagement with sponsors
Schedule regular check-ins, provide concise updates and use multiple channels — email, calls and a shared portal or dashboard — to keep information accessible.
Ask for feedback early and often so you can adjust activations to meet sponsor expectations and demonstrate responsiveness.
### Which sponsor engagement tactics enhance long-term partnerships?
Build deeper ties by creating exclusive sponsor-only events, offering public recognition across your marketing and sharing post-event analytics and success stories.
Facilitate sponsor-to-sponsor networking and deliver tangible follow-up leads to reinforce the value of continued participation.
## How to measure and report sponsorship ROI to demonstrate value
Measuring sponsorship ROI lets you prove impact and secure future commitments. Define the right metrics up front, collect [data during the event and present results](https://expoplatform.com/research-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-data-science-survey-results-research/) in a clear, actionable format so sponsors can see the outcomes of their investment.
### What metrics are essential for sponsorship ROI measurement?
Track a mix of financial, engagement and exposure indicators.
- **Financial metrics**: Revenue directly attributable to sponsorships and cost-versus-return calculations.
- **Engagement metrics**: Attendance, session participation, booth interactions and lead volume.
- **Brand exposure**: Impressions, media mentions and digital reach tied to sponsor placements.
### How to use reporting tools to showcase sponsor benefits?
Choose reporting tools that present data clearly and align with sponsor goals.
Highlight key wins — leads delivered, engagement spikes and exposure levels — and include visual dashboards and executive summaries to make the case for renewal and upsell opportunities.
## What are the opportunities in digital event sponsorship?
Digital events create new activation channels and measurable touchpoints.
Sponsors can gain visibility through virtual booths, sponsored sessions and targeted content — often with richer analytics than in-person formats.
### How to activate sponsors in digital event environments?
Design sponsor showcases for the platform you’re using: virtual booths with downloadable resources, branded session sponsorships, co-hosted webinars and interactive demos.
Use social amplification and dedicated sponsor landing pages to extend reach beyond the live event.
### Which digital sponsorship strategies increase sponsor visibility and engagement?
Interactive content — live polls, Q&A and chat-powered demos — keeps attendees engaged and makes sponsor activations more memorable.
Combine targeted advertising and segmented email campaigns to drive relevant traffic and measure everything with analytics so you can refine activations over time.
Consistent content marketing, especially across social channels, helps sustain sponsor visibility before, during and after the event and strengthens long-term audience engagement.
## ExpoPlatform and EventsAir as market leaders
ExpoPlatform and EventsAir are both leaders in event technology, offering end-to-end capabilities for sponsorship and event management.
Each platform supports digital and hybrid activations, analytics and integrations that help organizers scale their sponsorship programs.
Their positioning reflects strong adoption across industries and a focus on evolving customer needs.
**Feature****ExpoPlatform****EventsAir**Event managementComprehensive tools for registration, agendas and attendee engagement and advanced networkingIntegrated event registration, scheduling and attendee networking featuresSponsorship activationCustomizable sponsor showcases and branding opportunitiesDynamic sponsor profiles and interactive engagement toolsAnalytics and reportingDetailed engagement and ROI trackingComprehensive reporting tools with customizable metricsMarket positioningStrong presence in trade shows, exhibitions and corporate eventsWidely used in conferences, summits and event formats## Use cases of ExpoPlatform and EventsAir
Both ExpoPlatform and EventsAir adapt to a wide range of events and sponsor needs, supporting organizers who need scalable technology and flexible activation options.
- **ExpoPlatform:** Ideal for large trade shows and exhibitions, ExpoPlatform excels at exhibitor management, complex logistics and sponsor activations like AI matchmaking, premium sponsorship opportunities and interactive floor plans. It supports in-person networking and lead capture at scale.
- **EventsAir:** Favored for conferences and summits, EventsAir delivers integrated registration, session management and dynamic sponsor engagement through profiles and interactive content. Its real-time analytics help organizers optimize visibility and measure sponsor impact.
## Case studies demonstrating success with ExpoPlatform and EventsAir
Real-world examples show how these platforms drive sponsor engagement and measurable outcomes for organizers.
### ExpoPlatform case studies
- **IMEX America:** ExpoPlatform helped IMEX America deliver over 92,000 scheduled meetings and 185,000 badge scans through AI-powered networking and matchmaking tools. These features gave sponsors and exhibitors measurable opportunities to connect with buyers and track ROI. The case study shows how data-driven engagement can strengthen sponsorship value at large-scale events.
- **Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna:** ExpoPlatform supported Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2024 with AI-powered matchmaking and networking tools that generated more than 101,000 attendee interactions. Sponsors and exhibitors benefited from targeted buyer connections and stronger lead generation opportunities throughout the event. The case study highlights how digital engagement tools can enhance sponsorship value before, during, and after a trade show.
### EventsAir case studies
- **AA&P Events & PR:** EventsAir helped AA&P Events & PR manage registrations, sponsor communications, and reporting through one streamlined platform. Sponsors benefited from personalized engagement tools and clear ROI tracking, creating a more professional and measurable sponsorship experience. The event’s strong reporting features also helped encourage repeat sponsorships and long-term partnerships.
- **Meeting and Events Australia:** EventsAir OnAir platform supported Meeting and Events Australia in delivering a successful virtual conference with strong sponsor visibility and attendee interaction. Sponsors were able to engage attendees through virtual exhibition halls, networking spaces, and branded digital experiences. The event attracted more than 550 attendees and showed how virtual events can still create valuable sponsorship opportunities.
## Conclusion
Attracting and managing sponsors is vital to an event’s success — both financially and experientially.
By combining targeted acquisition, clear proposals, thoughtful relationship management and rigorous measurement, organizers can create partnerships that deliver measurable results.
Embracing digital sponsorships expands those opportunities further, giving sponsors more ways to connect with audiences.
[Start refining your sponsorship strategy to maximize value for your events and your partners.](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [UFI report shows drive towards improved event formats](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/week-in-events-wie-2026-02-02/)
**Published:** February 2, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Welcome to the Week in Events. Your top story is that more than a third of eventprofs believe shows need format improvements, according to a new UFI study.**
The latest Global Exhibition Barometer highlights how the exhibition industry is witnessing increased activity and profits, rising AI adoption and a strong desire for enhanced formats.
A total of 37% of event organizations indicate that improvements to existing formats overall are necessary.
Your other main industry stories include:
- Messe Stuttgart expands its international portfolio with R+T South-East Asia
- New Meeting Formats survey launched
- IMEX Frankfurt reveals positive results from sustainability initiatives
Read on for your full Week in Event news.
## UFI report indicates a need for enhanced event formats
**More than a third of industry professional have highlighted a need for improved formats across events, according to new UFI research.**
Findings from the [**latest** ](https://www.ufi.org/media-releases/ufi-global-exhibition-barometer-shows-continued-industry-wide-adaptation-and-a-drive-to-enhance-event-formats/)**Global Exhibition Barometer** show some positive trends as well as a strong desire for change in certain areas.
The bi-annual report from the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry reveals 37% believe events need format improvements overall, while a further 58% think it depends on the type of show.
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO at UFI, said: “This edition of the Global Exhibition Barometer confirms what we are seeing across the industry: strong, steady growth and a sector that continues to adapt at pace.
“At the same time, the call for more engaging and interactive event formats highlights the industry’s ongoing focus on enhancing value for participants.”
The report is based on data gathered across 57 countries from 378 organizations.
Almost a third of these companies indicated 10% annual growth for 2025.
A total of 87% of respondents claimed to have adopted AI – a steady increase since the previous report.
## Messe Stuttgart expands its international portfolio with R+T South-East Asia
**Messe Stuttgart is strengthening its global presence by launching a new subsidiary under the R+T brand.**
The R+T Alliance delivers leading world trade fairs for roller shutters, doors, gates and sun shading systems globally.
This new development brings it to South-East Asia, with this latest edition taking place in October at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre.
Sebastian Esswein, vice president of Messe Stuttgart, said: “With R+T South-East Asia, we are continuing to pursue our policy of strategic expansion.
“As a gateway to the ASEAN region, Thailand provides the perfect opportunity to meet the requirements of these key growth markets.”
R+T South-East Asia will focus on three core areas – sun protection systems, interior and exterior design and doors and gates.
The show will run parallel to DOMOTEX South East Asia and FutureBuild Asia.
These three will form a platform for construction, design and building technologies in the region.
## New Meeting Formats survey launched
**A new survey has been launched to gather important insights on new meeting formats.**
Event professionals will be able to highlight which setups they want to drive engagement and revenue.
These insights will indicate how attendees, exhibitors and sponsors interact to drive high-value results in the future.
This latest [survey follows recent ExpoPlatform research](https://expoplatform.com/research-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-data-science-survey-results-research/) suggesting eventprofs want more ways to build new connections.
Contribute your insights – **[join the meeting format survey here](https://form.jotform.com/260253600239045).**
## IMEX Frankfurt reveals positive results from sustainability initiatives
**More than two thirds of food served at the last IMEX Frankfurt was vegan, according to a new findings.**
The group has released its latest Event Sustainability Report to provide details on initiatives put in place for the show and how successful they have been.
A key highlight of the show is that 67% of food served from IMEX-operated food outlets was vegan – a 23% increase from 2024 and above isla’s industry average of 56%.
Carina Bauer, CEO at IMEX, said: “Gaining this level of visibility has been invaluable, but the data also raises new questions and highlights where we need to dig deeper—measuring exhibitor impact; collecting data across our entire supply chain and championing sustainable travel methods, among other areas.”
The report has been compiled by sustainability consultants isla and aims to deliver actionable insights to industry professionals.
**That was your full Week in Events, thanks for reading. Bring emerging tech solutions to your event by [booking a free demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform today.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Smart Events 2022: The organiser’s complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)
**Published:** February 23, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Business events are evolving at a rapid pace. Traditional meeting formats are being reimagined and reshaped around new technology: 2022 is the year of Smart Events.**
Organisers’ forums are buzzing with talk about digitally-enhanced shows, 365 Communities experiences and value-driven interactions.
Smart Events are live experiences that use modern tech tools to help your audience get the most from your exhibitions, conferences and trade shows.
This includes providing more value, delivering quality leads and driving higher growth and business revenue.
This guide provides an in-depth look into what Smart Events are and how you can use technology to make your events better.
**Here’s what you will learn:**
- [**What are Smart Events?**](#stepone)
- [**How are Smart Events different from hybrid and virtual events?** ](#steptwo)
- [**Nine ways Smart Events can create value for your audience**](#stepthree)
- [**How to create Smart Events using technology** ](#stepfour)
- [**Smart Events mobile app – a new paradigm**](#stepfive)
- [**The future for Smart Events**](#stepsix)
## **What are Smart Events?**
**Smart Events are essentially live shows where technology is used at every step to significantly enhance the value for your audience.**
This audience includes attendees and exhibitors who are no longer hesitant about using technology at venues.
In fact, they demand new, innovative tech-led experiences to make their time and investment worth it – using AI to provide more personalised and seamless experiences. The basis of Smart Events lies in data.
**[Download our AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to understand how data science will help shape the future of Smart Events.**
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “A Smart Event is an in-person event with extensive use of technology, where we simplify the visitors’ and exhibitors’ journey and make participation more effective.
“There are two things that have become clear: firstly, we we will still be in a pandemic situation for several months. We have to understand that our events have to be improved and enhanced to improve visitor and exhibitor experience.
“Secondly, our audience is quite mature already with technology because they use technology personally all the time – and they have high expectations.
“They now demand a better experience and a better journey compared to their previous (pre-pandemic) experiences.”
Every tech tool meant to improve the visitor journey generates a lot of data points. This information can be measured and analysed to make personalised recommendations and connections – as well as solve issues and make adjustments in real-time.
The end result is an experience where attendees gain more value for every minute spent at the event. Exhibitors are also able to showcase their brand to more relevant buyers, generate leads and get the desired ROI.
As for organisers, it’s all about adding value, building relationships and driving revenue. Gunnar Heinrich, CEO of adventics, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/gunnar-heinrich-transformation-stories/) how it’s crucial that planners focus on a limited number of metrics when using this new information for Smart Events.
He said: “Event organisers are not always used to basing their decisions on data because sometimes it’s quite new for them, especially if we are talking about the new KPIs we can now derive from an events platform.
“It’s super easy to have tonnes and tonnes of numbers on your dashboard, but twenty’s plenty. There should be no more than 20 KPIs which drive your entire global business.
“The real art is to work on these 20 KPIs – what are the really important numbers for you and your business? These numbers must be derived from your corporate strategy – if your strategy is to internalise your business then you need a KPI to measure that.
“Otherwise you can’t see if you’re going in the right direction. Especially now, we’re in a new world with the event industry – it’s super important that you think about the right KPIs and don’t have 100 different numbers.”
## **How are Smart Events different from hybrid and virtual events?**
**Smart Events are sometimes mistaken for virtual or hybrid events due to the widespread use of digital technology.**
However, virtual events are meetings and shows that happen entirely in the online space. These can be as simple as a webinar or digital conference or a large-scale virtual exhibition with different moving parts.
Meanwhile, **[Hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)** are a mix of in-person and virtual events. This format caters to attendees who can’t attend the venue for any number of reasons such as distance, physical limitations or the cost.
This blend of experiences can happen simultaneously or separately. Virtual engagement can take place before, during or after the live show or even all year round in the form of a 365 community.
On the other hand, **[Smart Events are physical shows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-defined/)** where the focus is on improving the experience of all participants through tech. Now, let’s understand the different ways such shows can add significant value for visitors and exhibitors.
## **Nine ways Smart Events create value for your audience**
**Smart Events aim to make every interaction valuable in the audience journey. That means right from the first step during registration through to the live venue experience and post-event engagement.**
Organisers can plan with event tech providers to optimise the visitor journey using the relevant tools and solutions. Here’s a quick look at how value is added in nine ways for visitors, exhibitors and organisers:
1. **Pre-event scheduling and discovery**: Visitors can explore relevant exhibitors for their business and schedule meetings in advance.
2. **Personalised agendas**: Tailored customer journeys so the audience can optimise their time by attending sessions and connecting with products and exhibitors that matter.
3. **Easy navigation at the venue**: Wayfinding and navigation features including beacon tracking to help the audience move easily through the venue.
4. **Live improvements**: Make real-time adjustments to audience experience by reviewing feedback.
5. **Shape future event offerings**: Analysing data points help study customer behavioural patterns to improve future events.
6. **Exhibitor ROI**: Exhibitor dashboards to understand buyer interactions and convert those touchpoints into leads.
7. **Monetisation opportunities**: Create multiple revenue streams through various digital options and boost business growth.
8. **Seamless access**: Make entry easier by connecting to 365 community and event data sources.
9. **Insurance against uncertainty**: Easily pivot to other formats in case of unforeseen scenarios.
## **How to create Smart Events using technology**
**Smart Events are all about using technology in the most effective manner to create an experience that will delight, awe and give visitors and exhibitors the value they want.**
But it goes further than this – organisers now have a responsibility to deliver personalised experiences using data to create Smart Events.
Liz Irving, executive vice president of Clarion Events, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/liz-irving-smart-events/) the huge volume of information now available presents great avenues for planners who know how to use it.
ExpoPlatform [research suggests there are now 20 times more data](https://expoplatform.com/research-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-data-science-survey-results-research/) points available since the digital transformation our industry has witnessed over the last two years.
She has set out how planners can take advantage of community engagement and use this information to curate better in-person experiences – known as [Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-defined/) – while not being afraid to make mistakes.
Liz said: “We have a real opportunity to use data to help tell a story – use data to guide what your customers want. Always ask what they want and do that first, but also see how they’re engaging and responding to it.
“It’s allowing us to open our eyes and see there’s a much bigger audience out there that we can reach, and even more tailored and bespoke opportunities – and we can do it differently.
“We have to ensure that the content is right, the platform is right, the experience is right in order for them to be able to get value.”
**Here’s a list of tools and solutions that can make your event smarter:**
**1. [Event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/) and online registration**
**How it helps:** Provides interactive welcome experience and easy onboarding process to users.
**Result:** Increased signups and personalised journeys for each participant.
**2. [Meetings and scheduling](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-and-scheduling/)**
**How it helps:** Set up one-on-one or group meetings through the platform.
**Result:** Create customised agendas, enable knowledge sharing and networking.
**3. [AI-powered matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)**
**How it helps:** Intelligent people-to-resources AI algorithms to connect attendees to relevant people, products, businesses and content.
**Result:** Cut through the noise and get personalised recommendations. Generate meaningful interactions and boost community building.
**4. [Hosted buyer programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/)**
**How it helps:** A personal concierge experience to set up appointments in advance between pre-qualified buyers and interested sellers.
**Result:** Save time, get quality leads, drive sales and ROI.
**5. Product Tinder feature in mobile app**
**How it helps:** Tinder-like product finder where users can swipe left or right for the relevant product.
**Result:** Browse product catalogue, explore new products and view their details.
**6. Interactive floor plan and tracking**
**How it helps:** The mobile app tracks visitors with indoor mapping and ‘blue dot’ wayfinding features.
**Result:** Helps participants easily navigate the event venue and explore booths.
**7. [Real-time analytics](https://expoplatform.com/analytics/)**
**How it helps:** Real-time data insights such as heatmaps, charts, footfall-based performance metrics for every stand.
**Result:** Track audience physical journey to improve event success and demonstrate exhibitor ROI.
**8. [Monetisation and sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/)**
**How it helps:** Integrated packages for visitors and exhibitors, digital advertising and sponsorship options to boost brand visibility
**Result:** Additional revenue streams, higher ROI.
**9. [Lead scanning, scoring and capture](https://expoplatform.com/lead-capture/)**
**How it helps:** Scan visitors and capture their information, categorise and rate each contact, add notes for follow-ups.
**Result:** Analyse scanned results to shortlist, nurture and convert leads.
**10. [365 community platform](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)**
**How it helps:** Attendees and exhibitors stay connected after the event to continue their conversations and business dealings.
**Result:** Explore the latest products, content and services through online marketplace. Community experience creates a pool of engaged buyers and sellers, generating revenue throughout the year.
**Download your free [Smart Event Tech-list](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/smart-event-tech-checklist/) to make sure you have all the right tools.**
## **Smart Event mobile app – a new paradigm**
**The exhibition industry is in a new paradigm where mobile event app technology can become a crucial revenue generator.**
Technology will spearhead innovation through **Smart Events** – and more specifically data. A major element of this development will be through data-driven insights which can be gathered and utilised through mobile apps.
Mark Maydon, commercial director at Crowd Connected, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/mark-maydon-ts/) how this component is no longer just about mapping and navigation, but also “discovering”.
He said: “Historically, mobile apps were frequently viewed as a discretionary cost by the marketing teams of organisers. Consequently, there was a race to the bottom on price and as a result they often had unsatisfactory functionality, limited usefulness and insufficient value to event visitors.
“Unsurprisingly, you got into a horrible vicious circle where the app wasn’t used as much as the organiser would have liked. Then an event’s organiser wonders why they’re spending so much money on the app and cuts the budget – or worse, cuts it entirely.
“But there’s a new paradigm – one where the app is viewed as a revenue generator and the show organiser invests in it. By making it really valuable to the user, the app gets more downloads, and is more widely used at the show.
“The value proposition for this new breed of event app is centred on navigation and discovery: helping visitors do more at the show, meet more exhibitors, get to where they want to on time, or realise that something else they are interested in is there.”
## **The future for Smart Events**
**Events are going to get smarter in the future – there’s no going back. Tech will continue to evolve and play a pivotal role in making the audience journey richer and more immersive than before.**
For organisers, it’s crucial to stay on top of things and integrate the latest tech tools to deliver greater value to attendees. Here are some trends that are expected to shape the future of smart events in the years ahead:
**1) Digitally extended realities**
Virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) are not new concepts but they are yet to take off in B2B events. Creating holograms, VR business demos and AR to showcase products at exhibitions and trade shows could be part of the smart experience in the future.
**2) Metaverse**
The metaverse is an intriguing concept. To define it simply, it’s a collection of virtual 3D worlds where people can create their own avatars to explore high-definition 3D environments.
Sounds like something from a video game, right? Surprisingly, it has already gained traction in the mass consumer business. Singer Travis Scott has performed in such a setting while a [virtual fashion show](https://www.thefashionlaw.com/decentraland-will-host-a-metaverse-fashion-week-in-march/) has been announced for March.
[Bill Gates said](https://www.gatesnotes.com/About-Bill-Gates/Year-in-Review-2021): “Within the next two or three years, I predict most virtual meetings will move from 2D camera image grids…to the metaverse, a 3D space with digital avatars.”
Though it might be some time before metaverse becomes a tool of trade for business events, it’s worth keeping an eye on how rapidly this space evolves over the next couple of years.
**3) Multilingual voice interface and chatbots**
Companies are looking towards more diverse, geographically dispersed audiences to expand their businesses across markets in Europe, Middle East, Asia and more.
Addressing these new markets means localising the event offerings in their regional languages. Multilingual voice interfaces and chatbots will be key to help boost connections and build relationships as market penetration increases.
**4) Micro-moments**
Improving audience experience in real time is already a priority for organisers. Creating micro-moments will become a necessity rather than a value addition as big data, machine learning and AI continue to advance.
Listening to attendee feedback, gauging their emotions through facial recognition technology and analysing their digital interactions will help organisers go the extra distance in delivering value.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [The essential Event App guide for tradeshows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/mobile-event-app/)
**Published:** November 24, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
If you’ve been to a big industry event lately, chances are you were asked to download an event app.
These nifty digital sidekicks have quickly become the mainstay of leading shows like IMEX and GITEX.
Event apps simplify your experience, providing quick access to schedules, badge scanning, interactive maps and other useful features.
This enables visitors and exhibitors to fully engage with the event’s offerings and make the most of their participation.
We have put together a short guide to help you understand how event apps help deliver a better experience at tradeshows. Here’s what you will read:
- [**How mobile apps have become integral to the digital transformation of events** ](#one)
- [**Applications and benefits of using event apps at tradeshows** ](#two)
- [**Event app features to create smart audience experiences**](#three)
- [**How an event app fits into the attendee’s journey**](#four)
- [**Case Studies**](#five)
## **How mobile apps have become integral to the digital transformation of events**
Mobile event apps have been critical in driving tech-enabled experiences at exhibitions and tradeshows.
What began as simple value-add tools for event check-ins and scheduling have evolved into sophisticated platforms that boost engagement, ROI and year-round value.
As mobile penetration increases globally and people get access to more advanced tech in their pockets, the use of event apps is expected to grow exponentially.
According to the **[Insight Partners](https://www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/event-apps-market),** the event apps market is projected to increase from $1.20 billion in 2022 to $2.65bn by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 14% ().
Modern event apps used at leading tradeshows include a range of advanced features designed to craft intelligent and immersive experiences. Some of these are:
1. **[Lead Intelligence Tools](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/):** • Capture and qualify leads in real-time • Provide instant analytics on attendee interactions
2. **[Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/):** • Digital access to crucial information for exhibitors • Streamline communication between organizers and exhibitors
3. **[AI-Powered Matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/):** • Suggest relevant connections based on attendee profiles and interests • Enhance networking opportunities
4. **[Hosted Buyer Programs](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/):** • Facilitate pre-scheduled meetings between buyers and sellers • Manage appointments and track ROI
5. **[Interactive Floor Plans](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/):** • Navigate complex event spaces with ease • Locate specific booths or sessions quickly
6. **[365 Marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/):** • Extend the event beyond its physical dates • Provide year-round engagement and business opportunities
7. **[Online Community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/):** • Foster ongoing discussions and networking • Share content and maintain connections post-event
## **Applications and benefits of using event apps at tradeshows**
Tradeshows are hubs of opportunity, offering rich prospects for networking, learning and enhancing brand visibility.
However, the limited timeframe, packed schedules and a labyrinth of exhibitor booths can overwhelm even seasoned attendees.
Mobile event apps act as digital concierges, streamlining the tradeshow experience.
These tools revolutionize event navigation and engagement, offering a suite of powerful features at attendees’ fingertips.
**1. Social media integration and targeted messaging**
? Application: Event apps integrate social media platforms, offer in-app messaging systems and utilize location-based services.
☑️ Benefit: Facilitates meaningful interactions, allows for targeted messaging based on attendee interests and preferences and enhances engagement through multiple digital touchpoints.
**2. Dynamic event management and attendee coordination**
? Application: Apps provide instant notification systems for real-time updates and changes, including invite errors, speaker cancellations, new attendee registrations and supplier quote issues.
☑️ Benefit: Streamlines planning and logistics by enabling quick resolution of last-minute changes or disruptions, improving overall event coordination.
**3. Customized agenda creation**
? Application: Apps feature personal schedule builders within the full event program, allowing attendees to add sessions of interest to their individual agendas.
☑️ Benefit: Saves time and increases efficiency for attendees by allowing them to plan their optimal trade show experience and focus on their key areas of interest.
**4. Real-time event broadcasting and information dissemination**
? Application: Apps offer live streaming capabilities and instant content-sharing features for text, video and image messages through push notifications.
☑️ Benefit: Delivers real-time content updates, ensuring all attendees have access to important information regardless of their location within the venue.
**5. Seamless system integration**
? Application: Enterprise-level apps provide easy API integration with existing business systems and partner APIs.
☑️ Benefit: Creates a cohesive experience without custom coding, automating data flow across different platforms and eliminating the need to learn multiple systems.
**6. Amplified marketing potential**
? Application: Apps include features for creative, gamified promotional activities and product showcases, allowing for innovative mobile marketing strategies.
☑️ Benefit: Improves marketing efforts by enabling innovative and captivating ways to promote businesses, products, and services, capturing audience attention more effectively.
**7. Instant customer support**
? Application: Apps incorporate real-time support chat features with access to real-time data for customer support staff.
☑️ Benefit: Enhances customer service by allowing immediate resolution of attendee issues, boosting satisfaction and loyalty through prompt and informed assistance.
**8. Beyond-the-event brand awareness**
? Application: Apps include sections for special offers, promotional codes, or exclusive deals for events, products and services.
☑️ Benefit: Increases brand awareness by offering tangible value to customers beyond traditional marketing channels like emails and social media posts.
**9. Persistent networking and engagement ecosystem**
? Application: Apps transform into year-round platforms for continued interaction after the physical event, creating a 365 community platform.
☑️ Benefit: Facilitates ongoing networking and engagement opportunities, allowing buyers and sellers to connect, interact, and make business decisions throughout the year.
**10. Real-time event feedback**
? Application: Apps feature in-built survey and polling tools for gathering attendee feedback before, during and after the event.
☑️ Benefit: Enables understanding of audience expectations, allows for quick implementation of real-time changes and informs strategies for future events based on comprehensive feedback.
**11. Maximizing ROI through sponsorships**
? Application: Apps offer prime digital space for sponsored content and advertisements, including strategically placed ads, splash screens and banners.
☑️ Benefit: Increases ROI for organizers through paid sponsorship and monetization opportunities, while providing higher brand visibility for sponsors in the digital event space.
Let’s have a detailed look at the app features that create a smart live event experience
## **Event app features to create smart audience experiences**
**1. Standalone as well as a container app**
Apps can be developed either as standalone versions tailored for a specific event or as container apps encompassing multiple events of a similar type.
Container apps enable users to access various [events and their associated content with a single download](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/).
For instance, consider an organizer hosting several fashion award shows throughout the year. A container app can consolidate all these events under one platform, eliminating the need for separate apps for each show.
Users can easily access a specific event by selecting it from a list within the app. This design allows both new and past events to be added and viewed seamlessly.
This approach is particularly useful in light of Apple’s iOS store spam guidelines, which penalize multiple versions of similar apps.
[Guideline 4.3](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#spam) *“Don’t create multiple Bundle IDs of the same app. If your app has different versions for specific locations, sports teams, universities, etc., consider submitting a single app and provide the variations using in-app purchase.”*
*“Spamming the store may lead to your removal from the Apple Developer Program.”*
**2. Customised homepages**
Craft your event’s digital front door: designing the perfect app home screen
Your app’s home screen is like the lobby of your event – it’s the first impression users get. Let’s make it count!
Think of it as your event’s digital welcome mat. It should offer:
- Easy login access
- Quick profile peek
- Essential contact details
- Shortcuts to must-have resources
But it’s not just about information – it’s about making a splash! Your home screen should be a visual treat that captures your event’s vibe.
As you’re brainstorming, ask yourself:
1. What’s the look and feel I’m aiming for?
2. How can I showcase different content types?
3. Where should I place my navigation tools for maximum intuition?
4. What sponsor opportunities can I create here?
5. Any special features I want to highlight?
Here’s the kicker: a home screen that wows doesn’t just look pretty – it’s your secret weapon for boosting app exploration and ramping up event engagement.
Remember, your home screen isn’t just a page – it’s an invitation to dive into your event experience!
**3. Agenda and streaming sessions**
Enable users to customize their event agendas with detailed session information, including timings and locations. This feature ensures participants can focus on content most relevant to their interests.
Incorporate live video streaming within the app, allowing organizers to gauge audience reactions and gather real-time feedback. Additionally, offer on-demand video access for missed sessions, providing flexibility and maximizing content value.
These features combine to create a personalized, interactive event experience that caters to diverse attendee needs while providing valuable insights for organizers.
**4. Meetings and messaging**
Integrate calendar management and networking tools to enhance attendee interactions:
1. Meeting Scheduler: Enable users to set appointments, access meeting minutes, and exchange documents directly within the app.
2. Internal Messaging: Provide a private communication channel for attendees, eliminating the need to switch between platforms.
These features foster knowledge sharing, networking, and community building, creating a more cohesive event experience. By streamlining interactions, attendees can maximize their time and make meaningful connections efficiently.
**5. Lead scanning**
Incorporate advanced lead capture technology to enhance exhibitor-attendee interactions:
1. Real-time data capture: Enable participants to collect and qualify leads instantly through the app.
2. Multi-format scanning: Provide barcode and QR code scanning capabilities for efficient information gathering.
3. Lead qualification: Allow exhibitors to rate, categorize, and annotate leads for more effective follow-up.
4. Unified dashboard: Consolidate all lead data, both online and offline, into a single, comprehensive view for exhibitors.
This integrated approach optimizes the lead generation process, facilitating more meaningful connections and improving post-event follow-up efficiency.
**6. Real-time exhibitor leads**
Elevate exhibitor and sponsor experiences through comprehensive performance analytics:
1. Real-Time statistics: Deliver up-to-the-minute data on exhibitor performance and engagement metrics.
2. Self-Service dashboard: Provide a centralized platform for lead management and interaction tracking, including banner ads, pop-ups, and search result visibility.
3. Integrated lead capture: Incorporate live event badge scanning and lead scoring directly into the dashboard, bridging physical and digital interactions.
4. Campaign performance insights: Enable exhibitors to assess marketing effectiveness promptly, facilitating agile strategy adjustments.
This results in improved exhibitor ROI, allowing for informed decision-making and optimized engagement strategies throughout the event lifecycle.
**7. Interactive floor plan with bluedot wayfinding**
Implement indoor mapping and wayfinding for seamless attendee movement:
- Intuitive Navigation: Offer an indoor GPS-like experience with bluedot technology.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Include meeting rooms, breakout areas, and exhibitor booths.
- Custom Routing: Enable point-to-point directions based on user input.
- Interactive 3D Floor Plan: Provide a detailed, custom layout of the venue.
- Mobile Integration: Access the floor plan directly through the event app.
This feature streamlines attendee movement, enhancing overall event experience and efficiency.
**8. Monetisation through banner ads and splash screens**
[Virtual sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) options can be offered through:
- Splash screens that appear while the app loads
- Premium exhibitor profiles with header images
- Mobile banner ads with featured exhibitors, products, speaker listings, visitor pages at the top.
The banners can be set up from the admin panel, allowing you to turn on and off those in the mobile app.
**9. ‘Product Tinder’ view**
The product Tinder view is an intuitive product matchmaking system that enables:
- Smart recommendation: Utilize AI algorithms to connect buyers with relevant products.
- Interactive catalog browsing: Enable users to efficiently navigate through product offerings with a familiar swipe interface.
- Instant product evaluation: Allow visitors to quickly favorite or pass on items, streamlining their product discovery process.
- Enhanced exhibitor reach: Facilitate broader exposure for exhibitors’ products to potential customers.
- Accelerated buyer journey: Expedite product discovery for attendees, optimizing their time and improving overall event experience.
**10. Marketing materials**
Equip visitors with essential marketing materials to help them swiftly make informed decisions about a product or service.
This can be achieved through a PDF lookbook featuring scrollable images that provide an in-depth view of the exhibitor profile.
The lookbook includes comprehensive details such as an image gallery showcasing the product from multiple angles, walkthrough videos, FAQs, reviews and testimonials from past buyers, and links to social media profiles.
These resources are available within the content sections of exhibitor or product profiles, facilitating informed networking.
**11. Exhibitor catalogue search**
The exhibitor catalog is a section within the app that showcases a collection of exhibitor profiles.
Users can sort and filter this collection based on their specific business needs.
Selecting an exhibitor profile provides access to comprehensive details and full information.
**12. Permission levels for different user types**
Organisers can decide and give selective access to the exhibitor’s team as well as attendees. For example, exhibitors are allowed a certain number of members or products they can showcase unless they upgrade their accounts.
Similarly, attendees who register for free won’t gain access to content materials or take part in training sessions without upgrading.
## **How an event app fits into the attendee’s journey**
An attendee’s journey typically begins online. They receive email or social media invitations to an event or encounter advertisements promoting an upcoming show.
Upon clicking the invitation or ad, they are directed to the event website, where they can find detailed information and register if interested.
Once registration is confirmed, attendees are given the option to download the mobile app for the latest updates and to enrich their event experience.
Let’s explore the mobile app experience for both visitors and exhibitors at various stages of the event.
**Before the event**
Visitors have the option to join the event as part of the 365 community or participate as new attendees.
Being part of this community provides early access to session details, products, and exhibitors. AI-driven matchmaking recommendations save their preferences during event registration, aiding the organizer in progressive profiling.
For visitors, a mobile app offers the following benefits:
- Enables the creation of a personalized event agenda by favoriting sessions.
- Facilitates the pre-arrangement of meetings and messaging.
- Allows for research and connection with exhibitors.
Exhibitors can leverage the event app to:
- Schedule meetings and send messages.
- Import company details.
- Set up checklists and e-commerce upsells.
- Subscribe to the appropriate exhibitor activity package based on their business needs.
**During the event**
Once the event is live, **visitors** can use the mobile app to:
- Use the wayfinding feature to navigate around the venue
- View sessions agendas to attend the relevant ones
- Check in to booths and meetings
- Rate and review meetings
During the event, the mobile app helps the exhibitors:
- Scan visitor badges – badgeless scanning is possible with apps
- Provide location-based notifications by connecting apps to beacons and cameras
- Score leads through the leads dashboard
- Get access to analytics like tracking visitor footfall
After the event concludes, the app is utilized to distribute feedback surveys, grant access to on-demand content and webinars, and onboard participants to the 365 community. This continuous engagement allows visitors and exhibitors to stay connected year-round and provides organizers with a ready pool of participants for future events.
## **Case Studies**
### **IMEX Frankfurt 2024**
![]()
IMEX Frankfurt is Europe’s premier tradeshow for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. It provides exhibitors with a platform to showcase their products and services to an international audience of buyers and decision-makers.
ExpoPlatform worked with the IMEX Group to introduce a range of improved digital features in the web and mobile app to enhance experiences, making it more streamlined for participants.
**Results:** IMEX Frankfurt 2024 recorded unprecedented engagement numbers powered by tech, surpassing last year’s figures by a significant margin.
- **87% of all meeting requests accepted**
- **53,800 total confirmed meetings** – up 13% from 47,700 in 2023
- **82,726 unique badge scans** – up 11.5% from 74,221
- **461,662 favorites** – up 63% from 284,000
More than 50,000 meetings were set up before the event even got underway, with thousands more being confirmed during the show through the web platform and app.
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer said: “With ExpoPlatform’s help we’ve built out a more robust, personal and intuitive customer journey – a development that’s been in our sights for a while.
“And now that our show app is more integrated and packed with core, hard-working new features, we have a wealth of strong data in our hands.
“This will allow us to more accurately define – and design – enhancements that will benefit all our clients in the future.
### **GITEX Global 2023**
![]()
GITEX Global (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) is the world’s largest tech showcase, spotlighting the latest trends, innovations, and advancements in AI, cybersecurity, mobility, sustainable tech, and more.
ExpoPlatform worked with the organizer to create an all-in-one smart event platform with advanced features to set up hosted buyer meetings, drive quality engagement and maximise lead generation.
**Results:**
Our platform empowered DWTC to create a highly customized event management experience for themselves and uniquely tailored journeys for their customers.
With nearly 60,000 downloads of the GITEX Plus app, attendees could navigate the show effortlessly.
They had easy access to sessions, exhibitors, products, and other attendees, enhanced by AI recommendations and extensive filters, allowing them to maximize their time and derive maximum value from GITEX.
A major highlight of the show was the in-app digital badge scanning and lead retrieval, which resulted in an impressive 698k+ unique lead scans. This feature helped exhibitors streamline their sales pipelines and significantly boost their ROI.
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. Want to learn more about supercharging your event experience with mobile apps? [Grab our free Event Handbook to get started](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/)**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [10 proven strategies to increase event app downloads](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/increase-event-app-downloads/)
**Published:** August 11, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Investing in a mobile event app unlocks more ways to engage and monetise. But first, you need to maximise your event app downloads.**
This article highlights 10 ways organisers can increase event adoption at their shows, using a selection of proven strategies to boost interest.
Meanwhile, you can learn how digital tools like mobile apps and AI will shape the future of events in our new report – **[Event Tech Forecast for H2 2023](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)**.
## **Why event app downloads are important? ?**
As a tradeshow organiser, you spend considerable time selecting and customising your [**event app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/). To unlock its full potential and improve ROI, it’s imperative to prioritise event app downloads. Here are some benefits:
- **Enhanced attendee engagement**: Having readily accessible information like schedules, exhibitor details, speaker bios, session descriptions and interactive maps helps improve audience engagement.
- **Personalised experience**: Get personalised recommendations based on attendee preferences, helping them discover relevant sessions, exhibitors and networking opportunities.
- **Real-time updates**: Organisers can send real-time updates, notifications and announcements to attendees. This ensures they stay updated even when there are last-minute changes to the schedule.
- **Networking opportunities**: Features like AI matchmaking and 365 community amplify the potential for networking – enabling attendees to make valuable connections before, during and after the event.
- **Data collection and insights**: The app usage data provides crucial insights into attendee preferences, behaviour and engagement patterns. This helps in future event planning, content curation and overall strategy.
- **Minimise paper usage**: Cut the need for printed materials such as brochures, schedules and maps. This contributes to a more environmentally-friendly event and saves costs.
- **Sponsor and exhibitor exposure**: Tradeshows often involve sponsors and exhibitors who are looking to connect with attendees. An event app that provides sponsors with enough promotional space increases exposure to these stakeholders and helps advance business deals.
- **Post-event engagement**: Once the tradeshow concludes, attendees can access session recordings, presentation materials and follow-up information on the app. This extends the value of the event beyond its physical duration.
## **10 strategies to increase event app downloads ⤵️**
**1. Create a compelling marketing campaign ?️**
Got a marketing budget? Don’t hold back. Invest in concentrated marketing – plan an omnichannel reach-out campaign at least two weeks before the show goes live.
Spread your budget on social media networks like LinkedIn, Twitter and other forums where your audience hangs out.
Don’t forget organic searches and your app’s landing page – they’re gold mines for downloads.
Make your app irresistible – it’s not just about the features, show your attendees and exhibitors what they’ll get.
Go creative with graphics, PDFs, or videos – excitement captures attention.
Make your app accessible and provide clear instructions to use it.
**2. Sharpen your social media use ?**
Understand your app’s personality and reflect it in your social media voice. If it’s edgy, show it. If it’s professional, keep the language accordingly.
Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn can be used to fine-tune your outreach.
Maintain consistency with your posts and engage actively by replying to comments.
Foster conversation and connection among event attendees before, during, and after the event to boost your app downloads.
**3. Use drip marketing for emails ?**
Drip marketing campaigns entail sending a series of emails to registered participants to boost app downloads. These emails have automated follow-ups and reminders to boost engagement.
- Create an initial email and track the responses to it.
- Send regular reminders to participants that the app can cater to their unique event needs.
**4. Create a beautiful event website ?**
An interactive event website with smooth navigation and excellent UI will hook the visitor and encourage them to download the app.
- Starting early is key, make a web-based version of the app. Include agenda, maps, social events, and more.
- Tip: Your web developer can easily add a guide tab or link using an iframe.
- Ensure the landing page has a direct link in your email campaign.
- Tip: To grab more attention, include it in your final email with directions and last-minute instructions.
- Mention unique features like custom to-do lists, virtual business cards can prompt immediate downloads.
**5. Use pop-up advertisements ?**
Pop-up advertisements are interactive ads that appear on screen, grabbing users’ attention. As a mobile event organiser, smart use of these ads on your event site can increase app downloads.
- Initially, design a pop-up that is triggered when visitors land on your website via mobile devices.
- The pop-up should offer two options: ‘Download the app’ or ‘Continue to the website’.
- Make sure the value of downloading the app is clearly communicated, like exclusive content or real-time notifications.
- Compelling copy and attractive design are key drivers for ad success.
- Don’t bombard users, balance is key. Too many pop-ups can deter potential downloads.
A successful pop-up strategy involves a blend of appealing design and careful execution – you don’t want to annoy people!
**6. Offer incentives ⭐**
Hooking up attendees with incentives is an effective way to get more event app downloads. Here’s how it works:
- Pack your app with irresistible features. Include exclusive offers and gifts in an in-app goodie bag and watch how downloads begin to soar.
- Turn your app into a fun game. Introduce “quests” such as visiting stands, or attending sessions and give them points for completion. Players with a certain number of points can win cool prizes.
- Don’t shy away from advertising. Keep reminding attendees to download and utilise your app. Use signs, banners, and direct messaging throughout the trade show event.
- Carry out ‘FOMO’ marketing. Show attendees what they’re missing by not using the app. A text saying, “You could’ve earned points toward prizes if you used our app!” can be highly effective.
- Transform breaks and waiting periods into fun and learning times. Incorporate live trivia games or scavenger hunts within your app. This will not only keep attendees engaged but also increase their interactions with the app.
- Place their logos on your app’s home screen.
- Display sponsored profiles in order of their support.
- Use eye-catching banner ads on top of the screen.
- Initiative-sponsored push notifications.
**7. Offer exclusive resources ?**
Offering exclusive content is a smart strategy to spike your event app downloads. It plays on the psychology of reciprocity and maximises the perceived value of your app.
- Offer a free guide to build within the app.
- Entice with compelling reasons to download, like browsing agendas and building custom to-do lists.
- Onsite, emphasise the app benefits to boost traffic.
- Use the app for pre-event surveys to increase user engagement.
- Replace paper materials with the app and update information in real-time.
- Include the app in registration and promote early downloads.
Remember, the more value your users see, the more likely they’d want your app.
**8. Onsite downloads ?**
Many event participants have a busy schedule – they might not have downloaded the app but are aware of the value it brings.
Ensure the tradeshow venue has physical hoardings and banners that prominently display the QR code so anyone who has just landed at the location can immediately download it.
The venue should have a strong Wifi connection in and around to avoid wasting time searching for internet connectivity.
**9. Create a gamification strategy ⛹️**
Amp up your [event app’s groovy factor and skyrocket those downloads](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/) by injecting some gamification into it. Follow these quick-fire steps to learn how:
1. Think of snappy games related to your event – quizzes, hunts, or contests – that attendees can partake in.
2. Include a leaderboard to rev up some competition.
3. Drop some rewards or points for completing tasks or visiting specific exhibitors – folks love a good win!
4. Live trivia, polls, or Q&A sessions during downtime not only keep engagement up but decimate those pesky yawns.
5. And the masterstroke – offer rewards or prize draws for high scorers.
Ready, set, gamify! Brainstorm and strategise to turn your event app into the belle of the download ball ?
**10. Provide regular updates ?**
Keeping your event app updated encourages more participants to download it. By providing real-time content and soliciting feedback, you make your audience part of the event experience.
Here are some steps to follow:
1. Update the app with the most recent agenda, speaker details, floor plans, and exhibitor locations. This aids in better orientation at the trade show.
2. Utilise push notifications to share useful travel information, weather, and changes in the programme. Remember, the goal is convenience, not intrusion.
3. Encourage real-time communication through the app. This promotes attendee interaction and grants access to immediate event updates.
4. Go ‘Green’. Limit printing and highlight this in your one-page brochure at the registration desk. Also, promote the benefits of using the app here.
5. Provide a dedicated support team for the app during the event. Assist the non-tech savvy attendees and ensure everyone can access information easily.
Remember to keep it simple: the key is to make your event app a tool to enjoy and enhance the experience, not make it a technical headache for your team or your audience.
Learn more about modern event marketing with our latest expert guide – **[download it now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Mobile Event App
---
### [Best hybrid event platform comparison 2026: choosing the right online event software for seamless hybrid experiences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-event-platform-comparison/)
**Published:** September 11, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Hybrid events that blend in-person and virtual participation are now a must for organizations that want reach and engagement.
The right hybrid event platform brings those two worlds together — driving interaction, lifting attendance and improving satisfaction for attendees and organizers alike.
This guide breaks down what to look for when evaluating platforms: networking tools, pricing and licensing, streaming capabilities, integration options and the latest technology trends.
With a clear framework and real-world examples, you can choose a solution that delivers consistent, high-quality hybrid experiences.
Industry research continues to show that forward-looking technologies are reshaping hybrid events and making them a strategic part of event programs.
## What are the essential streaming and analytics features in hybrid event platforms?
Reliable streaming and actionable analytics are non-negotiable. Look for platforms that support multi-camera setups, adaptive bitrate streaming (with 4K where relevant), low-latency delivery and embedded media playback. Real-time dashboards and [downloadable reports let you monitor engagement as events](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/) run and iterate quickly between sessions.
### What event engagement analytics should you look for?
Prioritize analytics that reveal how attendees behave: session attendance and drop-off rates, polling and Q&A participation, chat activity and exhibitor booth visits. Advanced systems surface engagement heatmaps, lead-scoring for exhibitors and cross-session attendee journeys — data that helps you refine programming and sponsor value propositions.
## How do hybrid event platforms integrate with other event management tools?
Integration capability is central to a frictionless event workflow. Best-in-class platforms connect to CRMs, marketing automation, ticketing, payment gateways and LMS systems to centralize attendee data and simplify communications. Native integrations and reliable APIs reduce manual work and keep records synchronized across platforms.
### How does integration improve user experience and event management?
When your event platform talks to your CRM and marketing tools, personalization becomes scalable: targeted invitations, automated reminders and tailored post-event follow-ups. That operational efficiency leads to stronger engagement, cleaner data for sponsors and a smoother experience for attendees and staff alike. Case studies consistently show improved outcomes when organizers use an integrated tech stack.
## What are the latest trends in hybrid event technology for 2026?
Upcoming trends for 2026 include broader adoption of AR and VR to create immersive moments, and more sophisticated AI for session recommendations, matchmaking and content personalization. Expect platforms to add richer interactivity and automated attendee pathways that guide people to the most relevant sessions and partners.
### What security standards are critical for hybrid event platforms?
Security and compliance remain top priorities. Choose platforms that adhere to GDPR and other regional privacy regimes, offer end-to-end data encryption, secure payment processing and role-based access controls. Strong security practices protect attendee trust and reduce organizational risk.
## What do user reviews and case studies reveal about hybrid event platforms?
Reviews and case studies highlight real-world strengths and pain points — from ease of setup and streaming reliability to the depth of analytics and sponsor ROI. Look for patterns in feedback: consistent praise for networking tools or recurring complaints about support response times are both valuable signals when evaluating vendors.
### How have organizations improved ROI using hybrid event platforms?
Organizations moving to hybrid models often report higher attendance, increased sponsorship exposure and more diverse revenue streams. By using analytics to optimize programming and targeting, many event teams see improved conversion rates and stronger exhibitor leads compared with purely in-person formats.
## Comparing ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo: Market Leaders in hybrid event technology
ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo are both strong contenders for large-scale hybrid events. Each platform emphasizes scalability, exhibitor engagement and data-driven insights, but they cater to slightly different priorities depending on event complexity and marketing needs.
**Feature****ExpoPlatform****Bizzabo**Event Types SupportedVirtual, Hybrid, In-personVirtual, Hybrid, In-personNetworking FeaturesAI matchmaking, virtual booths, video meetingsAI recommendations, chat, virtual/expo hallsStreaming Quality4K streaming, multi-camera optionsHD streaming, embedded content supportAnalytics & ReportingAdvanced real-time dashboards, engagement heatmapsComprehensive analytics, attendee insightsIntegrationsCRM, Marketing Automation, Payment GatewaysCRM, Email Marketing, Payment ProcessorsPricing ModelCustom pricing based on event scale and featuresTiered plans with add-ons## Use Cases for ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo in Hybrid Events
Both platforms support a wide range of hybrid event formats. Below are typical scenarios where each shines:
- **ExpoPlatform:** Ideal for trade shows, large exhibitions and multi-day conferences where virtual booths, immersive exhibitor experiences and granular engagement analytics are essential. It handles complex floorplans and high-volume content delivery.
- **Bizzabo:** Well suited for corporate conferences, product launches and professional summits, with strong tools for marketing automation, attendee personalization and streamlined event operations. Its recommendations and networking features boost attendee connections.
Both solutions provide robust registration workflows, content management and post-event reporting, making them dependable options for organizations that need enterprise-grade hybrid event capabilities.
## What do user reviews and case studies reveal about hybrid event platforms?
User feedback and case studies consistently offer actionable insights: which features drive engagement, which integrations reduce overhead and where support models fall short. Reviewing multiple implementations helps you match platform strengths to your event goals.
### How have organizations improved ROI using hybrid event platforms?
Teams that adopt hybrid platforms report measurable ROI improvements — higher ticket revenue, better sponsor conversions and richer lead data. Using analytics to refine content and matchmaking helps turn attendance into tangible business results.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right hybrid event platform expands your reach and deepens attendee engagement while simplifying event operations. Prioritize streaming reliability, strong networking features, comprehensive analytics and secure integrations to maximize impact. Explore our curated list of top hybrid platforms to find the solution that best matches your event goals and scale.
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Event organizer mobile app: what are the essential features?](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-app/event-organizer-mobile-app/)
**Published:** October 21, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**An advanced event organizer mobile app is key to extending your live shows into the digital space.**
They empower visitors to connect, share content and retrieve leads in real-time.
This is the *true* hybrid experience – in-person connection, enhanced by technology.
This guide will explore the main features:
- [Highlight your brand and key messaging on your homepage](#one)
- [Premium event organizer mobile app tech that maximizes exhibitor lead retrieval capabilities](#two)
- [Monetize your event with in-app ad space and premium option](#three)
A premium mobile app is key to enriching the event experience for exhibitors, attendees and sponsors.
## Your event organizer mobile app serves as the gateway to your entire portfolio
**Managing different apps for each event can be a hassle if you have a portfolio filled with multiple shows.**
Ensuring each application is running smoothly can be time-consuming and costly, whereas the best event organizer apps serve as a portfolio hub.
You can group all of your shows under one umbrella and consolidate your tech stack.
Exhibitors and attendees also have your whole portfolio at their fingertips.
This removes the need to [download multiple apps for separate events](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/) (which then means you’re taking up less device storage).
It’s also useful as a secondary marketing tactic for advertising other shows.
Your visitors may be unaware of some of the other events in your portfolio and discover them via the app.
They can then see what other upcoming shows you have if they’ve enjoyed the one they’re attending.
## Highlight your brand and key messaging on your homepage
**It is vital your event organizer mobile app showcases the theme of your show.**
Your homepage must feature the important messaging you most want your visitors to see.
Any app worth its salt needs to have customization tools that empowers you to highlight your event branding.
You can design your homepage to spotlight the most important information for visitors.
This can include – key links, floor plans, contact details and more.
Visitors are more likely to engage with in-app content when it looks more compelling.
Interesting aesthetics and messaging that resonate with people draw them in and pique their curiosity – these are the key attributes to be capitalized upon.
The initial steps of the event experience take place digitally, so it’s important organizers make the first impression memorable.
## Premium event organizer mobile app tech that maximizes exhibitor lead retrieval capabilities
**Event mobile app tech is constantly evolving to enable better connections for participants – the quality and quantity of meetings as well as leads captured increase as a result.**
Exhibitors can scan attendees, collect important data and use it to qualify visitors and determine their likelihood of generating high-value leads.
These unique insights- based on profiles, content interests and in-app actions – empower exhibitors to prioritize meetings with the highest conversion potential.
Exhibitors look to event organizers to provide the best lead capturing and data analysis tools so they can prove ROI.
The best options will have an omnichannel dashboard that provides these data insights in real-time.
Your event organizer mobile app must also enhance the experience for attendees.
Attendees want easy navigation and the ability to find exhibitors who are most relevant to them.
The in-app algorithm is key to meeting these needs – it aligns itself with preferences and creates a personalized feed of content, session and exhibitor suggestions.
This enables organizers to increase the event’s value for exhibitors and attendees.
**Download the free [Event App Handbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/) for a practical guide on how to utilize our app for your event.**
## Monetize your event with in-app ad space and premium option
**Your app also provides a monetization opportunity to drive more event revenue.**
This is digital space that can be used for ads and options for premium profiles.
Exhibitors can gain more connections by highlighting themselves on the homepage.
Sponsors can use several different ad formats to apply to the app.
Digital space for banner and splash ads is a perfect way to increase sponsor ROI.
The more digital sponsorship options you can provide, the more it drives the value of your event.
This is why choosing the best event app is crucial – it must be customizable, optimized for lead retrieval, improve your tech stack and provide great sponsorship opportunities.
**Provide a premium event organizer mobile app and increase the value of your event [here.](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)**
**Categories:** Event App
---
### [Emerald strengthen executive-level summit portfolio with new acquisition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-08-18/)
**Published:** August 18, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Emerald has taken over the Canadian leader of high-impact executive-level B2B summits.**
Generis Group marks an acceleration of growth for the event organizer – increasing the size of their well-established executive summit portfolio.
This is the top headline for your Week in Events. Other top stories include:
- [Informa continues growth momentum in Q2 report](#one)
- [WTM Africa advances women in the travel sector with strategic partnerships](#two)
- [IMEX America shares practical sustainability insights](#three)
Get the full stories below with your full Week in Events round-up.
## Emerald takes over Generis Group
**Emerald has accelerated their growth with their newest acquisition to their executive-level summit portfolio.**
The event organizer announced it has acquired 100% equity interest in the Toronto-based Generis Group.
Generis is the leader of executive-level summits in Canada and has made significant business impacts in key growth markets.
Francesco Scalzo, CEO of Generis, said: “We believe Emerald’s expertise will empower Generis to scale our impact even more rapidly and reach new heights, while staying true to what has made our events valuable to senior executives.”
This acquisition is a key strategic step in expanding Emerald’s executive-level summit portfolio.
The event organizer is keen to strengthen it’s presence in this market – particularly in the US and Europe.
Emerald is significantly closer to achieving that goal with this latest takeover.
Hervé Sedky, CEO of Emerald, added: “With the addition of Generis, Emerald will now host more than 50 executive summits annually – underscoring the strength, scale and value of our offering.”
## Informa continues growth momentum in Q2 report
**Informa has announced more than 15% quarter-over-quarter sequential revenue growth in its Q2 financial report.**
This is accelerated growth compared with the results from the first quarter.
Informa has reaffirmed its 2025 full-year guidance due to this improved momentum.
Gary Nugent, CEO, Informa TechTarget, said: “We continue to make good progress through the Foundation Year for Informa TechTarget, delivering sequential [improvement in ](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-week-20211217/)financial performance through Q2, as the impact of our early strategic actions are beginning to bear fruit.”
This shows [continued progression of Informa’s combination plan – a focus](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20221205/) on reshaping and optimizing the combined company.
The report indicates long-term [growth opportunities with increasing demand for data-driven marketing](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/jens-schindler-appointment/) solutions.
## WTM Africa advances women in the travel sector with strategic partnerships
**World Tourism Market Africa has formed a strategic alliance with two women-focused associations.**
The RX-owned exhibition aims to challenge the male-dominated African tourism industry by advancing women in this sector.
Women in MICE and Women in Tourism are influential networks that WTM Africa seeks to utilize to achieve this.
Antois Leigh Nepgen, owner of Women in MICE, said: “By joining forces with WTM Africa and Women in Tourism, we’re creating a high-impact platform that celebrates excellence, fosters leadership, and breaks down the barriers that still exist in our industry.”
Women in MICE will unveil their awards categories at WTM Africa’s breakfast event on 15 April 2026.
The event will host around 80 women in leadership roles within the tourism industry.
This will be follow up the event with a masterclass hosted by leaders that will deliver practical leadership strategies, marketplace visibility, and personal branding.
Carol Weaving, managing director of RX Africa, said: “These new partnerships are a meaningful extension of our year-round commitment to empowering women in tourism,
“By bringing together these powerful networks, we’re demonstrating that real change happens when we unite our efforts from the ground up.”
## IMEX America shares practical sustainability insights
**IMEX has shared its [2024 sustainability report with the sustainable event](https://expoplatform.com/research-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-the-event-tech-forecast-2024/) management agency MeanGreen, which is acting as a consultant.**
The organizer’s sustainable initiatives were implemented in 2024 – resulting in a 39% reduction carbon emissions compared with 2023.
IMEX has highlighted the initiatives it has taken that have made it a zero-waste event for the sixth time in a row.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, said: “Having the right knowledge to hand is key to making meaningful progress and this report details the practical information planners can use to make changes to their own events and enhance conversations with colleagues and clients.”
IMEX also highlights areas of improvement that are needed despite the positive results of their 2024 initiatives.
The industry leader is using this report as a call to [action for all event professionals to prioritize sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/net-zero-events-removal-july24/).
The [sustainability report provides some practical strategies that event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/) organizers can implement as the first step.
**Thanks for reading – you are all caught up on this Week in Events. To stay ahead in the events industry [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Event marketing budgets grow at UK record rate: IPA report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-2024-04-29/)
**Published:** April 29, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event budgets outpaced other marketing departments to grow at the highest rate on record across the UK, according to a new report.**
The latest Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) study marks the ninth straight quarter of growth in this area and the highest increase in 11 years of data tracking.
Read more about it below in your full Week in Events. Here are the top headlines from your industry news updates:
- [**Events spending jumps 23% in Q1 2024: IPA report**](#one)
- [**GL Events reports 28% increase in Q1 2024 live events revenue**](#two)
- [**AEO to welcome 250+ delegates at annual 2024 conference**](#three)
***➡️ Event marketing can put your show on the top – if done right. Get an insider’s guide to modern event marketing with our [Events Amplified](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/) ebook.***
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Event marketing spend jumps 23%: IPA report**
**Events led the UK marketing budget surge in Q1 with a 23% increase, according to a new report.**
Research in the latest Bellwether report by S&P Global for the IPA documented the highest growth in spend in this area over its 11-year history.
> The Q1 2024 IPA Bellwether Report showed how 'Events' was the stand-out category, with budgets expanding at the fastest rate on record. So, what is it about events that makes them so influential? @imahomeglobal's Lucy Tant, takes a look: [pic.twitter.com/xD7AirgAWU](https://t.co/xD7AirgAWU)
>
> — Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) (@The\_IPA) [April 25, 2024](https://twitter.com/The_IPA/status/1783485769434181838?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The record-rate increase of event marketing budgets outpaced direct marketing (7%), sales promotions (4.9%), market research (1.4%) and PR (0.6%).
Findings also suggests events will continue to be a key area of budget expansion as “anecdotal evidence indicates a desire among companies to continue investing in marketing tools which have yielded good results”.
Joe Hayes, author of the report, said: “Greenshoots of recovery are appearing across the UK economy.
“With business survey data suggesting UK GDP will expand in the first quarter, it’s no surprise to see another strong round of marketing budget growth.
“Cost-of-living pressures and high borrowing costs has led household and businesses to retrench in recent times, making the market more competitive to earn and retain customer business.”
*For 2024-25, events are predicted to lead marketing budget growth with an 18.7% net increase in spending – significantly surpassing direct marketing’s 11.9% projected growth.*
Patrick Reid, group CEO at Imagination, added: “The latest IPA Bellwether Report highlights the UK’s resilient marketing landscape, with events and experiences remaining the standout performers.
“In the last quarter, events saw a record expansion, with a net balance of +23.1% – the highest in the survey’s 11-year history.
“This resilience demonstrates businesses’ strong desire to connect with customers, as well as marketers’ recognising the power of experiences to enable them to achieve this.
“As the UK economy recovers from recession, businesses recognise the importance of experiences as a tool to drive their bottom line.
“Looking ahead, the outlook for events remains positive, with promising continued growth.
“The report indicates that a net balance of +18.7% of companies plan to increase their event budgets in 2024/25, suggesting that events are set for even more robust growth in the coming years, which rings true to the activity we’re seeing across our client portfolio.”
## **GL Events reports 28% increase in Q1 live events revenue**
**GL Events recorded a 28% rise in live events revenue to $206 million in Q1, according to its latest financial statement.**
The organizer also saw a 7.1% year-on-year growth in venues of $101m, while revenue from exhibitions fell 11% y-o-y to $107m during the same period.
This took the company’s overall revenue to $414m during Q1, up 10% from $376m from the same period in 2023.
Olivier Ginon, chairman-CEO of GL Events Group, said: “Building on the strong momentum of the last few quarters, GL events is off to an excellent start in 2024 with strong growth in the first quarter.
“This performance has largely been driven by gains in France, China, the UK and Chile.
“By division, Live and Venues reported higher sales whereas the Exhibitions division was impacted by an unfavourable biennial effect in an even-numbered year.”
He added: “This solid double-digit growth has further bolstered our strategic position in the universe of major events worldwide.
“This year’s Olympic Games in France will provide us with a new showcase on the global stage for the complete range of technical services offered by our three divisions – Venues, Live and Exhibitions – but also the ability of all GL events employees to offer the public truly memorable, festive and sustainable events.
“In the meantime, GL events is continuing to invest in all its businesses, highlighted by ambitious projects like the brand-new Anhembi site in São Paulo, which will be delivered on schedule.”
## **AEO to welcome 250+ delegates at annual 2024 conference**
**The Association of Event Organisers will open its doors to more than 250 industry delegates at its yearly conference.**
Delegates are to include MDs, group MDs, portfolio and SME directors as well as department heads from the UK and overseas.The [2024 event](https://expoplatform.com/research-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-the-event-tech-forecast-2024/) will be held on September 5 at Manchester Central and will explore key topics vital to fostering innovation and creativity – such as international opportunities, community development, sustainability and culture.
Chris Skeith, CEO of AEO, said: “We are thrilled to bring our audience to Manchester this year to shake things up.
“With fresh perspectives and new experiences, the host city perfectly embodies the theme of ‘Motivate. Innovate. Create.’
“Manchester has continually evolved as a hub of innovation, boasting a thriving tech sector driving research and development, alongside a vibrant cultural scene that champions creativity in music, arts, and media.”
Tom Forshaw, director of sales at Manchester Central, added: “We are delighted to welcome the AEO conference to Manchester Central this year.
“It’s always a stand-out event in the calendar and we’re very excited to bring it to Manchester for the first time in its history.
“Manchester continues to demonstrate its credentials as a world-class destination for events and we’re really looking forward to giving members and attendees a real taste of what we have to offer.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [GITEX Global records highest-ever international participation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/week-in-events-2024-10-21/)
**Published:** October 21, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The 2024 edition of GITEX Global saw the highest number of international attendees in the tech show’s 44-year-old history.**
The event featured more than 6,500 exhibitors and 1,800 startups from 180+ countries. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**GITEX Global records highest-ever international participation**](#one)
- [**Explori appoints Jan Barthelemy new EVP for commercial operations**](#two)
- [**MIA names Shonali Devereaux as new CEO**](#three)
- [**Messe Frankfurt expands Italy presence with new sustainability trade fair FESI**](#four)
- [**GL Events Q3 revenue jumps 18% to €384 million**](#five)
Navigating the LLM landscape can be challenging. **[Read chapter two of the LLMs playbook for events](https://expoplatform.com/publications/how-to-play-with-llms/)** to demystify this field and uncover practical tools to streamline your event operations.
## **GITEX Global records highest-ever international participation**
**GITEX Global has reported its highest international participation in its 44-year history.**
The 2024 edition, held at Dubai World Trade Centre from Oct. 14-18, featured over 6,500 exhibitors and 1,800 startups from more than 180 countries.
Under the theme “Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy,” the event focused on AI adoption and its impact across various sectors. The conference included over 40% new participating nations, expanding cross-regional partnerships in the tech industry.
The event’s agenda covered investment, cybersecurity, data centers, futuristic tech, and AI. Key topics included:
- AI applications across critical sectors
- Cybersecurity for digital infrastructure
- Future mobility innovations
- AI-powered data infrastructure
- AI in healthcare
Major tech companies showcased innovations in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
The conference also featured the World Future Economy Digital Leaders Summit and the debut of GITEX Editions.
Industry forecasts project the global AI market to reach $1,339.1 billion by 2030, according to Markets and Markets.
## **Explori appoints Jan Barthelemy new EVP for commercial operations**
**Explori has strengthened its commercial operations by naming Jan Barthelemy as the new executive vice-president of the division.**
In his new position, Barthelemy will collaborate with Chloe Richardson, SVP of growth and communications, to expand Explori’s sales team and manage key client relationships globally.
His previous roles include regional managing director for DMG Events in Australia and leading the Asia-Pacific region for Comexposium.
Jan’s appointment aims to support Explori’s growth in the event measurement sector.
Mark Brewster, CEO and founder at Explori said: “I’m delighted that Jan is joining Explori and heading up our commercial function.
“Jan is a great fit for our team and culture and will help Explori to develop our position both in the trade show and corporate events markets.”
Jan said: “I’m thrilled to join the Explori team, especially after being a customer and admirer of their significant contribution to the events industry over many years.
“I’m passionate about Explori’s mission to lead the way in event measurement, and I’m eager to get started and contribute to helping our customers not only quantify the impact of their events, but also unlock new opportunities for growth by demonstrating their true value.”
## **MIA names Shonali Devereaux as new CEO**
**The Meetings Industry Association (MIA) has announced Shonali Devereaux as its new CEO, effective November 26.**
Shonali will succeed Kerrin MacPhie, who is stepping down in December.
With 30 years of experience in the events sector, Devereaux has worked on major events including the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
She has held leadership positions and board roles, including vice-chair of the Tourism Alliance.
Devereaux currently lectures in Events Management and Tourism and speaks at industry events.
The MIA board cited Devereaux’s strategic vision as a key factor in her appointment.
Shonali said: “I am incredibly passionate about the business meetings and events industry.
“It is the best industry in the world to work in and it will be a privilege to be able to further raise its profile as CEO of the MIA.
“Everything that I have done in collaboration has always been better than I could have envisaged on my own.
“This is why it is exciting to lead a membership organisation that not only promotes excellence but seeks to forge strong relationships between and beyond its members.
“I’m looking forward to delivering the vision of the MIA – to help business meetings and events in the UK to be the best in class – through creating a diverse and inclusive membership, promoting and sharing best practice, delivering a strong accreditation programme, and raising the profile of our sector with key stakeholders.”
Outgoing CEO Kerrin MacPhie said: “Serving as the chief executive of the MIA has been a true privilege.
“Over the past three years, I am proud of the positive changes we have achieved under my leadership.
“With Shonali’s passion, expertise, and deep understanding of the sector, I am confident she will continue to guide the MIA towards realising its strategic goals, while championing the broader business meetings and events industry.”
## **Messe Frankfurt expands Italy presence with new sustainability trade fair FESI**
**Messe Frankfurt is expanding its presence in Italy with the launch of FESI, a new sustainability-focused trade fair that’s set to debut in Bologna from October 14-16, 2025.**
FESI – Fiera dell’Edificio Sostenibile e Integrato (Trade Fair for Sustainable and Integrated Construction) will focus on intelligent building technology and cover areas such as building automation, IoT integration, climate systems, energy management and smart mobility.
Wolfgang Marzin, president and CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “With our two strong trade fair brands, ISH and Light + Building, Messe Frankfurt already has the leading trade fairs for networked buildings, energy management and sustainability in its portfolio.
“We are very pleased that this new event will now allow us to bring together selected product areas from both of these trade fairs.
“This new format will make it possible for us to meet the needs of the Italian market.”
Donald Wich, CEO of Messe Frankfurt Italia, added: “With FESI, we are responding to the new needs of the Italian market, which are changing rapidly following the recent European guidelines.
“Legislation is prescribing stricter energy and environmental standards for buildings with a view to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency by 2030.
“After holding discussions with key sector players and associations in recent months, we saw that there is a clear need for a platform like FESI that would serve as a contact point for all sector players and offer specific, innovative solutions for the challenges associated with this important transformation.”
The event targets professionals in building construction, renovation and real estate – including designers, engineers, architects and facility managers.
FESI aims to showcase innovations in sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions.
This addition expands Messe Frankfurt’s portfolio of international trade events.
## **GL Events Q3 revenue jumps 18% to €384m**
**GL Events has announced an 18% increase in third-quarter revenue, reaching €384m.**
The company’s Live division saw a 24% growth, generating €250.2m. This increase was partly due to its involvement in the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which contributed €100.1m to the quarter’s revenue.
Chairman-CEO Olivier Ginon said: “GL [events maintained its momentum in the third quarter of 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-the-event-tech-forecast-2024/) with an 18% increase in revenue driven by strong gains in France, the United Kingdom and Latin America.
“We would like to express particular congratulations to the teams in Brazil for the successful launch of the Anhembi events complex, confirming the potential of this new growth driver for our activities in Latin America.
“The Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games were among the major successes in 2024, illustrating the Group’s key role in staging and the successful organisation of the world’s most important events.
“We applaud the remarkable work accomplished by all the teams mobilised during the site installation and operation phases, and now focused on dismantling the structures and restoring the sites to their original state.”
GL Events Exhibitions reported €25.4m in revenue, a 31% decrease from the previous year, attributed to biennial event cycles and economic challenges in certain sectors.
The Venues division showed strong performance with a 25% increase compared to Q3 2023.
Based on these results, GL Events has raised its 2024 annual revenue growth forecast to 10%, up from the previous 9% estimate.
The company expects continued growth in 2025, citing upcoming events such as the International Paris Air Show and the Osaka World Expo.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Tradeshows
---
### [AEO appoints dmg executive as new chair](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/week-in-events-2024-09-09/)
**Published:** September 9, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The Association of Event Organizers has appointed a dmg executive as its new chairman.**
New chair Rachel Swann will also work on building AEO’s core pillars and exploring their relevance to the association’s members.
The move is aimed at “future-proofing” the association for next-generation challenges and opportunities. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**AEO appoints dmg executive as new chair**](#one)
- [**GL events H1 revenue jumps 19% to €820.6m**](#two)
- [**Mash Media names new CEO**](#three)
- [**UFI announces ‘Changes to Chances’ theme for 2024 global congress**](#four)
**The landscape of events is changing and your shows need future-proofing as well. Generative AI is a great way to do it – read our [Primer on LLMs for events](https://expoplatform.com/publications/a-primer-on-llms/) to get started.**
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **AEO appoints dmg executive as new chair**
**AEO has named the current chief operating officer of the energy division at dmg events as its new chair.**
The announcement about Rachel Swann came after a recent AEO board meeting, where Easyfairs CEO Alison Willis was also named vice chair.
Rachel said: “I am honoured to take on the role of AEO chair, following the excellent leadership of Matthew.
“I look forward to speaking to all the members to understand better what they need and how we can support them as an association.
“Our members’ experience and success are at the core of everything we do, and by working together with them we are stronger.”
Matthew Butler, the outgoing chair and group managing director of CloserStill Media, will transition to the role of past chair until September 2025.
He said: “It has been a pleasure to see the industry grow and develop, showcased by AEO’s increased member engagement and strategic initiatives.
“Over the last 18 months, we have sharpened our approach with a focus on financial resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity.
“I am proud of what we’ve achieved and confident that under Rachel’s leadership, this positive momentum will continue.”
Rachel’s chairmanship will focus on ‘Future Proofing the AEO for the next generation.’
Her strategy will aim to ensuring the organization’s continued relevance and value to its members.
In addition, she will look to build upon the AEO’s established pillars of Representation, Community, Talent and Insight, while exploring their significance to the membership.
The AEO has also welcomed four new industry professionals to its Board.
This move is part of the organization’s regular member rotation policy, designed to introduce fresh perspectives and expertise to the group.
These changes in the AEO’s governance structure are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the events industry, as the organization continues to adapt to evolving market needs and challenges.
## **GL events H1 revenue jumps 19% to €820.6m**
**GL events has reported an almost 20% increase in revenue for H1 2024.**
A surge of 19% was recorded as the figure reached €820.6 million.
The company also raised its full-year growth target on the back of this positive momentum.
**Key Highlights:**
- **Revenue soars:** Revenue jumped 19% to €820.6m, driven by strong growth in the Live and Venues segments and a positive contribution from all operating regions.
- **Profitability improves:** EBITDA climbed 17% to €116m, demonstrating improved operational efficiency.
- **Net profit jumps:** Net profit attributable to shareholders surged 24%, reflecting the company’s strong earnings performance.
- **Growth target raised:** GL Events now expects full-year revenue growth of 9%, up from its previous forecast of 7%.
The company attributed its strong performance to several factors – including a high level of activity in France related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, robust growth in its core businesses, strategic investments and a favorable biennial effect.
Chairman-CEO of GL events Group Olivier Ginon said: “GL events’ strong growth momentum is continuing with revenue up 19% in the first half of 2024, driven by its strategy of combining the strengths of its three business divisions to provide an integrated offering: Live, Venues and Exhibitions.
“Building on the trend of previous years and highlighting the Group’s vitality, results thus improved in the period.
“The success of the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games is the most striking example.”
He added: “The total value of the contracts signed for this [event represents total revenue of €360m2 (Paris 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-the-event-tech-forecast-2024/), Coca-Cola, Sodexo, House of America, Ministry of the Armed Forces, etc.) with Group subcontractors receiving approximately €195m of this amount, 90% of which went to French companies.
“In this way, GL events has sought to ensure that as many industry stakeholders as possible were able to contribute to the success of these Olympic Games.”
## **Mash Media names new CEO**
**Mash Media unveiled its new CEO as part of “an exciting new chapter” for the group.**
Liz Agostini takes on the position after a 15-year tenure where she has led each of the group’s portfolios, set out growth strategies across the company’s brands and steered it through the post-Covid recovery phase.
Julian Agostini, who has led the company as CEO, will transition to the role of chairman.
In this capacity, he will focus on expanding Mash Media’s charitable and CSR initiatives while also exploring potential acquisitions to strengthen the company’s position as the premier information hub for the events industry.
Julian said: “I’m so thankful to Liz for all the roles that she has taken on and nailed since joining me in the business 15 years ago.
“We have always worked side by side as a partnership but, honestly, Liz is more than capable of doing it on her own. I’m sure the industry always knew who the boss was anyway.”
Liz added: “We’re at the beginning of an exciting chapter in the Mash story and I feel privileged to be in a position to lead the extraordinary talent we have in the business to keep building on the last 29 years, keep evolving our offering and ensure that we continue to maintain our position as the go-to source of information and support for event professionals of every discipline.”
## **UFI announces ‘Changes to Chances’ theme for 2024 global congress**
**UFI has announced ‘Changes to Chances’ as its new theme for the upcoming 91st Global Congress.**
The event will held at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany from November 20-23, 2024 and explore the dynamic shifts and emerging opportunities within the exhibition industry.
It will feature a lineup of industry experts and C-level speakers from both within and outside the exhibition world.
> ? Announcing the 91st UFI Global Congress theme: CHANGES TO CHANCES! ?
>
> ? Read the media release:
>
> ?️ Join us this November at [@Koelnmesse](https://twitter.com/Koelnmesse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in Cologne: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#uficongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#changes2chances](https://twitter.com/hashtag/changes2chances?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#koelnmesse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/koelnmesse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#networking](https://twitter.com/hashtag/networking?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ilzE2uKC5b](https://t.co/ilzE2uKC5b)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [September 3, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1830878395443429752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf said: “From geopolitics to new behavioural patterns, from climate to data regulations, the exhibition industry is facing a whirlwind of changes – impacting our business model, the value chain, and our customers’ needs and actions.
“To tackle these, we are turning this year’s UFI Global Congress into a gateway to understanding how these changes can be transformed into chances – into opportunities to innovate, grow, and thrive in a new, different landscape.”
Attendees can expect a diverse range of sessions, including short talks, interactive discussions as well as the popular ‘Global Exhibition Industry Board Meeting’ and ‘Strategy Power Hour.’
The congress will also have a dedicated session that shines a spotlight on the German market.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [Ambition vs reality: Prioritizing sustainability at events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainability-at-events/)
**Published:** October 21, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Increasing sustainability at events is an important target for event organizers – a trend which is set to continue.**
But how much of a possibility it really is for the events industry is a topic of debate.
There is an expectation for businesses of all kinds to be making some progress in reducing their carbon footprint.
They all face pressure to reduce waste, embrace eco-friendly processes, conserve energy and water and more.
But becoming more sustainable is easier for some industries than others.
In this article we look at the following attributes:
- Why sustainability at events is easier said than done
- Where does sustainability really rank on eventprofs’ priority list?
- Initiatives we can implement now while committing to a greener future
Understanding current challenges, limitations, initiatives and ongoing research is key in building a more sustainable future for the events industry.
Take a look at **[this in-depth guide to sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-2025-guide/)** for a thorough overview on how to make your shows greener.
## **Why sustainability at events is easier said than done**
**By its very nature (no pun intended), the events industry is not set up with a green thumb.**
Shows include large quantities of people travelling to a specific location using multiple forms of transport.
Visitors use trains, planes, cars and buses to get to the venue resulting in a lot of fuel consumption.
The venues require a massive amount of gas, water and electricity to accommodate all involved.
As well as lighting and heating the venue – some exhibitors use LED lighting, screens playing promotional materials and demonstrate electrically-powered products.
Food consumption is also challenging with so many people spend 8-10 hours in the venue for multiple days.
Venues supply multiple food options to accommodate various dietary needs and want to provide a good overall experience.
There is also plastic, cardboard and paper waste from bringing in various exhibition equipment, merch and utensils.
Between transport, energy and the natural waste of exhibitions – sustainability at events is no short order.
## **Where does sustainability rank on eventprofs’ priority lists?**
**Increasing sustainability at events is important for event professionals.**
But to prioritize this over everything else could be detrimental to venues, organizers and exhibitors alike.
Each face increasing pressure to make events more interactive and unique.
For exhibitors this means making their booths more flashy and eye-catching or have something that sets them apart.
Some will use powerful lighting to enhance their branding or utilize big screens to showcase products or services.
Others may use technology sto entice attendees into trying something interactive and exciting.
Exhibitors also try to capture visitors through hospitable means – complementary snacks or drinks, coffee machines, ice cream makers, personalized printing machines and more.
All of the above require more energy and/or produce more waste than they would with a plain old stand.
Sacrificing these experience-enhancing elements could potentially cost connections and for organizers it can hinder the overall event experience.
The events industry has had to overcome challenges to stay competitive in the digital age.
It means organizers have leaned into the attributes of in-person events that online platforms can’t replicate.
This involves creating a unique experience that captivates the senses – sight, sound, smell, touch and taste to form deeper connections.
The industry must develop more practical strategies before it can make a real commitment to sustainability.
## **Initiatives we can implement now while committing to a greener future**
**The events industry is taking steps to enhance sustainability at events – despite the challenges.**
There is an increasing use of materials that can be recycled, reused or composted – including re-usable signage, carpeting and paper-based materials to reduce single-use exhibits.
Eco-friendly transport is being encouraged where possible, such as supplying electric shuttle buses to travel between high-traffic areas (train stations, airports, hotels) and the venue.
But there is still a significant way to go to truly make events more sustainable and there are clear areas for improvement.
The events industry must deepen its partnerships with environmental charities that come into a venue after an event to repurpose the leftover materials.
Research is also being conducted into paper-based adhesive decals to ensure they are a viable alternative that will not damage venue walls and floors.
Event organizers such as IMEX are also researching more environmentally friendly materials for event use.
But the [events industry must lean into the proven sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/) initiatives until more comprehensive strategies are developed from this research.
The original approach to making events more sustainable is to offset the negative environmental impacts with positive contributions.
Sustainability programs that result in more planting of trees for every meeting booked between attendees and exhibitors.
Carbon offsetting is currently the best way to ensure events maintain sustainability levels.
Stalemate in this area is a win until more comprehensive and practical strategies are developed as a permanent solution.
**[Check out our Meetings Make Trees program](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) to increase sustainability at your events.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Events have 'huge power' to cut CO2, but minds must change](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/anna-abdelnoor-july24/)
**Published:** July 18, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs have a “huge amount of power” to make our industry more sustainable – but mindsets must change, according to an industry expert.**
Anna Abdelnoor, CEO of [isla](https://weareisla.co.uk/?utm_source=expoplatform&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=anna_interview), told how the vast majority of impactful decisions can be made in the planning stage, rather than trying to work out how to reduce waste after a show.
It comes as [studies suggest](https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-27251-2#Sec2) the annual carbon footprint for the global event industry are of the same order of magnitude as the entire US – which is responsible for more than 10% of global CO2 emissions.
She told ExpoPlatform: “As event professionals, we tend to forget that 90% of the work comes in the planning stage.
“We’re so used to doing things in a certain way that we think about what happens after the event, what happens after the downstream – so by that point, we’ve already created the waste.
“But it’s actually really important for us to think before that – not where will my products or my booth or my materials end up – but how can I prevent my materials ending up as waste.
“So it’s really in that concept, that creative space.
“The upstream is a really important space to be looking at because that hasn’t happened yet, which means we’ve got a huge amount of power to create change to do things differently, to choose a different route.
“That means we don’t necessarily have to worry about the what happens after – we deal with the what’s coming before.”
isla is a non-profit organisation founded by [event professionals and industry leaders focusing on a sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/) future for events.
It works work with agencies, brands, organisers and suppliers providing practical guidance on environmental issues.
This is done by drawing on expertise from across the sector to create a powerful network with the knowledge and confidence to facilitate change.
The rapid expansion of the global event industry over the last few decades has brought about tourism growth and socio-economic development – but also exerted surprisingly large pressure on the goals to mitigate global climate change.
Anna set out how organisers can begin to think differently about planning their events so they can have this pro-active approach to tackling CO2 emissions.
She said: “Interrogate why you are running your event – what is the outcome that you’re actually looking for?
“Is it that you want to be educating people? Is it that you want to be bringing people together for a specific reason? What is the purpose and outcome of the event that you’re actually running?
“When you start with that question, you can start to think about different ways of delivering it.
“So rather than ‘we’re used to doing the event in this way of bringing people together in this way’ you start to say ‘what do we want to achieve?’ and plan for that.
“I think asking that question – what’s the outcome that I want from doing this – really starts to lend into being more creative, being more innovative and finding new ways of doing things because you know what your goal is and you know what you’re really working for.”
One example of how this approach can be taken can be seen in a project launched by isla alongside partners.
The company recently unveiled a prototype of an innovative reusable zero-waste stand at the Meetings Show 2024 in ExCeL London.
It came as part of collaboration with the event, creator Paradigm as well as partners the Bulb and Informa.
The walls and floor of the truly circular and sustainable stand are built out of Reform, a recycled plastic tile made from old exhibition carpet, with the flooring made using post-consumer ocean plastic fabricated using renewable electricity in the UK.
The substructure of the stand is built out of repurposed metal from disused shell scheme, meaning the structure of the stand is made from 100% post-consumer materials.
Further work was done taken to ensure no toxic impacts from paints and glues as well as no miscellaneous waste from screws and nails.
The Reform tiles click together by hand and can be rolled up like carpet at the end of a show, ready to be reused.
No protective single-use plastic pallet wrap is required to protect the stand during transit.
“It’s made from waste exhibition carpets to make the walls, the flooring is made from waste ocean plastic and it’s a fully closed loop system – so it’s totally circular.
“It’s truly zero waste – and not just zero waste to landfill, water zero waste incineration. Lightweight, amazing system and yeah, brilliant concept. How easy would it be? For exhibitors to
Anna added “It’s super easy for other people to kind of pick up on the solution and run with it.
“It is so important for us to be addressing this kind of waste question because the production chain of producing the materials that we use on stands is really, really long. It’s so carbon intensive as a process.
“Before you even get to the waste journey, you’ve already created most of the emissions and then we don’t really know how to deal with the waste.
“We don’t have the solutions for a scale so the best way to address it is to prevent it from being created in the first instance – solutions that look at the circularity before you even go on site and look at reducing and preventing waste before you can get on site.”
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. Find out how our Meetings Makes Trees initiative can help your organisation to offset carbon emissions. [Book a meeting](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) for more information now.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Emerald acquires luxury events portfolio](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/wie-20250324/)
**Published:** March 24, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This week has seen significant developments across the events industry – with major acquisitions, leadership changes and strong growth reports.**
Emerald has agreed to acquire This is Beyond – adding seven luxury B2B events to its portfolio – while Erica Bartsch joins the company as EVP of strategy and communications. It has also announced the takeover of insurance conferences organizer Insurtech Insights.
In other leadership announcements, IMEX has appointed Kelly Grant as marketing director and Natalie Gestetner as brand ambassador to expand its reach.
Dubai World Trade Centre has reported a 26% rise in events, hosting 2.65 million participants in 2024 – also up 7% on the previous year.
Another takeover this week has seen Easyfairs as acquire the Digital Accountancy Show.
Our final story is a boost for the climate as Deutsche Messe has introduced a Climate Ticket, offering free public transport for trade fair participants. Read the full details below.
## **Emerald acquires luxury events portfolio**
**A deal has been agreed for Emerald to take over a global portfolio of experiential and luxury travel industry B2B events.**
The move will see the organizer bring in seven high-value events in the acquisition of London-based This is Beyond.
It is aimed at diversifying its portfolio through targeting high-growth markets with leading brands, reinforcing its leadership in dynamic sectors and driving forward strategic growth initiatives.
Hervé Sedky, CEO of Emerald, said: “Entering this sector is an exciting opportunity for Emerald, and we are thrilled to welcome This is Beyond into our portfolio of world-class brands and events.
“By combining This is Beyond’s expertise with Emerald’s strengths in innovation, market leadership and in-person experiences, we will elevate our offerings, reinforce our presence in high-value markets and deliver exceptional ROI to our customers.”
The complete portfolio that will come under Emerald’s ownership include:
- PURE Life Experiences – Marrakech, Morocco – High-end experiential travel sector.
- LE Miami – Miami, Florida, USA – High-end contemporary travel sector and catering to a creative end consumer base.
- We Are Africa – Cape Town, South Africa – The world’s largest marketplace fully dedicated to the high-end African travel sector.
- We Are Africa North America – Sundance, Utah, USA – Focused on supporting high-end travel from North America to Africa.
- Further East – Bali, Indonesia – An outbound travel show for the high-end APAC travel region.
- Do Not Disturb – Borgo Egnazia, Italy – Private and exclusive travel experiences, such as private yachts, planes and villas.
- Specialists in Entertainment Travel – Addresses the fast-growing luxury entertainment travel sector.
This is Beyond was founded in 2009 and has since built a strong reputation in the $1.3 trillion luxury travel market through its ability to create original, exclusive experiences that meet the rising demand for high-end travel.
It curates specialized events that connect elite travel designers, global tour operators and in-house travel managers.
Serge Dive, CEO of This is Beyond, added: “Joining Emerald provides us with all the support we need to scale our vision and deliver even more exceptional experiences for our communities.
“I’m confident that together, we’ll reach new heights and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the industry.”
Meanwhile, Emerald has also announced the takeover of of Insurtech Insights, a London-based company that serves the growing insurance technology community.
Insurtech Insights produces leading conferences across Europe, Asia and the US – serving as a top platform for networking, education and innovation in insurance.
In another move, the company has announced the appointment of Erica Bartsch as executive vice president of strategy and communications.
She will lead strategy, investor relations, corporate communications and strategic partnerships – working closely with the executive team to drive alignment across key stakeholders.
Hervé said: “We are thrilled to welcome Erica to the Emerald leadership team.
“Her strategic acumen and proven ability to shape compelling corporate narratives will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our portfolio, expand our industry influence and enhance engagement across our platforms.”
## **IMEX unveils two new roles to tackle industry change**
**Events giant IMEX Group has created two new roles to take on changes our industry is facing and reach new audiences.**
Kelly Grant becomes marketing director, bringing over 15 years of experience in the global events industry.
The organizer’s new brand ambassador has been announced as Natalie Gestetner, who is based on the US west coast.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group: “We’ve invested in our team and business so that we’re equipped to respond and flex to changes in the industry.
“Looking at research and speaking to our colleagues and friends around the world, there are many instances now where the event planning role sits within the marketing function and these new roles help us respond to that shift.
“We want to welcome this new audience of marketers and use our shows to demonstrate the true value of live events.
“These two senior level appointments signal our intention to advocate for live events as an important and measurable part of the marketing mix.”
Kelly now heads up the 16-strong marketing, content, social media and digital team – taking a customer-first approach which is personalized for audiences.
She will lead the rollout of a program of year-round content which is data-led to enable a measurable and highly targeted audience reach and attendee conversion.
Meanwhile, Natalie will work within the group’s new Impact team. She will work closely with brand-side executives and senior level marketers to introduce them to IMEX and explore how the shows can support strategic objectives and KPIs.
The group added that “significant strides” have been made with the introduction of a dedicated event for CMOs and senior marketing professionals at IMEX America 2024, with plans to develop this further in the year ahead.
## **DWTC records 26% jump in events for 2024**
**The Dubai World Trade Centre has recorded a 26% increase in events over a year.**
Figures from the giant venue show 378 shows took place while it also welcomed 2.65 million event participants in 2024 – marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year.
MICE events collectively attracted 2.03 million attendees, reflecting a 30% year-on-year growth.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the DWTC, said: “Our 2024 achievements reflect growth – not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai’s global market position.
“The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC’s role in fostering meaningful commercial connections.
“Our continued success in attracting new-to-market events across diverse sectors reaffirms Dubai’s unique appeal as a global hub where innovation meets opportunity.
“This momentum fuels our confidence as we drive forward with our ambitious venue expansion strategy to meet increasing global demand.”
## **Easyfairs takes over Digital Accountancy Show**
**Easyfairs has acquired the Digital Accountancy Show with aims to generate rapid growth and enhance the [community’s 365 experience](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).**
The takeover aims to utilize the pair’s shared focus on technology and digital innovation to provide strong foundations for the next step in the journey of the London event.
Since its launch in 2020, Digital Accountancy Show’s mission has been to drive change and support the evolution of the accounting profession.
Alison Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK & Global added: “We are delighted to welcome Digital Accountancy Show on our journey to shape the future of events. At Easyfairs, we constantly challenge ourselves to look into the future and picture what the lives of our communities will look like.
“It’s clear that the Digital Accountancy Show team shares this vision having created a festival-like event that has a perfect blend of high quality content, vibrant social scene and innovative solutions; all while prioritising entertainment for the accountancy community.”
Dan Cockerton, co-founder of Digital Accountancy Show, said: “This partnership allows us to enhance our event’s mission even further and drive forward on a global basis, with the potential to impact hundreds of thousands of advisors and SME businesses.”
The next edition of the leading technology conference for accountants, bookkeepers and finance professionals will take place on April 1 and 2.
## **Deutsche Messe launches free Climate Ticket**
**Exhibitors and visitors to future Deutsche Messe trade shows will be automatically entitled to free train travel to the venue.**
The Climate Ticket partnership with the ÜSTRA public transport association covers all routes on the operator’s network.
It also includes guest organizers hosting shows at the exhibition center, allowing them to offer the same benefit to their attendees.
Jochen Köckler, chairman of Deutsche Messe’s managing board, said: “The new Climate Ticket provides a convenient, cost-effective and [sustainable way for visitors to get to our events](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/).
“We are thus taking a proactive step toward reducing CO2 emissions, easing traffic congestion and enhancing the appeal of Hannover as a premier trade fair venue.”
Ulf-Birger Franz, head of the Hannover region’s Department of Economic Affairs and Transport, added: “We are delighted that – together with Deutsche Messe AG and the Climate Ticket – we will also be able to offer the tried-and-tested combined ticket scheme to all visitors to Hannover’s trade fairs in future.
“With this environmentally friendly offer, we are showing guests from all over the world that Hannover as a trade fair venue stands for a modern, [sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) and mobile lifestyle – that’s a great and important message.”
**Thanks for reading – we hope you’re up to speed for the week. Why not [book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you stay ahead?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Sustainable events in 2025: strategies and best practices](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-2025-guide/)
**Published:** January 23, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The era of token sustainability efforts ends now. As we move into 2025, sustainable events demand more than surface-level ‘green’ gestures – they require robust strategies and proven tactics that deliver real, measurable impact across events and exhibitions.**
This article serves as a roadmap for sustainable event planning. It strips away the complexities and provides crucial insights and info to chart clear pathways towards Net Zero goals. Happy reading!
**Explore now** ➡️ ExpoPlatform’s sustainability program **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** helps you reduce event’s your carbon footprint by planting a tree for every meeting booked.
## **Sustainability – ‘the most significant challenge’ for exhibitions in the future**
According to UFI president Hugh Jones, “sustainability is possibly the most significant challenge” the exhibition industry faces in the mid-to-long term.
In his [**inaugural letter to UFI members**](https://blog.ufi.org/2024/12/03/letter-from-the-ufi-president-december-2024/), Hugh said: “As an industry, we need to be seen as part of the solution to the climate crisis, not as part of the problem. And let’s be clear, we will not get away with symbolism or anything that can be seen as “greenwashing.
“UFI was key in setting up the “Net Zero Carbon Events” Initiative in 2021, and we managed and grew that program on behalf of the whole events industry – way beyond exhibitions – taking the lead on exhibition-related projects while driving sustainable development initiatives specifically for our sector.
“UFI’s working group for sustainable development is one of the oldest, most experienced, and most successful groups that UFI has ever created.”
He added: “But we need to do more and we need to do more, together. One issue where not all the major players in our industry are aligned in their respective strategies, is offsetting projects that invest in our industry specifically, creating a funding mechanism that drives our sector’s decarbonisation.
“Some UFI members have begun work on this, and I am eager to see this evolve into a scenario where UFI can act as the trusted party that connects and perhaps behaves as an arms-length auditor of these interests.
“We need to push ahead with initiatives focused on our exhibitions business, and we must continue to lead by example and take the wider event industry with us on this.
“We have to show that coming to events acts as a carbon consolidator – where else can you meet all the stakeholders for your industry, under one roof, without travelling to see them each individually and with the emissions burden that demands.”
## **Key drivers accelerating sustainable transformation in business events**
The transformation toward sustainable business events is accelerating due to three primary forces.
First, client expectations and corporate mandates now shape the event landscape, with major companies that require robust sustainability credentials from their event partners.
These requirements stem from expanded ESG reporting obligations and heightened pressure from shareholders who demand concrete sustainability metrics.
The regulatory environment continues to evolve and shape sustainable event practices.
The implementation of the **[EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive](https://finance.ec.europa.eu/regulation-and-supervision/financial-services-legislation/implementing-and-delegated-acts/corporate-sustainability-reporting-directive_en)**, combined with carbon pricing mechanisms and strict local regulations on waste and energy, creates a comprehensive framework that influences event operations.
These regulations affect everything from travel logistics to venue management.
Technology serves as a crucial catalyst in this transformation.
Digital event platforms now offer alternatives to reduce travel emissions, while smart building systems help optimize energy consumption.
The market also sees an expansion in sustainable materials and circular economy solutions, which provide event planners with more options to minimize their environmental impact.
## **Industry progress and initiatives**
Between 2023 and 2025, the exhibition and events sector has fundamentally transformed its operational approach to meet global sustainability demands.
This shift represents more than environmental stewardship – it demonstrates a reimagining of how the MICE industry plans and executes events, balancing economic viability with social responsibility. Here’s a lowdown:
**Net Zero Carbon Events**
This initiative has made substantial strides since its inception. Launched at COP26 in November 2021, it aims to unite the events industry in its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Key progress points include:
- Over **100 organizations** signed the **[Net Zero Carbon Events](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/)** Pledge at COP26, committing to reduce their carbon footprints and enhance sustainability practices within the industry.
- In 2022, stakeholders collaborated to develop an **industry Net Zero Roadmap**, which was unveiled at COP27. This roadmap outlines actionable pathways for decarbonization across various sectors of the events industry, focusing on areas such as venue energy use, food waste management, logistics, and travel.
- By 2023, eight workstreams were established to drive initiatives in critical areas such as measurement and reporting of carbon emissions, further solidifying the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
**Major industry developments**
- Organizations such as the **[Global Destination Sustainability Index](https://www.gds.earth/index/) (GDS-Index)** are actively benchmarking cities on their sustainability efforts. For instance, Singapore ranked **\#1 in Asia-Pacific** and **\#7 globally** in the 2024 GDS-Index, highlighting its commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
- Many convention centers and venues are upgrading their operations to meet enhanced sustainability standards. For example, Singapore aims for all purpose-built MICE venues to achieve internationally recognized sustainability certifications by **2025**
- The **Scandinavian Index –** which benchmarks around **100 city destinations –** has evolved to provide insights into sustainability practices across the globe, enabling continuous improvement in event planning and execution
**COP29 commitments**
- More than **50 countries** endorsed a landmark proposal for Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. This marked a significant moment as it was the first time tourism was featured prominently at a UN climate summit
- The conference highlighted that tourism contributes approximately **8.8% of global emissions**, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts from event players to mitigate their impact on climate change
- The **[Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism](https://www.unwto.org/the-glasgow-declaration-on-climate-action-in-tourism)** continues to gain traction with over **370 action plans** developed by its signatories. Notably:
- **74%** of signatories with climate plans are actively measuring their emissions.
- **92%** of these plans include actions aimed at decarbonization
These evidence-based transformations show how events have evolved from aspirational goals to measurable, systemic change.
## **Setting up a strategic framework for sustainable events**
**Measurement and certification**
The events industry has established standardized protocols for environmental impact measurement through systematically refined methodologies and certification processes.
These frameworks provide event organizers with concrete metrics to assess and verify their sustainability initiatives.
A comprehensive carbon footprint analysis now encompasses:
- Direct emissions from venue operations (Scope 1), which includes on-site fuel consumption and refrigerant leakage’
- Energy consumption during event periods (Scope 2), covering both setup and actual event days
- Indirect emissions from the value chain (Scope 3), encompassing participant travel, accommodation choices, and waste management protocols
- Digital infrastructure impact tracking for hybrid event components, including server energy usage and data transmission
[**UFI’s sustainability guidance**](https://www.ufi.org/industry-resources/sustainable-development/) focuses on promoting sustainable practices and providing guidance for the exhibition industry.
**[The Events Industry Council (EIC) Sustainable Event Standards](https://insights.eventscouncil.org/Sustainability/Sustainability-Events-Standards)** provide a comprehensive assessment methodology across nine impact areas.
And the **[GDS-Index](https://www.gds.earth/index/)** evaluates destination-specific factors like local infrastructure and renewable energy availability.
**[ISO 20121](https://www.iso.org/standard/86389.html)** implementation has evolved to require:
- Integration of real-time monitoring systems that track resource consumption
- Documented improvement trajectories with specific milestones
- Structured stakeholder engagement protocols
- Environmental incident response planning
**Technology integration**
Digital transformation has reshaped sustainable event management through solutions that enable precise environmental impact tracking.
Modern event documentation relies on advanced digital infrastructure:
- Blockchain technology verifies sustainability reports, ensuring data integrity
- AI-powered assessment tools analyze multiple data streams for impact evaluation
- Real-time environmental performance dashboards provide immediate insights
- Automated systems track compliance with sustainability standards
Contemporary event management platforms deliver comprehensive solutions:
- Automated carbon calculators process complex datasets
- Systematic supplier sustainability scoring based on verified metrics
- Integrated waste tracking with predictive reduction planning
- Dynamic energy consumption optimization algorithms
Smart venue technologies have advanced to include:
- IoT sensors for continuous resource monitoring
- HVAC systems with AI-driven optimization
- Lighting controls that respond to occupancy patterns
- Water management systems with leak detection
- Automated waste sorting with contamination detection
**Supply chain sustainability**
The evolution of vendor and supplier selection criteria reflects the industry’s commitment to comprehensive sustainability standards.
This transformation encompasses all aspects of the supply chain, from material sourcing to final disposal.
Vendor qualification requirements now include:
- Current environmental certifications from recognized bodies
- Documented carbon reduction targets and achievement records
- Standardized waste management protocols
- Verifiable local sourcing programs
- Demonstrated social responsibility initiatives
Exhibition stand design has embraced sustainability through:
- Modular construction that enables multiple reuse cycles
- Integration of certified biodegradable materials
- LED and low-energy lighting solutions
- Water-based finishing products that minimize VOC emissions
- Sustainable furniture rental programs
Sustainable catering operations emphasize:
- Expanded plant-based menu options (minimum 50% of offerings)
- Locally sourced ingredients from within 100 miles
- Complete elimination of single-use plastics
- Digital food waste monitoring
- On-site composting facilities
- Digital menu systems
Transportation solutions prioritize environmental impact reduction through:
- Electric vehicle integration for logistics operations
- Consolidated shipping programs that optimize load efficiency
- Last-mile delivery optimization using route planning technology
- Public transportation integration with event scheduling
- Bicycle-sharing infrastructure
- Partnerships with certified carbon-neutral shipping providers
This framework provides [event organizers with a structured approach to implementing sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-sustainable-events-checklist/) practices while ensuring measurable outcomes and compliance with industry standards.
Event organizers need to integrate these elements into a cohesive strategy that delivers measurable environmental benefits while maintaining operational efficiency.
## **Implementing your sustainability roadmap**
Success in sustainable event management can be divided into three phases: **plan, execute and analyze.**
Organizations that implement structured frameworks can better measure and improve their environmental impact compared to those without formal sustainability protocols.
This three-phase method provides organizers with clear checkpoints and measurable outcomes to track their progress toward sustainability goals. Let’s understand it step-by-step:
**Pre-event planning**
Venue selection is a cornerstone of sustainable event planning, with research indicating it can impact up to **\[introduce stat\] o**f an event’s carbon footprint
**Key venue assessment criteria :**
Strong environmental certifications like LEED or BREEAM should top any venue assessment checklist.
Each facility needs proper evaluation of its energy systems, from renewable power generation to smart building controls.
Effective waste management and water conservation features play crucial roles in overall sustainability.
Good public transit access makes a significant difference in reducing attendee travel emissions.
Local supplier networks near the venue offer dual benefits – they cut down on supply chain impacts while boosting the area’s economy.
**Stakeholder engagement must begin at least 12 months before the event. Essential steps include:**
Starting sustainability conversations a full year ahead sets events up for success.
Kick off with supplier workshops to establish green requirements, then bring exhibitors into the loop with clear guidelines for sustainable booth design.
Sponsors need time to align their messaging with environmental goals, while local community input helps shape impact assessments.
Understanding attendee expectations through pre-event sustainability surveys rounds out a comprehensive stakeholder approach that builds buy-in from all sides.
**Carbon offsetting program selection**
A robust carbon offsetting strategy starts with carefully chosen projects that carry legitimate third-party verification.
Each potential offset must demonstrate clear benefits for local communities and include systems for tracking long-term environmental impact.
Success hinges on transparent cost structures that all stakeholders can understand and trust, backed by solid evidence that these offsets create genuine additional carbon reductions beyond business as usual.
**Event execution**
**Deployment of improved waste management processes and tech**
Modern waste management have devised AI systems that optimize sorting accuracy and efficiency.
Real-time tracking technology pairs perfectly with these systems, providing instant data on waste flows and diversion rates.
Strategic placement of composting stations handles organic waste effectively, while on-site material recovery facilities process recyclables immediately.
Smart incentive programs encourage exhibitors to minimize waste from the start, creating a comprehensive approach to waste reduction.
**Energy consumption monitoring**
Advanced IoT sensor networks form the backbone of modern event power management, delivering detailed consumption data in real-time.
Smart systems manage peak loads and trigger automated equipment shutdowns, while dynamic displays showcase renewable energy use and standby power reduction efforts.
**Water conservation measures**
Sophisticated greywater recycling systems work alongside low-flow fixtures to minimize water waste throughout the venue.
Digital displays track consumption patterns in real time, while advanced leak detection and condensation recovery technology ensures every drop counts.
**Onsite sustainability communication**
Dynamic digital dashboards and mobile apps keep attendees informed about the event’s environmental impact as it unfolds.
Interactive education stations engage participants directly in sustainability efforts, while real-time performance metrics integrate seamlessly with social media to amplify the message.
**Post-event analysis**
**Impact measurement**
Rigorous carbon footprint calculations serve as the foundation for understanding an event’s environmental impact.
Detailed analysis covers everything from waste diversion rates to economic benefits, while sophisticated tools measure social value creation and resource efficiency across all activities.
**Standard reporting frameworks**
Industry-recognized standards like GRI Events Sector Disclosure and UFI metrics provide structured ways to document sustainability achievements.
Careful alignment with ISO 20121, CDP requirements and social return calculations ensures comprehensive reporting that stakeholders can trust.
**Stakeholder feedback collection**
Digital surveys and targeted focus groups capture detailed insights from all participants.
Advanced sentiment analysis of social media complements traditional supplier performance reviews, while systematic community impact assessments paint a complete picture of the event’s influence.
**Continuous improvement strategies**
Regular performance reviews against industry benchmarks keep improvement efforts on track throughout the year.
Strategic evaluation of technology adoption and staff training programs shapes ambitious yet achievable goals for future events.
Industry leaders emphasize the importance of documenting both successes and challenges throughout the implementation process. This documentation forms the foundation for continuous improvement and helps establish best practices that can be shared across the industry.
For 2025, event organizers should prioritize digital integration and data analytics to enhance the effectiveness of these implementation strategies.
## **Which organizations are driving change in sustainability in events?**
The MICE industry’s transition toward sustainability has been significantly accelerated by several key organizations and resources that are setting new standards for environmental responsibility in event management.
We examine the major players and tools shaping sustainable event practices for 2025.
**isla continues to lead the charge in sustainable event management, having expanded their TRACE measurement platform to include real-time carbon tracking capabilities.**
Their 2024 industry report highlighted a 23% reduction in event-related emissions among member organizations, setting a new benchmark for the sector.
For 2025, isla has introduced advanced waste reduction protocols and a comprehensive supplier verification program that helps event organizers identify and partner with environmentally conscious vendors.
**Explori has revolutionized sustainability measurement through their enhanced analytics platform**, which now integrates environmental impact data with attendee satisfaction metrics.
Their innovative approach allows organizers to understand the correlation between sustainable practices and event success, demonstrating that green initiatives often lead to higher attendee engagement and satisfaction rates.
**ICCA’s sustainability programs** have expanded significantly, focusing on knowledge sharing and practical implementation.
Their initiatives now include a mentor-mentee program pairing experienced sustainable event organizers with those beginning their sustainability journey.
**Resource directory 👇**
Industry associations and working groups have become more collaborative and have formed a robust network of support for sustainable event planning:
- The [Event Industry Council’s Centre for Sustainability and Social Impact](https://eventscouncil.org/Sustainability/CSE)
- The [Sustainable Events Forum](https://tsef.ca/) (SEF) – offering monthly virtual roundtables and resources
Sustainability certification bodies have streamlined their processes to serve events better:
- ISO 20121 certification – updated for 2025 with a specific focus on digital hybrid events
- Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Professional Certificate (SEPC)
- New venue-specific certifications from BREEAM and LEED
Carbon calculation tools have become more sophisticated and event-specific:
- The Event Carbon Calculator (ECC) – updated with AI-powered predictive analytics
- Scope3 Event Emissions Tracker – offering real-time monitoring
- Venue-specific carbon assessment tools
- Transportation impact calculators for attendee travel
These organizations and resources provide event planners with a robust support system to deliver more sustainable events in 2025.
## **Trends shaping sustainable events in 2025**
**The events industry is taking measured steps toward sustainability. Governments worldwide are backing this gradual shift through green policies and targeted initiatives.**
While not yet a core priority, sustainable practices are steadily gaining ground through innovations in tech, smart waste management and eco-friendly venue design. Some key trends are highlighted below:
**Technological innovations**
- AI-powered waste management systems with real-time sorting and tracking capabilities
- Smart energy grids that automatically optimize power consumption during peak event hours
- Digital twin technology for venue optimization and resource management
- Advanced materials for temporary structures with minimal environmental impact
- Blockchain-based carbon credit verification and trading platforms specifically designed for events
**Regulatory changes**
- The EU’s Green Events Directive, expected to take effect in late 2025, will mandate comprehensive carbon reporting for all events over 1,000 attendees
- UK regulations requiring all major events to achieve net-zero status by 2028
- Asia-Pacific region implementing unified sustainability standards for exhibition venues
- North American cities introducing strict waste management requirements for large-scale events
**Industry targets for 2026-2030**
- 50% reduction in event-related carbon emissions by 2028 (compared to 2023 baseline)
- 80% waste diversion rate for all major exhibitions by 2027
- 100% renewable energy usage for venue operations by 2030
- Zero single-use plastics in event operations by 2026
- Complete transition to circular economy principles in exhibition design by 2029
## **Action steps for event organizers**
Immediate implementation priorities must **focus on achievable short-term goals that deliver quick wins** and build momentum for your sustainability program.
- Conduct comprehensive sustainability audits of current event operations
- Implement digital-first documentation and communication systems
- Establish baseline measurements for carbon emissions, waste, and energy usage
- Develop supplier evaluation criteria based on sustainability metrics
- Create waste reduction and recycling programs with measurable targets
Long-term strategic planning requires a **systematic approach to align environmental goals with business objectives** while anticipating future regulatory changes.
- Develop 5-year sustainability roadmaps aligned with industry standards
- Invest in sustainable event technology infrastructure
- Build partnerships with eco-conscious suppliers and vendors
- Create carbon offset programs specific to event operations
- Establish sustainability-focused innovation funds
Team training and development initiatives should include **practical sustainability skills, environmental compliance knowledge and hands-on experience** with green technologies.
- Regular sustainability certification updates for all team members
- Specialized training in new sustainable event technologies
- Cross-functional sustainability workshops
- Mentorship programs pairing experienced and new team members
- Regular knowledge-sharing sessions with industry experts
Stakeholder communication strategies need to be comprehensive and must **address the concerns of attendees, vendors, sponsors and local communities** while highlighting measurable sustainability outcomes.
- Transparent reporting of sustainability metrics and achievements
- Regular updates on progress toward environmental goals
- Engagement programs for exhibitors and attendees
- Clear communication of sustainability requirements to suppliers
- Social media campaigns highlighting sustainable initiatives
## **Conclusion**
The events and exhibitions landscape stands at a crucial junction as three forces intersect: environmental regulations, sustainable technology and increased demand for green events.
This shift presents event organizers with complex challenges—and unprecedented opportunities to innovate.
To sum up, **success in sustainable event management** **requires:**
- Embrace new technologies
- Meet regulatory standards
- Train and develop teams
- Engage stakeholders effectively
- Track sustainability progress
**What eventprofs must do:**
- Perform sustainability audits
- Create action plans
- Invest in tech and training
- Partner with green suppliers
- Support industry initiatives
**Resources for continued learning and development:**
- Join event associations focused on sustainability
- Participate in industry working committees
- Attend green conferences
- Take online courses
- Network with sustainability leaders
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you offset your event’s carbon footprint.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [MRO Americas plants 1,000 trees through ExpoPlatform scheme](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/mro-americas-2024-sustainable/)
**Published:** August 21, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**MRO Americas has helped to plant 1,000 trees to offset carbon emissions as part of an ExpoPlatform sustainable events initiative.**
The Meetings Make Trees green scheme is an ExpoPlatform project which aims to reduce the impact of pollution generated by in-person shows.
Under the sustainable events initiative, we provide the technology and data to facilitate participation and then coordinate tree planting through tie-ups with our eco-partners.
Organizers agree on a target of meetings booked through the platform which will result in a certain number being planted.
A total of 1,000 trees have now been put to soil in the US as a result of engagement through the MRO Americas event app, with ExpoPlatform and the organizer Aviation Week splitting the funding.
Mark Thomas, Marketing Director at Aviation Week Network, said: “Aviation Week Network, along with our parent company Informa, is committed to delivering the most sustainable event possible, so this is a great initiative by ExpoPlatform to reward our attendee engagement with a sustainable incentive.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “I’m thrilled to see the roots of our Meetings Make Trees initiative taking hold.
“This project helps both organizers and us as a technology provider leave a positive mark on the planet, but also nurtures a greener future for all.
“Together, we can grow a more sustainable world, one meeting at a time.”
Organizers who take part in the Meetings Make Trees sustainable events initiative pay for the saplings to be planted, with ExpoPlatform also contributing to the number.
Saplings are usually planted in the country where the show takes place but it can also be wherever the planner prefers.
MRO Americas 2024 – organized by Aviation Week as part of Informa Markets – brought together more than 16,000 aviation aftermarket professionals to showcase innovations, discuss trends and collaborate for business opportunities.
It is a prominent aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul event that connects industry professionals, experts and suppliers from around the world.
Key ExpoPlatform features include a smart mobile app, AI-powered matchmaking, messaging, meeting scheduling, interactive floorplan and a lead retrieval solution which increases exhibitor ROI at least three-fold compared with traditional approaches.
These digital offerings can be translated into 12 languages, with high levels of accessibility across the globe.
Other ExpoPlatform solutions include registration, 365 Community, hosted buyer management and more.
Many of these allow events to go paperless so organizers can make their [events sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/) and work towards Net Zero while also improving attendee experiences.
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. Find out how our Meetings Makes Trees initiative can help your organization to offset carbon emissions. [Book a meeting](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) for more information now.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Events in the Middle East: what's the landscape for the industry?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/events-in-the-middle-east/)
**Published:** July 1, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Events in the Middle East have cast a worrying question mark over the region ever since the conflict began earlier this year.**
The inherent impacts of these tensions are profound for the exhibition industry.
Exhibitors, sponsors and attendees need to know which events are still going ahead in the region and how venues and organizers are prioritizing their safety and business interests.
This article will cover:
- [How have tensions impacted events in the Middle East?](#one)
- [What has been the response of venues and organizers to the current conflict?](#two)
- [Which events in the Middle East are still happening?](#three)
- [If the conflict continues: could the hybrid event format be the answer?](#four)
Event professionals need to understand what the current and future impacts are and how the industry is responding.
## How have tensions impacted events in the Middle East?
**The conflict in Iran has had consequences that affect all [events currently scheduled](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220516/) to take place in the Middle East this year.**
But it’s not only the countries involved in the conflict that have been affected.
Fighting has heavily impacted Gulf states despite them not being active participants.
The world has also had to deal with economic fallout – with specific industries feeling it most.
Safety of visitors is the top priority and steps have been taken to ensure this.
Many of the region’s most [important events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/ett-20211209/) are scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
Both countries have been hit during the conflict between Iran and the US despite the UAE not being directly involved.
There’s also the logistics issue – the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, closed airspace and other impacts to air travel have had a marked effect on Middle-Eastern travel hubs.
Attendees of any events taking place in the region not only want to feel safe in attending – they also want to rest easy knowing they can get home and won’t be stranded.
Event professionals will be forced to continue working around these issues until the conflict ends.
## What has been the response of venues and organizers to the current conflict?
**Organizers and venues in the region have responded to the hostilities to minimize their impact.**
Organizers like Informa and RX took early steps by postponing events to later in the year.
Shows such as Middle East Energy [2026 and Arabian Travel Market 2026 were originally scheduled for spring](https://expoplatform.com/event/the-event-tech-world-spring-insider-exchange-2026/) but have now been moved to September. Some events like TOKEN2049 have been postponed until 2027.
These measures depend on hope – that by this point the fighting will have ceased and there will be some return to normalcy.
But as the conflict has surpassed 100 days the concern is that tensions will last longer – although the recent announcement of a peace deal keeps the hope of a near end in sight.
Organizers are still working more closely with venues, security teams and local authorities to put protocols in place for specific events.
Beyond this, they are carefully monitoring changes in travel logistics and communicating more closely with visitors to ensure they have all the information needed.
If the conflict persists, there will likely be more on regional buyers and businesses who will be more easily able to attend until tensions have eased.
Although the geopolitical landscape is as unpredictable as it can be, the full scope of the measures the industry will take in response is yet to be seen (and hopefully will not be needed).
## Which events in the Middle East are still happening?
The number of high-profile [events scheduled remains](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/event-budgets-chloe-richardson-25/) high despite ongoing conflict.
As previously mentioned, Informa and other [organizers have rescheduled some of their premium events](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-app/event-organizer-mobile-app/) for later this year.
**Informa:**
- The Middle East Event Show (August)
- Middle East Energy (September)
- Cityscape Egypt (September/October)
- Cityscape Qatar (October)
- Jewellery Arabia (November).
**dmg events:**
- Big 5 Construct Saudi (September)
- Global Infrastructure Expo (September)
- The Saudi Food Show (September)
- ADIPEC 2026 (November)
- Big 5 Global (November)
- GeoWorld (November)
Other major [events include](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/hyve-partnership/) – ATM 2026, Beautyworld Middle East and GITEX Global 2026.
Dubai World Trade Centre and Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre are the primary venues for most exhibitions in the Middle East.
Event professionals should continually check for information from venues, [organizers and event](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-app/event-organizer-mobile-app/) websites to stay updated on any changes.
## If the conflict continues: could the hybrid event format be the answer?
**Geopolitical tensions are likely to remain elevated for a prolonged period – even if a peace deal goes ahead.**
If organizers begin to see a notable decline in global attendance, what are the available solutions?
Postponement is not a viable long-term strategy if the conflict drags and despite current negotiations, uncertainty is still high.
Venues and organizers will likely prioritize in-person attendance for local industries and businesses.
However, there is precedent in the events industry for when in-person attendance become temporarily untenable.
Hybrid [events became the ultimate solution](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/registration/event-check-in-and-badge-printing/) for shows to maintain global participation during the pandemic.
The combination of both travel restrictions and social distancing rules meant that having thousands of international visitors in one venue was all but impossible.
Organizers responded to this issue by introducing [hybrid events – a combination of virtual and in-person](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-hybrid-or-in-person-events/) attendance to maintain access to global markets for participants.
Although [hybrid events are no longer the go-to format](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-hybrid-or-in-person-events/) post-Covid, they remain a powerful contingency tool and strategic safety net.
This format could be the ideal solution for events in the Middle East that want to maintain their global presence if the conflict persists.
The best [event tech providers have hybrid](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-hybrid-or-in-person-events/) options that can be easily implemented and curated during a live show.
It gives organizers a backup plan if geopolitical tensions in the Middle East do not ease within the desired time frame.
**To bring the most advanced tech solutions to your next event, [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Live Events, News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Jordan Yeates joins ExpoPlatform in new role](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/jordan-yeates-joins-expoplatform-in-new-role/)
**Published:** July 15, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Jordan Yeates has joined event technology provider ExpoPlatform as its new Director of Engagement and Commercialisation.**
The appointment represents a significant step forward in the company’s goal to help clients elevate their event experiences and maximise digital ROI.
Jordan makes the transition to the technology provider from major event organiser IMEX Group, where he previously served as Head of Product Technology.
He said: “I am absolutely thrilled to join the team at ExpoPlatform at such a transformative moment for the industry.
“Moving from the organiser side gives me a unique, firsthand perspective on the [challenges our clients face](https://expoplatform.com/blog/chart-of-week-shortterm-challenges/).
“I can’t wait to collaborate with them to drive deeper [attendee engagement](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/3-post-event-follow-up-activities-to-engage-your-virtual-attendees/) and uncover powerful new commercial opportunities.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Jordan to the ExpoPlatform team.
“His extensive background in [managing technology for world-class events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-5-best-event-management-software-providers-for-2026/) will add immense value to our community.
“Jordan knows exactly what organisers need – and he will be instrumental in helping our clients successfully propel our platform to achieve more tangible business growth.”
Jordan’s new role at ExpoPlatform will see him focus on guiding potential prospects and existing customers to unlock the full potential of their digital event ecosystems.
He brings extensive expertise in [digital transformation,](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chris-pendley-may26/) partnerships and strategic product ownership – built over a nearly five-year tenure as Head of Product Technology at IMEX.
That role saw him lead IMEX’s implementation of ExpoPlatform where he leveraged a data-driven mindset and deep client insights to lead full-scale business transformations, strengthen [key collaborations and translate complex requirements into exceptional digital](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/365-community-platform/) experiences.
Jordan also has a proven track record of unlocking lucrative, [measurable sponsorship opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/) and consistent revenue streams.
He brings this expertise with him as he steps into his new role aimed at elevating engagement and maximising new commercial avenues.
ExpoPlatform is an AI‑powered [event technology provider](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-5-best-event-management-software-providers-for-2026/) trusted by leading organisers including Hyve, Informa, Comexposium, Dubai World Trade Centre, IMEX, Northstar Travel Group and more.
The company delivers [advanced matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/), [multi‑format meeting orchestration](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-formats/), [mobile apps](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) and AI assistants to optimise journeys and outcomes across editions.
**[Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to start maximising digital ROI.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [5 strategies for using event management software effectively](https://expoplatform.com/event-management/5-strategies-event-management-software/)
**Published:** November 14, 2022
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Five core strategies drive real results for event organizers: centralizing registration, automating attendee matchmaking, integrating CRM data, personalizing agendas, leveraging AI recommendations, streamlining exhibitor management, tracking real-time analytics, enabling mobile networking, automating email campaigns and analyzing post-event ROI.
Registration automation, real-time check-in, attendee tracking, personalized experiences and centralized communication matter most, backed by streamlined, data-driven execution that keeps every phase of the event connected.
Getting the most from an event management platform comes down to strong lead retrieval, smooth registration, AI-driven matchmaking and solid data capture across exhibitions and trade shows. Planners get the best return by weaving analytics into every stage — before, during and after the event — so logistics stay tight while attendee engagement and exhibitor satisfaction climb.
## 1: Prepare before configuring your platform
Preparation is usually what separates a trade show launch that succeeds from one that stalls. The right **event management platform** shapes how fast planning moves, how engaged attendees stay and how good the data collected during the show turns out to be. Skip that early groundwork and organizers typically pay for it later — weeks of rework once exhibitors and attendees are already registered.
### What goals should be set before setup begins?
Clear objectives come first, before anyone touches the software. Organizers need to settle on the most important goals for the event, communicate them clearly, and build a concrete plan to reach them. Skip that groundwork and configuration tends to produce a platform stuffed with settings nobody actually agreed on.
### Which platform capabilities need confirming before launch?
A handful of core functions need verifying before configuration starts. Skip this check and gaps tend to surface mid-event, exactly when fixes are hardest to make. Organizers should confirm the event management software covers advanced lead retrieval for exhibitors, optimized registration flows for attendees, data capture and analysis tools, and clear, reliable meeting scheduling between buyers and sellers.
Beyond these essentials, a second layer of readiness is worth the extra attention. Monetization options, a mobile app, a functioning event website and customization or white-labeling controls all need testing before go-live. Miss any one of these and staff end up with manual workarounds later, which frustrates exhibitors who expect a polished experience.
Teams that check goals, core features and secondary capabilities in that order sidestep the most common configuration mistake: building the system before deciding what it actually needs to do. Strong **event management tech** only pays off when the strategy behind it is set first — the platform just executes it.
## 2: Set up registration and your event website first
Registration and website configuration come before anything else in the platform build, since both shape the first impression a prospective attendee forms of the event. Accuracy and speed here matter more than any feature added later. A well-built **event management platform** treats these two elements as foundational, not optional add-ons.
Follow this sequence when building the front-end experience:
1. Define registration fields based on attendee persona — expectations differ by role, age and region, so a single generic form undersells the event.
2. Build the event website structure before adding design polish, including a home page, agenda, speaker directory and registration link.
3. Configure the exhibitor and sponsor directory alongside registration so attendees see relevant exhibitors immediately upon signing up.
4. Set up data capture fields that feed directly into reporting, avoiding manual re-entry later.
5. Test the registration-to-website handoff to confirm confirmation emails and website access work without delay.
### Why should the exhibitor directory launch with registration, not after?
Attendees who register without seeing any exhibitors lose their early motivation to engage. Pairing the exhibitor and sponsor directory with registration gives visitors a clear path to relevant vendors from day one, instead of leaving them to go hunting later.
### Does registration setup affect the rest of the platform build?
Yes — registration data structures the reporting, matchmaking and mobile app features built afterward. Skip careful setup here and the rework ripples across every downstream module. **event management software** relies on clean registration data to power everything that follows, and strong **event management tech** treats this stage as the backbone of the entire event lifecycle, not a checkbox to clear before “real” planning begins.
## 3: Activate AI matchmaking and lead retrieval tools
Activation happens in a fixed order: registration and directory setup come first, then matchmaking and lead retrieval switch on. Once those foundations are live, exhibitors can start booking meetings right away. Skip the sequence and exhibitor engagement stalls, with weaker lead quality later in the show cycle. Here’s how to bring AI-driven matchmaking and lead tools online the right way.
1. **Confirm registration is live.** Attendee and exhibitor records must populate the system before matchmaking logic has data to work with.
2. **Publish the exhibitor and product directory.** A complete directory gives the matching engine the categories and profiles it needs to generate relevant introductions.
3. **Enable meeting scheduling.** Turn on calendar and booking functions so exhibitors can accept, propose or decline meeting slots without manual coordination.
4. **Activate lead retrieval tools.** Exhibitors need scanning or capture functions running before the show floor opens, not after.
5. **Set data capture and analysis rules.** Define which interactions get logged so exhibitor teams can act on leads quickly.
A dependable **event management platform** makes this rollout easier for organizers while giving exhibitors the interaction tools they expect. Strong **event management software** keeps attendees, speakers and organizers connected, so matchmaking works reliably across the whole event.
### How do organizers know if matchmaking is working?
Organizers should keep an eye on event metrics throughout the show, not just afterward. Meeting acceptance rates, lead volume and directory engagement show whether the **event management tech** is actually driving exhibitor value or just sitting unused.
## 4: Turn the platform into a revenue channel
Revenue starts with activation, not installation. Organizers who leave built-in monetization tools dormant are missing income streams that are already sitting inside their existing **event management software**. Turning the platform into a real revenue channel takes a deliberate sequence of decisions, not a single feature toggle.
Start by auditing what monetization options are already available: look at the platform’s sponsorship packages, paid exhibitor listings and premium registration tiers before the next event cycle begins. From there, tie monetization to organizational goals — events raise money, strengthen donor or member relationships and grow public engagement with a mission, so match each paid feature to one of those outcomes instead of pricing by guesswork. Next, turn the mobile app and event website into always-on assets: rather than shutting them down after the closing session, keep both live as year-round community touchpoints where sponsors, exhibitors and members keep interacting. Expanding session formats and reach compounds this further — pushing the event’s content beyond the show floor grows attendee engagement and opens up more sponsorship inventory, from on-demand content sponsorships to digital ad placements. Finally, treat data as something sellable: attendee behavior captured through the **event management platform** is valuable to sponsors chasing qualified leads, so bundle analytics access into higher-tier sponsorship agreements.
### What’s the fastest way to add revenue without new tools?
Reactivate the dormant features already included in the current contract. Plenty of organizers pay for monetization modules and never configure them, leaving revenue on the table every cycle.
### Does expanded programming actually pay for itself?
Expanded programming pays off through wider reach and richer sponsorship inventory, not ticket sales alone. Sponsors pay a premium for access to larger, more engaged audiences, and added content stretches that audience well past the venue’s physical capacity. Treating the underlying **event management tech** as an always-on business asset — not a seasonal expense — is what separates events that merely break even from those that generate lasting revenue.
## 5: Avoid common mistakes that undermine platform results
Four recurring errors erode the return organizers get from **event management software**, and most trace back to disconnected planning rather than the technology itself. Teams that treat their platform as a bundle of separate tools — registration here, check-in there, analytics somewhere else — lose the efficiency a truly comprehensive, well-integrated solution delivers. Fragmented setups lead to duplicate data entry, mismatched reporting and gaps that frustrate exhibitors and attendees alike.
### Why does poor planning alignment hurt event outcomes?
Every planning step needs to point toward one strategy, not several competing ones. When registration, marketing and on-site logistics run on separate timelines, the attendee experience feels disjointed instead of seamless. Organizers who map each step against a shared goal from day one steer clear of this breakdown.
### Does inconsistent planning put events at risk?
Yes — modern event planning demands consistent execution across every stage of the process, and organizers who don’t build that discipline into their **event management tech** fall behind competitors already running tighter, more coordinated events.
A weak or generic marketing approach makes these problems worse. Without messaging tailored to a defined audience, even a well-integrated **event management platform** can’t fill seats or drive engagement on its own. The common thread across these mistakes is running disconnected tools instead of one integrated system, skipping thorough pre-event preparation, misaligning planning steps across departments, and marketing without an audience-specific strategy.
Fixing these missteps early protects both budget and attendee satisfaction.
Mastering these ten strategies puts event organizers in a position to get the full value out of their event management platform. By prioritizing attendee engagement, streamlining operational workflows and leaning on data-driven insights, organizations turn their events into revenue-generating, high-impact experiences. The platform stops being just a logistics tool and becomes a strategic asset — one that drives measurable success and builds a real competitive edge in an increasingly sophisticated event landscape.
## FAQ
### What should organizers do before configuring an event management platform?
Establish and communicate the event’s most important goals, then build a concrete plan to reach them before touching any software settings.
### What core capabilities should be confirmed before launch?
Confirm advanced lead retrieval, optimized registration flows, data capture and analysis tools and reliable meeting scheduling between buyers and sellers, plus monetization, mobile app, website and white-labeling controls.
### What should be set up first when building the platform?
Registration and event website configuration come first, since both shape the initial impression a prospective attendee forms of the event.
**Categories:** event management
---
### [Event networking: a complete guide to effective strategies and AI-driven solutions](https://expoplatform.com/event-networking/event-networking-a-complete-guide/)
**Published:** February 29, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Networking at events is one of the most valuable things a professional can do — it’s how real connections and opportunities get built. It’s about more than swapping business cards: it means actively engaging with peers and industry leaders to lay the groundwork for future collaborations. This guide covers the event networking strategies that work, including how AI-driven tools can take the friction out of the process. Many professionals struggle to start conversations or keep in touch after the event ends, so we’ll walk through practical tools and techniques that make the whole experience easier. Ahead: why networking matters, the key techniques, AI-driven solutions, the tools worth using, best practices and how to prepare so your next event delivers real results.
## Understanding the importance of networking at events
Networking matters at events because it’s what actually sparks collaboration and partnership across industries. Talking with peers gives professionals a chance to swap insights, test new ideas and uncover business opportunities they wouldn’t have found otherwise. Show up consistently and you’ll notice the effects: more visibility in your industry, a stronger personal brand and more doors open for professional development. Recent studies back this up too, linking regular networking to real career growth.
## Key techniques for successful networking
Employing effective techniques during networking events can enhance your connections and interactions with others. Some actionable strategies include:
1. **Set Clear Objectives**: Begin your networking journey by defining what you wish to achieve, whether seeking partnerships, mentorship or market insights.
2. **Utilize AI Tools for Matchmaking**: Many events now integrate AI technologies, enhancing connection opportunities through personalized recommendations based on your interests and industry.
3. **Follow Up Post-Event**: Maintain connections by following up with new contacts via email or social media, reinforcing your conversation and expressing gratitude.
These techniques not only streamline the networking process but also enhance the likelihood of establishing lasting professional relationships.
## AI-driven solutions for networking
AI is changing how networking happens at events, and for the better. By automating the matchmaking, AI-driven solutions connect attendees who share interests or goals — no more relying on luck to find the right person in a crowded room. It works by analyzing attendee profiles and preferences to make introductions that actually make sense, which naturally boosts engagement. It also generates data organizations can use to sharpen future events, so the networking environment keeps getting more targeted and effective over time. The result: a richer experience for attendees, and better satisfaction and connection rates for organizers.
## Tools and platforms for networking
A variety of tools and platforms are available to enhance networking experiences during events. These include:
- **Networking Apps**: Applications that offer features such as virtual business card exchanges, chat functions and in-app scheduling allow for seamless follow-up and connection maintenance.
- **Interactive Event Platforms**: Platforms designed for event management often include live polling, Q&A sessions and breakout rooms to facilitate collective engagement among attendees.
- **Community Platforms for Year-Round Engagement**: These platforms enable ongoing interaction among participants, offering forums and discussion boards to continue the networking beyond the event.
Leveraging these tools can significantly enrich the networking experience, providing a structured approach to building and maintaining professional relationships.
## Best practices for networking at events
To maximize the effectiveness of your networking efforts, consider implementing these best practices:
1. **Preparation Tactics**: Research attendees and speakers in advance to identify key individuals you want to connect with. Establishing a plan can streamline your interactions.
2. **Digital Tool Usage**: Utilize networking apps not only to exchange contact information but also to engage in real-time discussions and schedule future meetings.
3. **Engagement Strategies for Events**: Participate in workshops, panel discussions or breakout sessions for more targeted networking opportunities and to demonstrate genuine interest in the industry.
Implementing these practices allows professionals to approach networking proactively, fostering a climate of mutual support and collaboration.
## Future trends in event networking
The landscape of event networking is continuously evolving, particularly with the rise of advanced technologies. Upcoming trends suggest an increased emphasis on personalization in networking, with AI playing a crucial role in tailoring experiences for attendees. As these trends continue to develop, adaptability and openness to new networking modalities will be essential for professionals seeking to forge connections in an increasingly connected world.
## What are the essential strategies for successful event networking?
Several core strategies can help attendees achieve successful networking at events:
1. **AI Matchmaking Utilization**: Engaging with AI-driven platforms can streamline the networking process, allowing for connections based on shared interests and goals.
2. **Engaging Networking Sessions**: Participate in scheduled networking sessions focused on specific themes or industries to maximize relevance in discussions.
3. **Clear Objectives Setting**: Identify and communicate your networking goals to enhance the efficiency of your conversations and establish fruitful connections.
These strategies enable individuals to navigate the complexities of event networking effectively.
### Which best practices enhance building connections at trade shows and conferences?
Building connections at trade shows and conferences can be enhanced through concrete practices such as:
- **Effective Use of Networking Zones**: Designated areas for networking can facilitate more organic interactions in a less pressured environment.
- **Engaging in Panel Discussions**: Actively participating in or asking questions during panel sessions can showcase your expertise and attract interest in conversations afterward.
- **Post-Event Follow-Up Strategies**: Sending personalized messages to contacts made during the event can solidify relationships and demonstrate your commitment to maintaining the connection.
These practices ensure that your interactions lead to meaningful and sustained professional relationships.
### How to network at conferences effectively: key professional tips
To maximize your networking potential at conferences, consider these key professional tips:
1. **Set Clear Networking Goals**: Approach each event with specific objectives in mind, guiding your interactions and follow-up processes.
2. **Participate in Structured Networking**: Engage in organized networking activities, such as speed networking sessions or roundtable discussions, designed to pair attendees efficiently.
3. **Utilize Digital Tools for Connections**: Leverage event-specific apps or platforms that enable easier contact exchange and facilitate ongoing communication with connections made.
Implementing these tips will enhance your effectiveness at conferences, paving the way for valuable networking outcomes.
## How does AI matchmaking technology transform event networking experiences?
AI matchmaking technology fundamentally transforms networking experiences by analyzing attendee data to create tailored connections. This technology matches individuals based on shared interests, goals and professional backgrounds, significantly enhancing the likelihood of meaningful interactions. Moreover, AI algorithms assess past networking outcomes, continuously improving recommendations for future events. The result is a more efficient and impactful networking process for both attendees and organizers.
### What are the benefits of AI-powered matchmaking for attendees, exhibitors and organizers?
AI-powered matchmaking offers several key benefits for all stakeholders involved in events:
1. **Enhanced Networking Opportunities**: Attendees receive personalized recommendations, ensuring connections with relevant individuals.
2. **Improved Engagement Metrics**: Organizers can track networking success through analytical insights, enabling further refinements for future events.
3. **Optimized Event Planning**: Exhibitors benefit from knowing where to focus their efforts based on the attendees’ interests and demographics.
These benefits exemplify how AI technologies streamline networking and improve overall event experiences.
### How does ExpoPlatform’s AI algorithm enable personalized networking recommendations?
ExpoPlatform’s AI algorithm drives personalized networking recommendations by analyzing attendee profiles, preferences and behavior patterns. Using that data, the platform surfaces potential matches and enables strategic introductions built around shared interests and objectives. The result is a more targeted approach that leaves attendees more satisfied and makes networking at events genuinely more effective.
## What pre-event preparation optimizes networking outcomes?
Pre-event preparation is crucial for optimizing networking outcomes. Key aspects to consider include:
- **Researching Attendees**: Collect information on speakers and key participants to identify whom to approach during the event.
- **Preparing Elevator Pitches**: Have concise, impactful introductions ready to facilitate smooth introductions when meeting new contacts.
- **Outlining Follow-Up Strategies**: Plan in advance how to sustain connections post-event, whether through emails or social media outreach.
These preparations will position you favorably for establishing connections that extend beyond the event itself.
### Which networking icebreakers and strategies facilitate meaningful connections?
Utilizing effective icebreakers can significantly ease initial interactions during networking events. The following strategies are beneficial:
- **Compliment a Speaker or Session**: Begin with a genuine compliment about a session or speaker to create a friendly atmosphere.
- **Ask Open-Ended Questions**: Encourage dialogue by prompting all parties to share their interests and experiences.
- **Share Personal Stories**: Revealing relatable anecdotes can foster a sense of camaraderie and openness.
These strategies can aid in creating an enjoyable and productive networking experience for all parties involved.
### How to use mobile apps for real-time networking and communication at events?
Mobile apps serve as powerful tools for real-time networking and communication during events. Here’s how to utilize them effectively:
- **Exchange Digital Business Cards**: Use apps that facilitate seamless sharing of contact information via QR codes or scripts.
- **Leverage In-App Messaging**: Engage with connections immediately through chat functions, allowing for timely reminders and follow-up discussions.
- **Set Up Meeting Schedules**: Utilize calendar functions to coordinate face-to-face meetings with new contacts during the event.
By engaging with mobile apps, attendees can enhance their networking experiences and maintain connections easily.
## How can post-event follow-up maximize networking ROI and relationship building?
## ExpoPlatform vs. Whova: market leaders in event technology
Both ExpoPlatform and Whova are recognized as market leaders in event technology, each with a strong track record of helping organizers run successful events. The table below compares their top features and market positioning.
**Category****ExpoPlatform****Whova**AI matchmakingAdvanced AI-driven matchmaking that analyzes attendee profiles and behavior for personalized introductionsAI-based recommendations for sessions and attendees within the event appLead intelligenceRobust lead retrieval and analytics built for exhibitor ROI trackingLead capture tools aimed at exhibitor booth engagementEvent website & registrationCustomizable event websites with integrated, secure registration and digital badgesRegistration support integrated with its event app ecosystemMobile appFeature-rich mobile app supporting networking, agendas and live engagementUser-friendly app centered on agendas, networking and gamificationAnalyticsAdvanced real-time analytics surfacing actionable insights for organizers and sponsorsPost-event reporting dashboard with engagement metricsMarket positioningPositioned for large enterprises and complex, high-volume events requiring AI-driven, data-rich solutionsPositioned for a broad range of conferences and trade shows, with strong adoption among mid-sized events and associations## Use cases: where ExpoPlatform and Whova each excel
ExpoPlatform and Whova are both built to support event networking, but organizers tend to reach for each platform in different circumstances.
ExpoPlatform is most often used by large-scale exhibitions, trade shows and enterprise conferences that need AI-driven matchmaking at volume. Its lead intelligence and analytics suit organizers who must prove exhibitor ROI, manage complex sponsorship structures or run year-round 365 communities that keep attendees engaged between events. It is a common choice for organizers coordinating multiple stakeholder groups — exhibitors, sponsors and attendees — who each need tailored data and tools.
Whova is frequently chosen by conference organizers, associations and corporate event teams running single events that prioritize ease of use and quick setup. Its agenda-centric app and built-in gamification make it well suited to sessions-heavy conferences where the main goal is helping attendees navigate content and connect informally.
In practice, the choice between the two often comes down to event scale and complexity: ExpoPlatform for organizers who need deep AI personalization and data across large or recurring events, and Whova for organizers who want a straightforward, attendee-friendly app for a single conference.
## Case studies: proven success in event networking
Both platforms have a track record of measurable results for organizers. Below are examples of how each has supported event networking success.
**ExpoPlatform**
- **Informa Markets (Pharmapack)**: Eleni Lialiamou, EVP Product Management at Informa Markets, credits ExpoPlatform as a key partner for sharing its vision of applying innovative technology to continuously improve the customer experience. Digital badges removed the need for physical ones, an interactive floorplan made the show easy to navigate, and over 84% of Pharmapack exhibitors were active on the app.
- **Beauty Istanbul**: To maximize attendee engagement, the ExpoPlatform team implemented multi-language capability across four languages — Turkish, English, French and Russian — driving more than 65,000 profile views and nearly 6,000 profile favorites. Mehmet Yavuz, Project Manager at Beauty Istanbul, praised the platform’s capability, speed and hands-on technical account management as key to the stability the event needed.
**Whova**
- **AESP Annual Conference**: The Association of Energy Services Professionals hosted its 35th Annual Conference (March 10–13) on Whova, using the platform’s networking features and announcement tool to boost participant engagement and streamline communication, while its webpage creation tool helped the team manage the event and keep information synchronized.
- **ISSA Peak Cyber Symposium**: The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) hosted its Peak Cyber Symposium in Colorado Springs on Whova. As a returning user of Whova’s event management software, ISSA turned to the platform again for its 11th annual event, relying on it to support the event safely and efficiently.
These examples illustrate that both platforms can deliver strong networking outcomes — the right fit depends on an event’s scale, complexity and the specific goals of its organizers.
## Conclusion
Effective event networking depends on pairing clear preparation — defined objectives, researched attendees and ready elevator pitches — with the right technology to turn brief conversations into lasting professional relationships. AI-driven matchmaking, mobile networking apps and interactive event platforms each address a distinct stage of this process, from personalized introductions during the event to structured follow-up after it ends. Platforms like ExpoPlatform and Whova demonstrate how these capabilities translate into measurable outcomes, whether through AI-powered lead intelligence for large exhibitions or accessible, agenda-driven engagement for single conferences. Whatever the event’s scale, treating networking as a deliberate strategy rather than a byproduct of attendance is what separates a full contact list from real, lasting business connections — explore the tools and techniques above to make your next event count.
**Categories:** Event networking
---
### [Why having a great event organizing app matters](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-app/event-organizing-app/)
**Published:** August 31, 2023
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
An [event organizing app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) provided by platforms like ExpoPlatform handle registration, scheduling and attendee matchmaking automatically – freeing up hours that used to go to manual admin.
Whether you’re running a conference or a large corporate gathering, the right software helps you grow engagement, keep costs in check and know your event worked, rather than hoping it did.
## What features should organizers watch for in an event app?
Not every event organizing app is built the same and the strongest platforms share a defined set of capabilities rather than a scattered pile of add-ons.
The list below is what to check before signing a contract, not after.
### How do you spot a platform that’s actually built for scale?
Look past the sales pitch and ask how the platform performs when things change fast – a speaker cancels, attendance spikes overnight or a sponsor asks for a last-minute upgrade.
A dependable event organizing app centralizes those updates so every team member is working from the same current data instead of chasing the latest version across inboxes and spreadsheets.
### How do you know an app will actually hold up under pressure?
Ask how the platform handles the moments that matter most: on-site check-in during a rush, real-time schedule changes and vendor communication when plans shift without notice.
An event organization app worth choosing removes these bottlenecks by design.
It replaces scattered manual processes with one coordinated system rather than patching gaps as they appear.
## What core features belong in an event organizing app?
The strongest event organizing app options share a defined core feature set, not a scattered pile of add-ons.
Miss even one of these pieces and the gap tends to surface at the worst possible moment – mid-registration, mid-check-in or mid-negotiation with a sponsor.
### Which features actually matter for lead capture and registration?
Lead retrieval and registration tools sit at the center of any dependable event organization app.
Advanced lead retrieval lets exhibitors collect prospect data on-site without paper forms or manual entry, while optimized registration removes friction for attendees signing up.
Built-in data capture and analysis then turns that registration activity into usable insight once the event closes.
Beyond registration, a complete platform needs to handle logistics and revenue in one place:
- Clear meeting scheduling for attendees, exhibitors and speakers
- An exhibitor manual to keep vendors informed on setup and rules
- Monetization options for selling sponsorships, booths or upgraded packages
- A mobile app for on-the-go access to schedules and updates
- An event website that serves as the public-facing hub for the entire event
### Does branding and customization make a real difference?
Customization and white labeling matter more than many small business owners expect.
A platform that lets organizers apply their own branding across the event website and mobile app keeps the experience consistent and professional, rather than looking like a generic third-party tool.
Pair that with an exhibitor, sponsor and product directory and attendees get a clear way to browse offerings – which strengthens the value organizers can promise sponsors.
Ultimately, the purpose behind this feature list is consistency.
A well-built app streamlines the experience before the event opens, keeps things running during live sessions and supports follow-up once doors close.
Coordinators evaluating software should treat that three-phase coverage pre-event, live and post-event-as the real test of whether a platform earns a spot in their toolkit.
Checkout our [mobile event app checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/mobile-event-app-checklist/) to find out more.
## Can an an event organizing app actually improve attendee engagement?
An event organizing app improves attendee engagement by enabling smooth, real-time interaction between attendees, speakers and organizers.
Event organizers who skip this technology risk fragmented participation, missed connections and attendees who log off early or wander away from booths.
The right platform closes that gap by structuring communication instead of leaving it to chance.
Modern event platforms let organizers build accessible, scalable experiences that remove geographic limits and expand audience reach far beyond a single venue’s capacity.
A small business owner running a regional conference suddenly has access to attendees who never could have traveled in.
Engagement, though, depends on more than connection tools alone.
Capturing attendee interactions through event data analytics turns raw activity into actionable insight.
Instead of guessing what worked, organizers can see clear patterns behind session attendance, networking behavior and drop-off points.
### What makes engagement data useful, not just interesting?
Data only becomes useful when it changes decisions.
Tracking interactions and system events gives coordinators a factual basis for adjusting session length, format or speaker lineup before the next event.
Consider the practical gains – real-time interaction between speakers and attendees regardless of location, expanded reach without added venue or travel costs, actionable insight from captured engagement data and improved decision-making for future event design.
## What event organizing apps are organizers already relying on?
Most event organizers already lean on a patchwork of single-purpose tools rather than one unified system.
Ticketing platforms dominate this landscape, giving organizers a way to create event pages, promote gatherings and manage RSVPs without building anything from scratch.
That popularity shows how central ticketing and promotion have become to daily planning work, even before a broader event organizing app enters the picture.
Beyond ticketing, the app market splits by task rather than by platform.
Organizers often assemble a toolkit piece by piece, choosing apps based on the specific problem each one solves.
### What types of event apps do organizers use most?
Organizers commonly rely on tools grouped by use case, since in the past no single app handles every job well.
Common categories include ticketing and promotion tools for selling tickets and managing guest lists, venue and logistics calculators for capacity.
Staffing and catering estimates, task and workflow trackers for keeping deadlines and vendor communication organized.
This division by use case lets small business owners and coordinators pick tools that shave time off narrow, repetitive tasks, instead of forcing one system to do everything.
### Is using separate apps enough for modern events?
Relying on scattered apps covers individual tasks but leaves gaps between them.
Effective planning today takes more than sharp decision-making or negotiation skill – it takes genuine comfort with digital tools across the whole event lifecycle.
Organizers who stick with disconnected point solutions risk losing visibility across registration, promotion and attendee engagement.
A dedicated event organization app consolidates those functions – closing the coordination gaps that a toolkit of separate apps tends to create.
## How should you choose the right platform?
Choosing the right platform starts with one core decision: an all-in-one system or a tool built to integrate with software already in use.
Event organizers weighing an event organizing app face this fork early and the wrong turn creates duplicate data entry, disconnected registration records and wasted staff hours down the line.
Event management platforms exist to make the exhibition process seamless from start to finish.
Some solutions bundle registration, ticketing, marketing and on-site check-in into one dashboard.
Others prioritize easy integration with a CRM, payment processor or marketing suite an organization already trusts.
Neither approach is universally better; the right fit depends on existing infrastructure and team size.
### What extra features separate strong platforms from basic ones?
Strong platforms go beyond the core checklist of registration and ticketing.
The best exhibition platforms offer sub-features and additional technology that extend value well past launch day.
Consider these differentiators when comparing an event organization app against competitors: networking and matchmaking tools for attendees and exhibitors, analytics dashboards that track engagement rather than just headcounts and custom branding options for event pages and mobile apps.
### Does the provider’s background matter?
A provider’s background signals long-term reliability.
Stable, well-located providers tend to offer steadier support and clearer accountability.
Before signing a contract, organizers should confirm which capabilities matter most for their events, then measure any platform against that list rather than marketing claims alone.
Event organizing apps have changed how organizers handle the logistics and coordination that used to eat up their week.
By centralizing workflows, automating routine tasks and giving teams real-time visibility into every moving part, these platforms cut out the inefficiencies that once ate into planning time and budget.
For organizers focused on delivering strong events without burning out their team, the right event management technology has moved from a nice-to-have to a practical necessity.
## FAQ
### Why is an event organizing app important for event planning?
It centralizes workflows that manual planning scatters across spreadsheets, emails and phone calls – automating registration, scheduling and attendee matchmaking while cutting administrative hours.
### Why does manual event planning fall short compared to using an app?
Spreadsheets and email chains scatter information and buckle under real-time changes like vendor swaps or last-minute registrations.
An app centralizes updates and gives every team member one reliable source of truth.
### What core features should an event organizing app include?
A dependable event organizing app centers on advanced lead retrieval and optimized registration, letting exhibitors collect prospect data on-site without paper forms while removing friction from the registration process.
If you want more information how to apply your event app at your show [download this handbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/) or book a demo [here](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).
**Categories:** Event App
---
### [Events industry prepares for IMEX Frankfurt](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/wie-20250519/)
**Published:** May 19, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The global events industry is gearing up for a busy week as IMEX Frankfurt 2025 prepares to welcome professionals from over 100 countries, with strong buyer interest and a packed agenda of announcements and activations.**
Hyve Group is expanding its portfolio with the launch of Breakbulk Asia in Singapore, while Bar Convent Berlin sets the stage for its first UK edition with a new education board.
Meanwhile, a new report reveals strong growth ambitions from event suppliers eyeing international markets.
Read on for all the key developments shaping the events landscape this week.
## **Events industry gets set for IMEX Frankfurt**
**Eventprofs from more 100 countries are getting geared up for IMEX Frankfurt, with notable growth in attendance from Asia and Africa.**
More than 40% of registered buyers this year have annual event budgets between $1 million and $10m.
The IMEX team has also partnered with more [hosted buyer groups to offer personalized experiences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/paul-miller/) including meet and greets, preview tours and exhibitor introductions.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, said: “With global suppliers set to show up in large numbers and buyer demand continuing to rise, the show sends a clear message that the sector is keen to [meet and do business regardless of current global](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-08-04-2024/) pressures.
“We’ve designed IMEX Frankfurt to be a platform that supports the industry, offering a rich array of commercial connections, community building and learning that attendees can easily personalize to create their own bespoke IMEXperience.
“I can’t wait to see the industry come together and focus on a positive future during the three days of the show.”
IMEX Frankfurt – taking place between Tuesday and Thursday – will also be the stage for some major news announcements including the launch of a convention bureau, a new resort, as well as multiple industry research reports and market updates.
ExpoPlatform is once again the official technology provider for the event, with participants set for a range of digital tools designed to heighten experiences.
Visit the team at **Stand G485 to** find out how we can help improve your exhibitions.
## **Hyve launches Breakbulk Asia**
**Hyve has officially announced the launch of Breakbulk Asia, becoming the fourth event in the brand’s portfolio.**
This marks the next chapter in the evolution of the show – a market-leading series already well established in the Americas, Europe and the Middle East.
The move follows what the organizer has described as a response to “clear customer demand”, with its first addition [set to take place in Singapore next year](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220311/).
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group, said: “Launching Breakbulk Asia is a stride forward in delivering Hyve’s growth ambitions.
“It reflects our commitment to building world-class platforms that serve critical global industries and our ability to scale them with purpose.”
[Breakbulk Asia](https://asia.breakbulk.com/home) is a key step in Hyve’s GO27 strategy – a plan to grow and optimise the business by 2027 through strategic expansion, innovation and scaling proven products globally.
The [event will bring together the full industrial](https://expoplatform.com/trends/chart-of-the-week-when-will-the-event-industry-fully-recover/) supply chain to facilitate business, spark collaboration and drive innovation in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
Jessica Dawnay, portfolio director at Breakbulk, said: “Asia is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of global trade, infrastructure and energy.
“Launching Breakbulk Asia in Singapore is a strategic move that puts us exactly where our customers need us most.”
## **New education board for inaugural BCB London**
**Bar Convent Berlin has announced a brand-new education board ahead of its debut UK event.**
The dedicated [group of industry experts will be working](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/industry-standards-digital-events/) together to curate an engaging programme for the show in London.
It is expected to be taking place between June 30 and July 1, with visitors due to expect a diverse line-up of [sessions covering a range of topics in drinks innovation](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/event-watching-watch-recording-of-the-session-event-tech-innovation-keeping-pace-with-the-trends-shaping-2023/).
Hannah Lanfear, member of BCB London’s education board, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with the rest of the team in assembling a dynamic offering of thought-provoking industry seminars for London’s maiden BCB.
“Since 2007, BCB has been one of the world’s major confluences for talent and expertise in the bar trade, so it’s fantastic to see London open its arms to this behemoth of a show.”
## **Event suppliers see room for growth outside UK**
**Almost two-thirds of [event industry suppliers believe international markets are the biggest](https://expoplatform.com/blog/chart-of-week-shortterm-challenges/) growth opportunity for their business, according to a new report.**
The study by by the [Event Supplier & Services Association](https://www.essa.uk.com/) (ESSA) shows 65% have a drive to increase growth with work beyond just the UK.
It comes as part of research conducted at the inaugural Senior Leaders Summit, with 50% also highlighting cost pressures as the biggest challenge faced by suppliers.
Andrew Harrison, director of ESSA, said: “In our line of work, it can often feel like we’re constantly running on the proverbial hamster wheel.
“It’s why taking the time to step off, reset and most importantly, share your experiences and challenges with industry peers can go a long way in helping you refocus on what’s most important for your business and give you both ideas and inspiration on how you can achieve exactly that.”
A total of 35% of event industry suppliers are actively using it in creative and design applications, according to the study.
Despite this, many recognised that significant opportunities remain untapped – with only 15% currently applying AI in HR and less than a fifth in accounting functions.
**Thanks for reading – we hope you’re up to speed for the week. Why not [book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you stay ahead?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Where is optimism about event health coming from?](https://expoplatform.com/trends/optimism-event-industry/)
**Published:** November 25, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**More event professionals are optimistic about the health of the industry than ever, a new survey has revealed.**
Several factors point towards a positive future for events in 2023, according to the [2023 Global Meetings and Events Forecast](https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/meetings-events/meetings-forecast/) by American Express ?
- 72% of the eventprofs surveyed chose 8 or above when asked to rate the industry health out of 10
- Two-thirds (67%) of the respondents polled expect in-person events to return to pre-pandemic levels within a couple of years.
- 65% anticipate meetings and events budget to rise in 2023
- 87% expect meetings to have an in-person component. This is six percent higher than last year.
- Events are set to become more attractive propositions for environmentally-conscious consumers. Nearly 80% of organisers said they consider sustainability while planning events. Of these, 76% mentioned that their organisation had a defined sustainability meetings programme strategy.
The survey polled 580 events industry leaders – including corporations, associations, buyers and suppliers – in 23 countries.
Meanwhile, the [State of Business Events](https://meetings.skift.com/reports/state-of-business-events/) released by Skift Meetings (formerly EventMB) suggests a more tech-powered future for events. Compared to the pre-covid era, 78% of event professionals are using more technology now – with 52% leveraging mobile apps for their shows. To learn more about such tech-enabled Smart Events, read our [organiser’s guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
The incredible comeback of in-person events, bigger meeting budgets and widespread adoption of tech clearly indicate the event industry is cruising to a profitable, productive 2023.
Let’s analyse why this is happening.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Let’s dial back the clock by around two years. Remember when virtual was the buzz of the industry and many had written the obituary of in-person events?
Turns out, people really like meeting each other face-to-face. There’s only so far one can continue having business meetups and conversations over an online call.
Virtual fatigue has set in. In fact, ongoing trends suggest future in-person events will be more popular than before the pandemic.
Even the much-vaunted hybrid events have been put on the backburner – organisers prefer them as a fallback than a preferred format.
A similar shift has been witnessed for event technology. From being pushed as a value-addition for events and making life easier by replacing/automating manual tasks, technology has become a must-have enhancer for every event.
Some areas where event tech is scaling new heights include:
- [‘Person-to-object’ AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) to elevate networking
- Concierge experience through [digital hosted buyer solutions](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)
- [365 community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) and online marketplace for year-round business interactions
- [Interactive floorplans](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/) to make venue navigation a breeze
What’s more, these new event solutions and systems won’t be easy on the pocket. Cost per attendee is expected to increase in 2023 – indicating the industry uptrend despite higher expenses.
Jonathan Kaplan, VP of global sales strategy at IHG, said: “Average rates continue to rise due to higher labor, food, and other fixed costs, along with the impact of inflation –we believe that trend will continue with high demand.”
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
In-person events are flourishing. Organisers are exploring new ways to make live experiences more immersive and value-driven.
Personalisation plays a huge role here. Attendees are no longer viewed as a homogenous block where a one-size-fits-all approach can work.
The expectations of the new-age buyer is shaped by their personal experiences as well as trend and stories around them.
New event platforms that can catalyse these individual personalities and create a journey aligned with their desired goals have become the need of the hour.
But there’s a lot to consider before you make a purchase decision.
It’s crucial to get informed about what these new tech solutions are, how they can solve your pain points and [create more value for your events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20211011/).
As a starting point, you can read these checklists on [Smart Event tech](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/smart-event-tech-checklist/), [mobile event apps](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/mobile-event-app-checklist/), [data safety](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/event-data-safety-checklist/), [365 communities](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/) to get a quick idea of the current solutions being employed by event organisers.
Once you are ready to dive deeper, [download our Blueprint collection](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks-library/) – a set of free ebooks with in-depth insights, industry research and tips from experts to level up your event strategy.
Also, read these [case studies](https://expoplatform.com/use-cases/) to understand how these technologies are being successfully implemented at shows by leading organisers.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [How to Make Your Virtual Events More Successful in 2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/how-to-make-your-virtual-events-more-successful-in-2021/)
**Published:** January 21, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
Last year tested event organisers’ troubleshooting abilities like never before. While the pandemic upended the industry, a critical decision was needed to keep their operations afloat and enable them to stay connected with customers, prospects and stakeholders. As a result, organisers cobbled together virtual events as a quick fix; stand-ins for the cancelled physical meetups.
Despite the initial scepticism, many organisers were able to successfully host full-scale digital events like virtual exhibitions, trade shows and conferences, with online event technology playing a critical role in the setup and execution. The gains were real and measurable, as the [events provided a viable platform to connect and engage with people](https://expoplatform.com/networking-at-virtual-events-more-effective-than-live-events/), while also creating a rich stream of leads and potential business opportunities.
Drawing upon[ the lessons from 2020](https://expoplatform.com/mistakes-virtual-event-organisers-should-avoid-in-2021/), one can deliver even more productive and rewarding virtual event experiences in 2021. Here are three useful tips to follow:
## **\#1 Invest more in creating interactive sessions and booths**
*“The event looked great, just like an actual physical event, but the speaker sessions seemed like just another webinar.*
This is real attendee feedback we received from one of our partner events early on in 2020.
Many virtual event organisers opted to mimic and recreate physical events, creating online events that are skeuomorphic in design (a long word that means they mirror the real-world look of exhibitions and trade shows). Though there’s nothing wrong with this approach, it’s more important to build immersive speaker sessions and virtual booths that will keep the attendees hooked.Apart from having short speaker sessions, providing attendees access to curated slides and docs, conducting live polls and Q&A, we also recommend you create ‘cinematic’ experiences for the audience. For example, creating a compelling interplay of sound, music and graphics to showcase an introductory sequence, highlight stats and figures or allow attendees to participate in a live product demonstration.
Similarly, virtual booths can engage attendees better by incorporating 3D products, video streaming, instant chat conversations and real-time surveys in a 360-degree interactive environment.
## **\#2 Get a professional host and moderators**
The role of a professional host or MC in a virtual event cannot be overstated. A confident, charismatic host can facilitate the seamless transition of sessions and keep attendees hooked with their wit and insights. While shortlisting one, make sure they are familiar with the industry and are aware of the event technology, so they can handle things comfortably if glitches occur.The discussion panels should also be moderated by industry experts, preferably those who know the ins-and-outs of the particular topic at hand. A well-moderated session that provides in-depth insights always generates immense interest among the audience.
## **\#3 Provide short snappy content, increase FOMO**
*“Once you include the wow factor of personalisation and create a sense of FOMO \[Fear Of Missing Out\], then the money will follow,”*[ says Matthias Baur, Founder, MBB Consulting Group.](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/)FOMO can be used as a great engagement booster for virtual events. Increase attendee interest by informing them about exclusive discounts and offers they would receive for a healthy engagement score. The more engaged an attendee, the greater their access to additional offers.
You can also use ephemeral content to boost participation, i.e. short, snappy stories with filters, stickers and effects on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn that are accessible for only 24 hours. Providing access to exclusive speaker sessions, premium content and training modules also helps increase attendee interest in your event.
**Categories:** Hybrid Events, Virtual Events
---
### [Fears for organisers as Europe edges towards new lockdown](https://expoplatform.com/blog/fears-for-organisers-as-europe-edges-towards-new-lockdown/)
**Published:** November 22, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly event industry news roundup from ExpoPlatform – Europe edges towards another lockdown while Dutch venue stays open, UK pilots trade show scheme to boost foreign exports and South African event industry given shot in the arm as two major shows return.***
## **UK pilots trade show scheme to boost exports**
A new scheme has been launched by the UK Government which aims to promote businesses abroad through the event industry.
The UK Trade Show Programme is hoped to be better-tailored for helping firms to attend and highlight their products around the globe.
It comes as part of a 12-point strategy announced by the Department for International Trade (DIT) designed to help businesses across the UK double exports and sell worldwide.
International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan said: “Our export strategy will help more businesses start exporting and help those who already export to sell more products to more countries.
“Reaching £1 trillion worth of exports by the end of this decade means more jobs, more opportunities and higher wages helping the UK to level up and build back better.”
> ICYMI: today we published a new UK Export Strategy, with a plan to help businesses reach £1 trillion in [\#exports](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exports?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). ?
>
> Here are the 12 points at the heart of the plan ?
>
> Read the full strategy here: [\#TradeWeek](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TradeWeek?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/VfwAUnzR5L](https://t.co/VfwAUnzR5L)
>
> — Department for Business and Trade (@biztradegovuk) [November 17, 2021](https://twitter.com/biztradegovuk/status/1460942055484628999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The UK Trade Show Programme will be launched as a pilot to allow us to work with business to assess different approaches to encourage participation at overseas tradeshows through training.
Businesses will first be supported with training and grants to attend tradeshows as a precursor to making the decision to exhibit there.
It will also provide market knowledge from industry experts to help ensure firms exhibiting at some of the world’s most prestigious events can make the most out of this opportunity.
Some will also receive a grant of up to £4,000 to count towards eligible costs.
This scheme is to last until April 2023.
## **Europe heads towards lockdown but Dutch venue stays open**
Concerns will be rising for organisers as Austria announced it will be the first country in western Europe to reimpose a full Covid-19 lockdown.
It comes as further damage could be done to the industry with neighbouring Germany warning it may follow suit, where there are already plans to introduce tighter curbs on people who have not been vaccinated.
The Austrian lockdown is due to come into effect today, Monday.
Leaders in the country have also said the whole population will be required to be vaccinated from February, in a nation which has suffered from scepticism over the effectiveness of the treatments.
Europe has again become the hub of the pandemic, with about half of global cases and deaths.
A partial lockdown has also been announced in the Netherlands and restrictions in place on the unvaccinated in parts of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Despite this, the RAI Amsterdam venue has claimed the measures will have limited effect on coming events scheduled at the venue.
> RAI Amsterdam remains open safely and responsibly. The new Covid-19 measures announced by the Dutch government have only a limited effect on the upcoming events scheduled at RAI Amsterdam. [pic.twitter.com/XGPqAxCVvh](https://t.co/XGPqAxCVvh)
>
> — RAI Amsterdam (@RAI\_Amsterdam) [November 14, 2021](https://twitter.com/RAI_Amsterdam/status/1459903275604529163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The premises said in a statement: “All scheduled national as well as international events during the coming period will be held in compliance with all new public health and safety guidelines.”
## **US Coalition announced to bolster event sector’s voice**
Two high profile bodies have joined forced to strengthen the event industry’s voice in the US.
The Meetings Mean Business Coalition (MMBC) and the US Travel Association announced the [full integration](https://www.ustravel.org/press/meetings-mean-business-coalition-fully-integrate-us-travel) of the coalition under the US Travel umbrella.
It means MMBC will benefit more directly from the association’s resources and advocacy network while providing greater value to members.
The move comes as business travel and professional meetings and events rebuilds from steep pandemic-related losses.
Fred Dixon, co-chairman of MMBC, said: “Fully integrating Meetings Mean Business and its scope of work under the US Travel Association umbrella makes great strategic sense, given the level of need and advocacy for the recovery of the meetings and business events travel segment.
“We are excited to closely align the coalition’s work further within US Travel and its public affairs program.”
## **Recovery held back as venues can’t get the staff – MIA report**
Staff shortages and rising operational costs are a massive impact on the recovery of the UK’s business meetings and events sector, according to new research.
Findings from the Meetings Industry Association (MIA) show 87% of premises currently have job vacancies, while more than three-quarters are in need of waiting staff and almost half are trying to recruit staff such as housekeeping and kitchen workers.
> Experiencing [\#recruitment](https://twitter.com/hashtag/recruitment?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) or operational challenges? Our latest findings show that you're not alone.
>
> Our latest [\#Venue](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Venue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Insight report, which has been shared with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport ([@DCMS](https://twitter.com/DCMS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)), is now available to download. [pic.twitter.com/up0uu37UXL](https://t.co/up0uu37UXL)
>
> — The Meetings Industry Association (@MIAuk) [November 16, 2021](https://twitter.com/MIAuk/status/1460590006209335300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It comes as part of the November edition of the organisation’s Venue Insight Report which had 157 respondents.
A “staggering loss” of 34% of non-UK workers has been reported between since the start of the pandemic, which the study said was led by challenges presented by Brexit and applications to the EU Settlement Scheme closing.
## **South African industry given boost by return of two shows**
The [return of two major events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20211011/) in South Africa next year highlights the need for “face-to-face encounters ” while also signalling a boost to the country’s economy.
South African Tourism is has announced it will once again host Meetings Africa and Africa’s Travel Indaba.
Both are being held as physical events with limited virtual components.
The former last took place in February 2020, just before the coronavirus outbreak, while the latter did not take place in 2020 and 2021 due to global restrictions arising from the pandemic.
Sthembiso Dlamini, acting CEO of South African Tourism, said: “The need for physical events and face-to-face encounters is evident in both the industry and the public.
“The experiences over the last months have shown that on-location events can take place safely and successfully and demonstrate how important they are for dialogue and exchange.
“We recently hosted Africa’s Travel and Tourism Summit, a hybrid format which was a well-executed and attended bringing the tourism sector together for a common purpose of reigniting the tourism sector.”
Meetings Africa will take place from February 28 and March 2 at the Sandton Convention Centre, in Johannesburg.
Arica’s Travel Indaba will be hosted between May 2 and 5 at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** All
---
### [US B2B events spending to exceed 2019 levels by 2024](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/us-b2b-events-spending-to-exceed-2019-levels-by-2024/)
**Published:** June 17, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Spending on B2B events in the US is expected to cross 2019 levels by 2024, according to research.**
The figures by consultancy firm Plural Strategy estimate output will reach $22 billion by 2024, higher than the $21bn in 2019.
Meanwhile, spending on tech and data is set to almost doubled in that timeframe, increasing from $5bn to $9bn in the same period.
These will drive the overall US B2B marketing spending – anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10% from $95bn to $122bn in 2024.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**The increasing adoption of digital processes and data-based systems is a key driver of B2B marketing growth, including events.**
Another crucial factor is the changing buying behaviour – consumers now prefer an omnichannel approach to explore their options and close business deals.
The MarTech landscape has changed significantly over the past two years. Successful marketers are employing aggressive growth strategies and evaluating new tools to meet their growth targets.
DGR’s [**2022 Demand Generation Benchmark Survey**](https://www.demandgenreport.com/resources/reports/2022-state-of-b2b-marketing-technology/) shows 72% of marketers surveyed expect their budgets to increase by up to 20% during the year.
The spend areas include content marketing (58%), account-based management (47%), sales enablement (46%), personalisation (37%) and event marketing (30%).
Tech such as AI matchmaking, Hosted Buyer and Lead Capture in B2B events are playing a key role in boosting marketing spend.
Audiences demand more digitally-enhanced live experiences aka Smart Events that use data to offer more insights and value.
Customers are also now more comfortable with online and digital methods for their purchase journey. This has made the B2B sales more omnichannel than ever. Read more about it [**here**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220610/#).
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**Upping your event spend shouldn’t mean just bigger shows – it’s a strategic tactic to give you a competitive edge over others.**
Organisers can leverage these higher budgets to provide more engaging, value-driven live experiences. Customers expect the best of both worlds – digital as well as face-to-face.
Smart Events are tech-enhanced live shows which increase the value of participation for all involved. Organisers can leverage the power of [event technology and data analytics to create](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20211011/) a mix of digital offerings.
The result is an enhanced experience where visitors and exhibitors find value at every step of the event. Learn how you can get started with Smart Events [**here**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
Meanwhile. an online 365 community becomes a fantastic platform to bring buyers, sellers and sponsors together year-round. [**Download our Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) to read how you can build your own.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [The complete guide to event technology integration](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-technology-integration/)
**Published:** September 1, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event technology integration is crucial for getting insights from the vast amount of data now available to an organiser.**
ExpoPlatform research estimates there is now 20 times as much of this information at the finger tips of planners.
But being able to see the bigger picture emerge requires it to be accessible, connected and available in one place.
Our Event technology Integration Guide explains how you can bring together the info from multiple sources to better track performance, understand customer behaviour and make informed decisions.
Here’s what we will cover:
- [**Rise of event data**](#stepone)
- [**Evolution of event technology stacks**](#steptwo)
- [**What is integrations in event management?**](#stepthree)
- [**Advantages of event technology integration**](#stepfour)
- [**Importance of integration from a tradeshow perspective**](#stepfive)
- [**APIs vs Imports – which is better?**](#stepsix)
- [**Event integration offered by ExpoPlatform**](#stepseven)
- [**Integration questions to ask an event technology provider**](#stepeight)
- [**Conclusion**](#stepnine)
## **Rise of event data**
Today’s digital landscape has changed the way we think about, experience and plan live events. They are no longer viewed as a one-time engagement opportunity but as technology-enhanced experiences anchored to **[365 online communities](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)**.
At these events, an enormous amount of data is collected by organisers. This data is crucial in many ways:
1. **Helps build contacts database:** Organisers need to know exactly who is attending their events, when they registered and why they came. They can build a potential customer database for follow-ups and lead nurturing.
2. **Helps understand your audience:** If you notice that a certain demographic is consistently underrepresented at your events, you can adjust your messaging strategy accordingly. You can understand their pain points, needs and desires to build a more complete buyer profile.
3. **Helps personalise your events:** You can customise your events based on the data you receive. Studying the engagement patterns of attendees and their responses to live polls and surveys gives a good idea of what they expect from your show.
4. **Helps makes it easier to measure success:** You can track which events are most successful and identify trends over time. This information can be used to improve your event planning process and ensure you’re delivering ROI-driven experiences for all attendees.
This data comes from event technology. Let’s understand how these technology stacks have evolved in the past few years.
## **Evolution of event technology stacks**
The classic event technology stack consisted of registration, email marketing, badge scanning system and a CRM.
This evolved to include mobile apps, lead retrieval solutions, **[hosted buyer software](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/)**, exhibitor manual and a lot more.
The growth of technology has been exponential, with new advancements coming out every year.
Having a disjointed event technology stack means your data from different tools is siloed.
There are many dashboards to look at, a deluge of tracking and engagement info to analyse and it can take ages to convert these details into useful, actionable insights.
It’s important to have this data connected and integrated in a way to have a unified dashboard and a seamless workflow process.
## **What is integrations in event management?**
Event technology integration means connecting two or more software applications. This allows data to flow seamlessly between them, making it easy to share information about attendees, speakers and sponsors.
In response to the shift in expectations and behaviour around live shows, event technology integrations have become more essential than ever before.
Connecting different platforms allows vendors to share event information without having to manually transfer data between separate programmes every time a change is made.
In the past, event technology integration was primarily focused on connecting legacy applications with each other.
However, it has now evolved beyond simple data connections and includes powerful features like user authentication, identity federation, access control, security, privacy controls etc.
This evolution has been driven by the increasing complexity of modern event platforms. As these tools become increasingly sophisticated, they require more advanced integrations to work effectively.
There are several ways to integrate event data into your system: through an external platform like Salesforce or Quickbooks, through an API or by using a custom-built solution.
The option that works best will depend on the type of event data involved and the level of customisation required for each instance.
## **Advantages of event technology integration**
Integrating event data into your CRM has become a crucial part of staying ahead of the game. This info helps you gain insight into how people interact with your marketing efforts in real-time.
This is especially useful when measuring ROI on marketing activities, segmenting customers by their interests and understanding where people are engaging with your brand so you can reach them again where they’re most receptive.
Here are some advantages:
1. **Increased efficiency and accuracy:** integrated data allows everyone to have the same information and track any changes and updates simultaneously.
2. **Data-driven follow-ups:** improved customer experience through attribution data and engagement metrics for clear follow-ups and community building.
3. **Get a complete view of the buyer journey:** better understand customer buying behaviour through a unified view. This leads to more profitable sales transactions.
4. **Evaluate event performance:** get credible metrics to analyse marketing campaigns and make informed decisions about future investments in marketing efforts.
5. **Save time:** less up-front work for organisers as the time spent on backend processes is saved.
6. **Better attendee experience:** a fully integrated event provides a cohesive experience to attendees and enables seamless navigation from one part of the show to another. Drop-off rates will go down significantly.
## **Importance of integration from a tradeshow perspective**
Organising a tradeshow involves several moving parts. A number of technology tools are used with the aim of enhancing the audience experience.
However, the data from these tools is often siloed, making it difficult to get a holistic view of event performance. This hinders performance analysis and can lead to sub-optimal event planning. For example:
- Exhibitor data usually resides with a CRM system like **Salesforce** or **A2Z**
- Visitor registration happens on an external platform like **Aventri** or **Visit**
- Products data is available on a previous system database or internally
- Use of third-party vendors like **Mapspeople**, **IIRIS** into the event management platform
It’s crucial to view this data through a single, unified dashboard. This helps track participant behaviour and get a granular look at what worked during the event and what didn’t.
## **APIs vs Imports – which is better?**
An ideal scenario in an integrated technology stack would have all tools connected with each other and working in perfect harmony. However, that’s not always the case.
In recent years, using an **a****pplication programming interface (API)** has emerged as a popular option for data integration in events. But what does that mean?.
An API is a set of clearly defined methods of communication between various software components. It is what allows applications to connect with one another, or with services like an online database.
APIs can be used to build applications that are more powerful and useful. They give them direct access to specific features instead of forcing the developer to build them from scratch.
It is like having a contract or user manual. The documentation tells how and where you can call certain routines and what inputs they accept.
This contract makes integration easier, as you get all the information at once instead of piecing it together from different places.
APIs play a vital role in event data integration. They allow you to connect to different types of data sources and normalise it into a format that is usable for your event data platform.
This way, you can have a single source of truth for your event data and avoid the hassle of manually integrating data from multiple platforms.
**Is it possible to perform data operations without an API?**
Yes, through **manual** **imports**. That’s what you do when you export data into a spreadsheet, clean it, sort it out and import it into another system.
But it’s not feasible to do so manually all the time. It’s challenging, time-consuming and prone to human error.
Making manual data imports scalable and reliable becomes a challenge for any third-party integrations. It also becomes a nightmare when you have to import terabytes of data on a daily basis.
In comparison, APIs are an efficient way to streamline data imports automatically. Instead of spending days on developing custom scripts for each new integration, an API can be created in just a few hours.
You can easily get insights from unstructured customer data in a fraction of a second while keeping operational costs under control.
## **Event technology integration offered by ExpoPlatform**
This image explains how integration decisions are carried out by ExpoPlatform prior to the launch of an event:
There are three types of integration ExpoPlatform offers. Here’s a comparison:
**Here’s a look at how our API Integration delivery is carried out:**
**Step 1** – The requirement is locked for the project brief. Necessary details like admin credentials, API key and API documentation are shared.
**Step 2** – The field mapping is finalised. The ExpoPlatform team shares a sample request with the fields in scope for the third-party vendor to understand the requested format.
**Step 3** – The third-party vendor completes the development and the ExpoPlatform team performs the user acceptance test. This is confirmed with a sign-off from the client.
**Step 4** – Deployment day. Go live!
**Examples of custom integration done by ExpoPlatform for Informa Smart Events:**
- Using MapsPeople to greatly enhance floorplan functionality
- Using IIRIS to have a custom login widget configured for participants. IIRIS also does the data push for all attendee records using ExpoPlatform APIs
## **Event technology integration questions to ask a provider**
There are several factors you need to consider for your integration plans. Here are the questions you need to ask your event technology provider:
**1. What data will be shared?**
Will the integration allow you to share any data or only certain types? Will it support multiple formats?
**2. How secure will the connection be?**
The integration should offer strong encryption and provide protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.
**3. Who will own the data?**
Who owns the data after it is transferred – the organiser or the provider? Refer to ExpoPlatform’s **[Data Manifesto](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/)** for more details
**4. How scalable will the integration be?**
It should be able to handle large volumes of data and scale easily as your event grows.
**5. How well documented is the integration?**
You should be able to find documentation on how to implement it with your current technology stack.
**6. How flexible is the integration? Can it adapt to changing requirements?**
Organiser should be able to accommodate new technologynologies without breaking compatibility with older versions.
**7. How easy is it to set up? Will IT admins need special training?**
The integration should be simple to set up and a proper feedback mechanism should be in place to contact support.
## **Conclusion**
Organisers are collecting more data than ever before. But all this data is trapped in different silos across the company — and can’t be easily accessed or analysed.
As a result, insights are limited and business performance suffers. We see this problem frequently with event data – it’s locked in silos and disconnected systems, fragmented, unstandardised and not widely accessible.
Integrating through APIs and other means can help you capture, analyse and act on your events faster than ever before—helping you drive new business value with less friction and risk.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [The Week in Events: live return creates a buzz](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20211011/)
**Published:** October 11, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly event industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform – now every Monday: Hyve’s Q4 results indicative of event industry’s stuttering restart, commitment to go green in Glasgow and the co-founder of Virtual Events Institute steps down.***
## **Live returns create a buzz despite stuttering restart**
Events organiser Hyve Group has recorded a “better-than-expected” final quarter for 2021 amid more signs of a recovery for our industry.
The group said success across the west was driven by significant pent-up demand for in-person shows and the maintaining of strong customer relationships throughout the pandemic.
Events were at a smaller scale than their pre-pandemic levels due mostly to remaining international travel restrictions.
Hyve said it identified three encouraging trends emerging from the events it has run since markets have reopened.
The first is that many shows have seen an increase in like-for-like customer spend.
Secondly, there is a direct correlation between performance and the amount of time that has passed since restrictions have lifted – events continue to recover as markets and communities normalise.
Finally, the group is seeing an increase in visitor density, meaning the number of visitors per exhibitor is higher post-pandemic.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group said: “Q4 has been a very positive step on the road to recovery, with events returning for the first time in the UK and US and exhibitors at many of our events increasing their spend compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“Groceryshop was run for the first time since its acquisition which was a landmark moment, while Autumn Fair achieved positive customer feedback.
“We have delivered strong performances wherever we have been able to hold shows. Our omnichannel rollout continues at pace.”
It comes as [signs indicate](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-the-week-tradeshows/) the recovery of UK trade shows is continuing however there has been a massive drop in exhibitor bookings compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Analysis of 16 exhibitions held in the UK during September reveals weak performance with the comparable shows in 2019.
Findings from the Events Intelligence research shows total bookings were 43% down, an average of 60% of these were held over from the previous show, while 75% were from the UK, 8% from the US and 4% from Germany.
## **Calls strengthen for APAC reopening**
Governments in the Asia Pacific region are facing further demands to reopen borders as a united group of exhibition and conference organisers “implored” for the resumption of travel for the event industry.
The Joint Leadership Summit in Singapore brought together officials with local, regional and global MICE planners – with restrictions being cited as a key issue for the country’s competitiveness.
It was heard he MICE industry in Asia Pacific [generated a revenue](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/mark-maydon-ts/) of close to £169 billion (US0bn) in 2017 and is forecast to reach over £323bn (US0bn) by 2025.
Mary Larkin, president of UFI, said: “There is a need to reopen for business travel, to allow the international marketplaces that welcome buyers and delegates.
“Europe has already started to align its travel protocols. The Middle East has been open to vaccinated travellers for over a year. The US is welcoming back global travellers.
“We now ask governments help us reopen safely and securely, to remember the good that business events have done to our economies. We implore you to reopen.”
It comes as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s government has announced the extension of the Convention and Exhibition Industry Subsidy Scheme for six months until December 2022.
The move comes in response to demand from the event sector and is on top of previous extensions since it was launched on 3 October 2020..
## **VEI co-founder steps down as CEO**
Co-founder of the Virtual Events Institute has announced she will be [stepping down](https://www.virtualeventsinstitute.com/post/virtual-events-institute-announces-ahmed-to-step-down-as-ceo) as the company’s chief executive officer.
Sophie Ahmed has been at the forefront of the global platform’s development over the course of little more than 12 months since it was launched.
It has since produced an online certification program, trained nearly 2000 event professionals and produced dozens of tech talks dedicated to the rapidly evolving digital and hybrid landscape.
She said: “I have relished my role at VEI, helping [drive digital](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220725/) transformation at this vital inflexion point for the world of events.
“From conceiving and creating the certification course, to producing summits and webinars to meeting the inspiring entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of events and event marketing, this has been an enormously stimulating and rewarding journey and I am grateful for all the support we have received from the industry.”
## **Glasgow backs sustainability**
A new support service has been launched for conference organisers in Glasgow who [want to host a more sustainable meeting in the city](https://glasgowconventionbureau.com/news/go-greener-in-glasgow/).
The Go Greener in Glasgow initiative – launched by Glasgow Convention Bureau – comes in response to UN Sustainable Development Goals with the introduction of an interactive workshop for meeting planners.
It aims to provide practical [tips on delivering a sustainable conference,](https://expoplatform.com/blog/conferences/top-tips-to-create-engaging-sessions-at-virtual-conferences/) aligned to the UN goals.
> Find out more about our Go Greener?initiative, working with conference organisers, using the UN Sustainable Goals to plan more sustainable meetings in [\#Glasgow](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Glasgow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ?[\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#PeopleMakeGlasgowGreener](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeopleMakeGlasgowGreener?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/6PkFwY7xCr](https://t.co/6PkFwY7xCr)
>
> — Glasgow Convention Bureau (@meetglasgow) [October 7, 2021](https://twitter.com/meetglasgow/status/1446069158530240515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Aileen Crawford, head of tourism and conventions, said: “The UN Sustainable Development Goals were already a key component of our People Make Glasgow Greener Strategy.
“The workshop concept builds on our Go Greener toolkit for conference [organisers looking to deliver](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/liz-irving-smart-events/) a more sustainable meeting in our city.
“The interactive format of the workshop allows each conference to make its own decisions on the Goals that best align to their vision and mission and then communicate these sustainable actions to their members, sponsors and stakeholders.”
## **Vaccination and testing best practices**
Clear and consistent guidance on how to navigate the safe return of events has been hard to come by through official channels.
That’s why this [article by Event MB](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/practices-requirements-events) has proven so useful to organisers looking to do their best in this everchanging landscape.
The piece offers some [expert insights](https://expoplatform.com/blog/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/) in how best to handle the evolving restrictions, as well as comparing the safety of attending a show with everyday activities.
Lorraine Mariella, president of Eventium, said: “It’s important to be transparent and let people know the risks.
“I let them know what best practices need to be followed and I reach out to the venue to see what they are doing, as well as what the city and state are doing.
“I put all of that information out to the attendees, so they know.”
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Pharmaceutical event technology: a complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/pharma-life-sciences-virtual-hybrid-events/)
**Published:** August 24, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Pharmaceutical event technology has become majorly important since the massive shift towards virtual and hybrid shows. Here, we do a deep dive into this trend and show the opportunities brought through a new digital-centred marketing model.**
The global digital health market size is projected to grow at a rate of 17.4% between 2021 and 2027 – exceeding £311 billion ($427 billion USD), according to research firm [Global Market Insights](https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/digital-health-market).
Growth will be driven by a number of digital healthcare initiatives and trends that allow smarter choices for patients, healthcare providers as well as pharmaceutical and life sciences professionals. For example:
- *Increased use of electronic health records to store patient data*
- *Use of mobile health applications to access care, especially by young adults*
- *Adoption of these technologies by medical professionals*
- *Growing demand for healthcare analytics*
Meanwhile, the jury is still out on timings for a full return of physical events – meaning virtual and hybrid formats are now the go-to mediums for information on latest health trends, innovations and guidelines.
Embracing these digital alternatives is the way ahead for for pharma and life sciences professionals to serve their communities, grow their business and build their brand.
[Pharmaceutical event ](https://expoplatform.com/conference/)technology allow pharma and life sciences companies to showcase their products and services, share key findings from clinical trials, discuss best practices and find quick solutions for long-distance patients.
Here, we will cover all you need to make a success of this digital landscape:
- [**Pharmaceutical events technology will thrive in the new healthcare landscape**](#stepone)
- [**Benefits of hosting virtual events for pharma and life sciences**](#steptwo)
- [**Types of virtual events for pharma and life sciences**](#stepthree)
- [**Top marketing tips for pharma and life sciences events**](#stepfour)
- [**Virtual event best practices for pharma and life sciences**](#stepfive)
- [**Omnichannel marketing – the way forward for pharma and life sciences**](#stepsix)
## **Pharmaceutical event technology will thrive in the new healthcare landscape**
Pharma companies must market their products in a way that suits the evolution of digital healthcare.
Technology has already ushered in massive changes in life sciences, such as:
- Increased collaboration for innovation
- Shift in healthcare delivery through virtual care and telemedicine
- Development of new point of care systems
- Digital pharmacy set-ups
- Using homes as a clinical point of care
Pharmaceutical manufacturers need to embrace these emerging technologies to effectively communicate with patients, pharmacists, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals.
This will help build a better understanding of what a target audience wants and develop strategies that resonate with them.
Virtual events will play a critical role in bringing together patients, healthcare providers and pharma executives.
They provide flexibility, accessibility, better scalability, ease of implementation and other advantages.
This all helps with education, streamlining communication and exploring avenues for collaboration.
## **Benefits of virtual events for pharma and life sciences**
The benefits of virtual events are way more than mere replacements for physical meetings. Here’s why:
**Easy to manage**
Organisers don’t have to worry about the logistics of virtual events on the same scale as the in-person model.
There is no need for finalising the conference venue, arranging onsite equipment and technical staff, managing food and beverages, hosting speakers, seating arrangements, transport and accommodation.
It means there is more time to focus on the event content and the attendee experience.
**Global reach**
Virtual pharma and life sciences events can be accessed by professionals around the world.
The only things an attendee needs is a computer with an internet connection.
It means anyone anywhere can log in to the conference or congress with just a few clicks. This helps significantly boost participation and encourages collaboration and networking among members and exhibitors.
**Advanced networking features**
In-person events have the highly valued factor of face-to-face interactions.
However, in a gathering of thousands of participants, virtual events have a clear edge in terms of networking.
Features like [AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) can help recommend smart connections and give access to detailed profiles of other participants.
This allows attendees to filter out the irrelevant and network with the people they actually want to meet.
**Access to on-demand content**
Speaker presentations, live webinars and Q&A sessions can all be recorded at virtual events for later viewing.
The availability of such on-demand content is especially important for pharma and life sciences, where industry professionals need to regularly reference notes and connect with companies that offer the best solutions.
**Data-driven insights**
Virtual pharma events provide access to online dashboards to view event data, study the attendee journey and gain valuable insights.
This information includes sessions attended, total meeting time, visits to virtual stands or company profiles, clicks on sponsored content and downloads of digital resources.
Pharmaceutical companies can use this to sharpen their marketing strategies, understand trends and make informed decisions about the future.
**Cost and time savings**
Organising a decent-sized in-person pharma conference requires considerable time and investment.
The virtual format means an organiser doesn’t need to worry about so many aspects – and can be planned in a matter of a few weeks.
Lower operational costs and more time to concentrate on event participants means conference producers can focus more on generating quality leads and driving return on investment (ROI).
## **Types of virtual events for pharma and life sciences**
Pharmaceutical and life sciences virtual events range from small, focused meetups to large-scale conferences and global congresses. Here are some:
**Online workshops**
Online workshops are virtual training sessions that can take place over several weeks.
The content is delivered via webinars or recorded videos, while the sessions usually conclude with a Q&A.
These workshops provide attendees with all the benefits of traditional face-to-face learning without having to travel anywhere.
**Webinars and podcasts**
Webinars are short presentations usually held as part of events, such as online workshops or virtual conferences.
Presenters use slides and audio-visual equipment to deliver information to delegates.
These sessions are usually held as a single presentation or multiple ones throughout the day.
Podcasts are also am emerging type of virtual event with one or more speakers.
They usually consist of instructional or informational content, including the latest updates and industry trends in the pharma and life sciences sectors.
Examples of popular podcasts include:
- *Pharm Exec podcast*
- *Voices in Validation*
- *Pharma Intelligence podcast*
- *Qualitalks podcast*
**Virtual conferences, congresses and summits**
A virtual conference is a largescale online meeting where participants can connect to a presentation, video or audio from any online device.
Industry leaders gather together for discussions, fact-finding and plan a course of action to address issues facing the sector.
These digital conferences feature speakers who present on a range of topics, from clinical trials to marketing strategies.
They are usually held online through webinars or livestreamed video, allowing researchers to present their work when a conference is not physically possible due to time constraints or location.
These can be either pre-recorded presentations or real-time discussions with other participants.
Meanwhile, the aim of **global summits for pharma and life sciences** is to bring together key stakeholders from different companies, institutions or countries to discuss industry topics and find solutions for issues they face.
Attendees exchange information on the latest products, new technology and regulatory issues among other topics.
Some important pharma and life sciences meetings, conferences and summits include:
- *Annual European Congress of Pharmacology*
- *American Society for Clinical Oncology annual meeting*
- *International Conference on Drug Discovery & Development*
- *World Cancer Research Foundation Global Summit*
- *Pharmaceutical Technology Association Annual Meeting*
- *BioEurope*
- *BIO’s Life Science Innovation Forum*
## **Top marketing tips for pharma and life sciences events**
The new landscape event organisers are operating in should have digital at its core.
But in industries such as pharma and life sciences, what tactics can be employed to promote events and bring positive results?
Here are some hugely effective event marketing tips:
**Create an attractive event website**
The first step for any successful event is to build a good online presence.
This includes creating a [well-designed website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/) where people can get details about the event, such as the meeting agenda, sessions topics and participating speakers.
The event website should provide a good user experience and include clear calls-to-action to increase registrations and convert leads.
**Build an easily navigable event app**
[Mobile event apps](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) help organisers engage with attendees by sending information such as event schedule, speaker bios and promotional content through push notifications.
Attendees can also use them to participate in polls, surveys and to interact with each other during breaks and networking sessions.
**Have a steady email marketing campaign**
Email marketing is a key promotional tactic for B2B pharma events.
With personalised messages and timely reminders for the intended audience, one can use highly targeted [email marketing](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/) campaigns to generate buzz around the event, create upsell opportunities, allow sponsors to reach out to attendees and a lot more.
**Use social media effectively**
Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter to promote the event in a cost-effective manner.
Organise giveaways, contests and quizzes to keep visitors hooked and share videos, teasers and content to further pique their interest in the event.
**Focus on interactive content**
Catch your audience’s attention. This helps you engage attendees before, during and after the event.
This includes the quality of the content as well its delivery.
Interactive web pages, short videos, augmented and virtual reality demos can immediately grab the interest of attendees – making them delve deeper into the pharma products and services on offer.
**Get respected industry speakers**
Speaker sessions are usually the biggest highlight of pharma and life sciences events.
Getting renowned experts with a huge industry following establishes the credibility of the conference and amplifies social marketing.
An extreme example would be a keynote speech by the US president’s chief medical advisor Anthony Fauci – this is certain to make people more interested in signing up for the event.
## **Virtual event best practices for pharma and life sciences**
****
How do you engage with healthcare providers and pharma professionals in a virtual setting?
One issue with the rapid growth of online events is the consequence of screen fatigue and lower engagement.
Organisers need to reshape their strategies for virtual event best practices and create experiences that interest, engage and convert.
Here are some of our recommendations:
**Plan highly targeted journeys**
Do in-depth research into your target audience and focus on creating a personalised journey mapped to their business needs and pain points.
Virtual events can be replicated easily. Consider hosting a series of events with a smaller set of attendees so you can deliver relevant, engaging content and richer experiences.
**Adopt a scalable content strategy**
Audience preferences for consuming information have changed drastically with the growth of digital channels.
Pharma and life sciences event organisers need to build a scalable content strategy.
This allows them to reuse and repurpose their event, website and marketing content in the form of blogs, ebooks, videos, white papers and infographics among others.
**Select tech-savvy speakers**
The virtual format comes with its own set of technical issues problems.
Having tech-savvy speakers can saves organisers a lot of headache during the event.
Vet your speakers and check if they have delivered successful sessions at other events.
Alternatively, they can be trained to moderate breakout sessions, use the event platform to address Q&As and get through any tech-related challenges.
**Track and measure**
Virtual event data can be used by organisers to study attendee behaviour, analyse engagement patterns and provide real-time solutions to any issues.
This information can also be used to measure the success of the event by assessing it against different metrics.
Some post-event assessment questions may include:
- *Were the event goals and objectives met?*
- *What key metrics can be tracked to benchmark future events?*
- *How to improve event experience for attendees?*
- *How to measure and improve audience engagement?*
**Offer 365 community options for year-round engagement**
Don’t restrict your attendee engagement to a one-off conference every year.
Instead, build a [365 community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) where pharma and life sciences executives can interact with prospects and customers, discuss business solutions and strike deals.
The prominence of this form of marketing can be seen through the recent creation of the Community Leaders Institute.
This is believed to be the world’s first independent global educational body across the sector, offering tools and training to professionals.
It is the brainchild of leaders and experts from the events, media and community industries – and will operate with support from leading services company 365 Media.
## **Omnichannel marketing – the way forward for pharma and life sciences**
****
Pharma and life sciences have long relied on traditional models of marketing and communication, mostly through a “product-first” model.
The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted this static approach, forcing pharma marketers to explore new digital channels of engaging with their audience.
This rush to accelerate virtual transformation exposed the lack of a customer-centric approach in pharma, as not enough work was done in understanding customer needs and wants.
Figures from According to [pharma and healthcare consultancy Indegene](https://www.indegene.com/insights/news/satisfaction-not-guaranteed-doctors-disappointed-pharmas-digital-pandemic-efforts) show dissatisfaction rates with pharma’s digital interactions among doctors jumped from 23% to nearly 50% during the pandemic.
This has led to an increased focus on providing a blend of digital content and in-person engagement through an omnichannel marketing strategy.
**What is omnichannel marketing?**
Omnichannel marketing for pharma and life sciences entails an integrated approach in which different channels – online, offline, PR – are used to address the needs of all stakeholders.
This includes patients, healthcare providers and others involved in the purchase decision.
By doing away with fragments and silos, omnichannel marketing helps connect and communicate with the target audience in a highly streamlined and optimised manner.
Axtria, a global provider of cloud software and data analytics to the Life Sciences industry, reports this model has become [the main way to improve customer experiences](https://insights.axtria.com/blog/a-roadmap-for-establishing-and-maturing-omnichannel-marketing-within-life-sciences).
According to the survey:
- *Around 30% pharma companies had adopted omnichannel marketing*
- *25% were testing pilot programmes*
- *45% were in early planning stages or yet to start*
**How does omnichannel marketing work for pharma and life sciences?**
The elements that enable omnichannel marketing and help shape strategies to optimise communication are explained below**:**
- **Improve segmentation through AI** AI is used to exploit information from huge data sets, unlocking behavioural patterns to narrow down customer segments. Many organisations have already started to partner with expert firms to do a deep dive into the information and collaborate on matters of regulatory policies and patient care.
- **Promote where needed** Omnichannel marketers can make data-driven decisions to increase, decrease or stop promotions. For instance, if a particular brand or product is seeing strong and consistent use among patients and healthcare providers, then you can focus on promoting other brands more.
- **Personalisation** Access to usage data gives crucial insights into customer healthcare needs. It helps map out trends among different user segments. Marketers can then create personalised campaigns to provide better, targeted solutions for healthcare providers.
- **Advanced communication** An [online marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) model involves payers and pharma companies interacting and collaborating for mutual gain. This brings together all stakeholders year-round for informed decision-making and leads to positive patient outcomes and greater ROI.
- **Machine learning models to assess the performance** Marketers can use machine learning models that use AI and NLP to understand what people are saying about a brand or product. This is also known as sentiment analysis and helps in the development of predictive models for event-based campaign success. It is essentially a way to measure the performance of campaigns.
*The first step to creating an omnichannel approach is to build a 365 events community.[ **Learn how ExpoPlatform can help you easily set one up.**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)*
**Categories:** All
---
### [EXCLUSIVE: Heavy machinery buyers harvest power of digital](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/heavy-machinery-online-sales/)
**Published:** January 12, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Heavy machinery sales have significantly shifted online as digital and remote transactions have become the preferred channel for buyers, according to exclusive new research.
A survey of 25,000 buyers by ExpoPlatform and LECTURA. reveals how important online has become to markets which have traditionally valued buying through face-to-face interactions.
The findings show high levels of spending have moved online for industries such as construction, agriculture, materials handling and transportation.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, said: “Buying and selling rapidly moved online through the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Two years since it began, we wanted to understand the impact in B2B industries.
“While the research highlights that demand for in-person events remains high in these markets, the level of comfort with entirely digital transactions is surprising for industries which are usually considered to be fairly conservative.”
**Download the** [**full report**](https://expoplatform.com/research/digital-disruption-in-machinery-buying/) **to find out more.**
Petr Thiel, CEO of [LECTURA](https://www.lectura.de/), added: “We have seen an increasing trend towards marketplaces being widely accepted in heavy machinery sectors.
“The pandemic has unpredictably changed the business environment as many on-site events and tradeshows had to be cancelled or changed for online sessions and webinars, further digitalizing the heavy machinery industry.
“This latest survey confirms how digital is transforming buyer behaviour to an omnichannel future.”
While in-person interactions remain popular, the convenience of [digital self-service ecommerce](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) and remote contact with sales teams have now taken the lead.
More than two-thirds (67%) of materials handling buyers preferred to purchase heavy machinery through digital channels, the survey shows.
This is 62% for the transport sector, 56% for construction and 46% for agriculture.
The survey also highlights that 75% of those buying through digital channels were willing to spend more than $10,000 entirely online.
While in-person events are still considered to be the most effective ways of discovering new products, this was followed closely by online product reviews and video demonstrations .
The research was carried out on the LECTURA Specs website, an ultimate buyers guide that is visited by over 1 million professionals each month.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Hybrid Events Guide: how to plan your next hybrid event in 2022](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)
**Published:** February 10, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
## Hybrid events continue to be a crucial part of the marketing roster. In our latest guide, we explain why they are important and detail a step-by-step process to plan your next hybrid event.
In the past two years, changing customer expectations towards responsiveness and personalisation as well as pandemic-related restrictions have made digital outreach critical for event marketers.
The resulting digitalisation has led to a significant shift in the B2B event models.
Enterprises are reinventing their strategies to offer hybrid events that blend offline and online components.
These events can accommodate both in-person attendees and a virtual audience. This includes [those who cannot travel](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/) to the venue or are still wary about attending physical meetups.
With hybrid events, organisers can provide the face-to-face experiences necessary at exhibitions and trade shows as well as curated digital journeys for prospecting, nurturing and closing customers.
So how do you leverage the physical and digital channels to organise a successful hybrid event?
In this guide, we will cover:
- [What is a hybrid event?](#stepone)
- [Why are hybrid events important?](#steptwo)
- [Difference between physical, virtual and hybrid events](#stepthree)
- [What are the benefits of hybrid events?](#stepfour)
- [Examples of hybrid events](#stepfive)
- [Types of hybrid event models](#stepsix)
- [Four Golden rules to create a successful hybrid event](#stepseven)
- [A step-by-step guide to planning a hybrid event](#stepeight)
- [Conclusion](#stepnine)
## **What is a hybrid event?**
Hybrid events are a new type of meeting format that combines in-person interactions with virtual elements.
This allows participants to attend the event physically at the venue or online from a remote location.
The definition of a hybrid event has become more expansive today. They are considered unified experiences that meaningfully bridge the live and virtual audiences. The in-person and online events can be hosted simultaneously or separately as per the needs of the organiser.
## **Difference between physical, virtual and hybrid events**
New event planners might feel confused about what hybrid events are and how they differ from traditional meetings.
Here’s a simple explanation:
**Physical events** are in-person gatherings where you can meet and interact with other attendees and exhibitors. These events happen at a physical location such as conference halls and convention centres.
**Virtual events** are held completely online where participants can log in from any part of the world, communicate and connect through the online event platform.
Hybrid events include **elements of both physical and virtual events** and allow for a more flexible and accommodating experience for attendees.
## **Why are hybrid events important?**
In 2020, virtual events grew in popularity as ‘quick fixes’ for cancelled and postponed in-person events.
This allowed the events industry to stay connected and keep their business operations afloat.
After two years, it’s a remarkably different picture today.
Vaccine mandates and safety protocols at venues have made people feel more comfortable meeting face-to-face again.
Organisers are also returning to physical shows at a faster pace than before, [as this report show](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-the-week-more-organisers-returning-to-live-events-despite-omicron/)s.
Despite this, the digital element will continue to play an important role for the following reasons:
- Flexibility
- Convenience
- Lower operational costs
- Ability to deliver marketing campaigns at scale
- Insulate events from any potential physical disruption
- New avenues for content sharing, exhibiting and sponsorship
- Create new revenue streams and lead generation opportunities through online channels
In fact, [54% organisers](https://www.etcvenues.com/blog/five-key-predictions-for-2022) believe these **‘phygital experiences’** (physical + digital) will play a crucial role in the future.
This is because a full return to live can be at risk due to several factors. This can be the threat of new Covid variants, uneasiness among attendees towards physical events (especially those with pre-existing medical conditions) as well as issues like cost, distance and accessibility.
## **What are the benefits of hybrid events?**
Hybrid shows are a great way to bring together a large group of people from geographically diverse backgrounds.
Anyone from a remote corner of the world can participate if they have a computer and internet connection.
You essentially lower the barrier to entry for both demographics – those who want to attend, but can’t, and those who are unsure if your event is worth their time.
This increases your reach immensely, as you broadcast your event to a larger audience than ever could be possible in person.
Here are some other advantages of hybrid events:
**1. Greater flexibility**
Hybrid events offer a greater level of flexibility in the event of travel disruptions.
Hosting a live event with no digital fallback is risky especially when technology is so accessible and prevalent.
Hybrid events add to your portfolio to ensure you have a successful event, no matter what.
**2. More sponsor opportunities**
Hybrid events offer sponsors multiple opportunities for sponsorship, including increased reach and reportable metrics.
Sponsors are always on the look for new ways to justify their expenses these shows can provide data to back up these expenditures.
They can be valuable for sponsors in a number of ways – including the increased lead pool and the ability to communicate with interested parties 1:1 as well as online virtual attendees.
**3. Reduced environmental impact**
Reduced travel has had a significant impact on the environment. For example, when the lockdown was in force, the global average road transport activity [fell nearly 50% from 2019](https://www.iea.org/articles/changes-in-transport-behaviour-during-the-covid-19-crisis) by the end of March 2020.
Hybrids events reduce headcount requirements and help in moving towards carbon neutrality.
Moreover, the increased focus on sustainability and [‘net zero’](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/cop26-sustainable-events/) indicates organisers will continue to lean on digital to fulfill their corporate social responsibilities.
**4. Feed your marketing pipeline**
Repurpose and reshare digital content to keep a steady stream flowing to your audience.
Streaming your event also has the added benefit of ensuring you don’t forget to record anything.
You can also determine future marketing campaigns from attendee interactions with your previous content.
**5. Improved return on investment (ROI)**
Hybrid events offer increased ROI due to their greater reach and scalability.
A virtual event platform doesn’t require crews for set-up and take-down and can scale down live events while scaling up their online presence.
As a result, the bottomline is reduced, top-line revenue rises and cost of customer acquisition also goes down.
**6. Valuable data**
Hybrid events provide valuable data that is difficult to measure offline.
This includes data on attendees’ actions and engagement, as well as website clicks and social media posts.
By collecting this information, you can better serve your attendees and turn them into customers.
Checking how many people your posts and theirs reached will give you a better idea about how your event affected brand awareness.
It helps you answer questions like:
- How many repeat attendees attended your event?
- What indicators did your event give you about what kind of products a lead is interested in, or how qualified they are?
- How much of your yearly revenue can be attributed (at least in part) to your events or touchpoints within your events?
Utilising data collected about your audience demographics and behaviours will enable you to personalise your sales and marketing approach.
This in turn will help you to convert your attendees into customers and drive revenue.
## **Examples of hybrid events**
**Case study 1: Informa Market’s Global Licensing Team**
More than three-quarters of event professionals believe there is a digital skills shortage when navigating the online transformation of the industry, [according to a poll](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-week-digital-skills-shortage/).
Anna Knight, vice-president of licensing at Informa Market’s Global Licensing Group (GLG), restructured her team when the pandemic struck.
Even though the outbreak forced GLG’s hand, the result was no temporary measure.
They now had a new strategy and an enriched proposition for a rapidly evolving audience.
By the second half of 2020, Anna’s team had begun asking questions of both its exhibitors and attendees to establish what they would want from a [hybrid](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)[ e](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)[vent](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)[ in 2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/).
She told ExpoPlatform:
*“We talked about the idea of a simultaneous hybrid event and it tested poorly.*
*“When customers are onsite they really only want to concentrate on those meetings, they don’t want to have virtual meetings at the same time.*
*“What came out of that was that when they are at in-person events, they miss out on certain connections, they miss out on people that kind of walk past their booth, or perhaps have a five-minute conversation with someone but wanted that conversation to be longer – or to involve other team members.”*
GLG developed a system that enabled follow-up by tracking activity throughout the event – an integral part of its hybrid trade show model.
Combining the lead-retrieval data of the in-person event with the accountability of the online system would provide attendees with the best of both worlds.
Anna said:
*“The online event now has a dual purpose, the first purpose being for those who weren’t able to attend in person to still have some kind of event experience.*
*“Secondly, this follow-up idea where perhaps you only had a very short conversation with a customer and you want to use this online event to follow up with them.”*
Attendees were convinced of the value of the hybrid proposition as it:
1. Combined the serendipity of a live event with the accountability of an online event
2. Offered an unprecedented level of personalisation
*For more on this case study read our [full review](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/covid-digital-transformation-informa/).*
**Case study 2: Pet Fair Beijing 2021**
Pet Fair Beijing is a trade show organised for pet supplies in the Asia Pacific region.
It primarily caters to pet industry manufacturers and brand distributors across North China.
In 2021, the organisers VNU wanted to cater to the international market but travel restrictions played spoilsport.
They decided to opt for a hybrid format – the physical show would be held at the Beijing National Convention Centre and a virtual counterpart for their international audience.
VNU tied up with ExpoPlatform for their event tech needs as they required a platform with:
- Strong matchmaking functionality
- Virtual sponsorship and monetisation tools
- Multilingual facilities to connect global buyers and local exhibitors
The ensuing event generated significant interest from overseas buyers. Using the hybrid format helped the organisers shine the spotlight on new Asian products and successfully opened up new markets for business dealings.
*Read the full case study* [*here.*](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/pet-fair-beijing-2021/)
## **Types of hybrid event models**
Organisers can consider different hybrid event formats depending on the needs of their audience and business goals.
These goals revolve around education, [networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) and brand promotion.
**Community-based model**
For exhibitions and trade shows, a community-based model is a great option.
This can be in the form of a year-round marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect with each other and conduct business activities any time.
A hybrid event model based on a community-driven approach would have:
- - - A large annual live event as the main engagement forum for participants
- A series of virtual events that cover niche topics in great detail, modeled after the primary event, such as a webinar series
- Digital networking sessions like Happy Hour meetups, one-to-one sessions and group meetings
- 365-day membership subscription to a community-based marketplace. A platform like this would bring together buyers and sellers, allow them to share new content and announce product launches on a regular basis.
*Learn more about how to build and nurture an online marketplace to support your events with our free ebook the[ Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/).*
**Global digital model**
This model uses digital channels and allows you to pitch domestic events with a potential international following to global audiences.
It’s a cost-effective way to reach out to new customers and maximise your business and networking opportunities.
A global digital hybrid event model can be set up as follows:
- - - Set up a local physical event with hosts and moderators in person. This will facilitate smooth transitions from live audiences to virtual audiences.
- Build parallel digital events linked to the main event but with a regional flavor. Bring onboard language translators and industry professionals from these regions.
- Stream live sessions online to increase the event presence effect.
**Networking-focused model**
Networking events are popular as they allow people to focus on building new business relationships, cementing existing ones and exploring new opportunities. These events include industry conferences, roundtables, trade shows and exhibitions.
A networking-focused hybrid event model mixes three main elements:
- - - **A main physical event where a limited number of participants are allowed according to local safety regulations.**
- Digital networking events held before and after the main event – attendees can connect and interact with each other, aligning their goals and business interests.
- On-demand training and workshops for attendees in different time zones.
**VIP experience model**
Many event participants are willing to pay a premium to get an exclusive experience at business events. For these participants, the extra fee is worth the curated VIP experience that provides them greater value and opportunities.
A hybrid VIP-experience model would include:
- - - **A main live event accessible to all participants, but with paid access to exclusive content, training and workshops for continuing education credits.**
- Personal VIP access to session speakers and industry experts through one-on-one virtual meetings.
- Additional opportunities to sponsor and exhibit, access to[ hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/) and advanced analytics to gauge virtual engagement success.
Before adopting one of these models, it is important to lay out your goals and objectives to build a feasible hybrid event solution. This will help you decide exactly what features and functionalities serve your event.
## **Four Golden rules to create a successful hybrid event**
**\#1 Quality matters. Ensure the production values are top-notch**
A hybrid event with high production values immerses your audience into the experience and boosts engagement significantly.
Since many attendees are likely to sign up virtually, it’s important to provide them a premium, cinematic feel right at their homes, just like watching a big-budget Netflix movie.
To ensure a top-class experience, it’s important to hire a skilled production team. They can attend to the technical aspects as well as handle the venue requirements such as audio/video (A/V), WiFi, conference rooms, designated spots for live-virtual meetings etc.
Here’s a list of things to focus on:
- Make sure there is proper lighting for live streaming.
- Check all the computers, AV equipment, mics and HD cameras days before the event.
- A technical support team should be available at all times. These can include a video recording crew, photographers, sound engineers, video engineers, event tech platform staff etc.
- Test the live stream several times before the event goes live. Smoothen out any potential issues around video, audio and conduct integrity tests and dry runs beforehand. If there are any lags, faulty sound or frozen screens, you won’t be getting any good press!
**\#2 Keep your remote audience engaged**
Live events provide numerous tangible experiences to engage attendees. These can be showcases, exhibitor booths and face-to-face meetings.
In comparison, virtual attendees have a world of distractions to deal with and just one notification can drift them away from an online session.
Organisers can use different strategies to keep the remote audience engaged, such as:
- **Crafting highly personalised event journeys from the first touchpoint to the last**
- Offering language translation support for participants in different countries
- Having virtual emcees to navigate through sessions and encourage participation
- Online event moderators to handle queries and comments in live chats
- Gamifying activities on mobile event app such as quizzes, contests, leaderboards using social media hashtags
**\#3 Select a reliable event technology platform that meets your needs**
An event technology platform that meets your goals and weaves the in-person and virtual experiences seamlessly is key to executing successful hybrid events.
The platform you select should offer a broad array of tools and functionalities for both offline and online audience engagement, management and marketing.
This includes built-in features for registration, meeting and messaging, speaker management, online networking, lead capture, webinars and more.
The best way to find out what works for your event is to:
- Test out different demos
- Present any specific requirements to event tech providers
- Check their prior experience in hosting a similar show
Ensure you [take the right precautions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/precautions-while-planning-hybrid-events/) before choosing your online event platform.
**\#4 Spread your entire event over several weeks, even months!**
An effective way to make your event more accessible it spread it over a few months instead of sticking with the conventional 3-day model.
**How would this work?**
- The first step is to bring together your target audience on a single platform, preferably an online community or marketplace.
- You can start building buzz around your event by conducting webinars, virtual get-togethers, educational sessions, training and workshops. The level of engagement in these online sessions can be analysed to shortlist your attendees.
- Once this event concludes, you can again conduct follow-up webinars and sessions on your community platform. Sharing teasers of future events and other promotional activities adds new audience numbers.
- This new pool of new and existing members can be nurtured for business opportunities and promote your future events. It creates a cyclical process that provides more value, [leads and business growth, year after year](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-event-meetings-for-more-leads/).
Now that the rules are clear, it’s time to do a deep dive into actually planning a hybrid conference or exhibition.
*Reade what [industry-leading experts recommend](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/event-leaders-recommend-for-virtual-events/) for building virtual and live events in the future.*
## **A step-by-step guide to planning a hybrid event**
When creating a hybrid event experience, you must pay attention to all aspects involved before, during and after the event.
*Here are some [insights](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/top-event-planning-skills-to-manage-virtual-and-hybrid-events/) on the skills to manage this format.*
Below is a detailed guide to help you plan a successful hybrid event.
### **Before the event**
**Step 1. Build your audience**
With hybrid events, you can significantly increase audience participation by reaching out to the right people across the globe.
The greater accessibility offered by virtual events means there are endless opportunities to get more people signing up.
To reduce the noise, you need to build a carefully curated list of your target audience. You can segregate them on the basis of age, gender, location, occupation, job role, job seniority, hobbies, interests, social media groups they are active and more. For an exhaustive list, refer to **[this checklist](https://www.dummies.com/business/customers/event-management-for-dummies-cheat-sheet-uk-edition/)****.**
Knowing how to use attendee data to better target your audience is key to achieving your organisation’s goals. Read [our guide to using this information for hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/how-to-attendee-data/).
**Set up a year-round event community:**
Digital is a big factor in the planning and execution of hybrid events.
Building your event audience should not be a one-off activity but happen all year round.
A popular way to do this is by **[creating an online marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)** that brings your potential audience together and primes them for collaborative business opportunities and negotiations.
On this marketplace, your audience – the buyers and sellers can interact with each other, read and share content, discover new products, sign up for newsletters, attend webinars and receive communication for your events. As an organiser, you can create targeted communication for members showing greater engagement with your event promotion posts.
This helps create an ***‘ever-available’ pool of attendees*** for your next hybrid event.
**Step 2. Set up your event marketing tools**
**Create event website**
A responsive, SEO-friendly [**event website**](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/) allows you to communicate the value of your event to visitors and provide the necessary information.
You can share details like the event agenda, speakers, sessions, exhibitors list and other special offerings.
It is essential to create one that has an eye-pleasing UI. This means having an interactive lobby on the home page to attract visitors as well as functions like messaging, branding and sponsorship options to encourage industry interest.
**Build mobile event app**
An intuitive, user-friendly [**mobile event app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) serves as a powerful tool of engagement for in-person attendees at the hybrid event.
Attendees can download the event app from the Google PlayStore and App Store. They can use it to navigate around the event venue, network with other participants, set up meetings, send messages, participate in polls, surveys and do a lot more.
With a mobile event app, you can keep attendees engaged throughout the event by sending reminders, alerts, news, event updates via push notifications.
Bear this in mind: event technology connection and real-time attendee data are the priorities for boosting hybrid event marketing, [according to a survey](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-marketers-hybrid/).
**Step 3. Event registration**
[**For online registration**](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/), attendees can fill out the form on the event website or through integrated third-party apps and social media profiles. They can pre-fill the different fields if they are an existing member of the community or by following a personalised invite link.
The registration process can be supported by the following features:
- - 1. **Payment processing**. PayPal and Stripe are among the most popular options among event tech providers. Participants can purchase premium access and get exclusive benefits including individual sessions with speakers and industry experts, training and workshops, access to early product demos and more.
2. **Abandoned forms**. At times, attendees fill out part of the form but get distracted or are unable to complete it. The abandoned form features enable them to start right from where they left off, with their details saved.
**Step 4. Connecting your audience**
**AI matchmaking**
Once registration is complete, the information provided by attendees and exhibitors, as well as their past behavioural patterns, is used for [**AI-powered matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) . They get personalised recommendations to connect with relevant people, content and products.
The matchmaking algorithm is dynamic in nature and keeps improving based on the decisions made by the attendees. Whether the suggestions made are to their liking or not, one can indicate through a thumbs up and down and get more options until they find the perfect match.
**Messaging and meeting scheduling**
Once the attendees and exhibitors have made their meeting selections, they can use the event website or the mobile event app to connect with their preferred matches, send them personal messages and set up meetings.
Depending on whether the event participation is virtual or in-person, the meetings can be arranged online through virtual meeting rooms or at physical locations. The scheduler displays the availability of participants and their respective time zone to help online attendees around different parts of the world connect with ease. Once confirmed, the meeting is added to the event agenda of those participants.
**Step 5. Hosted Buyer Programme**
You can create high-level networking opportunities at hybrid trade shows by connecting exhibitors to pre-qualified buyers (usually a senior executive with strong decision-making powers) through a hosted buyer programme.
You can craft a personalised hosted buyer experience by using an AI-powered hosted buyer management platform,. This increases the sales potential and ROI of your event. Here’s what the attendee journey looks like:
- - 1. Visitors register on the platform and are onboarded to the dashboard after they are qualified by the organiser.
2. The buyer/visitor can browse and request their own meetings through recommendations made by the AI-matchmaking software and also receive meetings suggested by the organiser.
3. The buyer can accept or reject the meetings, which happen both online and at the event venue. Once the meetings are over, they can provide feedback, which is recorded on the data-driven dashboard.
**[Read about ExpoPlatform’s hosted buyer partnership with Rego to offer customers VIP concierge and digital sales services.](https://expoplatform.com/expoplatform-and-rego-announce-vip-concierge-and-digital-sales-partnership/)**
### **During the hybrid event**
**Step 6. Accessing the event**
Virtual attendees who are part of your online community can gain online access to the hybrid event as part of their existing membership. Their profile is pre-populated onto their dashboards and they can edit fields like contact details, professional information, and matchmaking settings.
For new registrants, visitor profiles include information and preferences filled during the event registration. These can be edited any time.
The dashboard for virtual attendees also provides an overview of meeting statistics, profile completeness, profile activities and other analytics.
Physical attendees have different options to log in to the event. They can:
✔ Download the official branded event app from the Apple or Android app store and sign in using their usernames and passwords from registration.
✔ Use the visitors’ Digital Badge page on the app to gain contactless access to the event (beneficial in case of stringent safety regulations). Alternatively, they can download and print a badge in advance from the event platform.
**Step 7. Navigating the event venue**
The event app provides in-person attendees with a hassle-free navigation experience to move around the show and explore different meeting rooms, breakout rooms and exhibitor booths. Attendees can navigate through the event with indoor mapping and wayfinding. The routing functionality is based on users entering where they are, and where they are heading to.
An [**interactive 3D floor plan**](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/) can be used to build a customised layout of the event venue with clearly defined conference rooms, exhibition stands and stage areas. This floor plan is easily accessed from the mobile event app, allowing attendees to smoothly navigate from one location to another.
**Step 8. Hybrid event content delivery**
The effectiveness of content delivery is a key factor to the success of your hybrid event. Based on your event goals (educational, promotion, networking), you can deliver your content in different formats (check hybrid event models section) depending on which is the most engaging for your live and virtual audiences.
For instance, **[speaker sessions](https://expoplatform.com/session-speakers/)**, keynotes and breakouts could be live-streamed, while other content like videos and presentations can be pre-recorded. Since attendees would be located in different time zones and unable to attend all the sessions, the content at hybrid events should be available on-demand, during and after the event.
It’s also important to plan a sponsored content strategy that allows sponsors to customise their brand content at the event venue, on the virtual platform and within the mobile event app.
*Important points to keep in mind:*
- Use live Q&A sessions, social media feeds and live chats to encourage both physical and online attendees to post their comments, share content and ask questions
- If you live stream your in-person sessions, keep them concise and to the point, as the virtual audience tends to have a shorter attention span
- Host multiple live sessions for Q&As and breakout topics so your geographically diverse virtual audience can easily participate
- Certain sessions and presentations can be shared with those who couldn’t attend the event, whetting their interest for the next event
**Step 9. Connecting with Exhibitors**
**Interacting with virtual stands**
While in-person attendees can simply walk up to different exhibitor stands at the venue, the virtual audience can visit the exhibitor’s online profiles and explore digital exhibitor stands on the event platform.
Event participants can chat with service representatives, browse and favourite products, request information and explore content such as company brochures at the online stands to indicate their interest for potential business opportunities.
An example of this can be seen through hybrid booths introduced by Rego – which they estimate can allow exhibitors [convert around 40% of leads](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-booths-donna-shaw/) at shows they don’t even attend in person.
**Lead Capture**
Exhibitors can scan the digital or physical badges of attendees through the badge-scanning features in the exhibitor section of the event app. The attendee information can be saved in the exhibitor’s repository of contacts and used to qualify potential leads, among other things.
You can use **[lead capture technology](https://expoplatform.com/lead-capture/)** to:
- Scan barcodes and QR codes on the mobile event app and capture real-time attendee data
- Segregate scanned contacts as per ratings and add notes to contextualise interactions
- Get data-driven reporting for contacts list using analytics dashboard
Both the above steps allow exhibitors to rate and categorise leads, helping them streamline the lead management process.
*Read here to find out more about to [best use attendee data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/how-to-attendee-data/) from your hybrid event.*
**Step 10. Attending Meetings**
After the initial conversations and discussions, meetings are scheduled and added to the event agenda.
Notifications in the event platform and mobile apps are triggered in advance to alert the attendees about an upcoming meeting.
The meetings are held at a predetermined location like a booth or a breakout area for physical attendees where exhibitors can scan and check you in, while virtual attendees simply need to select the online option and sign in virtually.
There can also be dedicated online meeting points at the event venue where physical and virtual attendees can connect with each other at a mutually convenient time.
### **After the event**
**Step 11. Measuring the impact of your hybrid**
The hybrid event’s success can be measured by analysing the post-event analytics. These include all [**virtual event metrics**](https://expoplatform.com/how-to-effectively-measure-engagement-at-virtual-events/) such as profile views, attendee engagement, likes and favourites, clicks on sponsored ads and banners, directory searches and more.
Similarly, the physical event scans and in-person meeting data is stored for analysis and reporting purposes.
Exhibitors and organisers can view all these analytics and numbers through their respective dashboards. This also allows them to easily export data into CRMs to generate insights for post-event follow-up and improve the attendee journey for future events.
### **Final step –** **Post-event activities**
Keep your audience engaged and nurture them into potential leads through these activities:
**Follow-up emails**
A well-crafted email highlighting the major talking points of different sessions and attendee feedback is the easiest way to [connect with your audience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/email-marketing-b2b-events/) after the event. These emails can include:
- Links to downloadable content such as eBook, white papers, presentations
- Access to replayable, on-demand content like different event sessions and webinars
- Incentives to attend the next event
**Lead nurturing activities based on attendee engagement score**
Attendee interactions and actions at both online and offline touchpoints can be evaluated and assigned an ‘engagement score’ to nurture leads. Following are some lead generating activities you can consider:
- Schedule meetings and consultation calls to understand the attendee needs in detail
- Share relevant content to help them make an informed decision
- Offer a live demo or free trial of the products and services available
Sharing access to online marketplace**
Encourage attendees to join community forums on the event website or social media channels like LinkedIn. For hybrid exhibitions and trade shows, onboard buyers and sellers to an online marketplace where they can connect all year round. This will serve as a common platform to drive productive conversations, conduct business and provide a ready-made pool of attendees for your next hybrid event.
[***Download The Hybrid Blueprint*** ](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)t*o get experts insights and tips to create successful hybrid events. Here’s what you will learn:*
## **Conclusion**
There are now more ways than ever to increase engagement and revenue in our industry than ever before – but some are still not seeing the [digital opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, believes [too many organisers are missing out on monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/) through a hybrid event model because they are “hyper-focused” on in-person exhibitions.
He told ExpoPlatform: “For the innovative event producer, hybrid events provide a blank canvas for reinventing the event experience – for attendees and sponsors alike – through unlimited formats, content and engagement opportunities.
“I have advised organisations to embrace hybrid events as an opportunity, as opposed to viewing them as a burden.
“I believe that hybrid events create new and measurable opportunities to enhance the attendee experience and drive increased value for sponsors – opportunities that are limited at purely live or digital events.”
Once post-event activities conclude and you have a fresh set of engaged prospects and leads, you have an opportunity that must not fizzle out.
Complete the circle by helping your new and existing audience play an active part in your event community.
This way, you can effectively make the transition from the traditional linear funnel model to the **‘**[**flywheel model**](https://www.hubspot.com/flywheel#)**’** where your past and future marketing activities will trigger each other to create a perpetual lead generation engine, boosting business growth both in the short and longer-terms.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
*Editor’s note: This post was originally published on March 30, 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and the latest event industry trends.*
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Going digital to insure your event’s future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/going-digital-to-insure-your-events-future/)
**Published:** August 6, 2020
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Having scoured the international trade show press in anticipation of writing this column, the only thing it seems we can be certain of, is that the uncertainty arising from the Covid-19 outbreak will define our industry for some time yet.
It is hard to tell the way the wind is blowing, because we aren’t dealing with just one climate. Governments like the UK – where events are due to reopen in October – have been slow to recognise the importance of exhibitions and accommodate them accordingly, while in Germany, which stands above in its recognition of the unique contribution exhibitions make to the economy – venues such as Messe Cologne still don’t expect to host many – if any – international trade shows this side of 2021.
*Having a digital counterpart for your event ensures that it remains open across every region.* \[[Source](https://www.ufi.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Exhibition_Industry_Market_Status_Tracker.pdf)\]
The result is that while the development of an organiser’s digital proposition has historically languished among their lower investment priorities, Covid-19 and the lockdown it triggered has pushed it to the top of the agenda. People are only too aware that a comprehensive digital counterpart for a trade show can provide insurance that your market will meet, come rain or shine.
[The July edition of the UFI Global Barometer](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/the-global-exhibition-barometer-july-2020/) (research pitched as the pulse of the international exhibition industry) found a large majority of the industry is confident face-to-face events will return quickly. It also tells us that while 44 per cent of companies have stopped all investments, a record 50 per cent of the remainder have increased their investments related to digitalisation.
***“A comprehensive digital counterpart for a trade show can provide insurance that your market will meet, come rain or shine”***
UFI Managing Director and CEO Kai Hattendorf said the research demonstrates “everyone is aware that this crisis will lead to major changes in the way exhibitions are produced, especially with a push towards more digital elements before, during, and between events”.
However, I would argue that the proliferation of remote workflow software, video conferencing and mobile apps show that desire has already given way to expectation when it comes to the provision of alternative, digital means of connection at exhibitions.
**Two-track thinking**
The flexibility that online interaction provides between exhibitors and buyers means that should a physical event be cancelled, the digital interaction can continue unabated. It’s the most meaningful event insurance you can provide in the current climate.
Both the physical and digital event propositions lock a company into the show’s global database, granting exhibitors access to their buying preferences, matching visitors with exhibitors able to help them allocate their budgets, through physical or online meetings.
But to be successful, you have to know how to replicate an exhibition digitally – and it’s not about video content.
We’ve seen a proliferation of technology companies selling ‘virtual exhibitions’, but what they are largely selling is virtual conferences. A digital exhibition is a very different prospect from a generic business event,
Replicating the exchange of content online is just one part of a complicated puzzle. Software must increase the efficacy of the business opportunities taking place between buyers and sellers. It should [enable new revenue streams through the ability to sell sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-event-monetisation-for-maximising-revenue-sponsorships/), embark on targeted advertising campaigns, provide match-making with pre-approved buyers; all services that come with a monetary value. The technology can even identify the usefulness of each meeting, and use this information to suggest future interaction.
Don’t think about your digital proposition as a temporary fix; think in terms of scalability and future-proofing for your events. Once you have identified software that aligns with your event profile and the needs of your audience, build it into your company’s growth strategy.
Roll the system across multiple events. Use it to entice people who may not commit to attending the physical event. For organisers with portfolios or related events, it may even prompt visitors to consider some digital presence at another of your events.
The inclusion of a strong digital component also adds some insurance for organisers, but to neglect the technology solutions that can enhance the value proposition of your event, is to neglect the building momentum for [online networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) and interaction. Events are no longer the only way for an industry to meet, and may not be for quite a while yet. By taking control of this you not only insure your event against future disruption, you usher them into joining you for this new way of doing business.
**Categories:** All, Community, Exhibitions, Hybrid Events, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [Online networking guide for virtual and hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/)
**Published:** August 17, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**There are unique challenges when it comes to online networking at virtual events: mostly around fewer opportunities to build an instant rapport with others.**
**We at ExpoPlatform want to show organisers how to use [online event technology](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/questions-online-event-platform/) to create great connections.**
**Here’s our in-depth guide to networking in this brave new world of virtual events.**
Many B2B companies have had mixed success with online events. The benefits brought by easy registration and new ways of content delivery have not always been matched by networking capabilities.
This can be seen in findings from the [EventMB State of the Event Industry Survey Q2 2021](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-update/) which shows 18% of event professionals consider networking to be the biggest challenge for virtual events.
There can be a number of reasons for this:
- Event tech platforms don’t have enough networking tools
- Networking strategies being used do not fit in the digital arena
- Event participants are not equipped with the necessary information to exploit virtual networking opportunities
- Steep learning curve to get familiar with event platform features
***How to ensure effective online networking at virtual and [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)***
In this guide, we do a deep dive into networking – what it means, types of events and how digital platforms can act as a powerful tool to boost your connection-making abilities.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- [**What is online networking at virtual events?**](#What-is-event-networking)
- [**Types of business networking events**](#Types-of-business-networking-events)
- [**Why is networking at events important?**](#Why-is-networking-at-events-important)
- [**Hybrid and virtual event networking tips**](#Hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-tips)
- [**How to get ahead using virtual platform features**](#How-to-get-ahead-using-virtual-platform-features)
## **What is online networking at virtual events?**
Online networking with virtual event technology involves meeting new people, building relationships and sharing information that can be used in future projects. It also includes attending conferences, seminars, workshops and other scenarios where you meet other professionals who share your interests.
The main purpose for this is to build contacts and make connections between different companies, organisations and individuals among others.
Networking at an event could include:
- **Introductions** – Make yourself known to someone else by mentioning their name, background, social media posts or a topic of mutual interest. Once the ice has been broken, you can talk business.
- **Meetings** – Meeting face-to-face is always better but such opportunities have been limited to hybrid events in the Covid era. Get to know each other a little [online then schedule an in-person meeting](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/online-meetings-software/) using the event platform features.
- **Business cards exchange** – Share your details by exchanging business cards or by checking their details on your online dashboard if it’s a virtual meet.
- **Follow-up meetings** – Continue your conversations after an event over email, mobile, social media or on a 365 community platform provided by the event tech vendor.
## **Types of online networking events for business**
Business networking events are popular amongst industry professionals to meet new clients, partners, suppliers, customers, investors and potential hires. These can range from small workshops to large conferences, some of which are explained below:
- **Conferences** – A conference is typically organised by a company or association to promote their products and services. They provide attendees with information on current trends, industry news, and upcoming events.
- **Exhibitions** – Business exhibitions are large-scale events where many companies and organisations gather to showcase their products and services. Most exhibitions take place in large convention centres, convention halls, or trade show centres.
- **Trade Shows** – Trade shows are one of the oldest forms of networking. Companies host trade shows to showcase their latest innovations and introduce their newest products to prospective buyers. Attendees visit booths set up throughout the convention centre to see what an exhibitor offers.
- **Seminars** – Seminars are educational sessions designed to teach people specific skills. For example, they can show sales techniques to help participants improve their selling abilities.
- **Workshops** – Workshops are generally conducted by industry experts. Participants pay to take part and get insights through discussions and presentations.
- **Online Forums** – Many forums allow users to post messages about relevant topics. Users can get answers from others who share the same interests. Forum posts often include links to websites related to specific topic being discussed. These can take place as part of [365 online communities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/), where attendees from virtual and hybrid events can connect and network [throughout the year](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-event-meetings-for-more-leads/).
## **Why is online networking at events important?**
There are numerous benefits to networking at virtual and hybrid events. Some of these are described below:
**1) Build relationships**
Networking helps you meet like-minded individuals who have similar interests.
You may find it easier to collaborate on projects if you know someone else working in the same industry.
Building strong professional relationships opens new avenues for business growth and collaboration opportunities.
**2) Gain new knowledge**
Conferences and trade shows provide unique insights into the industries, helping you stay ahead of competitors.
With networking, you can pick up tips and tricks from experts in your field.
**3) Make connections**
New doors can be opened by connecting with people at conferences and exhibitions.
You demonstrate initiative and professionalism hen you introduce yourself to strangers. As a result, you stand out from the crowd.
**4) Learn about different industries**
Meeting professionals from different fields gives a better understanding of how their business can relate to yours.
You may even decide to incorporate some aspects of their approach into your own marketing strategy.
It could also be useful to plan a partnership where the combination of both businesses could see you scored some mutual benefits.
**5) Get involved with industry associations**
Industry associations play an essential role in promoting local communities. These groups organise activities and hold events throughout the year. You can gain access to exclusive discounts and offers as well as information about upcoming meetings and seminars.
## **Online networking tips for hybrid and virtual events**
The changed landscape of events means the old rules of engagement need to [evolve and address the digital transformation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/conferences/top-tips-to-create-engaging-sessions-at-virtual-conferences/) seen through virtual and hybrid meetings.
Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO of H2K Partners, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/heather-holst-knudsen-event-marketing/) many organisers have been too complacent in trying to transfer the networking format of a physical show into the virtual world.
She believes the majority of digital experiences have been “poorly done and very misunderstood” by event producers who simply live-stream meetings to make up for a lack of in-person exhibition attendees.
Heather said: “I hate to break the news to everybody, but there’s no trade show floor where people are walking in a virtual environment – you are on a screen.
“It is different, so how do you take that physical activity of walking and being able to get someone to come to your booth when that whole experience is different?
“I think curation of meetings and embedding sponsors into thought leadership on the virtual side is a big aspect of being successful.
“Maybe the virtual side shouldn’t happen during the face-to-face, maybe it happens after.”
With a large amount of interactions happening online, here is what you should do to network effectively:
**1) Build up your online profile**
It is important to provide a complete profile about yourself so you connect with the right people and better engage with your target audience.
The more relevant information you publish, the easier it will be for attendees to approach you.
Your bio should include your name, contact details, professional details, social media profiles like LinkedIn and Twitter, links to website, blog and portfolio.
**2) Highlight your participation on social media**
Publicise your attendance before and after an event, especially if you are attending as a speaker or exhibitor.
Include some points on what you will be speaking about at the event so participants feel more interested in connecting with you.
**3) Engage in virtual breakout sessions**
Make use of virtual interactive spaces such as virtual lobbies and breakout rooms to strike up a conversation with other attendees.
You can also view profiles, send messages and schedule meetings with people who have similar interests to build meaningful connections.
These conversations can be explored further after the event or continued in online 365 communities.
**4) Showcase your expertise on the virtual event platform**
Most virtual conferences, exhibitions and trade shows are organised around a specific theme.
You can share your insights on the topic when you sign up on the event website or mobile app and join the online communities.
This will boost your credibility among other professionals and encourage them to contact you.
**5) Participate in contests, giveaways, quizzes and games**
Many events conduct trivia contests, giveaways and games such as virtual scavenger hunts that are a great way to meet other people while having fun.
Taking part in these activities can highlight your profile to other attendees and help to make some interesting connections while having fun and going in to win prizes.
**6) Use AI matchmaking services to connect with people, content, products and companies**
Some virtual event platforms are equipped with powerful [AI matchmaking software](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) to help attendees connect with other people, but also content, products and companies.
The algorithm creates custom matches based on the interests and preferences pre-filled by the user and keeps adjusting itself if the matches are not relevant enough.
## **How to get ahead using virtual platform features
The rise of virtual events opened doors to attendee participation from any part of the world.
Registrations jumped significantly and many organisers were left wondering which attendees were genuine prospects and how they could find the best connections for buyers and exhibitors.
The solution lay in the form of virtual event tech platforms, which have evolved rapidly to address the needs of an ever-growing online audience.
These platforms have incorporated advanced networking features to help attendees and exhibitors cut through the noise and find relevant connections.
Some of these features are described below:
**1) AI matchmaking**
[B2B growth marketing blog Markletic](https://www.markletic.com/blog/hybrid-event-statistics/) reports that 81% of event organisers believe networking opportunities at hybrid events are a big factor in audience satisfaction.
With the right networking tools, it’s easier to find a relevant match as most attendees tend to register online, making it easier to find them.
[AI-powered matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/how-ai-matchmaking-is-reshaping-the-future-of-events/) tools help attendees connect with the right people, [products and content](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/) – before, during and after the event.
Once the desired match has been made, users can schedule meetings, visit the physical or virtual stands, book a demo or set up a consultation call with the sales representative.
**2) Targeted networking with hosted buyer programme**
A [hosted buyer programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/) is a great way to network with a focused group of qualified buyers that are hosted by the event organisers, sponsors or exhibitors.
Using an online hosted buyer module allows you to schedule appointments between the buyers and sellers.
This helps exhibitors gain direct access to valuable customers and boost their sales potential without having to take the longer funnel route.
For attendees and exhibitors looking for quick business results, a hosted buyer programme is strongly recommended.
*Read our [guide to hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/) here.*
**3) 365 community platform**
Event attendees can be onboarded to a [365 online community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) before and after the event.
This community serves as a forum or [marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) where buyers and sellers can network with each other any time of the year.
Community members can connect, interact, share insights, strike business deals and discuss collaboration opportunities without being restricted by the timeframe of a traditional in-person event.
*Want to ensure the best networking experience for your attendees?*[ *Book a free demo*](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) *to learn how ExpoPlatform’s modular solutions can help you deliver world-class live, virtual and hybrid events.*
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [Online meeting software: an ultimate guide for 2023/2024](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/online-meetings-software/)
**Published:** October 8, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Online meetings software for events has evolved greatly since the start of the pandemic.
Their role now extends beyond webinars and conference calls to full-fledged additions to in-person events.
The industry’s growth is now increasingly reliant on digital components to go alongside face-to-face events, with rising spending on online meeting software.
This guide will cover the rise of online meetings and their impact on business, tips for organizers and advantages of using online meeting software.
**Here’s an overview:**
- [What are online meetings?](#stepone)
- [Rise of digital meetups and online meetings software](#steptwo)
- [How online meetings are changing the way we do business](#stepthree)
- [Benefits of online meetings over physical ones](#stepfour)
- [Tips to collaborate effectively for online meetings](#stepfive)
- [Online meeting challenges for organisers](#stepsix)
- [Tips to host successful online meetings](#stepseven)
- [Need for end-to-end online meeting software for B2B events](#stepeight)
- [Questions to ask before selecting a B2B online meeting software](#stepnine)
- [How new digital technologies will shape future events](#stepten)
## **What are online meetings?**
An online meeting or video conference is when two or more people get together through audio or video technology over the internet.
These can be webinars, interviews, conference calls conducted through tools like Webex Meetings, Zoom calls and Google Meetups.
An online meeting is typically for people who are too distant to work together.
It is used to collaborate on projects, work on problems and find solutions.
A full-fledged virtual event is a more complex form of an online meeting. They are the digital equivalent of a physical show – complete with virtual booths, online sessions, breakout rooms etc.
Such an event is entirely managed by organizers and features remote speakers, digital emcees and participants logging in from around the world.
Attendees can join sessions, participate in surveys, interact with other participants and explore exhibitor booths just like in live exhibitions and trade shows.
Even with a renewed focus on in-person events, online meetings and virtual events will continue to play a key role in future shows.
That’s because they can be effectively used to create year-round connections e.g. hosting [webinars or a series](https://expoplatform.com/event/eventit-summer-webinar-series/) of conferences to build hype for a physical show.
It’s a low-cost, low-risk model that can reap rich rewards in the form of a steady stream of leads, drive revenue and contribute to community building.
***Examples of virtual events that replaced in-person ones***
**PGA Merchandise show 2021** was a virtual gathering of more than 40,000 golfing industry professionals.
The event was held in digital format for the first time by Reed Exhibitions. It had presentations, sessions and an online marketplace showcasing exhibitors’ products and solutions.
Give it a read **[here](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/pga-2021-merchandise-show-virtual-experience-marketplace/)** (especially if you are a golf fan!)
**WeCosmoprof International 2021** was another digital event organized by BolognaFiere and Informa Markets for the beauty and cosmetics industry.
The exhibition brought together people from across Europe, APAC and the US. Despite the different time zones, it connected the western and eastern markets using multilinguistic capabilities offered by the event tech platform. Learn more about it [**here**](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/wecosmoprof-international/).
## **Evolution of online event software**
To understand how online event tech platforms have grown, let’s consider the era before and after Covid.
Before Covid-19, online meetings were usually in the form of educational webinars or company and client conference calls. Events with huge participation like seminars, exhibitions and trade shows were hosted in-person at convention centre.
Now we have large-scale complex events being hosted entirely online.
Virtual exhibitions – like WeCosmoprof – are organized across different time zones spanning a few days to even weeks and months. These are attended by thousands of people around the globe and showcase the latest products, exhibitor booths and content.
Organizers use event management technology to create rich personalized experiences for attendees at virtual events.
These platforms provide unique features like AI matchmaking, [hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/), online meeting and messaging, live polls and surveys, automated chatbots, 3D flooring and data analytics.
All current and future trends suggest online meetings and event tech software are on an upward trajectory – and this is supported by industry data.
[According to research](https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/online-meeting-software-market-8297), the global online meetings software market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% between 2019 and 2024 to reach £4.6 billion ($6.23bn USD) by 2024.
Growth will be mostly driven by the increasing adoption of online meeting software by businesses, enterprises and government agencies to host meetings and conferences.
Video conferencing solutions are also forecast to see remarkable growth.
A [report by Fortune Business Insights](https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/video-conferencing-market-100293) shows the global market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% during 2021-2028 to reach £9.5bn ($12.99bn) by 2028.
Integration of the internet of things (IoT), AI and cloud technology is expected to boost market growth.
Other factors influencing growth are the rise of remote workforce management and need for video collaboration solutions.
*Now, let’s dig deeper into how virtual meetings are transforming business growth in different industries.*
## **How online meetings are changing the way we do business**
The massive transition to virtual has resulted in a fundamental shift in how businesses operate.
A new era of digital collaboration and engagement has given firms fresh opportunities to interact with customers and prospects.
The advantages are plenty: reduced carbon footprint due to less travel, access to more people without being limited by region or location as well as more efficient communication.
**But how has this digital transformation actually impacted industries?**
Let’s understand through the lens of [financial services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/financial-services-event-tech/) and [pharmaceuticals and life sciences industries](https://expoplatform.com/blog/pharma-life-sciences-virtual-hybrid-events/).
Financial services has witnessed rapid growth of fintech and adoption of digital solutions like online trading, mobile banking solutions and contactless payments.
This has forced financial services providers to create a digital strategy based around virtual events.
Banks and financial firms like Wells Fargo, Oracle and JPMorgan Chase have been organizing webinars, virtual conferences and trade shows to educate people while also showcasing the latest solutions.
*Read more on the [growth of virtual events in financial services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/financial-services-event-tech/).*
Rise in digital healthcare initiatives and use of online technology by patients and doctors has fuelled growth in the pharmaceuticals and life sciences sector.
This includes increased use of electronic health records, mobile apps, telemedicine and new point-of-care systems.
Pharma businesses now regularly hold webinars, online seminars, virtual conferences and summits to better understand the needs of their target audience.
*[Learn more about the role of online meetings and events in pharma and life sciences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/pharma-life-sciences-virtual-hybrid-events/).*
## **Benefits of online meetings over physical ones**
Here’s a summary of the advantages digital meetings offer on top of face-to-face ones:
**Cost and time savings** **–** Hosting online meetings cost significantly less than in-person ones as organizers don’t have to deal with finalising venues, audio-visual equipment, food and beverages, travel and accommodation costs etc.
**Location –** Any participant can join the meeting irrespective of location. A computer and an internet connection is all that’s needed
**Accessibility** **–** People with disabilities who can’t travel to far-flung locations can also attend online meetings.
**Easy to set up** **–** Online meetups are relatively easier to host as organizers can plan and execute the entire process using online meeting software.
**Flexibility –** Those who are not able to attend the online meeting can view the on-demand video recording at their convenience later.
**Remember:** Virtual events are here to stay as an addition to in-person events – but the human touch still trumps all the digital wizardry.
## **Tips to collaborate effectively for online meetings**
Collaboration is essential if you’re planning an effective virtual meeting. Here are three things to remember:
- **Keep it short** **–** The shorter the meeting, the easier it is to focus. Aim for no longer than 40 minutes per session.
- **Be clear** **–** Make sure all participants understand exactly what they need to do and who else needs to be involved.
- **Have fun!** A good laugh keeps stress levels down and encourages participation. Use funny videos, jokes and memes to make the sessions more interesting.
**Note:** *Engagement at online meetings and virtual events has been a sore point for most organizers. Your online meeting strategy should aim to make the sessions as engaging as possible.*
## **Online meeting challenges for organizers**
While many organisations have embraced online meetings, common issues persist. Some of these are:
**1) Lack of training –** Participants might not know how to conduct successful online meetings due to a lack of training. They may struggle to keep their attention focused during presentations or find it difficult to follow discussions because they miss out on nonverbal cues.
**2)** **Confidentiality concerns** **–** Information shared by a participant can be easily shared across multiple devices. Organizers should ensure confidentiality measures are put in place to protect sensitive data.
**3) Security risks** **–** If you plan to hold an important conference online then you must address security threats such as hackers targeting vulnerable systems.
**4**) **Time zone differences** **–** Meeting times vary depending on where participants live. It’s important to set up meetings that are convenient for every participant or spread out the sessions across several days so maximum people can attend.
**5) Glitches, errors and disruptions** **–** Issues due to poor internet quality and technical glitches caused by online software can disrupt meetings. Try to smoothen these problems by doing dry runs of the format. It’s also good to get your team trained on how to best use the software.
## **Tips to host successful online meetings**
Here is how to make your next online meeting run smoothly:
**1) Plan well** **–** Before the day arrives, think through everything you want to achieve with the meeting then write up detailed notes outlining key points. You can also create a checklist to remind yourself of tasks.
**2) Set a clear agenda** **–** Understand what is to be discussed and how it can be accomplished. Establish a time frame for the meeting – how long will the meeting last? Who will be the presenters and how much time will they take for their part?
**3) Use technology wisely** **–** Don’t rely solely on video conferencing if you’re planning to share documents or other files. Use cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive which allow people to access content offline. Most modern online meeting tools have these functionalities integrated within them.
**4) Set expectations** **–** Explain clearly why you’ve chosen to meet remotely before the day begins. For example, you could discuss upcoming projects or review progress reports.
**5) Keep things simple** **–** Avoid complicated agendas and long introductions. Stick to topics relevant to everyone involved – and remember to take breaks!
**6) Give clear instructions** **–** Inform attendees on how to join the call and what to do in case of any technical issues. Let them know whether any recording will be shared with them.
## **End-to-end online meeting software for B2B events**
Organising virtual or hybrid events such as corporate trade shows and exhibitions can almost be like operating complex machinery. All the components need to work in sync to ensure the successful execution of the event.
B2B events involve many stakeholders. You need to convince exhibitors and sponsors of its ROI, create a value-driven experience for attendees and ensure your event goals are met – building brand, engaging customers and driving leads.
Using a simple online meeting software like Zoom or Google Meets doesn’t do the job. You will need an integrated event management platform that can cover key aspects described below:
**Setting up the event**
- Create a highly optimised event website to attract users
- Set up automated email marketing campaigns with pre-built templates
- Use interactive 3D floor plans to help your audience navigate through the event easily
- Online and onsite registration with digital check-ins and automated reminders
- Live streaming, social streaming and interactive audience experiences
**Customizing for engagement**
- Options to set up one-to-one meetings and use engagement tools like live polls and surveys
- Use native mobile applications to send push notifications and manage everything on the fly
- AI-powered matchmaking to help attendees connect with relevant people, content, products and sessions
- Customized profiles and microsites to facilitate connections with exhibitors, products, delegates and speakers
**Tools to analyse ROI**
- Lead capture solutions to drive quality leads
- Access to data-driven analytics on touch-points like registration and engagement to understand attendee behavioural patterns
- Data can be used to improve events and respond to real-time issues
## **Questions to ask before selecting a B2B online meeting software**
Online event platforms have evolved at a rapid pace since the onset of the pandemic.
Organizers can now opt for different feature-rich tools that can support complicated B2B events like virtual exhibitions and trade shows.
With endless options available, how to select the best business online meeting software?
Here are some questions you should ask before shortlisting one:
**1. Does the online event platform have all the desired features?**
Different events require different functionalities. If you plan to host a conference or exhibition that spans multiple days or even weeks, you will need [platforms that support the various requirements of such events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/how-to-get-attendees-using-event-platform/).
You might be looking for [attendee networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) features like [AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/), hosted buyer program, personal meeting schedulers, virtual floor plans, data-driven dashboards and social media integration.
Schedule demos with the provider and get more details once you have selected the platform best suited for your event.
**2. Is the platform scalable?**
Virtual business events like conferences and trade shows can be hosted for a period of a few days to several weeks.
This provides the audience ample opportunities to network and connect with their peers.
Organizing large-scale events with huge number of participants requires the event platform to be scalable and offer personalized experiences.
It’s important to invest your time into a platform that allows you to grow your event whenever required.
**3. Is there a 365 community option?**
The digital transformation spurred by the pandemic has led to an increased focus on [community building](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).
Buyers and sellers expect conversations and business dealings to happen beyond the timeframe of an annual exhibition or trade show.
In such a scenario, event platforms with highly engaged communities provide year-round opportunities for people to connect.
Make sure the platform you select provides 365 community solutions for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors to stay connected.
**4. What integration is offered with the platform?**
The event platform should be able to integrate with various marketing and sales tools through open API, web hooks or other out-of-the-box solutions.
This ensures the data is not siloed and organizers have access to insights to help them build complete attendee profiles, improve engagement and drive leads.
**5. Does the vendor provide training and support?**
Most online meeting platforms tend to have a learning curve. To help your team use the platform in the most optimal manner, find out the level of training and support provided by the event tech provider.
Look for tutorials, guides, forums and active customer support.
The quality and speed of support will be crucial when it comes to dealing with any disruptions or glitches when the event goes live.
**6. What is the event data policy of the platform?**
The digital medium has created an explosion of [event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/).
Organizers can analyze in granular detail the attendees’ digital tracks before, during and after the event.
This has also led to concerns about the ethical usage of the user data.
Apart from complying with privacy regulations like GDPR, it’s essential to clarify who will be in control of the user information – the event tech provider or the organizer?
*Here’s an idea of the [data policies of leading events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) and exhibitions software platforms:*
## **How digital technologies will shape future events**
Digital has become an integral part of the new event industry landscape – organizers are reinventing their strategies to include a virtual component for their future events.
The Covid-19 crisis has forced them to rethink everything – from marketing campaigns to ticket sales.
As we move forward, new technologies will play a key role in shaping the meetings of the future.
We explain some of these below:
**1) Virtual reality**
Virtual reality (VR) creates immersive experiences by simulating real environments using computers.
For instance, VR headsets enable users to walk around 3D models of buildings while seeing 360-degree views of those spaces.
They provide a realistic way to view places like museums, hotels, restaurants and more – which would otherwise require visitors to travel long distances.
For virtual and [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/), VR can be used to:
- Provide guided 3D tours and product demos to attendees
- Offer real-time experience through live 360 streaming
- Create interactive 3D simulations of events
- Engage the audience through VR games
**2) Face emotion detection**
Face emotion detection is a technique used in facial recognition systems that analyses faces based on expressions.
These expressions can include happiness, sadness, anger, surprise, disgust, fear, contempt, neutral and others.
Face emotion detection uses machine learning algorithms to identify emotions expressed through facial features.
It also helps detect changes in mood over time.
This emotion recognition technology can help organisers understand how attendees feel about different aspects of the event.
For example, they can analyse the emotions to divide the audience experience into ‘happy’ and ‘unhappy’ areas and take corrective action accordingly.
**3) Augmented reality**
Augmented reality (AR) refers to live images overlaid onto physical space.
AR enables information to appear within your field of vision.
You might have seen examples of AR at conferences: speakers wear glasses equipped with cameras that display additional content related to presentations.
AR also lets attendees interact directly with objects or locations in real life.
They can point their smartphones towards conference rooms, hotel lobbies, or even landmarks to learn more about what they’re looking at.
At virtual and hybrid events, AR can be used to:
- Gamify attendee experience
- Create holograms for shareable media moments
- Showcase products that can’t be displayed at in-person events
**4) Chatbots**
Chatbots are artificial intelligence-powered chat applications designed to simulate human conversation.
These programmes respond to questions posed by humans via text messages, phone calls, emails, social media posts or voice commands.
In recent years, chatbot developers have created conversational interfaces that mimic natural language conversations between two people.
These tools may eventually replace customer service agents as AI becomes increasingly sophisticated.
[*Learn which two AI technologies apart from chatbots are playing a key role in virtual event engagement*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/3-ways-ai-can-remarkably-improve-virtual-event-engagement/).
## Conclusion
Engagement remains continuous in the virtual world.
The lines between a traditional annual [event and year-round interactions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/younger-audiences-may-actually-favour-online-event-interaction/) and networking have started to blur.
Organisers can leverage modern online meeting software to tap into the opportunity of ‘always on’ digital communities and offer more value-driven experiences for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.
***[Explore our 365 community solutions to learn how you can support and grow your events](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).***
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [UFI partnership to boost North American numbers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/partnership/week-in-events-20220704/)
**Published:** July 4, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**UFI has just announced a new partnership which aims to expand the association’s numbers in North America.**
It comes ahead of the Global Congress in Las Vegas, which will see exhibition industry leaders descend on the city in November 2023.
Other top stories this week include the launch of a new feature from Spotify to create a tailored feed of live events in your area, a new CEO at BPA and good numbers for Hyve in the first half.
We also take a look at Marketplace Events, who have expanded their holiday portfolio with three acquisitions.
## **Spotify launches tool to find personalised live events**
**Spotify has launched a new in-app feature to help users discover live events in their local area – tailored to their tastes.**
The Live Events Feed sources listings from ticketing partners—Ticketmaster, AXS, DICE, Eventbrite, See Tickets and more – to create a platform to inform about upcoming shows with favourite artists.
It replaces the Concert Hub and includes a number of updates to help fans find their creators’ live events.
René Volker, senior director of Live Events, said: “We know how important live events are to creators and to the broader music industry, and how much live has suffered during the pandemic.
“With shows coming back, and listeners excited to see their favourite artists perform live again, we think this is the perfect time to explore new ways that Spotify can further support the industry.
“There’s a whole slew of folks who have been dedicated to research, designing, and developing these products over the last few quarters, and I’m really excited to finally unveil what we’ve been working on.”
## **UFI partnership to boost North American presence**
**UFI has teamed up with MAD Event Management as it works to expand its presence in North America.**
The aim is to create stronger links with the region and to grow the membership base there ahead of the [global association of the exhibition industry’s congress](https://expoplatform.com/event/88th-ufi-global-congress/) in Las Vegas in November 2023.
MAD president Martha Donato and Marty Glynn, CEO, have become the official representatives of UFI in the region and will work to promote and support the business interests of members.
> UFI NEWS: UFI & MAD partner in the US ahead of 2023 UFI Global Congress in Las Vegas [@TradeShowExec](https://twitter.com/TradeShowExec?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@LVCVA](https://twitter.com/LVCVA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 24, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1540411275842297862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Martha said: “For many years, we’ve been working to build our international connections in the event industry. Getting to know Kai Hattendorf and his team at UFI has been instrumental in our ability to network and seek opportunities globally.
“As the UFI representatives in North America, we will share our enthusiasm for and endorsement of UFI’s programs, research, and world-class conferences with our peers in the region.”
UFI has been instrumental in supporting the sector through the challenges brought on by the pandemic, thanks to its unique global community of around 800 member businesses in over eighty countries.
## **Christmas comes early for holiday organiser**
**A major consumer show producer has expanded its holiday show portfolio with three acquisitions and two new launches.**
Marketplace Events has recently purchased the Pennsylvania Christmas & Gift Show, the Colorado Country Christmas Gift Show as well as the Cleveland Christmas Connection, one of the largest holiday shows in the Midwest.
It follows a successful rebound from the pandemic, which saw it drop its workforce from 150 to just 19 during the height of the pandemic.
Tom Baugh, CEO of Marketplace Events, said: “By any measure, the three acquisitions are all best-in-class events. Tens of thousands of shoppers visit these shows each year and consider them part of their annual holiday traditions – as do an overwhelming majority of exhibitors.”
The organiser has also secured dates to launch two holiday shows – the Oklahoma Christmas Show at the Bennett Event Center and a Holiday Boutique in Atlanta at the newly renovated GAS South Convention Center. MPE already operates five successful home and garden shows in these two cities annually.
## **BPA announces new CEO**
**BPA Worldwide has announced its new CEO after a unanimous decision.**
Richard Murphy has been named in the position and will also take on the role as president.
He comes with 30 years of experience with the organisation and takes over from Glenn Hansen, who introduced the Reporting Standards for Digital Events project to create a reporting framework for virtual shows to tackle the lack of standards for online.
https://twitter.com/BPAWorldwide/status/1542167787690463236
Richard said: “It is both a great privilege and responsibility to lead BPA Worldwide as we build a strong future. My focus is on growing our BPA Media membership through new product, solution and service development – expanding BPA iCompli Technology Assurance to meet the rapidly evolving needs of the digital advertising ecosystem and optimizing the BPA Media Exchange to provide BPA Media members with access to best-in-class programmatic tools to maximize their digital advertising opportunities.”
Glenn announced his intent to retire in June next year but has been named executive strategic advisor in the meantime to focus on BPA iCompli Sustainability and Event Audit practices.
## **Hyve reports faster than anticipated recovery**
**The first half of Hyve’s financial year saw faster than anticipated revenue recovery, with momentum continuing into the third quarter.**
Total revenue for the period demonstrated a full recovery on a pro-forma basis, underpinned by the continued strong customer demand for market-leading in-person events, despite on-going challenges.
It is now in the second busiest quarter for the group’s streamlined portfolio structure, following the sale of the Russian business in May.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group, said: I am pleased to report another quarter of strong trading. The trends we saw emerge post-pandemic continue to hold true – in particular, our customers continue to spend more with us than before, demonstrating the huge value which in-person events offer and proving that our strategy of focusing on only market-leading events is paying off.
The group has been focussing on an omnichannel future with five tech-enabled meeting programmes which took place during the quarter.
Forward bookings for the full year are currently £122.3 million, which excludes £6.5m of bookings for the August Chinese events. This also excludes revenue for events in Ukraine which continue to be postponed until further notice.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Partnership
---
### [IAEE's inaugural Expo! Expo! MENA edition kicks off](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230911/)
**Published:** September 11, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has launched its first Expo! Expo! MENA edition.**
The event in Riyadh aims to further business growth in the industry as well as showcase investment opportunities in the Kingdom.
Other stories in our weekly events roundup include:
**? UFI Global Congress sees record registrations**
**? ADNEC Group reports 30% surge in event bookings**
**? CEIR Q2 2023 Index confirms exhibition bounceback**
**? AEO names six new board members**
More events are being organised than ever – but there’s an easy way to make yourself heard. Download our **[Events Amplified ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)** to learn the insider secrets to modern event marketing.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Expo! Expo! debuts in MENA**
**The inaugural Expo! Expo! MENA has been launched in Riyadh – the first time an edition has been held outside of the US.**
It kicked off on Sunday at the Riyadh International Exhibition and Conference Center, in partnership with the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority.
The three-day show will unite industry professionals to learn, connect and network over the latest developments in the exhibition industry.
According to 1st Arabia CEO Bilal Al-Barmawi, more than 100 exhibitors are participating in the event.
The IAEE has collaborated with 1st Arabia Tradeshows and Conferences to deliver the show.
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform’s regional director MEASA Pyotr Bakash will be moderating a panel there on Tuesday about emerging technology trends that are transforming the MICE industry.
## **UFI to host record number of participants at annual global congress**
**UFI has reported record registrations for its 90th Global Congress in Las Vegas.**
Industry leaders from more than 50 countries have confirmed their participation in the event, while more than 40 speakers have been announced.
> ? Only a few days left before late member pricing begins for the UFI Global Congress!
>
> ? More than 50 countries are already registered to attend – visit the Congress website to see the list.
>
> ? Register now: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#uficongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/CD3oT80Ab4](https://t.co/CD3oT80Ab4)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [September 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1701141511738433778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
This year’s theme for the exhibition congress is **‘Go Beyond’** – and will include a series of content and networking events to explore emerging ideas, trends and innovations to push the industry forward.
Michael Duck, UFI president, said: “This year’s theme of go beyond is really well timed.
“As the exhibition industry is on track to go beyond our previous top revenues, we will also have to go beyond what we are doing in many ways in the coming years – on digitisation, on staffing and talent acquisition, on our responses to the climate challenge, and so on.”
Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO, added: “At every Congress, we connect leaders across geographies to create business opportunities for them.
“A focal point is always to give opportunities for the industry in the respective [congress host country to take advantage of the global](https://expoplatform.com/event/88th-ufi-global-congress/) industry leadership coming to them.”
## **ADNEC Group reports 30% jump in events for the rest of 2023**
**The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) Group plans to host 30% more events in the last four months of 2023 than before the pandemic.**
> .[@ADNECGroup](https://twitter.com/ADNECGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) has recorded a 30 per cent increase in the number of major strategic events it will host in Q4 2023 compared to the pre-pandemic period, with an expected 40 per cent increase in participant numbers compared to the same period. [pic.twitter.com/ODu6070JmK](https://t.co/ODu6070JmK)
>
> — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) [September 7, 2023](https://twitter.com/ADMediaOffice/status/1699724376994714019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Many of the events planned will happen in Abu Dhabi and the Middle East for the first time.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “The record number of events that ADNEC Group’s centres will host in the upcoming months, surpassing the rates before the pandemic, are one of the key indicators of our accomplishments.
“ADNEC Group has developed and equipped all facilities and infrastructure to welcome visitors from all over the world and ensure the success of these events, reflecting the leading reputation and status of the Emirate.”
Some of these events include:
- 20th edition of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition – September 2-8
- AM Conclave Middle East 2023 – September 13 and 14
- Maissane Design – September 20
- Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference – October 2-5
- 2023 Manufacturing & Industrialisation Conference 2023 – October 10-13
- Auto Moto Show 2023 – October 19-22
- Global Information Technology Challenge 2023 – October 25-27
- International Jewellery and Watch Show 2023 – November 1-5
Khalifa Al Qubaisi, chief commercial officer at ADNEC, said: “The events, exhibitions, and conferences that are organised or hosted by ADNEC Group on an annual basis contribute to enhancing our global competitiveness in the sector.
“These efforts fall in line with our goals of increasing the capacity of both the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and Al Ain Convention Centre to host a wide range of events simultaneously.”
## **CEIR reveals industry recovery in Q2 2023 Index results**
**The US exhibitions industry has sustained its recovery levels amid low cancellation rates, according to a new study.**
However, figures from CEIR’s latest index report for Q2 2023 predict the first six months of 2024 are expected to be challenging due to a slowing economy and cautious businesses.
It shows exhibitors were still 11.8% lower than during the same period in 2019, while real revenue was 14.5% behind – but it suggests recovery is in sight.
CEIR economist Allen Shaw said: “The positive momentum of participation in face-to-face trade shows will continue.
“Widespread B2B exhibition cancellation due to Covid-19 is a thing of the past.
“Normalization of the exhibition schedule back to pre-pandemic timing and the performance of completed events will continue to improve.”
He added: “Greater numbers of foreign participants will support additional recovery of volume of attendance and exhibitors.
“A full recovery for the industry is expected in 2024.”
Other figures include:
- In-person cancellation rates at 0.6%
- Exhibitors were 11.8% lower than in Q2 2019
- Real revenue was 14.5% lower than the same period in 2019
- Sectors expected to perform better in 2024 and 2025 – transportation, industrial/heavy machinery and finished business inputs
- Sectors expected to slow down – consumer goods, retail trade, education
CEIR CEO Cathy Breden said: “CEIR research has documented an intent to return to face-to-face engagement at B2B exhibitions, and CEIR Index quarterly results continue to document the recovery is in progress.
“Each quarter, the Index is showing that more business professionals and exhibitors are coming back to the B2B exhibitions channel to meet their marketing, sales and business information needs.”
## **AEO nominates six new members to join board**
**The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has named six industry professionals to join its board.**
All appointments comes as part of the regular rotation of board members as per the association’s governance structure.
The six nominated members are:
- CIBSE CEO Ruth Carter
- Five Senses Media managing director Austen Hawkins
- Diversified Communications managing director Carsten Holm
- Professional Beauty Group executive director Jayne Lewis-Orr
- ARC Network director of operations Caitlin Read
- Raccoon Media Group CEO Mike Seaman
Chris Skeith OBE, chief executive of AEO said: “These individuals bring a wealth of experience and perspectives to the AEO Board and will be valuable additions to our leadership team.
“Congratulations to our new board members and those stepping into new roles. Thank you to Andrew for his commitment as treasurer over the years.”
The AEO board has a maximum of 20 association members.
A quarter of those appointed retire each year prior to the annual general meeting to ensure fresh ideas and expertise for the association.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Top tips to create engaging sessions at virtual conferences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/conferences/top-tips-to-create-engaging-sessions-at-virtual-conferences/)
**Published:** April 26, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Remember the last time you organised or attended an in-person conference? The hustle-bustle at the venue, face-to-face meetings, random conversations with the person seated next to you; the real-world interactions created an experience that compelled you to return, year after year.
The current scenario is a very different picture. Virtual and hybrid conferences are on the roadmap for most organisers, and the rules of engagement for most have landed them heavily in the digital space.
Getting people to attend a virtual conference is the easy part, anybody can sign up easily with a few clicks, regardless of geography. The real challenge lies in ensuring these attendees stay engaged and find value throughout the duration of the conference.
A big part depends on making the speaker sessions more interactive and engaging, [fostering networking through virtual](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) breakout rooms and providing personal development and leisure sessions.
With diminishing attention spans and endless distractions associated with virtual attendance, here are some tips to make your **[virtual conference](https://expoplatform.com/conference/)** sessions more engaging:
## **Prepare your speakers**
The absence of live interaction at a virtual conference means your speakers have fewer options to energise the audience through visual cues, props and body language. Presenting to a screen can throw them off-track so it’s best to train and prepare them on how to effectively engage with the virtual event audience. This is especially important if your speakers are not industry experts or have limited experience in presenting to a large audience. A few tips:
- Have a clean, professional background
- Dress smartly, wear clothes that do not distract the audience
- Ensure the audio and mics are functioning properly
- Have adequate front lighting
- Arrange a backup internet connection in case of any last-minute glitches
The conference organiser can also host a webinar on training the speakers beforehand or post a discussion on a forum, or **[365 community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)**, where experienced speakers can join and share best practices.
## **Create easily consumable snackable content**
Effective content design and delivery is a crucial part of any digital event, be it a virtual conference or an online trade show. The presentations, videos and webinars can immediately grab the attention of the audience if they are available in a snackable form that can easily be digested, instead of overwhelming the audience with too much text and data. more snackable form. Ensure that the content is optimised for all devices so anyone accessing a corporate presentation on their mobile device can do so immediately and with ease. You can improve audience engagement with the event content by:
**Using bite-sized chunks:** Divide your content into smaller segments so attendees can easily grasp and retain the main ideas being presented. These segments can also be translated into different languages to cater to a geographically, linguistically diverse audience located around different time zones.
**Using flipped learning:** Provide more targeted content and training by giving attendees early access to presentations and webinars they can watch before the virtual conference, and then focus on the more critical topics during the live session. This approach expedites the learning experience for your audience, rather than inviting them to look up the topics from scratch.
**Spreading out your content, providing on-demand access:** Since the digital medium allows a staggering amount of content to be shared, it is recommended to space event content out over a few days and provide access to the recordings for at least three months. If the attendees are part of the 365 community, they could access it all year long.
## **Set up video chat breakout rooms**
At virtual conferences, it is essential to create a positive conversational environment where attendees can freely engage with one another and have productive discussions. A great way to do this is by setting up video chat rooms based around different topics with dedicated moderators facilitating the conversation.
For example, if the conference is on ‘**[The role of AI in the future of the events industry](https://expoplatform.com/how-ai-matchmaking-is-reshaping-the-future-of-events/)****’**, there can be different rooms with discussions on sub-topics like ‘the rise of AI matchmaking technology for event networking’, ‘use of chatbots for customer support’ and so on. If no moderators are available, provide a list of guiding questions and assign volunteers from the audience to facilitate the conversations.
Organisers and sponsors can host scheduled video breakout sessions, and individuals can connect through one-to-one video chats, networking with other virtual conference attendees.
## **Plan sessions around leisure, well-being and career development**
Aside from the speaker sessions, panel discussions and meetings, a physical conference also has fun and leisure elements like scavenger hunts, quizzes, contests, happy hours and concerts (if the budget permits). It is possible to create virtual alternatives for the online conference in the following ways:
**\#1** Incorporate gamification within your mobile event app, incentivising engagement through social media activities, quizzes, leader boards, virtual selfies and more.
**\#2** Host virtual happy hours where attendees can catch a break and engage in lively discussion, sharing more personal and professional aspects of their lives in the new normal.
**\#3** Plan sessions on health and well-being. For example, getting certified instructors to conduct workshops on yoga or mental healthcare. This will show your attendees that you care.
**\#4** Another great way to support your audience is by hosting career development and skills workshops. The economic toll of the pandemic has been severe and providing opportunities for career coaching, mentoring, resumé reviews and job interviews will go a long way in demonstrating your commitment towards your fellow industry professionals.
## **Conclusion:**
Successfully planning interactive sessions that engage and hook your audience at a virtual conference depends significantly on the type of [**conference software**](https://expoplatform.com/conference/) you use. For instance the event platform should provide in-built options for enhanced engagement during a speaker session, like polls, hand-raising and chats, as well as high-quality streaming, native video conferencing and social streaming capabilities.
Before shortlisting any ideas for future virtual conferences, make sure the event tech platform you select provides that functionality.
*Along with virtual conferences and exhibitions, hybrid events have taken centre stage as the future of the events industry. Learn how you can plan your next hybrid event in 2021 by following a***[ *comprehensive step-by-step process detailed in this guide*](https://expoplatform.com/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)*.***
**Categories:** Conferences, Corporate Events, Virtual Events
---
### [A complete association event platform guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/virtual-and-hybrid-events-guide-for-associations/)
**Published:** July 28, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This complete guide outlines strategies for using an association event platform to help drive up numbers and boost digital revenue.**
Associations were hit hard when the Covid-19 pandemic upturned the events industry more than a year ago.
The latest [MGI Membership Marketing Benchmarking Survey](https://www.marketinggeneral.com/knowledge-bank/reports/) shows around half reported a decline in memberships over the past year, while another 45% recorded a drop in renewals – almost double the previous year.
However, those who made the transition to the virtual space were able to continue engagement with members.
With online tools such as association event platforms, they were able to provide a more innovative, accessible experience to members at a lower cost and with fewer resources.
As virtual event management technology continues to evolve and offers benefits of scalability, reach and cost-effectiveness, it will continue to play a key role in hosting association events in the coming years.
In this guide, we have detailed the best ways to host virtual and hybrid events for associations as well as recommendations on how to select the best association event platform.
Here’s all we will cover:
- [Digital ranking of association websites](#stepone)
- [What are the benefits of hosting digital events for associations?](#stepthree)
- [Examples of successful virtual events for associations](#stepfour)
- [How to select an event platform for your association](#stepfive)
- [Tips to host virtual and hybrid events for associations](#stepsix)
- [How to promote your association’s virtual and hybrid event](#stepseven)
## **D****igital ranking of association websites**
[Exclusive research from ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/digital-ranking-association-websites/) shows the top 10 association websites each receive around 330 times more social engagement on average than over three-quarters of those in the industry.
Our study of around 420 associations reveals a giant gap between those who are producing and distributing online content well and those who are not.
One of the main takeaways from this analysis is that there is a huge gulf between those who are doing this well and those who are not.
The top 10 association websites each get 392,778 social engagements on average each year, according to the research.
Meanwhile, those outside the top 100 are getting 1,174 each on average every year – more than 330 times fewer interactions.
ExpoPlatform’s study also shows the top 10 websites are each getting 136,519 estimated clicks on average a month from people who have used a Google search, which is crucial when trying to build site visits.
Those outside the top 100 are only getting 1,117 – meaning the leading group has 115 times more in this form of traffic.
The main difference between the leading association websites and the rest is online content.
Longform articles with terms aimed at boosting search engine optimisation (SEO) are highly successful for some associations.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is among the top performers for organic searches, with articles such as [Is Ammonia the Fuel of the Future ](https://cen.acs.org/business/petrochemicals/ammonia-fuel-future/99/i8)ranking highly.
Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) – a subdomain of its main website – publishes articles that regularly rank on the first page of Google and drive monthly traffic, hitting an equivalent value of $3.18 million in paid advertisements running on Google in the US and £162,000 in the UK.
The top performer for social media engagement is Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) which gets extremely high levels of engagement, including with “How to” articles around hot topics such as its [This is How to Vaccinate the World](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9311421) piece.
IEEE comes out on top for online engagement in our Digital Ranking of Association Websites, receiving the equivalent value of £459,000 in SEO from Google UK each month.
Their content site Xplore has 5.3 million stories and this story in particular was shared more than 130,000 times, although IEEE also has several other subdomains which are connected to its main site.
The latest [MGI Membership Marketing Benchmarking Survey](https://www.marketinggeneral.com/knowledge-bank/reports/) shows 43% of associations raised concerns over member budgets, 50% said there was a lack of engagement, 26% cited poor brand awareness and 33% highlighted issues with competing information sources.
Despite this many are not pursuing the tactic of creating an online community which can engage memberships with virtual offerings and content.
James Hampton, director of operations at MCI UK, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/) that the ability to connect with those members is crucial to an association’s success.
He said: “You need that extended engagement outside of the period of the event, because it really allows you to bring in more members.
“You might create an online community, that’s a free community to join, therefore you could potentially have 10,000 customers that are interested in what you’re talking about.
“You may only have 1,000 people that pay a subscription to be an actual member, but all the rest of the 9,000 were just happy to be part of the community.”
## **Benefits of using an association event platform**
The shift to virtual events was initially considered a temporary solution for physical meetups. But as the benefits became more evident, digital has become integral to the long-term success of business events and meetups.
James Hampton, director of operations at MCI UK, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/) association events are going to be designed in a “very different way” in future to meet these new expectations of attendees,
More association organisers are now looking to create hybrid events that blend face-to-face meetups with digital experiences – even as live events stage a comeback. Some of the benefits include:
**Accessibility**
A big advantage of having a virtual component in your association’s event is the ability to reach members all over the world. Anyone with access to the internet can participate in a partial or fully [online conference,](https://expoplatform.com/blog/event-tech-as-an-online-complement-for-your-conference/) including those with disabilities. In the virtual arena, you can significantly increase event participation and drive membership for your organisation.
**[Networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) opportunities**
Associations are all about meeting people, strengthening business connections and building a robust network. While the face-to-face experience is tough to replicate, you can use various tools to encourage engagement during a virtual conference. Online discussion forums, virtual breakout rooms, messaging and meeting features, live chat and AI-matchmaking can help members connect and communicate with each other as well as with speakers.
Networking can be further bolstered between physical and virtual participants by bringing them into a 365 community, where they can interact and make business decisions year-round. Read here about [how a 365 community can be created and help engage](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/digital-ranking-association-websites/) membership.
**Rich data insights**
Virtual events are a goldmine of attendee data. You can track the user journey before, during and after an event which allows you to get a clearer picture of your audience and their goals. With real-time data analysis, you can implement live improvements to your event and gain crucial insights on engagement statistics through polls, surveys, quizzes or feedback forms.
**New content ideas**
A virtual conference provides numerous options to deliver content to association members. The sessions can be recorded and repurposed as blogs, ebooks, whitepapers and podcasts or viewed on-demand later on. A lot of educational and training content can be shared before and after the event to increase event mileage, build authority and get more registrations. Read here for [examples of winning content formats](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/digital-ranking-association-websites/) for associations.
**Cost reduction**
Being able to organise and execute events at a fraction of the cost as compared to physical events is perhaps the most enticing feature of virtual conferences. You don’t have to worry about venue, accommodation, travel and food. This means significantly reduced overhead costs. The money you save can then be invested in getting the best virtual and hybrid event platform for your association. Apart from being budget-friendly, online events also allow for more innovation to improve the attendee experience.
## **Success using an association event platform**
We will look at two examples of successful virtual events organised by associations using ExpoPlatform.
**Case study 1 –** [**The 51st Union World Conference on Lung Health**](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-51st-union-world-conference-on-lung-health/)
The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (the Union) puts together its World Conference to bring together healthcare workers, policymakers and researchers to focus on steps and measures required to tackle tuberculosis. Due to the Covid-related restrictions, the Union chose to host the 51st edition of the global event entirely digitally.
The conference also marked the centennial of the Union and was to be attended by high-profile figures such as Dr Anthony Fauci, Bill Clinton and Tedros Adhanom. With a lot of prestige associated, it was important to have a robust platform that could handle the complexity and scale of the conference.
ExpoPlatform was able to make a success of the stringent demands of the five-day conference through its multi-modular virtual event technology. The meeting and networking options, as well as the AI-matchmaking features created a seamless interactive experience and widespread participation by all stakeholders.
**Case study 2 –** [**Shoedex 2020 by Aegean Exporters’ Association**](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/shoedex-2020/)
Shoedex is Turkey’s premier trade show for leather accessories. Due to losses incurred by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Turkish leather industry was in need of connecting manufacturers with international buyers. The Aegean Exporters’ Association decided to organise a virtual edition of the trade show so buyers could learn more about the products, network with exhibitors and make purchase decisions in an [online marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) environment.
ExpoPlatform worked with the organisers to deliver a virtual approach customised to their event’s requirements. For this, they conducted multiple demos and re-runs to make the experience more user-friendly.
The three-day event brought together industry professionals from more than 59 countries and was considered such a huge success it was extended by another day on popular demand from the buyers and exhibitors.
## **How to choose an association event platform**
Depending on the size and complexity of your association’s event, you should look at various factors to select the most suitable event technology platform.
**Features**
Association events can differ greatly. One could span six weeks and have participation from thousands of attendees worldwide, while another could be a three-day event with a focused set of buyers. Virtual event platforms come in various shapes and sizes and you should select the one with the features most suited for your event.
List all the features you need. These could include an interactive event website, AI-matchmaking, meeting schedulers, live chat, built-in analytics among many more. Then select the platform within your budget, get on a demo call and finalise the contract.
**365 community option**
Attendee expectations have changed dramatically with the growth of digital events. From conversations and networking happening only during the timeframe of an annual event, your audience now expects to stay connected and interact any time of the year.
To address this demand, find out if the technology provider offers 365 community solutions so your members can connect, engage and initiate conversations all year-round.
**Scalability**
Association events, whether they are in a digital or hybrid format, now cater to audiences all around the world. Look for a platform that can scale your event and grow it to any size you want so you can handle any surge in visitors, registrations or needs for personalisation.
**Integration with other tools**
Virtual and hybrid conferences are teeming with attendee data that can be used to build a more complete user persona. This allows you to create richer engagement experiences and capture quality leads. For this, the platform should offer integration with well-known sales and CRM tools like Salesforce, Zapier, SAS. Smooth exchange of data between your event tools will ensure the information is at one place, instead of being siloed.
**Data policy**
Event data is one of the most sensitive issues for organisers – although it also creates many opportunities. There are a number of concerns to consider over potential for privacy breach and ethical use of attendee information.
Learn more about the important [questions you need to ask](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organiser-questions/) before choosing an online event platform – such as who controls the event data, the role of online event platforms and how the organiser-led model differs from the vendor-led model in dealing with customer data.
This graphic provides details of event data policies by the leading technology platforms for events, exhibitions and conferences. Your final decision should prioritise the privacy of the user and give control to the organiser.
## **Tips to host virtual and hybrid association events**
**Establish clear goals and objectives**
Have a clear goal in mind for your association’s event. This makes it easier to create content, select the right speakers and use relevant strategies to achieve your organisational goals.
For example, if your goal is to increase recruitment, you could consider a promotion for a new membership tier during the event. If you want to drive revenue, you might look to offer incentives for renewals or new adopters.
**Create a unique experience for in-person and digital events**
A hybrid event doesn’t need to have physical and virtual experiences happening simultaneously. The logistics of such an event can be overwhelming for the association staff, which could be operating at a lower capacity. It is recommended to create separate, unique experiences for your in-person and virtual audience at different times. The virtual event could be an ongoing one, offering content and networking opportunities before and after the physical event.
**Ensure safety measures at the venue**
It could be quite some time before the Covid-19 pandemic is truly over. This means safety measures at event venues are expected to continue for the foreseeable future.
Check with the venue whether it is equipped to handle a decent-sized crowd and has adequate precautionary measures in place. This could include sanitisation stations, temperature checks, separate packaged meals and a healthcare team for any emergency cases.
Don’t overbook the event. It will lead to overcrowding, long queues and chaos.
**Hire a professional event host**
A lack of engagement at virtual events compared to those which are in-person continues to be the biggest source of frustration for organisers. This challenge can be worse at hybrid events where the remote audience can feel left out as most interactions happen at the venue.
To avoid this, get a professional host to guide the event and keep moving forward. Pick moderators from the participants to manage sessions and virtual breakout rooms, ensuring your online attendees feel valued and engaged.
**Charge your virtual members less**
There are several differences between the live and virtual event experience. The live event is all about those moments of serendipity and joy. You feel a sense of connection and community as you experience the event in person. The virtual event has a range of other merits – especially in terms of ease of access.
Remote audiences aren’t looking for those moments of serendipity, they want direct value through knowledge, training and networking opportunities. It makes sense to charge a lower price for virtual participation and pitch the event value accordingly.
**Build a 365 community**
As you grow your association’s membership, you’ll find digital engagement to be key to your success. It’s important for people to engage with brands on their own time and in the way that is most convenient for them.
An engaged community can grow with an always-online 365 community. Members can connect, interact and engage with your association anytime of the day or year. They can also actively follow and contribute to the latest updates, post messages, join discussions and much more.
## **How to promote your virtual and hybrid association events**
Promotion of your virtual or hybrid association event is needed so you can get the word out. You can do this by targeting a specific audience from your database or open it to everyone in the industry. This group can then be filtered to a relevant segment based on their engagement score.
Tactics to consider:
- Generate pre-event buzz by partnering with reputed industry websites for press releases. This will give a boost to your website SEO rankings as well.
- Set up a series of webinars, educating participants about what to expect during the event.
- Work with influencers or podcasters associated with the industry.
- Organise giveaways to encourage attendees to promote the event.
- Use email and social media marketing strategies to promote your event, share information and updates as well as to create hype.
- Build a mobile event app with a clean, easy-to-use format which allows you to send push notifications and other event updates.
*Selecting the right event platform to grow your association membership and engage your community doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task.*
[*Read these 12 reasons*](https://expoplatform.com/12-reasons-to-choose-expoplatform-associations/) *why ExpoPlatform is the preferred choice for the world’s largest exhibitions, conference organisers and membership associations.*
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [Event-tech as an online complement for your conference](https://expoplatform.com/blog/event-tech-as-an-online-complement-for-your-conference/)
**Published:** January 9, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
A friend of mine once said that the chef is no longer the most important person in a restaurant if you’re sat at a dirty table. No matter the reputation that accompanies the steak you’ve ordered, the most important employee in that restaurant is now the one holding the bottle of Flash – not the spatula.
This adage holds true for PCOs and other companies in the congress and conference industry. All that spent focusing on quality speakers, powerful sessions, and the fancy plenary hall may amount to little if due care and consideration is not provided for improving the [digital presence of the event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/digital-event-strategy/).
A major proportion of the conversations surrounding the [content shared at your event](https://expoplatform.com/event/how-to-crack-event-curation-through-content/) evolve outside the space of the plenary hall. Which is why having a clear strategy to engage delegates online and bringing them into your event’s [digital space is crucial](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/6-reasons-why-digital-will-be-crucial-to-the-future-of-events/) for its success.
Though PCOs are at their best when it comes to providing stellar [event experience to attendees,](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/how-to-attendee-data/) the expectations of today’s audience keeps on mounting. Now, apart from satisfying attendees’ needs; we need to delight them.
Technology providers must ensure that the event website is easy-to-use and highly personalised. There is no reason why a delegate must be forced to go through different systems to register and access their badge, connect with others at the event, and manage their schedule and agenda. This should be readily available on the website for a seamless [event experience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/mobile-event-app/).
Registration forms are the biggest barrier to attracting more delegates at your event. So why force them into filling out the same form each year? There is no need for end-user to have several accounts and remember several credentials for each profile in different systems, or even across different events. Data should seamlessly flow through all business applications invisible to the end-user.
And of course, given our reliance on handheld devices, the website should be realised on attendees’ phone through an intelligently crafted app. If, as a visitor, I browse a conference website that allows me to add sessions to my agenda, connect with my favourite people, and schedule appointments, then it is imperative to showcase this information when I log in with the very same details on the conference app as well.
Thus, it is of key importance to seek technology-enabled solutions for enhancing the value proposition of our events, especially when the demand of event-tech savvy organisers is steeply rising in the realm of live events.
You should be the one activating your clients, not your competitors.
**Categories:** All, Conferences
---
### [How to generate event revenue through digital sponsorships](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/drive-revenue-digital-sponsorships/)
**Published:** October 14, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Digital sponsorships have been proven to drive engagement and ROI for events at every stage.**
Brands respond better to digital activations than traditional ones because they get to directly connect with their target audiences and drive actionable leads.
Organisers can boost their revenue if they are aware which digital sponsorships provide real value to their clients.
The three main solutions that work for B2B events are:
- **Thought leadership content**
- **Branding opportunities**
- **Lead generation services**
Here’s a detailed explanation with examples ?
## **1) Thought leadership content**
Corporate event sponsors can showcase content to bring in-depth industry knowledge and insights to attendees. They get an opportunity to position themselves as thought leaders by providing and promoting high-quality content to build trust and credibility with the audience.
This content can be in the form of:
**Sponsored conference sessions**
Sponsored conference sessions are an excellent way to generate leads and promote thought leadership content.
Clients can tap into a new audience and showcase their company’s expertise through sessions that can be hosted live or kept on-demand for post-event promotion.
Featuring the client logo prominently on conference materials boosts brand awareness and drives leads.
**Sponsored editorials**
You can earn money while providing valuable content to readers by publishing articles, videos, and infographics shared by clients.
The content should be clearly labelled as ‘sponsored content’ and can be promoted through email or social media channels to drive traffic.
This type of content marketing is widely used to generate income, build your brand and grow your audience.
**Breakouts and workshops**
Online workshops and breakout rooms provide engaging content and valuable networking opportunities – creating a win-win situation for your sponsors as well as your attendees.
They can be made invite-only and customised around key topics to meet the needs of your specific audience. This creates a conducive environment and improves **[lead generation](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)** opportunities for your sponsors.
## **2) Branding opportunities**
Digital branding solutions like custom logos, hashtags and geofencing help raise the profile of key clients before, during and after an event. Sponsors can reach a large audience through impactful communication and boost brand awareness and sales.
Here are the various branding opportunities available:
**Online advertising**
Online advertising helps event sponsors to raise brand awareness and drive engagement. Banner ads, video pre-rolls and promotional emails are all effective ways to reach potential customers and get them interested in business deals.
These are usually sold to sponsors by cost-per-thousand impressions or tenancy.
Furthermore, techniques like selling the re-targeting of audience across third-party platforms and geofencing of attendees at physical venues provide additional revenue streams to organisers.
**Event sponsorships**
Numerous sponsor branding opportunities are available – such as displaying the logos on the home page, virtual lobby branding, sponsoring online sessions and more.
**Mobile app sponsorships**
**[Mobile event app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** sponsorships are an effective way to get the client brand in front of a captive audience. Sponsors can display their products and services to get more visibility.
This includes in-app ads, splash screens and banners. A headline sponsor can ‘own’ the branding and get all promotional space and positions around the exhibition or tradeshow.
**Community groups sponsorships**
**[Online communities](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)** provide multiple options for sponsorship. This includes sponsored contests, quizzes and giveaways, exclusive content and promotional opportunities directed toward a highly engaged audience.
**Podcast sponsorship**
Podcasts have seen a phenomenal rise in both the B2B and B2C spaces.
Interviewing event industry leaders, sharing insights and analysing global and regional trends help establish the credibility of your podcast.
Once it gains enough listeners, you can invite sponsors for branding and promotion.
## **3) Lead generation services**
These allow your exhibitors and sponsors to identify and track potential leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.
This includes providing gated content to encourage users to share their contact information and employing user-tracking tools to better understand their needs and interests. This knowledge can then be used to create more targeted sales and marketing strategies.
Different lead gen services are:
**Marketplace profiles**
Company profiles in **[online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)** allow exhibitors to showcase their brand and products.
This gives them exposure to a wider audience and help build trust and credibility with potential buyers. A marketplace profile typically includes contact information and details of what they offer.
A full dashboard helps exhibitors to monitor and follow up all those leads that view and engage with their profiles.
Organisers can offer a tiered packaged structure e.g. Platinum, Gold, Silver to incentivise clients to upgrade their listing.
**Push notifications**
Pop-up messages and push notifications are effective ways to capture the attention of event participants and compel them to engage.
Exhibitors can set up alerts for different content – be it announcing a product demo, a webinar or directing attendees to virtual booths.
These notifications can be customised to focus on specific demographics and further narrowed to make it location-based using beacon technology.
**Ebooks and whitepapers**
Setting up a content repository that hosts downloadable ebooks, reports and whitepapers is an easy and efficient way to generate event leads.
This content hub can be made searchable for easy access and have sponsored options for featured content.
**Webinars**
Webinars are widely used to provide thought leadership content, insights and trends around different industry topics.
Anyone who registers for the live or on-demand session can be asked to provide basic contact details, which are then passed on to the webinar sponsor.
**Product demos and TechTalks**
The webinar format can be further expanded to provide product demonstrations, tech deep-dives, factory tours and more.
This is an effective approach to attract leads and evokes more direct responses with the sponsor’s sales team. **[Watch ExpoPlatform’s TechTalk series on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvOr6K3Gucc&list=PLm1XEXMT_4-rlkeO30L2RMbFpXwYl-YMj)**.
## **Conclusion**
To maximise the revenue potential of digital sponsorships, organisers need to get creative with their sponsorship packages.
A customised mix of these three sponsorship solutions helps them give sponsors a reason to invest more in their event – and generate more revenue for their own bottom line.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [How to Retain your Event Attendees and Grow their numbers?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/how-to-retain-your-event-attendees-and-grow-their-numbers/)
**Published:** February 4, 2018
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
How successful an event is objectively quantifiable in terms of number of visitors, number of exhibitors and exhibition area. All of the metrics are essentially explainers for the ultimate measure of event success – revenue. Understanding that visitors and exhibitors directly impact revenue, drives the need to understand how they make their decision to participate and what it is they are trying to achieve by attending your event.
The only way to really find the answer to these questions is to ask them. Event organisers start [planning the next event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/why-you-should-plan-for-hybrid-events-in-2021/) in the middle of their current one, and all too often without a firm understanding of what it is their clients really want. Nevertheless, the two questions they ask themselves are: **“How do I keep my existing clients?”**, and **“How do I attract new ones?”**. Let’s call these retention and acquisition.
**So how do we maximise retention?** It really comes down to understanding what attendees and exhibitors are satisfied with, and what they would have liked to be different, or simply better. If you can get their feedback, understand it, and assure them that their next experience will be improved in the way they suggested, your chances of keeping all satisfied and borderline clients are high. You will also greatly increase the chance of those who didn’t get what they expected this time around, to come back next year.
While retaining existing clients is important, it is perhaps even more important to **attract new ones**. Email marketing and advertising is certainly one way of doing this, but what you should really aim to do is build a community network around your event. If you’ve done things correctly, existing attendees will spread the word to others they know and bring people to their event. In the case of exhibitors, this maybe their list of existing and potential clients. In the case of visitors, it may be their friends and colleagues.
**So how can you do this?**
First and foremost, stay in touch with them. This doesn’t mean sending a constant stream of [emails marketing](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/email-marketing-guide-for-tradeshows/) your services. **Ask them their opinion**: Did they like the event? What objectives did they have? Were they met? What would have helped them meet their objectives? Next, once you’ve analysed the responses, share them with your audience. Tell them that their feedback has actually been looked at, tell them how you plan to address any issues that were raised. Let the answers to these questions show you the way forward in developing your show for the following year. You can send out a message to your [attendees stating what improvements](https://expoplatform.com/blog/4-ways-to-improve-attendee-engagement-at-virtual-exhibitions/) were made based on user feedback, and inviting them to attend once again and experience an even better show.
Not only will this serve as an excellent guide for making sure the content and format of your show resonates well with your intended audience, but it will also **create the feeling of belonging to a community**. Having **a [networking platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/)** in place will help foster this community and create a resource of continuous feedback. While many people think of [events as mechanism that promote products or services,](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/financial-services-event-tech/) the fact is that they driven and attended by people. These people have a need to communicate and share ideas and experiences, and are starting to expect the tools that enable them to do just that. And their expectations are not unfounded. It’s easier than ever for [event organisers to give their events a strong online](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/) presence that is seamlessly integrated with their website.
On the other hand, there is also an expectation that the organiser knows the needs of every attendee, making it critical that organisers really understand their audience. This level of understanding can be gained only by building up real relationships with their visitors and exhibitors and focusing on **analysing their feedback and user behaviour**, however subtle.
**Categories:** All, Event Technology, Exhibitions
---
### [Big Data in your Pocket!](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/big-data-in-your-pocket/)
**Published:** July 20, 2017
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
One of the main challenges each event organiser faces while launching advertising campaign is attracting of maximum number of high-yield participants and attendees. Ultimately, whatever way is chosen to attract these clients, a good marketing campaign will always be a part of the answer. The rise of social media and a leap in accessibility of context-sensitive information has expanded the marketing arsenal of event organisers. **Three [marketing strategies](https://expoplatform.com/blog/three-marketing-strategies-for-event-organisers/) stand out – outbound, inbound, and community-oriented.**
**Outbound marketing practices** , that force products and services on customers, have been around for a long time, and are still prevalent in some industries. In the [event industry in particular, event organisers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-the-week-more-organisers-returning-to-live-events-despite-omicron/) continue to rely on massive email campaigns to drive their marketing – a strategy that may not resonate so well with many recipients.
These [marketing strategies](https://expoplatform.com/blog/three-marketing-strategies-for-event-organisers/) tend to have a high cost and relatively low yield. Large chunks of [marketing budgets are spent on sales](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-week-20211126/) and marketing in various media such as newspapers, magazines, and journals; putting together call centres that cold-call people based on a list of names from databases, sometimes even bought from third parties; mass-emails and direct mail; etc. Statistically, 91% of advertising email is never opened, 44% of direct mail is instantly binned, and 84% of people have admitted that they click out of websites with excessive, irrelevant, or intrusive advertising.
If you have ever been on the other end of a marketing phone call or have received heaps of junk mail from that one company that somehow got your [email address](https://expoplatform.com/releases/email-address-of-the-person-scanning-added-to-organisers-scan-reports/) you can understand why these approaches don’t work well.
One alternative is **Inbound marketing** . This is a strategy that focuses on customers finding you, rather than you going out to find them and it relies on earning people’s interest instead of buying it. The internet is being extensively used by people looking for solutions to their problems. For example, 79% of [online shoppers spend](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220701/) at least 50% of their shopping time researching products, and the same is true for events. We [spend most of our time online](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220701/) reading content, exchanging ideas, and, in the case of events, looking for ones that grab our attention with content and interactivity.
Content can be in the form of blogs, [news posts and feeds,](https://expoplatform.com/releases/community-groups-v2-0-with-news-sessions-on-demand-sessions-community-feed/) or useful resources. Whatever this content is, it should be relevant to the event topic. Integrating some social media is a quick way to earn extra exposure. Every share or like you receive, will instantly promote your content (and your event) within individual networks and increase the visibility to similarly-minded people.
Beyond just content, is interactive content. In fact, if you want to take your marketing to the next level, you need to [create a community around your event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/how-ai-matchmaking-is-reshaping-the-future-of-events/). Doing this requires two things: a communication platform, and quality content. Providing the right tools to your attendees will enable effortless communication and exchange of ideas around the content you provide. You will also need to very clearly and convincingly explain the advantages of being a part of your event community. If you can get both of these right, your [event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-website-builder-guide/) will quickly become not only an information page, but a marketing hub, where most of the marketing for your event is done by the very people to whom you do the marketing – exhibitors and attendees.
This is called **community oriented marketing** and has some clear advantages, worthy of a post in their own right, but the main two are low [cost and easy access to attendees](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220815/). The only costs involved are those around setting up and maintaining your site and the infrastructure that supports the tools that you provide to your community. Easy access to attendees will make getting feedback from participants easier and help you [set the right course for your event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220311/).
How has your marketing strategy evolved?
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Europe exhibition market to hit $10bn in five years](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-week-20220422/)
**Published:** April 22, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The events and exhibition market in Europe is set to be worth $10 billion USD within five years, according to a new report.**
Research from [Arizton Advisory & Intelligence](https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/exhibition-market-europe) reveals the industry is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3% by 2027, up from $8.5bn in 2021.
The report surveyed B2B, B2C and mixed exhibition markets across Europe. Industries covered included consumer goods and retail, hospitality, automotive and transportation and more.
It was found the tradeshow segment is anticipated to be worth $5bn in market value by 2027.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**There are some key forces driving exhibition growth in Europe:**
1. **Growing use and adoption of big data analytics for live shows** Exhibitions are leveraging the power of [big data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/big-data-in-your-pocket/) to create strategic marketing programmes and campaigns to drive growth. With more data available at the fingertips of organisers, exhibitions can be improved in terms of logistics planning, understanding audience pain points, boosting engagement, implementing feedback and generating leads.
2. **Demand for online marketplace** Businesses across Europe have recognised the need to integrate a more connected approach to meet consumer and industry requirements. Exhibitions are now platforming their buyers and sellers onto year-round digital marketplaces through web and mobile solutions. These spaces abound with trade and networking opportunities and help promote exhibitions as a lucrative marketing medium, contributing to market growth.
3. **Enhancing customer experience by infusing digital tech with in-person** Live shows have become smarter. This smart value is delivered to attendees and exhibitors in the form of [**digitally-enhanced in-person**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) interactions. Organisers can exploit every touch point at the venue through real-time data analysis and use it to energise engagement, accelerate the sales pipeline and drive exhibition revenue.
4. **Success of Covid-19 vaccination programmes** Covid-19 vaccination campaigns and easing of border restrictions have led people to trust face-to-face meetings again. Safety measures taken by venues have also boosted audience confidence in attending large exhibitions and tradeshows.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**The European meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE) industry is on an upwards growth path.**
MICE tourism is expected to rise in the coming years to fulfil demand for business, academic and cultural goals. B2B exhibitions will be a major portion of this market, as they are powerful tools for companies to expand and grow.
Factors mentioned earlier show organisers’ exhibition strategies should focus on:
1. **365 communities:** Always-online event communities have emerged as a crucial tool to drive engagement, boost networking and nurture leads throughout the year. Allow your audience to explore new content, attend webinars, make connections and promote shows **[with your event community now](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)**.
2. **Online marketplaces:** An online marketplace is a platform to connect your buyers and sellers all year round. **[Download the Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)** to find out how to set up your own.
3. **Smart Events:** A Smart Event is a live show improved through technology. These tech enhancements increase value for all participants. Read our **[complete guide to Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)** to find out how.
4. **Data control:** Digital tech mean events are generating more attendee data than before. But who controls and uses this data? There have been [fierce debates](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) among industry leaders around whom should data control lie with – organisers or the event tech platform?**[Read this event data guide for organisers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/)**to stay on the right side.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Five top benefits of event data and analytics](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/benefits-of-event-data-analytics/)
**Published:** June 2, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Unlocking the power of data can have a transformative effect on a company’s success. That’s why ExpoPlatform has interviewed leading exhibition organisers to better understand the ways data science can make an impact on events businesses.**
Our research shows the greatest opportunities for organisers are:
- The number one opportunity is to uncover customer insights in the data which can be used to shape product development, with 68% responses.
- Connecting data sources and providing a seamless experience across the customer journey are two areas that would make a positive impact – 65% and 59% respectively.
- AI-powered recommendations to provide users with personalised online experiences (62%) and Smart Event agendas (49%)
- Providing exhibitors with lead dashboards and demonstrating return on investment (ROI) was chosen by 49%. While leads are important, finding new ways to sell data to exhibitors is of lowest importance.
Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, highlighted the massive potential for those in our industry who are willing to adapt to change.
He said: “I do think the industry on the whole is full of very smart people who will find a way. I think there’ll be some big winners and some losers along the way, like there is with any kind of change.
“Some of it I think is going to hurt us. Some of it if you get it right is going to be very beneficial.”
Gunnar Heinrich, CEO of adventics, added: “You see there are so many outsiders of our industry that are linked to data: Alibaba, Facebook with a Metaverse.
“You can see what’s going on, so there is a threat coming. Maybe you have a nice venue around but you will not be in the power position.
“You will not be in the driver’s seat driving the community. This will be then left to others and we should take care – but we still are in a good position.”
**You can find more insight about data analytics in our free AI Blueprint. [Download it here.](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)**
Now, let’s explore these areas in more detail.
## **Shaping product development**
**Our research reveals event professionals rank the ability to shape product development as the joint top opportunity for analytics.**
Studying the data can give you insight into the trends within your community, which can be useful in making your upcoming events and online products more impactful.
These patterns could be related to the type of content being consumed by a group or the fundamentals of supply and demand within your community.
In this ExpoPlatform dashboard, supply can be tracked against demand from the visitor community. It is measured by the number of products and exhibitors in a category.
High demand and low supply could indicate a sales opportunity, while poor demand and high supply could indicate your exhibitors are not going to have a productive event and the visitor acquisition strategy should shift.
Gunnar Heinrich said: “Every product manager needs the product attributes at his hand to develop the product further over the lifecycle and the instances of a product.”
Behavioural information, not just what they registered with, is important to understand to to move your product forward meaningfully.
Gunnar gave an example of how an agricultural fair may have attendees who say they are interested in corn, but their behaviour indicates they want rice.
This could be down to a number of reasons including a new demographic within your audience.
Organisers have several options then to develop their shows using this data.
Gunnar added: “If you have all this information you could manage spin offs, or mergers or you can make better decisions about whether you buy another company in this segment.
“Another strategic action could be to do a geoclone of a show – maybe go to South Africa or to China or to go to South America and make a clone of my show there.
Mark Parsons, founder of Events Intelligence, added: “People have got certain interests and are part of certain trends.
“It’s important to have an ability to slice and dice and look at things in clusters to learn what your audience is interested in.
“That’s the big data lens, it’s the core competency of what an organiser needs to be doing.
“That’s how you find your next show, that’s how you find your next growth pocket.”
## **Seamless experience**
**Event professionals rank this as very high in importance. The omnichannel experience should be a seamless transition from community to event and back again.**
This works better both for customers as they don’t have to jump between platforms, while organisers can also progressively build richer profiles of the audience.
It means they can start to offer increasingly personalised products and recommendations.
Whether visitors are engaging online or offline, it is important to have a unified profile **.**
Stephan Forseilles, head of technology at Easyfairs, said: “Create one profile which is the same for online and onsite.
“Everything you do online and anything you do onsite all ends up in the same place.
“That means the people you interact with can be online or be onsite.
“But it all happens on the same platform and you can decide to share your profile across different events.”
Liz Irving, chief marketing officer for North America at Clarion Events, also believes it is important to use this wealth of information onsite and offline to personalise your offerings.
She said: “It always starts with the customer first – your stakeholders, your target audiences.
“Understand what their needs are, understand what they want to see and how they want to see it, then go and help create it.
“One of the things I’ve learned over the last 18 months is it always has to be about what the customers want or what your market needs.
“The great thing with digital is you have immediate results, you’re not waiting until after the show – you actually have that data at your fingertips and you can improve as you go and be dynamic in your approach.”
## **AI-powered personalisation**
**Machine learning – the branch of artificial intelligence (AI) which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to improve accuracy – has huge potential in the conferences and exhibitions industry.**
It’s how Spotify makes 70 million tracks into a playlist of songs you might like, it’s how Tinder can turn 57 million people into a list of potential dates or Amazon can transform 350 million products into targeted recommendations.
AI matchmaking has changed the way connections are made at events.
This technology can be used to turn a large-scale event into something highly relevant and personalised, providing focused recommendations for better, higher quality experiences for visitor and exhibitor alike.
It means an organiser can cut out the randomness of an event and maximise the most of a user’s time at the show.
Stuart Ledden, Tarsus group marketing director, said: “Attendees and visitors have recognised the value of their own time.
“What we need to do with the data is get a better handle on those consumer behaviours.
“We’re going to find that people are going to attend live events with the same kind of mentality – they’re here to do something specific.”
Examples of event personalisation can include:
- Recommended content agendas, including meetups and conference sessions
- Recommended people to network with
- Targeted list of exhibitors to meet
- Use of request for proposals and hosted buying to connect buyers and sellers
## **Tracking visitors around venues**
**Badge-scanning technology can be useful at in-person events for working out what was successful at an event and why.**
The in-show behaviour of these attendees can be analysed to see where they were interacting at the event.
The three main benefits of tracking visitors this way are:
- **Blue dot wayfinding:** visitors can’t easily find their way around, which means they don’t get to see exhibitors relevant to them.
- **Exhibitor ROI:** metrics for every stand across the entire show floor. Sales team can access at any time, during and after the event.
- **Push notification messages** to be hyper-targeted based on a visitor’s current and /or historic locations.
Mark Maydon, director at Crowd Connected, said: “It’s no longer just about mapping, wayfinding and navigation – it’s about discovering. The app becomes a kind of digital concierge service.
“It helps you find what you came for and discover what you didn’t know was there.”
He added: “We’re helping the organisers by taking all of that footfall data and delivering it back via the organiser to the exhibitors. The customers then have evidence of how well they performed at the show.”
As with any data it’s important to separate signal from noise. That’s why technologies are being developed where historically disparate data sets are being joined up.
This allows for key profiles to be targeted to find out how they are behaving at an event – identifying the big spenders, not the time wasters.
Paul said: “There’s maybe a clown juggling on someone’s booth and all of a sudden it’s a hotspot for 20 minutes.
“I’m more interested in whether someone spent 20 minutes at the IBM booth – that’s much more interesting to me.
“That opens up a whole layer of discussion of how you can work the show better, how we price the positions of the show.”
## **Better ROI reporting for exhibitors**
**Today’s marketers are used to using Linkedin, Google and Facebook – platforms which all show real-time statistics.**
It means the event industry needs to be just as transparent about how budgets are being spent.
In fact, 44% of respondents to an ExpoPlatform data in events survey ranked return on investment as the metric which should be most focussed on.
Providing customers with useful information about who is engaging with their profile and content is now a must – organisers can no longer expect rebookings year after year without proof of ROI.
Virtual event platforms provide exhibitors a real-time dashboard of information about all customers who have engaged with them
Integrated mobile apps allow for lead scanning of badges – barcodes or QR codes – which is available for visitors and exhibitors who can rate and categorise leads and add notes.
All leads captured are stored in an exhibitor’s dashboard, bringing together online and offline results together into a single view.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Event industry profile 'priority' for new AEO chair](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20220926/)
**Published:** September 26, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The new chair of AEO has placed raising the profile of our industry with decisionmakers as a priority for her time in the role.**
Julie Driscoll, of Hyve Group, made the announcement after her election to address claims of poor government attention during the coronavirus lockdowns, which saw exhibitions categorised the same as weddings.
Meanwhile, [UFI](https://www.ufi.org/) has revealed that two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy will be keynote speaker at the upcoming Global Congress in Oman.
This week also saw Dubai World Trade Centre highlight how the upcoming GITEX Global would be its largest scale ever, bringing together tech leaders to focus on driving the digital economy.
**Learn about using event tech to boost your business model with our [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/).**
Find out more about the top stories happening in the industry below.
## **Government engagement with industry ‘key’ for new AEO chair**
**Raising the event industry’s profile with government has been set out as a key priority of the new chair of AEO.**
Julie Driscoll, from Hyve Group, was elected at the organisation’s latest annual general meeting and takes over the position from IMEX CEO Carina Bauer.
The election also saw Matthew Butler, executive director at CloserStill Media, become vice chair.
> Congratulations to Julie Driscoll, who has been appointed as the new AEO Chair. The AEO Board also sees Matthew Butler assume the position of Vice Chair.
> We thank Carina Bauer, now Past AEO Chair, for her leadership over the last 12 months.
> Press release: [pic.twitter.com/lRR6GwBRGd](https://t.co/lRR6GwBRGd)
>
> — AEO (@aeonews) [September 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/aeonews/status/1572170171976130561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Julie said: “I am honoured to be stepping into the role of AEO chair, following the exceptional leadership of Carina Bauer.
“Through the cross-association diversity and inclusion group, we will continue to push forward to ensure our industry evolves at a greater rate, to reflect the wonderfully diverse audiences we serve.
“We will work closely with the AEV and ESSA to improve the industry’s profile with the government, so they’re clear on the enormous economic value the exhibitions industry brings, as the cost of living bites. This starts with a reception in Parliament next month.
“Of course, sustainability and talent continue to be pressing and we‘ll work tirelessly to turn the dial on the status quo.
“There is much work to be done over the coming 12 months but we are up to the challenge.”
Carina will now assume the role of past chair for the forthcoming year.
## **Ms Marvel director to deliver UFI Congress keynote address**
**UFI has announced a two-time Academy Award-winning filmmaker as the keynote speaker for its upcoming Global Congress in Oman.**
Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy, director of the critically acclaimed Marvel Studio’s series Ms Marvel, will deliver the address at the event in Muscat in November.
The congress, taking place in November, is expected to be the largest ever gathering of leaders of the exhibition industry.
> ?️ UFI Global Congress in Oman ?? attracts Academy Award-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy as keynote
>
> ? Registration trends show the 2022 event to be one of the largest and most diverse
>
> ? See media release: [\#UFIcongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFIcongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/N6aMwcYVnx](https://t.co/N6aMwcYVnx)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [September 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1572234172969762817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, said: “We couldn’t be more proud to bring the industry to Oman for this year’s event.
“The Middle East, and Oman specifically, has shown significant investment and commitment to developing a world-class business-events ecosystem. They are embracing our sector as a driver of economic growth.
“We are excited to be working with the host team to put on this truly unique event and our promising early-registration numbers show that industry professionals are also eager to meet again face-to-face and to see what Oman has to offer.”
The 2022 iteration of the UFI Global Congress is the first to return to the Middle East since 2012, though the association has hosted regular regional conferences each spring in the region.
## **GITEX 3.0 to be largest scale ever**
**Dubai World Trade Centre has announced it the next edition of GITEX Global will be the largest capacity in the show’s history.**
This continued expansion has fuelled the installation of three additional sold-out halls at the venue and will cover an overall size equivalent to 33 football fields.
The tech-focused exhibition is set to outperform its previous edition as it prepares to host more than 4,500 companies and 100,000-plus attendees from 170 countries, spanning 26 halls.
ExpoPlatform will be event tech provider at the exhibition, taking place between October 10 and 14, including the GITEX Plus app among others solutions.
> The hype is just getting bigger! Make sure you're prepared for it. Download the GITEX Plus app and get ready for the full [\#GITEXGLOBAL](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GITEXGLOBAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) experience on your fingertips.
> Register;. [pic.twitter.com/O6F2jEAPoY](https://t.co/O6F2jEAPoY)
>
> — GITEX GLOBAL (@GITEX\_GLOBAL) [September 22, 2022](https://twitter.com/GITEX_GLOBAL/status/1572909490235912194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of events management at DWTC, said: “As the curious audience attempts to make sense of the real versus virtual world we are creating, GITEX GLOBAL takes the helm in partnering with global tech leaders to empower, enlighten and enthuse everyone on the metamorphosis of the digital economy.
“GITEX GLOBAL will cut through the hype and emotions, gathering the best minds in all businesses around the world to debate, challenge and rationalise the impact of this tech fusion on society and our future. This is GITEX 3.0.”
Growth of the annual five-day event is spurred by demand across all industry sectors – with at least 1,400 new exhibitors among the global line-up of companies and start-ups showcasing ground-breaking applications.
Areas of expertise include the metaverse, AI, Web 3.0, blockchain, 6G, cloud computing, fintech and [big data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/big-data-in-your-pocket/).
## **ESSA launches new sustainability course**
**An events body has launched a new program with the aim of tackling carbon emissions across our industry.**
The Sustainability Awareness training course by ESSA focuses on key knowledge areas for the supplier and services sector.
It has been created in partnership with Green Circle Solutions to offer clear guidance for companies and staff.
Andrew Harrison, ESSA director, said: “[Sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/), as a core part of business, is a must-have, and those that incorporate it into their business strategies are being socially responsible and are also improving their business and their position in the industry.
“There is a keen appetite amongst our members to embed all aspects of sustainability into the way they do business but it can be incredibly difficult to know where to start which is where this training course comes in.
“We have designed it in a logical and succinct way to enlighten members and enable them to build their sustainability roadmap whilst dispelling the myths surrounding how complicated it needs to be.”
The course is split into digestible chapters to provide a robust understanding of the important paths to a sustainable business in a clear and concise way. Topics covered include:
- Sustainability background
- Understanding our impact
- The language of carbon
- Reporting and planning for net zero
**Download our free [Sustainable Events Checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/sustainable-events-checklist/) for an event organiser’s guide to creating greener live shows.**
## **ITS World Congress sees record-breaking numbers**
**The ITS World Congress has recorded its highest ever numbers with more than 6,000 industry professionals in attendance.**
Delegates from 64 countries descended on California to see cutting-edge technologies, educational programming and demonstrations showcased by leading organisations.
More than 180 educational sessions and panels took place at the show, organised by RX, where experts discussed priority issues surrounding the transportation space.
> The 28th ITS World Congress has officially come to an end! [\#ITSWC2022](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ITSWC2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Time to enjoy LA? [pic.twitter.com/7g4yZfBJuD](https://t.co/7g4yZfBJuD)
>
> — ITS Congresses (@ITS\_Congresses) [September 22, 2022](https://twitter.com/ITS_Congresses/status/1573097818604052481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Jaime McAuley, ITS America Events event director at RX, said: “ITS World Congress 2022 successfully united global industry experts to develop smart transportation solutions into the future.
“It was fantastic to see the international diversity and footprint the show recruited to attend.”
The event also Atlanta, Georgia announced as the next US city to host this premier global event in 2025.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [ExpoPlatform made into the Semi-finals at the Web Summit Pitch Competition 2017](https://expoplatform.com/blog/expoplatform-made-into-the-semi-finals-at-the-web-summit-pitch-competition-2017/)
**Published:** June 8, 2018
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
We, at ExpoPlatform, are proud to make into the semi-finals at Web Summit 2017!
First, we were selected from 2000 startups to 200 companies which were allowed to pitch to the investors from all over the world. After the first round of pitches we we chosen to 30 best startups and were able to pitch at Semi-Final round of startup presentations.
The event is aiming to address the global problems and challenges that our society is facing at the moment. Thus, we are proud to be the only event technology company to go so far at one of the best IT event in the world.
Web Summit is the largest IT conference, which gathered this year more than 60,000 attendees from all over the world. Web Summit – 24 conferences all hosted under one roof, focusing on industry tracks from marketing to design, coding to robotics, SaaS to [big data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/big-data-in-your-pocket/) and more. At Web Summit, one could learn about every major industry touched by technology. Reach and network with the CEOs and founders of the world’s leading companies, top speakers, exciting startups and influential tech investors. After talks finish, the networking continued at series of exclusive, specially curated night events, where our network come together over a drink and more. 650 speakers, 2,200 journalists and more than 160 countries – this is Web summit 2017!
**Categories:** All
---
### [Top tips to select an event tech partner - EVENTIT webinar](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/eventit-webinar-insights/)
**Published:** July 22, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**“The more savvy organisers are trying to dig into where the opportunities lie to add value.”**
Those are the words of ExpoPlatform’s Chief Growth Officer Luke Bilton on the role event tech now plays in the return to live.
His comments came as he joined Chloe Richardson from Explori to discuss the key considerations for organisers at the EVENTIT summer webinar series.
The past few years have witnessed widespread adoption of tech by eventprofs to create more value-driven experiences for their audience.
It means Technology has become a critical tool for event success – but how do you choose the right provider?
Luke said: “It’s been like a caffeine injection to the heart of event technology and it really has sped things up. There’s been a huge amount of investment put into the space.
“There’s been a realisation by event organisers about how at risk you are if you just have a single platform strategy and you don’t think about how you use other channels to connect with each other.”
Chloe added: “90% of event marketers believe that technology can have a major positive impact on the success of their events.”
The digital transformation triggered by the pandemic led to a deluge of new tech tools and solutions in the market.
Despite the abundance of options, many exhibition and conference organisers continue to struggle to find the right tech that suits their needs.
Here we will go into the top tips set out by Chloe and Luke about how to find the best tech provider for your needs.
## **Tech is much more than virtual events**
**At the height of the pandemic, the industry was buzzing with virtual events. New companies were born catering to this category but ended up over scaling their investments.**
Now this bubble seems to have burst, it’s clear replicating physical production in the online space hasn’t got the same traction as before.
Despite this, online meetings and digital streaming have remained a value-added component of event technology.
Chloe said: “When we talk about event tech, people jump immediately to the metaverse and virtual events – but there’s so much more that can be done with tech.
“Organisations can find it really difficult to find where tech can actually support them and where it fits in.”
Luke added: “The more savvy organisers are trying to dig into where the opportunities lie to add value – it isn’t replicating the physical experience virtually.”
Such tech-driven live shows are called **Smart Events**. Learn how you can plan one with our **[complete organiser’s guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)**.
## **Tip #1 – Satisfy your ROI goals**
**ExpoPlatform’s [latest survey](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/top-tech-survey/) shows a majority of tradeshow organisers put top priority on ROI for their spending on event tech.**
This means better lead retrieval, more quality leads and a higher volume of conversions than before.
On-demand content and streaming of videos as well as the Hosted Buyer experience also rank high in increasing the net promoter score of the event.
Luke said: “When you look at a typical event and then one which has hosted buying as a component, the satisfaction for visitors and exhibitors can be incredibly high.
“For certain types of events where it’s hard to get around, solutions like floor planning and interactive maps are quite handy.”
**Be clear on your ROI goals and evaluate how the tech would advance customer satisfaction before finalising a vendor.**
## **Tip #2 – Do your due diligence**
**It’s crucial to establish the credibility of the event tech provider before you partner with them.**
Luke said: “Make sure they do what you need them to do or at least 95% of what you need.
“Case studies are incredibly useful to customers but a lot can be done by desk research by going through websites, watching demos, reading testimonials etc.”
He added that a big issue in the event space is that people think in “show cycles”. This means if a ramp-up occurs, they keep trying to figure out the gaps and customise every aspect.
“It takes a while to figure out how you’re going to get your exhibitors to adopt it. The best way is an iterative approach where you would take your first event and then you learn, make changes, roll it into your next event and so on.”
**Align the roadmap of your event tech provider with yours, especially if planning for a long-term partnership.**
## **Tip #3 – Are the data principles on point?**
**Does the event data belong to you or the technology vendor?**
A successful partnership is transparent on how the data is used. The key difference is between **data** **controller** and **data processor**, as laid out by GDPR rules.
So this about who gets to control and what will be the role of the tech provider?
A vendor-led model allows the platform provider to control the user information while an organiser-led model gives the planner full control of attendee data.
Luke recommended organisers to check the [**VSef data standards**](https://vsef.io/) to understand how the vendor’s data policies should align with theirs.
**Think about the [big picture while planning a collaboration – data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/big-data-in-your-pocket/) issues can adversely affect your brand standing.**
## **Tip #4 – Make your integrations work**
**Poor event tech integrations usually end in a disappointing delegate experience – glitches and delays can be a nightmare and even impact future shows.**
Chloe said: “According to Forrester, 51% of decision-makers are satisfied with their event platforms but 94% counted issues with the platform set-up.”
Luke added: “One of the biggest headaches is we’re shifting back quickly into in-person events and there’s a real need to integrate with lots of legacy platforms.
“We need to do the badging on site and have to go back to re-integrations with registration companies and even if you have got really good APIs, getting integrations in place is a major pain point.”
Luke suggested going for a platform with in-built integrations than experimenting with different loosely integrated technologies that could have multiple points of failure.
He said: “It makes for a really disjointed experience where people register in one platform, exhibitor gets pushed into another platform to do the onboarding exhibitor manual, then it gets pushed into another platform which might have the exhibitor listening and so on.”
Luke shared examples of ExpoPlatform working with tech companies to create demand-based integration suites.
“One of them is a tool called Session Board. If you’ve got complex content agendas to build and want to do call for papers and peer reviews – it’s really useful in academic conferences.
“Another example we’re working with our tech partners is to develop badging kiosks. They are already run off ExpoPlatform software and it made sense now that we have a co-branded service and things like that.”
The integrations offered should match your requirements to ensure a seamless, lag-free audience experience.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Come to see us at ArabPlast 2015 (10-13 Jan) in Dubai](https://expoplatform.com/blog/come-to-see-us-at-arabplast-2015-10-13-jan-in-dubai/)
**Published:** May 9, 2017
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform LTD an event web platform and mobile app provider supports ArabPlast 2015 in Dubai.
If you are an organiser of exhibitions/conferences in the MENA region you are most welcome to visit ArabPlast, meet our team there and discuss the possibility of cooperation on your events. ArabPlast is the leading and LARGEST plastics, petrochemicals and rubber industry trade show in the MENA region.
From 10th – 13th January we will be supporting ArabPlast 2015 which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre and has about 1000 [exhibitors and over 25 000 visitors,](https://expoplatform.com/releases/scannable-visitor-qr-codes-for-distributor-wall/) with our interactive web portal and mobile app.
Come and see us on stand number 8Z146 at the exhibition enterance, where we’ll be on hand to answer any questions visitors and exhibitors may have about our web platform and mobile application features, and to discuss with them how their companies will benefit from the business networking our technology enables.
**Categories:** All
---
### [Alfajer's Arabplast in Cooperation with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/alfajers-arabplast-in-cooperation-with-expoplatform/)
**Published:** April 4, 2017
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
AlFajer’s ArabPlast exhibition is going online, in cooperation with ExpoPlatform ArabPlast 2015 – the leading and LARGEST plastics, petrochemicals and rubber industry trade show in the MENA region will take place in Dubai, 10-13 January 2015.
This time, communication between trade visitors and exhibitors is starting a whole month before the actual exhibition dates on the online platform launched in partnership with ExpoPlatform LTD.
Aside from the ability to exchange messages, browse exhibitor profiles and product catalogues, attendees can also schedule appointments, use a business matching tool, browse the job market, as well as save any useful data they come across in an e-briefcase using the web platform.
This year, the registration process will also be handled online, consolidating multiple systems and helping the [organiser and exhibitors stay in touch with every visitor](https://expoplatform.com/releases/organiser-notes-for-visitor-and-exhibitor-profiles/) after the exhibition dates.
The ArabPlast Online platform will be available for a whole year following the live event in Dubai, preserving the valuable [connections made during the event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/crowd-connected/), and providing the right tools to help grow the plastics business network in the Gulf.
**Categories:** All
---
### [Don't Rush](https://expoplatform.com/blog/dont-rush/)
**Published:** March 17, 2017
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
5 exhibition participation planning tips that will help you avoid the last minute crunch.
Be smart about planning your participation at the exhibition. Use the valuable advice from experience.
1\. Determine your type of [business and set](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220502/) out the goals you would like to reach at the exhibition. These will help you make the most important decision – which trade show you will be a participant of.
2\. Set a firm budget. Select the most important aspects that you can not save money on, and try to accomplish the rest on a low budget.
3\. Divide you exhibition preparation into two categories: A – Developing your marketing strategy: determine who will be your potential customers and what services you will offer, devise strategies for general visitors, potential clients and partnership opportunities. Research the best ways to advertise your company before the exhibition begins. B – Preparing your exhibition booth and promotion materials: you may want to draw attention to your company with a bright and interesting exhibition booth, you may also want to have some information packets for visitors.
4\. The exhibition is always a crowded place so be sure your company logo is large enough to be seen from a distance, so that those who are looking for you can find you easily. The “first message” to your visitors has to be so clear that your main business activity should be clear to any passer by without help or explanations.
5\. Explore the [market before the exhibition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-week-20220422/) starts. Make appointments with the companies that may be useful partners for your business. Take note of interesting [events at the exhibition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/) and consider holding your own event to increase your profile and attract new customers.
Hold a webinar to promote your services and products [online even after the exhibition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/) is over. Create a list of contacts, and your favorite products that will be present at the exhibition.
Most importantly, analyse all the information you gather including analytics collected on your stand online.
And last but not the least – good luck!
**Categories:** All
---
### [Is Singapore the MICE industry capital of the APAC region?](https://expoplatform.com/trends/singapore-mice-industry/)
**Published:** June 3, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**The Singapore MICE industry is on the rise and now arguably the events capital of the Asia-Pacific market.**
Its regional access, relative geopolitical neutrality and excellent exhibition ecosystem and infrastructure are all massive contributing factors.
But is there a catch to the growth of the Singapore MICE market? Or will it continue to cement itself as the central events hub of the APAC region?
In this article, we will explore the following:
- **[Why geography and infrastructure are key to the Singapore MICE market boom](#one)**
- **[Singapore: the geopolitical neutral hub for event professionals](#two)**
- **[The cost catch of being an industry hot spot](#three)**
- **[Why organizers are capitalizing on the Singapore MICE ecosystem](#four)**
Understanding the [market’s direction is key to taking advantage](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/paul-maerz/) of future opportunities. Let’s dig in.
## Why geography and infrastructure are key to the Singapore MICE market boom
**The first key to understanding why Singapore is [fast becoming the APAC region’s event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/digital-event-strategy/) hub is its inherent advantages.**
First is its geographical positioning – it is quite literally in the middle of everything.
Singapore sits between Australia, China, India and is a stone’s throw away from the Middle East and the rest of South-East Asia.
This makes the country appealing to organizers and exhibiting companies based in or with significant business interests in the region.
However, there are other countries with similar geographical advantages – so what makes Singapore stand out?
The answer is the infrastructure – the country is politically stable with heavily regulated public services and business-focused ecosystems.
Singapore’s government has [invested heavily in its travel](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20230509/), tourism and business venue framework.
This includes adding a fifth terminal to Changi Airport to increase capacity and further regional and global connectivity.
The move came after the airport recorded [70 million passengers in 2025.](https://www.mot.gov.sg/what-we-do/aviation/global-aviation-hub/)
Then there is the Singapore MICE infrastructure, which is ideal for event professionals.
Some of the region’s premier venues – Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre and the event purpose-built Singapore EXPO – come with 120,000+ square meters of event space.
**Marina Bay Sands boasts the largest exhibition facilities in the country.**
The urban infrastructure also streamlines logistics for organizers and exhibitors, making the event experience smoother for attendees.
Navigating between the airport, hotels, restaurants and venues is easy, which primes the area for conferences and trade shows.
## Singapore: the geopolitical neutral hub for event professionals
**Singapore’s relative geopolitical neutrality is another [key pillar of its status as an event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/365-community-platform/) hub.**
Rising tensions between multiple regions means a politically stable, [globally viable and comparatively neutral meeting](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-08-04-2024/) point is valuable.
This is crucial when tensions between countries from the East and West can be a tricky tightrope to walk when it comes to business interests.
Singapore walks the line well enough that organizations from these regions with competing interests can sit in the same room without ruffling any political feathers.
The reality of the current climate is that organizers and businesses do not just need to think about logistics when securing or attending an event venue on the global stage.
Political comfort is a growing factor and Singapore is one of the few places in the region that ticks all the necessary boxes.
Firms from China, the US, Europe and the Middle East – as well as investors – can attend [events there while feeling secure](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-09-22/) and at ease.
**Singapore’s stability attracts business to APAC from around the world.**
Singapore serves as a geopolitical middle ground – while not absolutely neutral, it is a commercially open and diplomatically cautious space.
## The cost catch of being an industry hot spot
**There is a counterpoint to being a premium event location for an entire region – it costs.**
To put it simply – Singapore is expensive. With the Singapore Economic Development Board calling it [the world’s most expensive city.](https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/business-insights/insights/what-does-it-really-cost-to-live-in-singapore-the-worlds-most-expensive-city.html?)
This could be perceived as a key weakness – if an organizer is looking to produce an [event on a low budget](https://expoplatform.com/blog/chloe-richardson-may2023/), it may not be the best option.
But the real [question should be – is hosting an event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/douglas-orr-mar25/) there worth it? Absolutely.
You get what you pay for and there is no question that as far as the Singapore MICE market goes, it is the premium option in APAC.
What you get in return is great returns on the money spent – easy access, low geopolitical risk, high-end experiences and credibility.
High-value industries such as aviation, fintech, maritime and AI will undoubtedly see returns from choosing a more premium location.
## Why organizers are capitalizing on the Singapore MICE ecosystem
**Leading global event organizers are already taking full advantage of the Singapore MICE ecosystem.**
Informa and Deutsche Messe are among the major industry names seeking to capitalize on the benefits outlined above.
RX has also planted its flag in the region with RX Singapore – aiming to be the first choice for exhibitors looking to build their businesses.
They cover events in the maritime, aviation, built environments and media and entertainment industries.
Upcoming events include [BEX Asia](https://www.bex-asia.com/en-gb.html) and [Asia TV Forum](https://www.asiatvforum.com/en-gb.html) – both taking place at Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands.
Deutsche Messe’s Hannover Fairs Asia Pacific hosts logistics and supply chain trade fair – [CeMAT South-east Asia](https://cematseasia.com/), at Singapore EXPO.
The number of notable international organizers and high-value [events taking place in the region continues](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20221205/) to support the Singapore MICE ecosystem.
Venues continue to invest in their capabilities with government agency [backing to create an attractive event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/dei-apr25/) calendar for sponsors.
Each of these elements is key to securing Singapore’s growing reputation as the premium event capital of APAC.
**ExpoPlatform served as the official tech provider for [the Meetings Show Asia Pacific](https://www.themeetingsshow-apac.com/) 2026 which took place at Marina Bay Sands in April. Bring the most advanced tech to your next APAC event and book a demo [here.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Easyfairs combines three leading pop culture events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-06-22/)
**Published:** June 22, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Easyfairs has announced that it is bringing together three of its leading pop culture events.**
The event organizer will launch the combined trio as Heroes World later this year.
This strategic move aims to build on a strong foundation of success while creating a renewed visitor experience.
Your other main industry stories include:
- [Informa reveals strong five-month underlying revenue growth](#one)
- [DWTC enters a partnership with -45dB to introduce sound-reduced meeting spaces](#two)
Read on for your full Week in Event news.
## Easyfairs launches new pop culture integrated event
**Event organizer Easyfairs is uniting three of its leading pop culture shows under one brand.**
GameForce, Heroes Comic Con and Made in Asia will be combined into one large integrated platform.
Heroes World will build on the strong foundation laid by these shows and provide a renewed visitor experience.
Anne Lafere, co-CEO of Easyfairs, said: “The evolution of Heroes Comic Con, Made in Asia and GameForce into the unified festival Heroes World will redefine what a pop culture event should be.”
The three events collectively drew +60,000 attendees last year.
Easyfairs plans to capitalize on this success by providing a clear, unified thematic structure and program that will bring together the gaming, movie, TV, comic book, collectible and creative fandom communities.
Heroes World will launch in October later this year at Brussels Expo.
## Informa reveals strong five-month underlying revenue growth
**Informa has announced a five-month underlying growth of 6.4% in its latest AGM trading update.**
This shows the organizer’s growing strength and reconfirms full-year earnings guidance.
The weighted average is based on the combined [growth of B2B live events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/financial-services-event-tech/) (7.6%) and academic markets (5.5%).
Stephen A. Carter, group chief executive of Informa, said: “The depth and breadth of Informa’s portfolio, both geographically and by market category, continues to deliver growth, international expansion and product and brand innovation.”
These statistics show strong growth in Greater China, the Americas, Europe, IMEA and ASEAN prior to the situation in Iran.
Informa will provide [updates on how growth in markets](https://expoplatform.com/releases/sep-oct-product-update/) directly affected by the conflict has been impacted in its interim results.
The B2B organizer indicated that it is on track for even stronger growth in 2027.
## DWTC enters a partnership with -45dB to introduce sound-reduced meeting spaces
**Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has entered a partnership with specialist provider of sound-reduced modular structures -45dB.**
The venue wants to introduce sound-reduced modular meeting spaces.
This move aims to [enhance functionality and privacy during events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/event-sponsorship-packages/) and exhibitions with high footfall.
Mahir Julfar, executive vice president at DWTC, said: “As the scale and complexity of global events continues to evolve, the way we design and deliver event environments must evolve with it.
“The partnership with -45dB underscores DWTC’s commitment to elevating the quality of engagement within our venues, while embedding [sustainability more meaningfully into the event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainable-events-are-win-win-for-organisers-expert-scientist-says/) lifecycle.”
Some of the solutions -45dB will be rolling out include – meeting pods and flexible spaces that can be converted into full conference rooms designed to reduce up to forty-five decibels of sound.
The specialist will work directly with organizers and [exhibitors to install the solutions required for each event](https://expoplatform.com/releases/june-2024-product-update/) under the agreement.
These will be installed at both the Dubai Exhibition Centre and Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
**That was your full Week in Events, thanks for reading. Bring emerging tech solutions to your event by [booking a free demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform today.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Apollo announce who will lead combined Questex and Emerald business](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-06-29/)
**Published:** June 29, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Apollo has announced the appointment of the new CEO of the recently unified Emerald and Questex.
Paul Miller will take leadership of the combined company.
The current CEO of Questex will start this role upon completion of the transaction.
Your other top headlines include:
- [IEG set to open new hall that will serve as the venue’s main hub](#one)
- [Life Science Connect acquires CDMO Live and PharmaSource](#two)
Read on for more event industry news.
## Apollo announces Paul Miller as CEO of recently combined business
**Apollo has revealed that Paul Miller will be the new Chief Executive Officer of the combined Questex and Emerald.**
The current CEO of the former will take the leadership position upon completion of the transaction.
He will bring [three decades of experience in the events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-06-22/) industry, media and information services to the role.
Paul, said: “I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the combined company and work alongside such a talented group of employees across both Emerald and Questex.”
Emerald president and CEO Herve Sedky will also continue to play a pivotal role in the new company’s future.
He will transition to senior advisor to the combined business.
The transaction involving Emerald and Questex is still expected to close later this year – subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.
Herve, added: “This combination creates a stronger platform – one defined by greater scale, deep expertise, expanded capabilities and a shared commitment to delivering meaningful value for our customers, exhibitors and partners.
“I look forward to working with Paul and the rest of the leadership team as we build on that foundation and guide both companies into this next chapter.”
## IEG set to open new hall that will serve as the venue’s main hub
**Italian Exhibition Group has revealed that’s it newest expansion ‘Hall 2‘ will open in September.**
This will feature a two-story facility within the Vicenza Expo Centre.
The added 23,000 m2 of space will make ‘Hall 2’ the main hub of the entire venue.
Mario Vescovo, director of IEG’s Vicenza venue, said: “Having ensured the continuity of four editions of Vicenzaoro with an investment of 60 million and a construction site that had zero impact on attendees is an enormous success for us.
“We are therefore preparing to launch this transformation of the entire exhibition and conference centre: not only will Vicenzaoro offer a better visitor experience and improved circulation between halls, but decisions, such as the nine-metre height of the new Hall 2’s two floors, will also allow for optimal use for further events across different product sectors.”
“Hall 2“ will open its doors in time for the 2026 edition of Vicenzaoro and T.Gold.
IEG sees this new space as the perfect meeting point for the international jewelry community.
The new infrastructure will provide a streamlined experience for attendees while raising the quality and standard of the venue as a whole.
## Life Science Connect acquires CDMO Live and PharmaSource
**CDMO Live and PharmaSource have been taken over by Life Science Connect (LSC).**
The two leading brands are part of the Life Science Networks and serve the biopharma outsourcing sector.
CDMO Live is the leading event for biopharma development and manufacturing, while PharmaSource serves as a fast-growing online community for the sector.
Jon Howland, CEO at LSC, said: “To build and grow our events division, our approach is to start with great people, entrepreneurs with a vision of how to provide specific audiences with actionable content and connections to others in the community who can help them.”
LSC now seeks to launch a world-leading biopharma outsourcing platform on the back of these events.
The U.S.-based life sciences media business seeks to use its established marketing-led platforms to achieve this.
It will focus on growing the brands and creating a new events division within the LSC portfolio.
**Thank you for reading.[ Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to supercharge your event through tech.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Easyfairs acquires Nordic Live Expo](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-07-06/)
**Published:** July 6, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Easyfairs is taking over full ownership of Nordic Live Expo, having been a long-term shareholder.**
The organizer now seeks to increase its commitment with a complete takeover.
It is also a strategic move to further growth and development in the Nordics region.
Your other main industry stories include:
- **[Arc appoints new US CEO and Group COO](#one)**
- **[The Scottish Event Campus welcomes new director and board member](#two)**
Read on for more [top event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-5-best-event-management-software-providers-for-2026/) industry news.
## Easyfairs takes over full ownership of Nordics Live Expo
**Nordics Live Expo has been fully acquired by its long-term partner and shareholder Easyfairs Belgium.**
The organizer will invest more in the [event and its future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) development.
This strategic move aims to strengthen Easyfairs’ position in the Nordic countries – Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland.
Henrik Johansson, CEO of Easyfairs Nordic, said: “Taking full ownership of Nordic Live Expo is a natural and very positive next step for us.
“As an existing shareholder, we have already had the opportunity to see the strength of the business, the quality of the [team and the value the events](https://expoplatform.com/careers/) create for their communities.”
Easyfairs sees this acquisition as an important part of its strategy to invest in high-quality businesses with strong market positioning.
It also reflects the [organizer’s belief in the region’s growing events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/kaori-pereyra-lago/) sector.
Nordic Live Expo sees this move as a gateway to greater opportunities and builds upon their success.
## Arc appoints new US CEO and Group COO
**Arc has made two major executive [appointments to its leadership](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230703/) team.**
David Blansfield is joining the company as its US chief executive officer, bringing over three decades of B2B [events and marketing experience](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/enrico-gallorini-jan25/) to the role.
Tim Hart will take on the position of group chief operating officer – a newly expanded role as part of the company’s strategy to accelerate growth.
David said: “Arc has built an exceptional platform and I am here to help the team make the most of it and accelerate growth across the US business.”
Tim added: “In my expanded group role, I am equally excited to work more closely with our broader leadership team on strategy and delivery across the full network.
“Arc is in a strong position and I am delighted to be taking on wider responsibility as we continue to accelerate.”
Tim has played a vital role in creating business opportunities since Arc’s inception.
He will now take on broader responsibilities for the group acceleration plan, group strategy and integration.
## The Scottish Event Campus welcomes new director and board member
**The Scottish Event Campus (SEC) has revealed two additions to the company.**
Ruth Bailey joins the board as an independent non-executive director – her appointment is an investment in the business’s long-term growth.
She has more than twenty years of experience in the civil engineering sector and has delivered large-scale projects across the UK, Asia and Australia.
Ruth said: “I look forward to working with the Board and leadership team to support the campus’s development, ensure [sustainable investment and help the SEC continue](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20221205/) to deliver world-class experiences for clients, visitors and the city alike.”
The SEC also announced Peter Haggarty will take on the role of director of development and infrastructure.
He will begin his new role this month and will be pivotal in executing the campus’s future growth plans.
Peter is the former chair of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building.
**Thank you for reading.[ Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to supercharge your event through tech.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [ATM 2026 rescheduled amid safety concerns](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-03-23/)
**Published:** March 23, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Leading organizer RX has announced the rescheduling of Arabian Travel Market 2026.**
The show has been moved from May to August, where Dubai World Trade Centre will remain the host venue.
This move comes amid concerns over the safety of visitors and partners.
Your other main industry stories include:
- [CloserStill Media announces the launch of Data Center Americas](#one)
- [Messe Frankfurt and IMEX extend their collaboration agreement by five years](#two)
Keep reading for your full news stories.
## RX reschedules Arabian Travel Market 2026 for August
**RX has confirmed that ATM 2026 has been rescheduled from May to August.**
This move was made to prioritize the safety of visitors, sponsors and partners of the show.
RX believes this will also give the members of the global travel and tourism community more flexibility and confidence to attend.
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director of Arabian Travel Market, said: “The safety and well-being of our customers, partners and colleagues remains our highest priority and the decision to reschedule ATM 2026 to August reflects our commitment to ensuring that everyone can participate at this important industry gathering.”
ATM has long served the global travel and tourism sector with this year’s being the 33rd edition of the show.
The event’s focus is to provide a [platform for industry leaders and suppliers to connect](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), share and collaborate.
Dubai World Trade Centre remains the host venue for the show – which will now take place from the 17th to 20th of August.
## CloserStill Media launches Data Center Americas
**CloserStill Media has announced aexpansin on of its leading data event series.**
Data Center Americas is being launched to focus on the US data and digital infrastructure sector.
The inaugural event will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, said: “The launch of Data Center Americas is a major milestone for CloserStill and our globally renowned data center event series.
“Building on our proven track [record of delivering leading technology events](https://expoplatform.com/events-final-page/event-watching-watch-recording-of-the-session-event-tech-forecast-2024/) worldwide, this expansion strengthens our international portfolio whilst building on the momentum we’ve created in North America through our recent partnerships with Ai4 and Billington CyberSecurity.”
This first edition of Data Center Americas is expected to draw more than 3,000 attendees.
The US accounts for a large share of global data center capacity and is projected to exceed $600 billion in capital expenditure this year.
This event will serve as a platform for senior decision-makers to shape the next phase of digital infrastructure investment.
Yancy Weinrich, US president of CloserStill Media, added: “Data Center Americas is a significant addition to our US portfolio and reflects the critical [importance of the US market to the digital](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/ett-20211209/) infrastructure community.
“CloserStill operates the largest data center events in the world and we’re bringing that proven model to North America.”
## Messe Frankfurt and IMEX extend their collaboration agreement by five years
**Messe Frankfurt and IMEX have extended their long-term partnership.**
The venue has been the host of IMEX Frankfurt since it’s inception.
This agreement will see the world’s leading trade continue to be hosted there until 2030.
Mark Mulligan, IMEX’s director of operations, said: “Frankfurt is where the IMEX story began with the launch of our very first show more than 20 years ago.
“By working closely with the Messe Frankfurt team and our other partners across the city, we’ve strengthened the show‘s role as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration and positive impact across our sector.”
IMEX Frankfurt 2025 edition drew 13,000+ global visitors including – 4,000 buyers and 2,900 exhibitors.
The show’s theme is ‘Design Matters‘ which is in line with the city’s status as World Design Capital 2026.
This year’s edition of IMEX Frankfurt will take place from May 19 to May 21.
Michael Biwer, vice president guest events at Messe Frankfurt, added: “Our long-standing collaboration with IMEX shows what can be achieved through partnership.
“We create an environment in Frankfurt that offers international organizers the best conditions for exchange, development and sustainable growth.”
**Thank you for reading. [Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) today to supercharge your event through tech.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Event registration best practices: How to choose and optimize online ticketing and check-in solutions](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/registration/event-registration-best-practices/)
**Published:** December 18, 2023
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Smooth, secure registration is the backbone of every successful event. The right ticketing and check-in setup speeds entry, boosts conversions and cuts operational overhead — all while improving the attendee experience. This guide outlines practical best practices for registration: the must-have features, workflow improvements, and security controls you should prioritize. We also compare reliable online and mobile tools, and show how attendee tracking and analytics drive continuous improvement.
## What are the essential features of effective event registration software?
Good registration software removes friction for both organizers and attendees. Core features include automated ticketing and check-in, a clear, mobile-friendly interface, PCI-compliant payment processing, and centralized attendee data management. Together, these elements make sign-ups fast and reliable, reduce mistakes, and give teams the control they need to run events consistently.
### How do automated registration and check-in improve event efficiency?
Automation speeds throughput and reduces manual errors by handling large volumes of registrations and check-ins without extra staff. Automated systems let attendees self-serve, shorten queues, and free organizers to manage higher-level tasks — from programming to on-site logistics — so the whole event runs more smoothly.
### Which security features protect attendee data and payment information?
Protecting attendee data is essential. Look for strong encryption for data in transit and at rest, PCI-compliant payment gateways, GDPR-ready data controls, and optional multi-factor authentication for admin access. Together, these measures reduce breach risk and build trust with attendees.
## How can you design and optimize event registration workflows for maximum conversion?
To maximize conversions, simplify every step of the registration funnel. Reduce unnecessary fields, present clear pricing and payment options, and use real-time validation and confirmation messaging to reassure registrants. Small reductions in friction translate directly into higher completion rates.
### What steps ensure a seamless online ticketing and registration process?
To create a smooth online ticketing flow, prioritize the basics:
- **Simplify the user interface**: Keep forms short and intuitive so people can register quickly.
- **Offer multiple payment options**: Support cards, digital wallets, and other preferred methods to avoid drop-off.
- **Provide immediate confirmation and instructions**: Send instant confirmation emails with event details and next steps to reduce attendee uncertainty.
These steps improve user experience and drive higher registration completion.
### How to integrate payment and confirmation for smooth attendee experience?
Choose a reliable payment provider that supports instant transaction confirmation and receipts. Automate confirmation emails and mobile tickets so attendees receive proof of purchase and essential event info within minutes. Automated messaging decreases support requests and helps attendees feel confident about their registration.
## Which online and mobile registration tools best support modern events?
Modern events benefit from platforms that combine a clean interface, real-time analytics and flexible configuration. Look for tools that let you customize registration flows, track conversions live, and adapt to hybrid formats — so you can meet attendees where they are, on desktop or mobile.
### How does mobile registration enhance attendee convenience and adoption?
Mobile registration lets people sign up anytime, anywhere, which raises conversion and accessibility. Mobile-first workflows also support push notifications, digital tickets and on-the-go updates that keep attendees informed and engaged. As attendee behavior shifts toward mobile, optimizing for phones becomes essential.
### What criteria should be used to select the best conference registration software?
Evaluate platforms against these key criteria:
- **User-friendliness**: Easy for both attendees and staff to use with minimal training.
- **Integration compatibility**: Seamless connections to CRM, marketing automation and payment systems.
- **Customer support availability**: Responsive vendor support and clear onboarding resources.
These considerations help you choose software that supports both operational needs and attendee expectations.
## What are best practices for secure and compliant event registration?
Security and compliance should be built into your registration stack, not bolted on. Follow proven practices to protect attendee data, meet legal requirements and maintain trust.
### How to implement data security and privacy in registration systems?
Start by encrypting data in transit and at rest, enforcing access controls, and training staff on privacy procedures. Use secure, updated devices for data processing and schedule regular security audits. These steps reduce exposure and keep systems resilient against emerging threats.
### Which compliance standards should event organizers follow?
GDPR is a major standard for events with EU attendees, but also review local privacy laws and industry-specific rules. Staying compliant avoids fines and strengthens attendee confidence — which can be a competitive advantage.
## How do attendee tracking and data analytics improve event success?
Data-driven insights turn behavior into better decisions. Tracking registration and engagement patterns helps you optimize marketing, tailor programming and measure ROI so each event performs better than the last.
### What metrics are essential for monitoring event registration and attendance?
Track these core KPIs:
- **Registration rate**: The share of visitors who complete registration.
- **Demographic data**: Attendee profiles that inform targeting and content decisions.
- **Engagement levels**: Measures of session participation and interaction to gauge value.
These metrics highlight strengths and reveal where to focus improvements.
### How to use analytics tools to enhance future registrations?
Use analytics to spot peak registration windows, analyze conversion paths, and run A/B tests on form layouts or messaging. Insights from past [events guide iterated changes that lift conversion and engagement](https://expoplatform.com/event/re-imagining-events-in-india-smarter-tech-stronger-engagement/) over time.
## How to leverage automated check-in solutions for onsite events?
Automated check-in removes bottlenecks and delivers a faster, more predictable arrival experience. Technologies like QR codes and mobile wallets let attendees validate quickly while staff handle exceptions and high-touch moments.
### What technologies enable fast and contactless event check-in?
Common contactless tools include:
- **QR code scanners**: Quick scans from attendees’ phones speed throughput.
- **Mobile ticketing**: Digital tickets simplify entry and cut paper waste.
- **Facial recognition software**: An emerging option that can accelerate check-in while adding security.
These technologies reduce friction and help create a better first impression on-site.
### How does automation reduce errors and improve attendee flow?
Automation standardizes verification steps, which reduces manual errors and shortens wait times. Case studies show automated check-in can dramatically improve throughput and attendee satisfaction, setting a positive tone for the event.
## Comparing ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo: market leaders in event registration solutions
ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo are both strong choices for event registration and management. Each platform delivers robust registration, engagement tools and analytics, but they emphasize different strengths to suit varied event needs.
**Feature****ExpoPlatform****Bizzabo**User InterfaceHighly customizable, modular layouts for complex event formatsClean, modern interface designed to maximize attendee engagementMobile RegistrationResponsive designs that work across devicesNative mobile app with advanced on-device featuresAnalytics & ReportingReal-time dashboards and exportable reports for operational insightAdvanced analytics with predictive capabilitiesIntegrationIntegrates with CRM, marketing automation and payment gatewaysExtensive third-party integrations, including social and marketing toolsSecurity & ComplianceGDPR-compliant platform with multi-factor authentication optionsGDPR-compliant with robust encryption and security controlsMarket PositionWell-suited for enterprise and industry-specific eventsPopular across conferences and multi-format events## Use cases for ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo
Both platforms support a wide range of events but tend to shine in particular scenarios based on their feature sets and integrations.
ExpoPlatform is frequently chosen for large enterprise events, trade shows and exhibitions where modular features and deep integrations matter. Its flexible design helps organizers adapt registration to complex formats and networking needs.
Bizzabo is often selected for conferences, seminars and hybrid events that prioritize attendee engagement and marketing-driven analytics. Its native app and integrated engagement tools support richer attendee experiences and behavior-driven personalization.
## Case studies highlighting success with ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo
Here are representative examples that show how each platform delivers measurable results.
**ExpoPlatform Case Studies:**
- *GITEX Global:* ExpoPlatform’s event app, meeting management, and networking tools to facilitate more than 7,000 meetings and achieve over 110,000 app downloads. The platform also enabled 500,000+ lead scans and generated more than one million leads, demonstrating how integrated registration and attendee engagement tools can drive large-scale event participation and business outcomes.
- *Vinexposium Connect:* used ExpoPlatform to strengthen year-round engagement and improve buyer-exhibitor matchmaking through its digital community platform. As a result, the percentage of exhibitors securing at least one pre-booked meeting increased from **55% to 75%**, highlighting the value of connecting registration and networking data to facilitate more meaningful event interactions.
**Bizzabo Case Studies:**
- *Piano:* used Bizzabo’s registration and event marketing tools to achieve a **25% website visitor-to-registration conversion rate** and a **61% registrant-to-attendee conversion rate** for Piano Academy Live. The event attracted **310 in-person attendees**, demonstrating the impact of a streamlined registration experience..
- *CMP (Customer Management Practice):* Using After implementing Bizzabo’s registration and event management tools, CMP achieved a **315% increase in exhibitor leads**, a **94% attendee adoption rate**, and **8,963 attendee contact exchanges**. The results show how integrated registration technology can improve engagement and event ROI.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right registration and ticketing stack removes friction, strengthens security and gives you data to improve future events. Prioritize essential features, streamline workflows and invest in analytics to build attendee trust and improve outcomes. Explore our guides and resources to refine your approach and select the tools that best fit your events — then put those practices to work for measurable results.
**Categories:** Registration
---
### [ExpoPlatform to support meeting experiences across flagship Hyve events including Shoptalk](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/hyve-partnership/)
**Published:** July 9, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has been appointed to support tech-enriched meeting experiences across a number of Hyve’s events.**
The move involves structured meeting formats across flagship shows including Shoptalk Europe, Shoptalk Spring, Shoptalk Fall, Shoptalk Luxe, Groceryshop, POSSIBLE Miami, Fintech Meetup, Bett and CWIEME.
Hyve facilitated more than 160,000 meetings in the last year – cementing the organiser as a pioneer in a meetings-first approach to events – which this new partnership aims to take to the next level.
Richard Hilsley, CTO of Hyve, said: “Creating valuable connections is central to the experience we want to deliver across our [events and is one of our key](https://expoplatform.com/ai-in-events/key-elements-of-ai-in-events/) drivers of customer value.
“Having the right technology to support this plays an important role in enabling these connections and offering a seamless process for our attendees, exhibitors and buyers.
“We’re pleased to be working with the team at ExpoPlatform to support that.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “Hyve is [setting the pace for meeting-first event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220429/) design.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Hyve, our platform powering a meeting program of this scale, matching thousands of buyers and sellers and supporting one of the most advanced meeting operations in our industry.
“But our platform does far more than matchmaking and meeting scheduling. We support the whole [event ecosystem – from session and speaker management](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-5-best-event-management-software-providers-for-2026/) to wayfinding, TableTalks, exhibitor listings and the marketplace – all delivered through a seamless web and app experience.
“We are looking forward to continuing to assist Hyve in turning every edition into real value for their attendees, with a system that keeps getting smarter show to show.”
This latest announcement comes after it was revealed the global business events group Hyve has been sold to private equity firm Hellman & Friedman for about $1.8 billion.
The group climbed from fifteenth to number eight in the latest STAX global ranking of exhibition organisers by [revenue – a signal that meeting-led growth](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-22020128/) is reshaping event economics.
**What the partnership delivers:**
- **Innovation across flagship shows:** A meeting infrastructure including pre-matched meetings where both sides have opted in, hosted buyer programs, peer roundtables, VIP concierge, speed networking sessions and serendipity spaces.
- **Predictable value & multiple formats:** Meeting formats that deliver genuine, measurable results for attendees, exhibitors and the organiser.
- **Unified, role-based journeys:** One hub for discovery, listing, scheduling, confirmations, on-site navigation and lead generation.
- **Evidence-backed ROI:** Clear attribution of meetings to outcomes to strengthen exhibitor and sponsor advocacy.
- **Administrative ease & actionable insights:** Streamlined meeting program management, automation of manual processes and robust reports and analytics.
As organisers continue to place greater emphasis on measurable customer outcomes, technology that supports multiple formats is becoming increasingly important.
ExpoPlatform delivers advanced matchmaking, multi-format meeting orchestration, mobile apps and AI-assistants to optimize journeys and outcomes across editions.
**[Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to start delivering meetings like Hyve.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Best event networking platforms — Top networking tools and matchmaking software](https://expoplatform.com/event-networking/event-networking/)
**Published:** August 19, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Selecting the right networking platform determines how well attendees connect and how much value they take away.
This guide breaks down the must-have features of leading event networking apps, explains how AI matchmaking works and highlights engagement features that boost conference outcomes.
We’ll show you how to evaluate platforms, quantify the benefits of matchmaking software and summarize the trends shaping networking in 2025–2026 so you can choose the best solution for your next event.
## What are the key features of the best event networking apps?
The best event networking apps make it easy for attendees to meet the right people and get more from their time. Look for these core capabilities:
- **AI matchmaking capabilities**: Machine-learning models analyze profiles stated interests and behavior to suggest high-probability connections—so introductions feel relevant and purposeful, not random.
- **User-friendly interfaces**: Clear, predictable navigation reduces friction so attendees learn the tool fast and spend more time networking.
- **Analytics and reporting tools**: Built-in dashboards and exportable reports show who connected, which sessions drove interaction and where to focus improvements for future events.
### How do AI matchmaking algorithms enhance attendee connections?
AI matchmaking boosts connection quality by using attendee data to generate tailored recommendations.
By combining profile details, stated interests, session behavior and past interactions, these algorithms surface relevant contacts, sessions and meetups.
That personalization drives more meaningful conversations and helps build community.
### What engagement tools boost networking at conferences and events?
Engagement features turn passive attendees into active participants. Common high-impact tools include:
- **Live polls and Q&A sessions**: Real-time interaction encourages participation, reveals audience sentiment and sparks follow-up conversations.
- **Networking lounges**: Informal spaces recreate hallway conversations, letting attendees meet casually without a rigid agenda.
- **Breakout rooms**: Small, topic-focused groups enable deeper discussion and make follow-up easier after the event.
## How to choose the right networking event platform for your event?
Choosing the right platform is about matching capabilities to your objectives and constraints. Use these criteria as a checklist:
- **Assessing event goals**: Clarify whether you need more one-to-one meetings, broader community building or measurable lead generation—and pick a platform that supports those outcomes.
- **Budget considerations**: Compare pricing tiers, add-ons, and implementation costs to ensure you get the functionality you need without unwelcome surprises.
- **Integration capabilities**: Confirm the platform connects with your CRM, marketing automation, and registration systems to streamline workflows and post-event follow-up.
### What are the differences between networking tools for in-person events?
Networking tools for in-person events are designed to amplify physical interaction and serendipity.
- **Accessibility**: In-person events are constrained by venue capacity and travel logistics.
- **Engagement Levels**: Face-to-face encounters often create stronger, faster rapport.
### Which conference networking solutions integrate best with CRM and marketing tools?
Pick platforms that let data flow into your existing systems.
Tools like ExpoPlatform and Brella provide broad integration options, simplifying registration, attendee tracking and targeted follow-up.
Smooth integrations cut manual work and improve the timeliness of post-event outreach.
## What are the benefits and ROI of using event matchmaking software?
Event matchmaking software delivers measurable value by connecting attendees with the right people and opportunities—raising satisfaction, engagement and business outcomes.
- **Improved attendee satisfaction**: When attendees meet relevant contacts, they report better experiences and are more likely to return for future events.
- **Higher engagement rates**: Personalized meeting suggestions and curated networking paths drive more active participation and longer session attendance.
### How does event networking analytics measure attendee engagement?
Networking analytics track engagement through metrics like session attendance, interaction frequency and feedback scores.
These insights help organizers learn what worked and where to iterate.
Common KPIs include:
- **Tracking attendee interactions**: Metrics on messages, meetings booked, and connection acceptance rates reveal how effectively the platform facilitated networking.
- **Analyzing feedback**: Post-event surveys and in-app ratings identify opportunities to refine content, formats, and matchmaking rules.
Clear, data-driven visualizations make these insights accessible and actionable for stakeholders.
## How do security and privacy impact event networking platforms?
Security and privacy are foundational to platform trust.
Protecting attendee data and meeting regulatory [requirements are non-negotiable for any event technology](https://expoplatform.com/chcklsts-final-page/thank-you-for-downloading-365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/) provider.
- **Data protection measures**: Strong encryption, secure storage and vetted third-party services reduce exposure to breaches.
- **Compliance with regulations**: Adhering to GDPR and other regional privacy laws protects attendees and limits organizational risk.
### What are the best practices for data privacy compliance in networking apps?
Adopt clear policies and transparent user controls to keep data practices compliant and trusted:
- **GDPR compliance**: Define lawful bases for processing, minimize stored data and offer mechanisms for subject access requests.
- **User consent management**: Provide straightforward consent flows and easy options for users to manage or delete their data.
### How is attendee data protected in event networking tools?
Modern networking tools combine technical and administrative safeguards to protect user data:
- **Encryption methods**: Use TLS for data in transit and strong encryption at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
- **Access controls**: Role-based permissions and audit logs limit who can view or export attendee information.
## Which are the leading networking platforms on the market?
Picking the right networking platform for your event is a strategic decision.
ExpoPlatform and Brella are two prominent players in the event networking space.
Below highlights their key features and market positioning.
Feature
ExpoPlatform
Brella
AI Matchmaking
Advanced AI-driven matchmaking with customizable algorithms to connect attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.
AI-powered matchmaking focused on professional interests and behaviours to set up relevant meetings.
User Interface
A modular event hub that organizes exhibitor profiles, meeting schedules and networking tools into a single dashboard.
Simple scheduling layout for users to quickly find, book and manage meetings during events.
Engagement Tools
Includes live polls, Q&A, virtual booths and networking lounges to follow up on high-value leads.
Offers live polls, breakout rooms and networking lounges to foster interaction.
Integration
Supports CRM, marketing automation and registration system integrations.
Extensive integrations with CRM and marketing tools, plus calendar syncing.
Analytics & Reporting
Comprehensive omnichannel dashboards with real-time data and customizable reports.
Detailed analytics on attendee engagement, meeting success and session popularity.
Market Positioning
Strong in large-scale event management with a focus on exhibitor ROI and lead generation.
Known for AI matchmaking excellence and user-centric networking at conferences and trade shows.
## Use cases for Brella and ExpoPlatform
Both Brella and ExpoPlatform address distinct networking needs, making them suitable for different event types:
**Brella**:
Ideal for conferences, trade shows and professional gatherings where AI-driven matchmaking and easy scheduling are priorities.
Its strengths are facilitating relevant one-to-one [meetings and fostering meaningful professional connections—well-suited to events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/meeting-formats/event-meeting-formats/) that prioritize networking quality and attendee engagement.
**ExpoPlatform**:
Best for large-scale events with multiple stakeholders—exhibitors, sponsors and attendees.
Its modular hub and comprehensive engagement tools support complex event management, including lead generation and exhibitor ROI tracking.
ExpoPlatform performs strongly where deep CRM and marketing integrations are central to post-event follow-up and analytics.
Decide between these platforms based on your event’s scale, networking goals, and the level of integration needed to maximize attendee and exhibitor value.
## Case studies: the outcomes of utilizing event networking platforms
ExpoPlatform and Brella have both delivered measurable networking outcomes through AI matchmaking and structured scheduling across a range of events.
### ExpoPlatform case study: The Meetings Show
ExpoPlatform powered The Meetings Show 2025, organized by Northstar Travel Group at ExCeL London, a buyer-led meetings industry exhibition.
The platform facilitated 32,422 meetings, achieving 120% of the meeting target with a 71% buyer account activation rate.
Participants engaged in over 30,000 conversations and nearly 58,000 “favourites” interactions, signaling strong buyer interest.
ExpoPlatform’s AI matchmaking and scheduling tools enabled both pre-scheduled and spontaneous meetings, driving high interaction volume and exceeding organizer goals.
This case underscores ExpoPlatform’s ability to support tens of thousands of meetings at mid-to-large trade shows with strong participant adoption.
### Brella case study: Insurtech Insights
At Insurtech Insights, a two-day conference focused on insurance innovation, Brella facilitated 1,177 one-to-one meetings among 610 attendees.
All meetings were scheduled during the event, and organizers reported improved meeting relevance and more structured networking that increased delegate value.
Brella’s case studies show strong networking ROI even at mid-sized events, with average meeting acceptance rates around 36% and some events reaching 50%.
Typically, 60–80% of [meetings are booked before the event, indicating solid pre-event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/meeting-formats/event-meeting-formats/) engagement and an average engagement score of about 14 interactions per attendee.
### ExpoPlatform case study: IMEX Frankfurt
At IMEX Frankfurt, a global meetings and incentive travel industry exhibition, ExpoPlatform supported a hosted buyer networking programme that confirmed over 57,000 meetings, including approximately 48,000 pre-booked one-to-one meetings arranged through the platform.
Thousands of exhibitors and buyers were matched using AI-driven tools, illustrating the platform’s capacity to scale networking for very large global trade shows.
The extensive pre-event scheduling highlights ExpoPlatform’s effectiveness in generating networking value before attendees arrive.
Across these events, ExpoPlatform demonstrated high meeting density, strong attendee adoption and measurable engagement metrics—core indicators of success for B2B exhibitions and hosted buyer programs.
### Brella case study: Nordic Business Forum
Nordic Business Forum, a premier executive leadership conference in Helsinki, Finland, used Brella to facilitate over 14,000 one-to-one meetings among C-suite executives, entrepreneurs and senior decision-makers across multiple editions.
The platform’s AI-driven matchmaking and scheduling helped attendees find and connect with relevant contacts – making networking a central part of the event experience.
This ongoing partnership highlights Brella’s strength in scaling high-value executive networking and supporting structured, meaningful professional relationships.
## What are the latest trends in event networking platforms for 2025-2026?
Several trends are shaping networking platforms in 2025–2026 – with a strong emphasis on smarter personalization:
- **AI advancements**: More sophisticated matchmaking, predictive recommendations and automated follow-up suggestions are becoming standard features.
- **More meeting formats:** Having more targeted meeting formats that cater to the needs of specific audiences – a removal from the ‘one size fits all‘ networking approach
### How are events shaping networking software features?
Events need tools that support participants without fragmenting the audience.
Features that drive:
- **Flexibility in networking**: Let attendees join shared conversations, book meetings and access common content without friction.
- **Enhanced user experience**: Deliver consistent, accessible interfaces that give every attendee equal opportunity to engage.
Recent research highlights the growing importance of AI matchmaking across event formats.
### What role does AI play in future networking event platforms?
AI will expand beyond matchmaking into broader attendee experience enhancements:
- **Predictive analytics**: Models that anticipate attendee needs and surface relevant sessions, content or people before users search for them.
- **Personalized experiences**: Tailored agendas, matchup suggestions, and automated follow-ups create a more efficient, meaningful networking journey.
Academic research also points to AI’s wider impact on event operations and engagement effectiveness.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right networking platform can significantly enhance attendee connections and overall event satisfaction.
By leveraging AI matchmaking and user-friendly features, organizers can create meaningful interactions that drive engagement and business outcomes.
Explore our comprehensive guide to find the perfect solution tailored to your event’s unique needs.
Start optimizing your networking experience [today!](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
**Categories:** Event networking
---
### [Messe Frankfurt nears completion of digital transformation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chris-pendley-may26/)
**Published:** May 14, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Messe Frankfurt is approaching the completion of a major digital transformation as part of one of the most ambitious initiatives in the company’s history.**
Project Progress represents a strategic shift from legacy, on-premise systems to a fully integrated, cloud-based ecosystem designed to support a more data-driven and scalable future.
Chris Pendley, Director of Data & Digital Services at Messe Frankfurt North America, views the initiative as a key step in strengthening the company’s long-term capabilities.
He said: “This is one of the largest and most important projects we’ve taken on as an organization. It spans across our CRM, financial systems, marketing platforms and overall digital infrastructure – essentially creating a more unified foundation for how we operate moving forward.”
At the core of Project Progress is the transition to a centralized SAP ecosystem, enabling greater alignment across finance, sales and marketing while improving data consistency and visibility across the global organization.
Rather than simply introducing new systems, the project is focused on modernizing internal processes and creating a more connected way of working across teams and regions.
This transformation is designed to streamline workflows, reduce manual processes and create a stronger foundation for real-time insights and more responsive decision-making.
By connecting systems that were previously siloed, Messe Frankfurt is also building the ability to act on data in real time, whether that’s enhancing lead capture, triggering more targeted marketing campaigns, or improving the overall exhibitor and attendee experience.
Chris added: “There’s always a learning curve with a transformation of this scale, but it’s a necessary investment to continue evolving as a business. The goal is to give our teams more flexibility, better data and the ability to move faster as the industry continues to evolve.”
As the exhibition industry continues to evolve, Messe Frankfurt is focused on strengthening its value proposition through data, technology and enhanced customer experience.
Organizations today are placing greater emphasis on measurable outcomes, making it increasingly important for event platforms to deliver clear, data-backed insights.
Chris said: “There’s been a shift toward more intentional participation, where companies are focusing on the events that deliver the most value. That creates an opportunity for us to continue improving how we support our exhibitors and demonstrate that value more clearly.”
This shift is driving a stronger focus on return on investment, with exhibitors expecting greater visibility into performance, engagement and overall impact.
By leveraging advanced analytics and real-time data, Messe Frankfurt is enhancing its ability to provide exhibitors with deeper insights into attendee engagement and overall event performance.
These capabilities not only support marketing and sales efforts but also help exhibitors better understand how to maximize their presence at events and make more informed decisions moving forward.
Chris added: “Data plays a key role in helping both organizers and exhibitors make more informed decisions. It allows us to better understand engagement, identify opportunities and continuously improve the experience for everyone involved.”
At the same time, expectations around digital experience continue to rise, shaped by the seamless platforms people interact with in their everyday lives. Messe Frankfurt is focused on meeting those expectations by delivering more intuitive, [connected and user-friendly experiences across its event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/speed-networking-blog/speed-networking-guide/) technology.
Chris said: “Today’s users expect simplicity and seamlessness. Our goal is to make our platforms easy to use from day one, while still delivering the depth and functionality our customers need behind the scenes.”
As these systems continue to evolve, the focus remains on creating a more connected ecosystem, one that brings together data, technology and user experience in a way that supports both exhibitors and attendees at every stage of the event experience.
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [What are the key benefits of a 365 community platform for digital engagement and event management?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/365-community-platform/)
**Published:** September 26, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
In a world where connection never stops, a [365 community platform](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) gives organizations a single year‑round place to engage audiences and run events.
It combines continuous community interaction with built‑in event tools and collaboration features so you can keep momentum beyond a single show or moment.
This article answers the following questions:
- [How does a 365 community platform enhance year-round engagement?](#one)
- [What event integration features make 365 community platforms effective?](#two)
- [How do collaboration and networking tools benefit users on a 365 community platform?](#three)
- [Why is platform scalability and customization important for community success?](#four)
- [What emerging technologies are shaping the future of 365 community platforms?](#five)
how a 365 platform increases ongoing engagement, simplifies event operations, boosts collaboration and scales to meet changing needs — plus the emerging tech shaping its future.
## How does a 365 community platform enhance year-round engagement?
A 365 platform turns one‑off events into an ecosystem where members can meet, share and do business year-round.
It delivers always‑on content — from a year‑round product marketplace to recurring events — and layers in AI matchmaking, meetings and messaging to keep connections alive.
The result is a living digital space where regular interactions build familiarity, trust and loyalty and where strategic engagement keeps users returning throughout the year.
### What strategies drive continuous digital community engagement?
To keep engagement steady over time, organizations typically use a mix of tactics, including:
- **Regular Content Updates**: Fresh, relevant material — on‑demand sessions, blog posts, product listings and news in a central Content Hub — gives members reasons to return and stay informed.
- **Interactive Features**: Polls, quizzes, themed forums and focused micro‑communities invite active participation and help members form deeper connections around shared interests.
- **Live and On‑Demand Events**: A calendar of webinars, meetups and recorded sessions keeps the community connected and sustains engagement beyond a single date.
- **Feedback Mechanisms**: Built‑in tools for surveys and suggestions let you learn what members want and adapt the platform accordingly.
These tactics improve the member experience and create a more dynamic, reciprocal community.
### How does year-round interaction improve user retention?
Consistent interaction creates belonging, which directly supports retention.
Research indicates communities with steady engagement can see retention climb by as much as 60%.
When members feel heard and connected, they stick around — and that ongoing participation builds trust, advocacy and longer‑term value for the organization.
Robust engagement strategies are therefore essential for sustaining activity and long‑term retention on digital platforms.
## What event integration features make 365 community platforms effective?
Integrated event features are central to a 365 platform’s value: they streamline planning and delivery for virtual and hybrid experiences and make it simple for members to participate.
Thoughtful event tooling raises attendance, improves experience and extends the life-cycle of every session.
Research has increasingly focused on how hybrid and digital event technologies can be woven into ongoing community experiences.
### How do integrated event features boost community participation?
Integrated event features lower friction: easy registration, timely reminders and access to pre‑ and post‑event content make it simpler for members to show up and stay involved.
Better access and continuity translate to higher attendance, richer interaction and a more active community overall.
## How do collaboration and networking tools benefit users on a 365 community platform?
Collaboration and networking features are the backbone of ongoing community value.
They let members connect, share expertise and work together, turning passive visitors into active contributors and partners.
### What collaboration features facilitate user interaction and networking?
Core features that promote collaboration include:
- **Discussion Forums**: Open threads for questions, insights and conversations build a knowledge base and spark peer support.
- **File Sharing**: Easy distribution of documents and resources supports teamwork and project work.
- **Direct Messaging**: Private conversations help members form one‑to‑one connections and follow up on ideas.
Together, these tools create a supportive environment where members can collaborate productively and contribute value back to the community.
### How does enhanced networking support community growth and engagement?
Stronger [networking drives growth by connecting](https://expoplatform.com/blog/speed-networking-blog/speed-networking-guide/) people with similar goals and relevant expertise.
When members find useful contacts, sessions and products, they engage more frequently and meaningfully.
Features like AI‑powered matchmaking help surface the best people, sessions, exhibitors and content — making connections that matter year‑round.
**The golden rule – you can’t own the community**
*“Successful communities are communities that have a life of their own.*
*They’re run by the community for the community.*
*If you can foster a community like that, all you can do is provide a platform for it.*
*You can never control it – it’s community members helping community members.”*
– Carina Bauer CEO of IMEX Group, The Community Blueprint, 2024
## Why is platform scalability and customization important for community success?
Scalability and customization are non‑negotiable for a platform that must grow with its community.
Scalability ensures performance as traffic and activity increase; customization lets organizations shape the experience to their brand and audience, making the platform more relevant and effective.
### What customization options adapt to diverse community needs?
Typical customization choices include:
- **User Profiles**: Personalization options help members express identity and build presence within the community.
- **Custom Branding**: Branded headers, background images and exhibitor visuals reinforce identity and open year‑round sponsorship and revenue opportunities.
- **Feature Selection**: Admins can enable or disable features and use drag‑and‑drop editors to design interactive, tailor‑made pages for their audience.
These options let organizations create experiences that resonate with their members and meet specific business goals.
### How does scalability ensure long-term platform performance?
Scalability protects experience as communities grow.
A scalable platform maintains speed and reliability under rising traffic and activity, which keeps members satisfied and reduces churn.
That technical headroom is essential for long‑term success.
## What emerging technologies are shaping the future of 365 community platforms?
New technologies continually expand what 365 platforms can do — improving personalization, automating routine work and enabling richer interactions.
These advances make platforms more responsive and valuable to members and organizers alike.
### How does AI integration personalize community experiences?
AI tailors the experience by analyzing behavior and preferences to surface the most relevant discussions, events and resources.
Smart recommendations and matchmaking connect members with the right people, sessions, products and companies, making the platform feel personally useful and timely.
This trend aligns with research showing AI’s growing role in delivering individualized digital experiences.
### What role does automation play in enhancing community management?
Automation reduces manual workload and speeds up routine processes like onboarding, reminders and content moderation.
By automating repetitive tasks, community managers can focus on strategy and community health while members benefit from timely, consistent communications and support.
## How can organizations monetize and generate insights from a 365 community platform?
A 365 platform creates year‑round revenue paths and richer intelligence.
Organizations can sell ongoing branding (exhibitor headers, background placements), generate sponsor leads via a live 365 Marketplace with real‑time stats and offer sponsored content like articles, sessions and networking opportunities.
At the same time, the platform captures behavioral data to personalize experiences and improve recommendations.
Dashboards and downloadable reports surface event performance and lead activity while real‑time lead intelligence tracks interactions with exhibitors and sponsors down to meetings and session metrics.
For example, Vinexposium Connect extends the reach of live shows and sustains industry engagement and revenue throughout the year — a clear illustration of how a 365 community platform can keep business moving continuously.
## Conclusion
A 365 community platform significantly enhances digital engagement by providing a continuous space for interaction, collaboration and event management.
This integrated approach not only boosts user retention but also fosters a vibrant community that adapts to its members’ needs.
By leveraging advanced features and emerging technologies, organizations can create personalized experiences that drive ongoing participation.
[Discover how our solutions can transform your community engagement today.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
**Categories:** Community
---
### [‘Exhibitions thriving in world where uncertainty is certain’](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chris-skeith-obe-mar26/)
**Published:** February 18, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Exhibitions are thriving in a world where “uncertainty is certain” thanks to a long history of dealing with disruption, according to an industry leader.**
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO of UFI, argues the sector has become “insanely good at dealing with disruption” and is now moving toward a state of permanent operational readiness.
It was highlighted how organizers are still growing in markets facing a huge range of challenges.
He said: “Uncertainty is certain. We’re insanely good at dealing with disruption – we always have been.
“Whether this be snow on the opening day of spring fair, whether this be travel disruptions.
“What’s different is that rather than doing a tabletop exercise once a year to brush up on it all, they’re now on the desk ready to deploy when you can.
“From an operational perspective, we’re very adept at change. What we’ve got to be super cautious of is our customers might not be.”
**Get your copy of the [Event Tech Forecast 2026 here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/paul-miller-feb26/Event%20Tech%20Forecast%202026).**
Chris emphasized that “change is the norm” for an industry that has historically thrived in volatile emerging markets.
The perceived stability of the last two decades was actually “the thing that was out of the norm” for the trade show business.
He highlighted how exhibitions still continue to expand into high-risk territories – despite the rising frequency of global crises.
Chris said: “Exhibition organizers are still growing – they’re in emerging markets, they’re in markets where there’s change of regimes, they’re in markets where there’s environmental disasters. We go wherever the markets are.”
### **Be cautiously bold with fresh event formats**
**Meanwhile, more than a third of industry professionals want a wholesale rethink of the traditional model amid calls to be “cautiously bold” with fresh formats.**
New figures from the latest [UFI Global Exhibition Barometer](https://www.ufi.org/reports/the-global-exhibition-barometer-january-2026/) reveal 37% of respondents see a definite need for an overall update, while 58% believe it depends on the type of show.
It comes as Chris told organizers to be brave – but not reckless – with new ideas.
He told the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/): “We create moments, we create memories. We shape careers, we forge lifelong relationships with people. We help shape industries. We make a difference to society. Fundamentally, we’re a people business.
“You can be innovative with your formats, but you’ve got to listen to your customers to deliver what they want. You’ve got to be bold, but cautiously bold. You need to research your market to understand it all.
“An event is a bunch of ingredients from which you can make many different meals. You’ve just got to make sure that you’re trying to get the right ingredients to make a success at the end of it.”
The industry landscape shows a definitive move away from a hope-and-pray model of networking.
Organizations face incredible pressure to justify the cost of attendance, meaning interactions must be more purposeful and data-backed.
Chris champions this shift by viewing the modern event as a collection of specialized components designed to drive value.
Organizers can now select from a range of meeting formats that serve as the “right ingredients” for their specific audience.
Carefully researching the market and listening to attendee needs means organizers can assemble a smorgasbord of formats to ensure a high return on time and foster the trust necessary for long-term business relationships.
Respondents to the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry’s barometer emphasise interactivity and engagement as the top priorities for a refresh, with around a fifth choosing these areas.
### **Reimagining Connection Spaces: Context, Value and Demographics**
**This move requires a shift from static networking to dynamic environments that respect the diverse needs of communities.**
The value of these spaces is found in their ability to serve as a “conduit to connect that community” while providing a variety of formats to suit different professional stages.
- **Senior Leadership and Safe Spaces:** High-level demographics need the focus to be on depth and privacy over volume.
- **Contextual Community Building:** Networking formats are increasingly designed to help participants “extend their network, their community and knowledge” rather than just facilitating a simple transaction.
- **The Gen Alpha and Tech-Savvy Shift:** Traditional formats still hold value for established professionals – but newer demographics often prefer high-paced, tech-integrated formats.
- **The Comfort Factor of Data:** Demographics at all levels require “comfort factors” provided by data. Technology acts as an enabler to prove the return on time.
Modern events utilize a suite of purpose-built meeting formats that cater to different levels of seniority and intent.
Leveraging AI-powered event platforms means organizers can move beyond simple networking to facilitate deeper professional connections.
1. **High-Level Strategic Exchange:** Formats like Board Meetings allow an exhibitor to present to a targeted group of buyers in pre-scheduled, private sessions.
2. **Curated Content Formats:** Organizers are increasingly using Exhibitor Events where sessions are organized directly by exhibitors for specific attendee groups.
3. **Automated Peer-to-Peer Networking:** Round Tables are now being scheduled automatically by organizers to ensure that like-minded professionals are grouped together based on shared interests.
4. **The VIP Experience:** Hosted Buyer Programmes and Concierge Meetings use a mix of automation and human facilitation to pre-arrange high-value meetings between selected buyers and exhibitors.
5. **Speed Networking**: Time is precious. This format sees an advanced matching algorithm pair participants for short, high-value sessions based on interests, goals and compatibility to maximize the value of limited networking time.
### **Competing with time, teams and tech**
**The biggest threat to an event’s success is not necessarily a rival show but the growing time pressure on delegates, according to Chris.**
He believes time has become the scarcest resource for attendees so organizers must now justify the cost of taking professionals away from their desks.
Success is increasingly being framed as “return-on-time” where delegates assess whether attendance delivers against clear objectives and if the experience warrants the opportunity cost.
Chris said: “We have to be competitive against the time pressure and cost of our delegates attending the event. We need to make sure that we’re super valuable.
“It’s got to be a good return-on-time and objectives and experience.
“The biggest competitor that you face is that of time. People come with purpose. There’s an investment in their time.
“We’re years beyond putting people in a room and hoping the magic happens.”
The other big theme Chris has highlighted is competition is no longer limited to outperforming rival operators – it also involves internal benchmarking.
Large businesses risk operating in silos as they expand, while value must also be extended beyond a single focal moment.
He said: “I want us to be competitive with ourselves in relation to data. As businesses grow it’s harder to keep a handle on everything and integrating things across different activities is really important.
“We’re challenging ourselves and being competitive with ourselves about making sure that the content that the members create is then shared with more members.”
This competitive spirit is the main driver for adopting new technology among eventprofs.
Figures from the 2026 forecast reveal staying competitive and innovative is the primary driver for 34% of organizations.
Enhancing attendee and exhibitor experiences and streamlining operations are also critical motivators.
Improving exhibitor ROI is the main driver for only 8% of respondents this year.
This reflects a shift toward internal efficiency and experience-led adoption.
Chris Skeith OBE: “Our objective is to help people extend their network, community and knowledge.
“Organizers are using tech as an enabler to do that – to understand more, to help curate experiences, but also help create uncurated experiences as well, to surprise and delight.
“We’re competing for time and attention from our customers. We have to be competitive against the time pressure and cost of delegates attending the event. We need to make sure that we’re super, super valuable.”
**Thank you for reading. Get more insights from Paul, other expert contributors and analysis of the global survey data in the [Event Tech Forecast 2026.](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Easyfairs acquires Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-04-20/)
**Published:** April 20, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Easyfairs has made a significant expansion to its hospitality and retail portfolio with two takeovers.**
The event organizer has acquired Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail as part of its wider growth strategy.
Your other top headlines include:
- [Informa announces the appointment of the inaugural inD CEO](#one)
- [WTM Africa 2026 opens to record numbers](#two)
- [UFI association committee chair and vice chair re-elected](#three)
Read on for more event industry news.
## Easyfairs expands its hospitality and retail portfolio
**Easyfairs has announced the acquisition of Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail.**
The Paris-based shows are two of Europe’s leading hospitality and retail events.
This strategic partnership seeks to combine French heritage with Easyfairs’ global network.
Alison Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK & Global, said: “We are delighted that the brilliant people behind both Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail will join us and continue to drive the inevitable success going forward.”
The move also comes as part of Easyfairs’ broader growth strategy to enhance its portfolio.
Food Hotel Tech and Tech For Retail see this partnership as an opportunity to build on their success.
Part of this is to capitalize on Easyfairs’ international [networking to take the events’](https://expoplatform.com/blog/speed-networking-blog/speed-networking-guide/) reach beyond Europe.
Karen Serfaty, CEO of Tech For Retail and Food Hotel Tech, added: “My team and I are excited to join forces with one of the world’s largest event organizers, which will enable exhibitors of both events, in particular Tech for Retail to connect with a wider French audience and meet even more international attendees.”
## Informa announces the appointment of the inaugural inD CEO
**Informa has announced David Lynn as the first-ever CEO of inD.**
The B2B event organizer launched the partnership venture back in January alongside Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC).
inD was launched to meet the growing demand for B2B events in the Middle East.
Stephen Carter, group chief executive of Informa, said: “We are delighted to confirm David’s appointment as inD’s inaugural CEO.
“The appointment of an experienced international media and content executive underlines inD’s ambition and the significant growth opportunity for high-quality B2B brands in the IMEA region and beyond.”
David brings a wealth of global executive-level experience to the inaugural position.
He has the task of combining DWTC and Informa event brands to create a single operating business and growth plan for inD.
David will relocate to Dubai in May to begin this new chapter.
Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWTC, added: “The CEO appointment reaffirms Dubai’s attractiveness as a leading global destination for international executive talent.
“More specifically, it highlights the growth potential that inD as a business represents for the international B2B Events sector.”
## WTM Africa 2026 opens to record numbers
**World Travel Market Africa 2026 opened its doors to a record-breaking 8,000 trade professionals from 63 countries.**
These numbers made it the largest and most diverse edition of the event to date.
RX sees this as confirmation of Africa’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism markets.
Carol Weaving, managing director of RX Africa, said: “Africa Travel Week has evolved into a powerful in-person event where technology handles the heavy lifting and humans focus on the relationship building that defines this industry.”
The number of exhibitors also rose to 780 – a significant increase from the previous year.
WTM Africa also saw a rise in hosted buyers and buyers’ club members – with 81% being new to the event.
RX feels this is also a significant implication of the event’s expanding international reach.
## UFI association committee chair and vice chair re-elected
**UFI has announced the results of its association committee elections.**
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry saw the re-election of Jorn Holtmeier and Synthia Chan as chair and vice chair respectively.
Both will also join its board of directors – with Jorn also sitting on the association’s executive committee.
Panittha Buri, president of UFI, said: “On behalf of UFI, I congratulate Jorn and Synthia on their re-election and thank them for their continued dedication.”
The association committee focuses on identifying, advocating and collaborating on key issues facing the exhibition industry.
It comprises over 75 local, regional and global event associations.
Jorn and Synthia will start their three-year mandate at the 93rd UFI Global Congress.
**Thank you for reading.[ Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to supercharge your event through tech.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Event personalization: how to meet demand for custom experiences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/event-personalization-how-to-meet-demand-for-custom-experiences/)
**Published:** April 28, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Event personalization has steadily moved up on the list of priorities for event organizers.**
In a world of individual algorithms and instant gratification – attendee expectations have grown.
They want every event to enable them to meet their goals without having to struggle or rely on chance.
The pressure is on organizers to provide the means to enable this – or risk losing them.
This guide will help understand:
- Dynamic attendee agendas and AI-curated event journeys
- Event personalization vs privacy: where’s the line?
- Behavior-based matchmaking and profiling
- Event personalization at scale
The result will be a more personalized experience for all attendees.
## Dynamic attendee agendas and AI-curated event journeys
Every attendee has an individual agenda – whether it’s connecting with specific exhibitors, conducting market research or buying.
Each journey is unique – some visitors may wish to segment their day.
They may wish to spend the morning of the first day attending sessions and showcases, spend the afternoon approaching exhibitors and dedicate the next day solely to networking.
Furthermore, everyone prioritizes differently. Some event professionals may only wish to spend a certain amount of time on specific tasks, while others may have a set number of connections to make.
Event leaders are well aware of the shift from the one-event-experience-fits-all to the less linear approach.
Narisa Wild, CDO of Clarion Events, has shared her insights on the shifting landscape and what is important to attendees and, therefore, organizers.
She said: “People want that niche focused, hyper specific, hyper relevant, hyper contextualized, hyper personalized experience.
“In a world of one to many, people crave one-to-one experiences.”
Organizers must simultaneously address these needs and enable meaningful outcomes within each individual’s desired parameters.
This is where artificial intelligence has changed the game – because it empowers organizers to ensure event personalization before the show even begins.
AI-matchmaking helps to create dynamic agendas by presenting attendees with a list of connections, products and sessions based on their preferences.
These lists can be optimized and edited through voting systems – this creates a collaborative approach to event agendas.
Organizers provide attendees with software that personalizes their experience from the get-go while maintaining their agency throughout their event journey.
## Event personalization vs privacy: where’s the line?
There is one attribute of event personalization that all parties need to be acutely aware of – the means required to create such experiences.
This involves using visitor data – registration data, profile data etc.
There is just one issue with this and that is where the line is between personalization and privacy violation.
While the need and expectation for more personalized event experiences is growing, so is the attendee’s desire to protect their data.
There is already a strong feeling that data harvesting at the registration stage is excessive.
Although the problem is not necessarily that attendees just don’t want organizers to have their data – they may just question why it’s needed.
Too many questions at such an early stage can feel invasive, even overwhelming if too much is being asked for.
Sometimes too much *is* being asked for – data that either can be obtained by less direct means or that attendees do not see the benefit in providing.
However, the attendee might see this less as an invasion of privacy if they see the immediate benefit.
Narisa expands on this point, revealing that an instant reciprocal value mindset can help attendees be more forthcoming with their data.
She said: “Real-time demonstration of value, the ability to prioritize connections – all of that becomes a priority in terms of how you succeed at an event.”
In other words, if attendees see instant benefits to what is being requested, they won’t see it as a privacy violation.
It’s all about transparency and being upfront – this builds trust and helps both parties.
## Behavior-based matchmaking and profiling
Excessive data requests don’t stop at attendees feeling that organizers are violating their privacy.
There is little more irritating than feeling like someone is wasting your time.
Filling out fields and fields of data requests will do that and aside from annoying attendees – it isn’t necessary.
Many event personalizations don’t require visitors to do anything beyond continuing their journey.
Using event tech to observe attendee behavior and tailor to their needs is the better option.
People signal what they want and need through their actions far more than through job titles, company names and industries.
The showcase this through their searches – keywords they use, products they search for, categories they are interested in etc.
It is also shown in the content they consume, the exhibitor profiles they visit and the sessions they bookmark.
That provides organizers with the information they need to increase event personalization.
This is known as ‘progressive profiling’ – it takes pressure off attendees and makes registration less of a roadblock.
It can also help overall data accuracy; for example, organizers can get the size of companies from public data banks that are likely more accurate than what attendees might provide.
## Event personalization at scale
The Event Tech Forecast 2026 reported that 76% of event professionals are prioritizing personalization of experience this year.
This is up from last year (67%) and shows that the need for more tailored journeys is steadily rising year-on-year.
There is one issue with that – the larger the event (more attendees, more exhibitors, more content), the less personal it feels.
It can feel like an impossible task for organizers to give every single attendee, out of thousands, a hyper-personalized experience.
Event leaders see event technology as the key enabler to meet this growing need – using quantitative and qualitative data.
Using this to assess key pain and passion points for individuals will help deliver more objective feature developments.
Real-time data is also key as it allows organizers to capitalize on the fact that attendee behavior is not static – it can change based on interactions, new information and fatigue.
This paired with AI-powered algorithms enables instant changes to the journey in line with any changes in behavior.
Attendees see instant benefits and clear pathways to their personal goals – faster access to the [connections they want and the relief that the event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/speed-networking-blog/speed-networking-guide/) has catered to them regardless of size.
This enables scaled value delivery even at the largest events.
To do this successfully, organizers must use tech providers that can implement the technology at scale.
Bring scalable tech that enables event personalization to your next show by booking a demo with ExpoPlatform.
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [UFI reveals strong state of events despite Middle Eastern conflict](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-07-13/)
**Published:** July 13, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**UFI has shown positive industry results in the latest edition of its Global Exhibition Barometer.**
It revealed that 90% of companies outside of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have seen minimal negative impact from the current situation in the Middle East.
A total of 27% of global exhibition businesses also expect annual revenue growth of more than 5%.
Your other top headlines include:
- Hyve enters partnership with ExpoPlatform to provide tech-charged meeting experiences
- Informa announces the appointment of new chair-elect
- RX reveals a change in leadership of its branch in France
Read on for more event industry news.
## Events industry sees little impact from Middle East conflict – UFI
**A total of 90% of international event companies have seen little to no impact due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to an UFI study.**
The findings were published in the association’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer report.
More than half – 55% – of businesses in the GCC have experienced a strong negative effect.
Chris Skeith OBE, CEO at UFI, said: “Our barometer indicates that there is no real evidence of a significant knock-on effect from the current Middle East disruption outside the GCC and positive trends remain around the world, despite concerns about the state of national economies in some locations.”
The report also revealed that 27% of companies expect annual revenue growth above 5%.
This further bolsters industry-wide growth despite geopolitical and economic challenges.
Respondents maintained that the main issue concerning the industry continues to be the state of economies in home markets – this has not changed within the last six months.
## Hyve enters partnership with ExpoPlatform to provide tech-charged meeting experiences
**ExpoPlatform has been appointed to support tech-enriched meeting experiences across a number of Hyve’s events.**
The move involves structured [meeting formats across flagship shows including](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/hyve-partnership/) Shoptalk Europe, Shoptalk Spring, Shoptalk Fall, Shoptalk Luxe, Groceryshop, POSSIBLE Miami, Fintech Meetup, Bett and CWIEME.
Hyve facilitated more than 160,000 meetings in the last year – cementing the organiser as a pioneer in a meetings-first approach to events – which this new partnership aims to take to the next level.
Richard Hilsley, CTO of Hyve, said: “Creating valuable connections is central to the [experience we want to deliver across our events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/paul-miller/) and is one of our key drivers of customer value.
“Having the right technology to support this plays an important role in enabling these connections and offering a seamless process for our attendees, exhibitors and buyers.
“We’re pleased to be working with the team at ExpoPlatform to support that.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “Hyve is setting the pace for meeting-first event design.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Hyve, our platform powering a meeting program of this scale, matching thousands of buyers and sellers and [supporting one of the most advanced meeting](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/hyve-partnership/) operations in our industry.
“But our platform does far more than matchmaking and meeting scheduling. We support the whole [event ecosystem – from session and speaker management](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-5-best-event-management-software-providers-for-2026/) to wayfinding, TableTalks, exhibitor listings and the marketplace – all delivered through a seamless web and app experience.
“We are looking forward to continuing to assist Hyve in turning every edition into real value for their attendees, with a system that keeps getting smarter show to show.”
This latest [announcement comes after it was revealed the global business](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-06-29/) events group Hyve has been sold to private equity firm Hellman & Friedman for about .8 billion.
The group climbed from fifteenth to number eight in the latest STAX global ranking of exhibition organisers by revenue [– a signal that meeting-led growth is reshaping event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/2020-event-industry-recap-the-year-events-changed-forever/) economics.
## Informa announces the appointment of new chair-elect
**Global leader in B2B events Informa has announced the appointment of its new chair-elect**.
Tom Gloccer will succeed the previous chair of the board John Rishton.
This decision comes after a selection process that began at the beginning of the year.
Tom said: “Informa is a market leader in B2B, with tremendous potential for continuing growth and expansion and I very much look forward to working with the Board, Chief Executive Stephen Carter and his leadership team to make the most of these opportunities.”
He brings with him extensive experience having served on the boards of multiple leading global companies.
Tom is currently the lead independent director for Merck & Co Inc and Morgan Stanley.
He also served as chief executive of Reuters Group plc / Thomson Reuters Corp for over a decade.
## RX reveals a change in leadership of its branch in France
**RX has announced that Michel Filzi will step down as president of RX France and retire in early 2027.**
He will be stepping away after a successful 27 years with the global event organizer.
Filippo Rean will take over leadership of the French branch from Michel in September.
Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, said: “The future of our industry will be defined by our ability to combine the power of face-to-face events with data, digital capabilities and deeper customer engagement.
“Filippo is exceptionally well placed to lead RX France through that next chapter and unlock new opportunities for growth.”
He currently serves as the managing director of the RX France hub and will report directly to Hugh.
Filippo joined the organisation in 2010 when he led MIPIM and has since held leadership roles across many of RX’s leading brands.
The organiser now seeks to leverage his proven track record of driving growth and revenue for the France subsidiary.
**That is your full Week in Events news. [Book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform today to apply advanced tech solutions at your next event.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [The evolving exhibitor playbook: why businesses have moved beyond the booth](https://expoplatform.com/blog/the-evolving-exhibitor-playbook/)
**Published:** July 17, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**The exhibitor strategy has remained relatively straightforward for decades.**
They invest in a stand, attract attendees and hope that leads convert into real opportunities.
That model is now obsolete and the exhibitor approach to events has fundamentally changed.
In the following guide we will explore:
- What was the traditional exhibitor approach to events and why was it flawed?
- The exhibitor mindset has evolved
- How AI and event data have changed the game
- Why the exhibitor stand is now a meeting hub – not the final destination
Exhibitors are designing a standard for how they approach events and organizers must meet their evolving needs.
## What was the traditional exhibitor approach to events and why was it flawed?
**The role of exhibiting companies in events has remained pretty much unchanged since their inception.**
Those with the biggest and boldest stands usually attracted the most footfall and the hope would be that this would translate into a high number of leads.
But attracting attention does not equal meaningful engagement.
Having a stand that wows visitors does not inherently mean they will become worthwhile leads.
This has arguably the biggest flaw in the traditional exhibitor approach to events – it’s a poor way to measure true ROI.
Investing in stand design, merchandise and interactive experiences needs to be worth the expense with budgets increasingly under scrutiny.
Measuring by volume of interactions alone does not achieve this.
Exhibitors were often forced to rely on chance encounters rather than a proven formula backed by data.
The modern approach to exhibiting at events is quite different, and value is now far easier to evidence.
## The exhibitor mindset has evolved
**Exhibitors understand that the value of events is not about scanning the most badges on the day.**
They now see it for what it is – an opportunity to nurture visitors that are most likely to convert into high-value opportunities.
The context of who is being engaged with matters far more than the volume – quality is being prioritized over quantity.
Exhibitors want the important information about attendees before meetings take place.
This includes what products/services they’re interested in, sessions they attended, industries they represent etc.
Such information enables exhibitors to determine the quality of connections before they happen.
This enables exhibitors to tailor their approaches to high-value meetings to form the best connections.
Where an event previously served as a place to capture leads, it now provides an opportunity to move candidates further along the marketing funnel.
This is now the exhibitor playbook that organizers are building their shows around.
## How AI and event data have changed the game
**Advancing event tech is what has truly made exhibitors rethink their entire approach towards shows.**
Data has replaced guess work while AI-powered matchmaking has replaced hope.
Exhibitors want to know exactly who is attending and how they can be targeted – event tech providers are answering this need in kind.
Omnichannel dashboards enable this provide real-time data.
Rather than waiting until after an event to measure success, exhibitors can now monitor engagement as it happens and adjust their strategy on the fly.
AI also helps identify high-value prospects, recommend personalized outreach and automate follow-up – allowing teams to focus their efforts where they’re most likely to deliver results.
The result is a more strategic, data-driven exhibiting experience where every interaction can be measured, optimized and linked back to tangible business outcomes.
## Why the exhibitor stand is now a meeting hub – not the final destination
**The role of the exhibition stand has evolved dramatically.**
It’s increasingly becoming the location where pre-arranged conversations take place – rather than serving as the primary place to discover new suppliers.
Buyers now arrive with a shortlist of companies they want to meet having already researched products, booked meetings and connected through the event app before stepping onto the show floor.
This shift has changed what exhibitors need from their stand.
The focus is on creating an environment that supports meaningful conversations and high-quality meetings instead of trying to attract as much footfall as possible.
Comfortable meeting spaces, live demonstrations and collaborative discussions have replaced the traditional hard sell.
In many ways, the stand has become the physical touch point in a much longer customer journey – one that begins long before the event opens and continues well after it closes.
**To align with the modern exhibitor mindset and enable them to get the most out of your show – [download our exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/).**
**Categories:** All, Exhibitor management
---
### [Event monetization: how to generate revenue and boost the value of your show](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/event-monetization/)
**Published:** March 6, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Monetizing an event is about more than covering costs – it’s about creating predictable, repeatable revenue that strengthens your show.
From sponsorship packages and smarter ticketing to virtual revenue streams, merchandise, mobile app placements, premium exhibitor upgrades and year-round marketplace opportunities, there are clear levers you can pull to boost income and improve the attendee experience.
As hybrid and virtual formats become standard, combining creative offers with the right technology is essential. Organizers now have more ways than ever to package visibility, engagement, leads and data into offers that sponsors and exhibitors can understand and justify investing in.
This article breaks down proven strategies, sponsorships, ticketing tactics, virtual monetization, merchandise, media sales, exhibitor upgrades and [365 engagement models](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) – so you can increase revenue and deliver more value to attendees and partners.
## **What are the best event sponsorship opportunities to maximize revenue?**
Sponsorships remain one of the most lucrative revenue sources.
The best opportunities match sponsor goals with audience moments that drive visibility and engagement.
To maximize revenue, package benefits that speak to a sponsor’s business objectives and make ROI easy to see – whether that’s lead generation, brand exposure, content integration, digital visibility or year-round audience access.
Organizers can expand sponsorship inventory by offering high-value branding options across the event experience.
This can include exhibitor profile headers and background images, branded virtual meeting room lobbies, sponsored banners, pop-ups, mobile app placements, floorplan visibility and premium showroom profiles.
These placements give sponsors more ways to stay visible before, during and after the event while giving organizers flexible assets to sell across multiple sponsorship tiers.
### How to attract and manage brand partnerships for events
Attracting partners starts with a clear value proposition.
Show sponsors how your audience fits their objectives, and offer partnership options that scale from trial activations to multi-year collaborations.
Keep communication frequent and transparent, involve sponsors in programming where relevant, and provide post-event metrics to prove impact – these steps turn one-off deals into long-term revenue.
### What are sponsorship tiers and their value propositions?
Sponsorship tiers simplify buying and help sponsors choose the right level of exposure.
Premium tiers emphasize prominent branding, exclusive access and lead guarantees; mid and entry tiers focus on digital placements, session sponsorships or product demos.
Clearly define benefits for each tier and include measurable deliverables so sponsors understand the value at every level.
## Which ticket sales strategies can increase event revenue effectively?
Ticketing drives immediate revenue and influences the attendee mix.
Effective strategies combine smart pricing, segmented offers and purchase incentives.
When you align ticket types with attendee needs and buying behavior, you lift ticket revenue while improving satisfaction.
### How do dynamic pricing models and ticket packages work?
Dynamic pricing adjusts tickets based on demand, timing and inventory to capture more value as interest grows.
Bundled packages such as VIP access, workshop bundles or merch-inclusive tickets raise average order value and appeal to different attendee segments.
Communicate the benefits of each option clearly to nudge buyers toward higher-value choices.
Research shows dynamic pricing and tiered packages can significantly increase per-attendee revenue when matched to demand patterns.
### What are the best practices for ticket sales: pricing availability and upselling?
Best practices include transparent pricing, staged releases (early-bird to last-minute), controlled inventory and targeted upsells during checkout.
Use time-limited offers to accelerate conversions and present relevant add-ons—like premium seating or exclusive content—at the point of purchase to increase spend without adding friction.
## How can virtual event revenue streams enhance overall event monetization?
Virtual components expand reach and open new income streams – pay-per-view sessions, sponsored content, virtual exhibitor booths and on-demand access.
They let you monetize audiences that can’t attend in person and provide additional sponsorship inventory tied to measurable engagement.
### What platforms and streaming features boost virtual event profits?
Choose platforms that support interactivity – Q&A, polling, matchmaking and exhibitor traffic analytics so sponsors and organizers can demonstrate value.
Native sponsor integration, pre-rolls or branded session rooms create monetizable impressions without degrading the attendee experience.
### Which emerging trends and AI tools are driving virtual event revenue growth?
AI-driven personalization, automated matchmaking and behavior-based recommendations increase engagement and conversion for paid offerings.
Emerging formats like micro-events, exclusive virtual networking and hybrid content libraries also create premium inventory sponsors will pay for.
Adopting tools that surface relevant experiences for attendees helps convert interest into revenue.
## What are effective in-event merchandise sales and upselling opportunities?
On-site and post-event merchandise extends your brand and generates incremental revenue.
Successful programs combine relevant product design with convenient purchase paths and timely promotion to capture impulse and planned purchases alike.
### How to design and promote merchandise that aligns with your event brand
Create merchandise that reflects the event’s identity and audience tastes.
Limited-edition items, collaboration pieces and experiential bundles perform well.
Promote these products through event signage, session shout-outs and digital channels so attendees know where and how to buy.
### What are successful upselling techniques during events?
Train staff to recommend upgrades naturally and use targeted messaging—push notifications, on-screen promos and booth displays—to highlight add-ons.
Limited-time bundles and exclusive drops drive urgency, while seamless checkout options (mobile pay or on-site kiosks) remove friction and increase conversion.
## How can advertising and media sales within events generate additional revenue?
Advertising and media sales turn audience attention into revenue.
Events offer high-intent, engaged audiences, which you can monetize through premium ad placements, sponsored content and branded activations tailored to attendee behavior.
### What types of advertising are most effective at events?
Effective formats include targeted digital displays, sponsored session tracks, branded lounges and content syndication.
Multi-channel campaigns that combine on-site exposure with pre- and post-event content amplify sponsor ROI and justify higher rates.
### How to package and price advertising slots for sponsors and exhibitors?
Package ad inventory by audience reach, placement prominence and measurable outcomes.
Offer tiered options and add-ons like lead delivery or analytics reports to increase perceived value.
Transparent reporting and case studies help justify pricing and encourage repeat business.
## What metrics and strategies should you use to monitor and optimize event monetization?
Tracking the right KPIs lets you iterate and grow revenue year over year.
Combine financial metrics with engagement data to understand what drives value and where to invest next.
### Which KPIs best measure ticket sales, sponsorships and merchandise success?
Key KPIs include total ticket revenue and average revenue per attendee, sponsor revenue and cost per lead, merchandise units sold and conversion rates, plus engagement metrics such as session attendance and dwell time.
Use these signals to refine offers, pricing and sponsorship packaging.
### How to use structured data and semantic markup to improve search visibility?
Implement structured data (event schema, offers and speaker markup) and clear semantic HTML to ensure search engines surface your event details accurately.
Rich results for dates, tickets and locations increase discovery and can directly boost attendance and revenue.
## Conclusion
Thoughtful monetization combines audience insight, clear packaging and the right tech to turn engagement into revenue.
By optimizing sponsorships, ticketing, virtual offerings, merchandise and advertising you can grow both income and the value you deliver.
Start testing these approaches now to unlock new revenue and make your next show more profitable and more memorable.
Find out which sponsorship options are right for you [here](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/).
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [How AI Matchmaking helps you create successful events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/how-ai-matchmaking-is-reshaping-the-future-of-events/)
**Published:** April 16, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The world of meetings and events has become more fast-paced, dynamic and complex over the last few years.
There are many moving parts, including sourcing venues, securing speakers, designing marketing collateral and following up after the event.
For a successful outcome, organizers must create tech-enhanced Smart Events for an audience that demands richer experiences.
A crucial component of these smart shows is AI-powered matchmaking that massively improves networking for the attendees.
Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions have become widespread across different industry verticals.
These advancements have led to innovative AI solutions in many businesses – including matchmaking for events and exhibitions.
AI matchmaking uses intelligent algorithms to connect attendees to relevant exhibitors, companies, and content.
This takes much of the grunt work off the individuals’ plates so they can focus on other aspects of the event.
Throughout this guide we will cover the following areas:
- [How does AI matchmaking benefit events?](#one)
- [The new way of business matchmaking](#two)
- [Person-to-object matchmaking](#three)
- [Conclusion](#four)
Let’s explore how **[AI-powered matchmaking](/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** will continue to be key to creating successful events in the future.
## AI matchmaking is necessary for events
In-person events are thriving but are increasingly tech-driven.
An increased use of event management platforms to plan such events means the average exhibition or tradeshow is now generating more data than before.
The data includes the registration details of the participants – name, company, job title, geographical location, as well as their interests and preferences.
This vast repository of information is at your fingertips, but the question is how do you use it to drive the right connections and enhance networking opportunities?
Processing all this data manually is a Herculean task that involves long hours.
With AI matchmaking software, millions of data points are analyzed within seconds to deliver instant recommendations.
At the core of this technology is machine learning (ML). ML adapts to user choices by studying intent, uploaded preferences and past behavior to generate more relevant options if the desired match is not found.
AI matchmaking software has become an integral part of the tech stack to create more meaningful networking experiences.
## How does AI matchmaking benefit events?
AI matchmaking for events offers numerous benefits – the biggest being time savings.
Let’s understand how this tech improves networking at a B2B exhibition:
**Without AI matchmaking** – Attendees go through a lengthy list of exhibitors and participant profiles to find out who matches their interests. They shortlist a handful of people to meet and network with after spending several hours.
**With AI matchmaking** – AI collects and processes the details of every event participant. It evaluates the choices they make and offers the best matches within seconds.
If the options are irrelevant, it keeps adapting to user choices to improve the match relevance until the best selection is made.
The time savings incurred allow organizers to focus on other aspects of their event, save costs and improve ROI.
AI-matchmaking also drives **people-to-object connections**, where the algorithm recommends relevant content and products.
For example, ExpoPlatform’s AI-powered matchmaking software helps organizers create tailored rules to connect attendees to what best aligns with their interests.
These recommendations are generated through user preferences and dynamic interactions within the event platform.
AI matchmaking helps filter through the noise to connect with useful content and products.
This cuts the research time and helps the user make more informed business decisions.
*Learn how AI matchmaking’s people-to-object connections functions help set up an [online marketplace](/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) model in our [**free ebook**](/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/).*
**Let’s explore these benefits more:**
### 1. AI-powered matchmaking for networking
Organizers are keen to increase the value proposition of their events.
This means creating more meaningful connections for their attendees.
With AI matchmaking, it’s possible to customize recommendations instead of having to sift through endless profiles.
This helps drive meaningful interactions, boosts peer-to-peer [networking](/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) and aligns business goals.
If the user feels the match is not relevant, they can change their selection and the algorithm keeps adjusting and improving until a suitable connection is found.
### 2. AI-driven analytics and insights to improve interactions
By analyzing interactions in real-time, AI can improve attendee engagement and provide necessary assistance without human intervention.
In contrast, conventional analytics only assess the content after the event concludes to identify what worked and what didn’t.
You can track virtual footfall using AI algorithms and pinpoint which resources meet their targets or which touchpoints receive maximum engagement.
Studying the different factors influencing attendee behavior and analyzing multiple simulated scenarios helps AI answer questions like:
- Is the content being shared relevant to the attendees?
- Are the meeting and communications channels being used effectively?
- Are the correct attendees being targeted?
### 3. AI-powered chatbots for conversational marketing and language translation
A scalable, user-friendly conversational AI solution with chatbots and language translation features can significantly improve engagement.
It can automate customer support by facilitating conversations on thousands of industry-specific topics rather than being a mere FAQ tool.
For example, if the event is related to banking and financial services with complex product offerings, a virtual chatbot can answer the relevant questions.
AI language translators can instantly and accurately translate any event communication, web pages and content resources into different languages.
This enhances the global appeal of your virtual event and helps you reach out to a more diverse audience across different cultures.
## The new way of business matchmaking
With its ability to rapidly study user patterns, AI matchmaking has changed how connections are made at events.
It allows organizers to analyze the audience persona in depth to find suitable matches and drive them towards the right business opportunities.
AI also plays a crucial role in personalizing the attendee journey.
Instead of prompting random conversations, it encourages users to engage with relevant people and content, maximizing every minute they spend during the event.
This leads to a greater engagement rate, better-quality leads and a higher overall satisfaction score for the event.
## Person-to-object matchmaking
The main advantage of ExpoPlatform’s AI matchmaking module is that it considers all objects on the platform.
Every event or community participant is linked to relevant people, products, exhibiting companies, speakers, sessions, news, webinars and more.
**Matchmaking algorithm explained:** The matching algorithm is initialized using registration data and learns and improves itself through user behavior – mainly their interactions.
It then uses information from peer interests and behavior to influence recommendations for the user.
Categories are used in two ways:
- **Activity categories** – this is what a person does or what a product is – it can belong to *non-person* objects
- **Interest categories** – this is interests – it can only belong to *person* objects
Each person has a different level of interest in each product category – it’s not just yes or no. Meanwhile, everything on the platform – people, products, sessions, exhibitors etc. are tagged by one or more product categories.
The system then recommends things that best match the user’s interests, which can change over time.
### Registration and behavioral data
Matches are based on answers to registration questions and usage statistics. These are generated by ML algorithms across all events where the platform is deployed with this module.
Whenever a person interacts in any way with any object, their interests get updated. Interactions include:
- Viewing pages (news, exhibitor/product profiles, etc.)
- Favouriting
- Requesting a meeting
- Sending a message
- Viewing a session
- Rejecting a match
A person’s interests are updated by increasing or decreasing interests in each of the product categories in the system. Interests are increased for the categories that the object has if the interaction was positive.
Similarly, interests are decreased for the categories that the object has if the interaction is negative (e.g. “not relevant”).
### Using peer information
The system detects peer groups based on similarity of registration data and demographic information. Objects that gather a lot of interest from the peer group are more likely to appear to others in the group who have not yet seen/reacted to them.
This is especially useful in cases where little interaction data is available about a person and their peer’s interests may prove to be more accurate than what they’ve ticked in their product category preferences.
### Updating user matchmaking data
An object’s product categories can also evolve over time depending on what users interact with an object. Each positive interaction this object receives imparts some interest of the user into the object’s “activity categories”. Each negative interaction this object receives detracts some interests of the user from the object’s “activity categories”.
This means an object tagged with one category could eventually acquire others, and/or lose the originally tagged category. This mechanism allows for the correction of incorrect tagging of objects.
### Generating recommendations
Recommendations are specific to a person. They combine peer interests and product category interests to create a ranked list of all objects in the system. Organisers can use a series of matchmaking filters to influence the recommendations shown.
Filters can be used to eliminate matches in the ranked list between specific people and/or companies based on answers to registration questions (e.g. small buyers should not match with large suppliers).
Items that are at the top of the ranked list for their respective types (e.g. products, people, exhibitors, etc.) are then shown as recommendations to the person.
Emails triggered using the system can include AI recommendations.
### Measuring success
A successful match is one that receives any positive action
- Profile click
- Favourite
- Meet
- Message
A successful match is removed from the list of matches once it’s received a qualifying action:
- Favourite
- Meet
- Message
An unsuccessful match is one that has received a negative action, or, which has not received a positive action after N showings. It is removed from the list as soon as it’s deemed to be unsuccessful. The removal of an unsuccessful match impacts a user’s interest score.
## Conclusion
The event industry has undergone a digital transformation that presents numerous opportunities for organisers to improve their offerings.
AI matchmaking software has emerged as a crucial tool to expedite networking and improve the quality of connections at live and digital shows. Get more practical advice on how you can use AI and data science to take your events to the next level – [**download our AI Blueprint**](/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) now.
**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](/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking, Marketplace
---
### [Can ExpoPlatform handle large trade shows? Exploring virtual trade show software and event management solutions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/can-expoplatform-handle-large-trade-shows-exploring-virtual-trade-show-software-and-event-management-solutions/)
**Published:** April 18, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Running a large trade show comes down to choosing a platform that can scale and keep your event running smoothly.
ExpoPlatform is built as a flexible enterprise-grade solution that manages big crowds, complex exhibitor needs and deep integrations.
This article looks at ExpoPlatform’s scalability, exhibitor and attendee features, CRM and marketing integrations and real-world case studies to help you judge its fit for your next large-scale event.
## How scalable is ExpoPlatform for managing large trade shows?
ExpoPlatform is engineered for scale.
Its architecture and operational controls let organizers run events of varying sizes and complexity while preserving a consistent high-quality experience for attendees and exhibitors.
### What are ExpoPlatform’s attendance capacity and event size limits?
ExpoPlatform can support over 250,000 concurrent attendees for large trade shows.
That capacity is proven across multiple high-traffic events and the platform also supports multi-day formats so you can host short conferences or week-long exhibitions as needed.
### Which performance features ensure stability during large-scale trade shows?
To maintain stability under heavy load, ExpoPlatform uses redundant server infrastructure, proactive load balancing and on-demand scaling during peak traffic.
Those technical safeguards keep the service available and responsive, minimizing interruptions for attendees and exhibitors.
For organizers seeking an end-to-end option, ExpoPlatform also offers trade show management services tailored to large events with tools for attendance tracking, engagement and analytics.
## What exhibitor and booth management features does ExpoPlatform offer for large trade shows?
ExpoPlatform provides an array of exhibitor-focused features designed to increase visibility and drive engagement at large trade shows.
### How does ExpoPlatform handle exhibitor onboarding and booth customization?
Exhibitors benefit from a streamlined onboarding flow that speeds up booth setup and lets teams apply branding, showcase products and add interactive elements.
Dedicated support guides exhibitors through technical setup so booths are visitor-ready quickly and reliably.
### Which tools support seamless virtual booth experiences for exhibitors?
ExpoPlatform includes real-time chat, video conferencing and interactive demo capabilities so exhibitors can hold meaningful conversations and demos that mirror in-person interactions.
These tools help create lively, searchable booth experiences that keep attendees involved.
## How does ExpoPlatform enhance attendee engagement and networking at large trade shows?
Engagement and networking are central to trade show success and ExpoPlatform delivers features that encourage interaction before, during and after the event.
### What networking features are available for attendees in events?
Attendees access matchmaking tools that connect them with relevant exhibitors and peers based on interests and professional profiles.
This targeted approach boosts the quality of introductions and the overall value of networking time.
### How does ExpoPlatform foster attendee participation and interaction?
The platform supports interactive sessions, live polls and Q&A, enabling active participation in workshops and presentations.
Built-in feedback channels make attendees feel heard and help organizers measure engagement in real time.
Organizers who prioritize networking will find ExpoPlatform’s attendee tools effective at creating meaningful connections that extend beyond the event.
## How does ExpoPlatform integrate with CRM and marketing tools for trade show success?
Connecting event data to CRM and marketing systems is essential for post-event follow-up and ROI tracking.
### Which CRM systems and data capture integrations are supported?
ExpoPlatform integrates with major CRMs, making it easy to export attendee and lead data.
These integrations simplify lead capture and centralize event data in your existing sales and marketing systems.
### How does integration improve lead management and follow-up processes?
By automating data transfer and follow-up workflows, integrations reduce manual work and speed up outreach.
That efficiency increases the chances of turning event contacts into qualified opportunities.
## Are there case studies demonstrating ExpoPlatform’s support for large trade shows?
Looking at real events shows how ExpoPlatform performs at scale and the types of outcomes organizers can expect.
### What large-scale trade shows have successfully used ExpoPlatform?
ExpoPlatform has been used across major exhibitions that attracted thousands of attendees and large exhibitor rosters with organizers noting measurable engagement gains powered by the platform’s capabilities.
#### **Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2025**
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, one of the world’s largest beauty trade shows, used ExpoPlatform to support networking, matchmaking, and attendee engagement across the event. The show welcomed **more than 255,000 buyers and retailers** and **3,128 exhibitors from 65 countries**, demonstrating ExpoPlatform’s ability to support exhibitions at a truly global scale. The results highlight the platform’s capacity to manage large attendee volumes while facilitating meaningful business connections.
#### **GITEX Global 2023**
GITEX Global 2023 used ExpoPlatform to power its event technology ecosystem across the Dubai World Trade Centre, supporting one of the world’s largest tech exhibitions. The event welcomed **around 187,000 attendees and 6,000 exhibitors across 41 halls**, with ExpoPlatform enabling hosted buyer meetings, engagement tools, and lead generation at scale. The platform helped deliver **over 12,000+ curated meetings and nearly 60,000 app downloads**, alongside **698,000+ lead scans** generated through its digital lead retrieval system.
## What are the common questions about ExpoPlatform’s large trade show capabilities?
Organizers evaluating ExpoPlatform often ask practical questions about capacity, hybrid support and performance.
### How many attendees can ExpoPlatform support for a trade show?
As noted above, ExpoPlatform supports over 250,000 concurrent attendees, enabling large trade events to run smoothly without performance degradation.
### Does ExpoPlatform support trade shows combining onsite elements?
Yes. ExpoPlatform supports hybrid trade shows that blend onsite and virtual components, making it easy for organizers to deliver an inclusive experience for both in-person and remote participants.
## Conclusion
ExpoPlatform is built to help organizers run large trade shows with confidence.
Its scalable architecture, exhibitor and attendee features and CRM integrations deliver practical value across the event lifecycle.
If you’re planning a large or hybrid exhibition and need a dependable feature-rich platform, ExpoPlatform is a strong option to consider.
[Explore our offerings](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to see how ExpoPlatform can elevate your next event.
**Categories:** Tradeshows
---
### [Event app features — must-haves vs. nice-to-haves to maximize engagement and efficiency](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-app/event-app-features-must-haves-vs-nice-to-haves/)
**Published:** March 11, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
In today’s fast-moving events landscape, the features you choose for your event app can make or break attendee engagement and overall success.
This article lays out the essential and optional capabilities event planners should weigh when selecting tools—so you can prioritize what truly moves the needle.
Knowing the difference between must-haves and nice-to-haves is key to running smoother, more engaging events as technology continues to reshape how attendees participate.
We begin with the core features every event app should have, then explore enhancements that elevate the attendee experience.
Next, we examine how technology drives app capabilities and how particular features affect satisfaction.
We provide a neutral feature comparison of two leading platforms—ExpoPlatform and vFairs—along with use cases and case studies that show real results.
Finally, we offer practical implementation strategies and highlight emerging trends shaping the next generation of event apps.
## What are the core must-have features in event apps?
Event apps are central to improving engagement and simplifying event operations.
At minimum, apps should provide smooth registration and ticketing, real-time notifications, intuitive scheduling, and solid networking tools.
These essentials deliver a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees.
### How do registration and scheduling improve event management?
Efficient registration and check-in cut wait times and reduce friction at the event.
Practical scheduling tools help planners coordinate sessions and speakers and calendar integrations prevent conflicts.
Prioritizing these functions improves operational efficiency and attendee flow.
### Why are push notifications critical for attendee engagement?
Push notifications act as timely, direct reminders—keeping attendees updated on schedule changes and key announcements.
Events that use push notifications can see engagement rise by as much as 50%.
Real-time alerts help boost session attendance and overall participant satisfaction.
## Which nice-to-have features enhance event apps without being essential?
Beyond the essentials, several optional features can deepen engagement and personalize the experience.
Examples include gamification to spark interaction and AI-driven personalization to tailor content to individual attendees.
### How do gamification and AI personalization boost user retention?
Gamification adds friendly competition—leaderboards, challenges, and rewards—that drives interaction and keeps attendees coming back.
AI personalization uses behavioral data to recommend sessions, contacts and content, making each attendee’s experience more relevant and satisfying.
### What role do analytics play in optimizing event ROI?
Advanced analytics give organizers a clear view of attendee behavior and preferences after the event.
With metrics like session occupancy and feedback ratings, planners can measure ROI, refine programming and make data-driven decisions for future events.
## How does technology shape the capabilities of modern event apps?
Technology advances determine how event apps are built and used.
Mobile-first design and strong integration options are essential to deliver a consistent experience across devices and platforms.
### What are key mobile compatibility and integration features for event apps?
Mobile compatibility means the app performs reliably on smartphones—critical since attendees rely on phones throughout the event.
Integrations with social platforms, CRMs and ticketing systems enable real-time sharing and streamline workflows, creating a more cohesive event ecosystem.
### How is event app security ensured across platforms?
Protecting attendee data is non-negotiable.
Robust security includes encryption, clear privacy policies and access controls.
Strong security builds trust and encourages broader app adoption among attendees and stakeholders.
## How can event app features directly influence attendee engagement and satisfaction?
Feature choices shape how attendees interact with an event and are closely tied to satisfaction scores.
Networking tools and personalized agendas are two proven drivers of positive attendee experiences.
### Which features correlate with higher attendee satisfaction scores?
Tools that enable meaningful connections—direct messaging, matchmaking and curated networking—consistently yield higher satisfaction.
Attendees who connect with peers or speakers tend to leave with stronger, more positive impressions.
### How do push notifications and networking features increase engagement rates?
Notifications prompt attendees to join sessions and catch updates, while networking features let participants connect before, during and after the event.
Together, these elements encourage participation and sustain engagement throughout the program.
## What are practical strategies for implementing and choosing event app features?
Choosing the right features requires matching capabilities to your event goals. Use a structured evaluation process to determine which features deliver the most value for your audience and objectives.
### How to assess feature ROI and user needs in event apps?
Gather user input through surveys and beta tests to validate feature value.
Feedback forms, pilot programs and usage tracking reveal which features attendees use and appreciate most.
### Which integration capabilities should event planners prioritize?
Prioritize integrations that reduce friction and increase reach: ticketing systems, CRM platforms and social media.
These connections simplify workflows and improve attendee engagement and data flow.
## What emerging trends will influence future event app features?
Staying current with technology trends helps planners keep their apps relevant.
Developments in AI and immersive experiences are already reshaping feature priorities.
### How will AI and user engagement innovations change feature prioritization?
AI will deliver deeper attendee insights and more precise personalization, helping organizers tailor content and connections.
AI-driven matchmaking and content recommendations will likely move from “nice-to-have” to expected features.
## Comparison of ExpoPlatform and vFairs as market leaders
ExpoPlatform and vFairs are both established players in events technology, each offering broad feature sets to boost engagement and streamline event operations.
The table below outlines their core strengths and market positioning.
**Feature/Aspect****ExpoPlatform****vFairs**Event Types SupportedIn-person, hybrid and virtualIn-person, hybrid and virtualRegistration & TicketingEnd-to-end registration with CRM integrationsFlexible registration with payment gateway supportNetworking CapabilitiesAI matchmaking, extensive meeting formats and structured networking sessionsChat rooms, video networking, and scheduled meetingsCustomizationHighly customizable environments and brandingCustomizable booths and event themesAnalytics and ReportingAdvanced analytics with real-time data dashboardsComprehensive post-event reports and attendee insightsMobile CompatibilityResponsive web platform with mobile appsMobile-optimized, responsive web platformCustomer SupportDedicated onboarding and support teams24/7 support and event consulting servicesBoth platforms deliver robust, overlapping capabilities while bringing unique advantages depending on event needs and priorities.
## Use cases for ExpoPlatform and vFairs
ExpoPlatform and vFairs support a wide range of events—conferences, trade shows, career fairs, product launches and corporate meetings.
Specific event goals and scale often determine which platform is the better fit.
### ExpoPlatform use cases
- Large conferences that need sophisticated AI matchmaking and engagement tools.
- Trade shows that require highly customizable environments to reflect brand identity.
### vFairs use cases
- Career fairs that demand rich recruiter–candidate interaction features.
- Product launches that benefit from interactive booths and multimedia showcases.
Organizers choose between platforms based on objectives, desired interactivity, scale, and budget.
## Case studies demonstrating success of ExpoPlatform and vFairs
### ExpoPlatform case study: GITEX Global
ExpoPlatform powered the GITEX Plus mobile app for GITEX Global 2023, driving nearly **60,000 app downloads** and **698,000+ lead scans** through in-app badge scanning and lead retrieval.
The app enhanced attendee navigation, networking and exhibitor lead generation, demonstrating the impact of a mobile-first event experience at scale.
### vFairs case study: Cadence Design Systems
Cadence Design Systems used vFairs’ mobile event app to support **2,100+ registrations**, **1,400+ in-person attendees** and **1,200+ app logins** at CadenceLIVE Silicon Valley 2024.
The app served as a central hub for networking, personalized agendas, event navigation and attendee engagement, helping streamline the event experience while increasing participant interaction.
These examples show how both platforms can deliver measurable success when matched to event goals.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right event app features is essential to maximize engagement and ensure a smooth attendee journey.
Understand the difference between must-haves and nice-to-haves, align choices with your event goals and adopt features that scale with your needs.
Explore our full guide on event app functionality to sharpen your strategy and elevate your next event—start applying these insights today to improve outcomes and attendee satisfaction.
**Categories:** Event App
---
### [Event ROI Measurement: A complete guide to calculating and evaluating event success metrics and marketing performance](https://expoplatform.com/event-roi/event-roi-measurement/)
**Published:** November 7, 2023
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Measuring event return on investment (ROI) is essential for marketers who need clear evidence of what works.
Events can demand significant budgets, so reliably gauging their value helps you make smarter planning and spending decisions.
This guide breaks down what event ROI means, the key metrics and data collection methods and the formulas you can use to evaluate performance.
We focus on practical steps, common challenges and emerging trends so you can use event data to sharpen future campaigns and drive measurable results.
## What is event ROI and why is it essential for event marketing measurement?
Event ROI quantifies the financial return an event generates relative to its total cost.
It’s a foundational metric for judging how events contribute to your overall marketing strategy.
With a clear ROI, teams can prioritize events, reallocate budgets, and adjust tactics to maximize impact.
### Which key metrics and KPIs are critical for event performance evaluation?
Accurate event evaluation depends on tracking a range of KPIs that reflect both engagement and business outcomes. Core metrics include:
- **Attendance rates**: The count of actual attendees versus expected or registered, indicating interest and reach.
- **Lead generation**: The number of qualified prospects captured, measuring the event’s pipeline impact.
- **Revenue generated**: Total income from ticketing, sponsorships and related sales, central to financial evaluation.
- **Satisfaction scores**: Feedback from attendee surveys that reveals experience quality and perceived value.
Consistently tracking these metrics gives you the data to refine formats, content and targeting so events better support broader marketing goals.
## How do you collect data for accurate event ROI measurement?
Reliable data collection is the backbone of honest ROI measurement.
Using multiple collection methods ensures you capture both quantitative and qualitative signals that reflect an event’s true performance.
### What are the best data collection methods: surveys, CRM integration and analytics?
A layered approach to data yields the most actionable insights. Effective methods include:
- **Surveys**: Post-event surveys collect attendee sentiment on satisfaction, session value and areas for improvement.
- **CRM integration**: Linking event touchpoints to your CRM lets you track leads through the funnel and measure conversion downstream.
- **Event analytics tools**: Purpose-built platforms record attendee behaviors and engagement patterns, revealing which content and features drive results.
Combining these sources produces a clearer, more complete picture.
In particular, strong **CRM integration** streamlines tracking and makes ROI calculations more accurate.
### How can event metrics be integrated into structured data for semantic clarity?
Putting event metrics into structured formats—like schema markup or standardized data models—improves clarity and makes the information easier to consume across systems.
Structured data helps search engines and internal tools understand and surface event details and it supports consistent reporting and richer sharing of insights across channels.
## What are the most effective formulas and models for calculating event ROI?
Knowing which formulas to use helps you translate event outcomes into business value.
Common approaches include basic ROI calculations, revenue-per-attendee, cost-per-lead and multi-touch attribution models that account for pre- and post-event influence on conversions.
## Which tools and technologies enhance event ROI reporting and analysis?
The right stack makes tracking and analysis faster and more reliable.
Tools that centralize data, automate reporting and surface insights reduce manual work and drive better decisions.
### How do AI-based and real-time analytics tools improve ROI accuracy?
AI and real-time analytics enhance precision and responsiveness in ROI measurement.
Advanced tools can process large datasets, surface trends and support faster decision-making.
- **Dynamic reporting**: Live dashboards present up-to-the-minute metrics so teams can act during an event.
- **Predictive analytics**: Machine learning models analyze historical data to forecast outcomes and inform planning.
Organizations that adopt these capabilities typically see more accurate ROI estimates and better-informed strategies.
## What are proven case studies and best practices in event ROI measurement?
Case studies show how organizations apply measurement frameworks to drive improvements.
Reviewing real examples helps identify patterns and repeatable tactics you can adapt.
### What challenges are common in event ROI measurement and how to overcome them?
Typical obstacles include fragmented data, inconsistent tracking and limited qualitative feedback.
To address these issues, consider:
- **Standardized metrics**: Define a consistent set of KPIs across events to enable apples-to-apples comparisons.
- **Integrated systems**: Connect your tools to reduce data silos and improve accuracy.
- **Regular feedback loops**: Build follow-ups into your event plan to capture attendee sentiment and iterate quickly.
By tackling common problems like **data fragmentation** proactively, you’ll build more trustworthy ROI reporting and clearer insights for future events.
## What future trends should marketers watch in event ROI measurement?
The events landscape is changing fast.
New tools and behaviors are shifting how marketers collect data and measure impact.
### Which emerging technologies will shape event performance evaluation?
Emerging tech—event apps with embedded analytics, virtual and augmented experiences and richer engagement tools—will expand how you capture attendee activity and sentiment.
These innovations will deepen insights and make measurement more granular.
As these capabilities mature, they’ll streamline ROI analysis and unlock new ways to measure attendee value and engagement.
### How to implement ongoing monitoring and semantic entity tracking for event ROI?
Continuous monitoring and semantic tracking make ROI measurement a repeatable, evolving practice.
Implement real-time dashboards, automated alerts and entity-based tagging to link event metrics to broader business outcomes.
This approach clarifies how events influence leads, pipeline and revenue over time.
Adopting these processes helps organizations move from episodic measurement to ongoing performance optimization.
## Comparison of ExpoPlatform and Cvent: market leaders in event management
ExpoPlatform and Cvent are two leading platforms in event technology.
Each provides comprehensive capabilities for planning, running and measuring events with strengths that suit different use cases.
Their market presence reflects wide adoption across industries and a focus on improving event ROI through better engagement and analytics.
**Feature****ExpoPlatform****Cvent**Event types supportedVirtual, hybrid, in-personVirtual, hybrid, in-personCustomizable event appsYesYesLead Retrieval and managementAdvanced CRM integration and lead retrievalIntegrated lead capture and event management softwareEngagement toolsInteractive sessions, matchmaking, structured meeting formatsNetworking, polls, surveysAnalytics and reportingReal-time dashboards, real-time analyticsComprehensive KPI tracking and reportingPricing modelSubscription and custom packagesCustom pricing based on event sizeMarket positioningSpecialist in large-scale eventsEstablished leader in event management## Use cases for ExpoPlatform and Cvent
Both ExpoPlatform and Cvent support a wide range of event formats so organizations can pick the platform that matches their objectives.
ExpoPlatform is often chosen for large in-person events where AI-driven matchmaking and networking boost engagement and high-quality connections.
Cvent is typically preferred for conferences and trade shows that need strong registration, logistics and venue management.
ExpoPlatform shines at helping events grow at scale through real-time analytics, optimizable meeting formats and AI matchmaking software connections that prove ROI.
Cvent delivers a complete toolkit for end-to-end event operations, including marketing automation and deep CRM or ERP integrations.
Your choice will depend on event format, scale and the level of engagement you want to drive.
## Case studies demonstrating success with ExpoPlatform and Cvent
### ExpoPlatform case studies
- **Security & Policing 2025:** Security & Policing used ExpoPlatform to power registration, exhibitor tools, mobile engagement and data reporting for its high-security government event. The platform improved buyer-supplier discovery and increased exhibitor visibility through AI-powered networking and digital engagement features. As a result, the event achieved a 47% year-over-year increase in conversations, generated more than 15,000 favourites, increased exhibitor product uploads from 32.3% to 58.6% and drove over 102,000 page views — delivering stronger lead generation and measurable exhibitor ROI.
- **IMEX Frankfurt 2025:** IMEX Frankfurt 2025 partnered with ExpoPlatform to enhance attendee discovery, meeting planning, lead capture and ROI tracking across web and mobile experiences. ExpoPlatform implemented AI-powered matchmaking, smart meeting scheduling, interactive floorplans and a new “Rate Your Meetings” feature that helped attendees measure lead quality and prove event ROI. The event delivered 67,000 total meetings, over 559,000 conversations, more than 100,000 badge scans and a 10% increase in confirmed meetings compared to previous editions, demonstrating measurable improvements in engagement and exhibitor value.
### Cvent case studies
- **Inovalon:** Inovalon used Cvent to streamline registration, attendee engagement, lead capture and reporting across hosted events and more than 50 trade shows, integrating the platform with Salesforce, Marketo and Power BI. This gave the team end-to-end visibility into event performance and revenue attribution. As a result, the company generated $5.26M in marketing pipeline and $2.2M in closed-won revenue, while increasing lead generation by 847%, registrations by 18%, and conversion rates by 26%.
- **University of Southern California (USC):** USC implemented Cvent to replace manual event management processes with a centralized platform for registration, mobile engagement, attendee check-in and reporting during Trojan Family Weekend. The solution improved operational efficiency and created a more seamless attendee experience while enabling better sponsorship tracking and event insights. The university saw registrations increase by 19%, attendance grow by 29%, mobile app adoption rise by 60%, and session offerings expand by 50%.
## Conclusion
Measuring event ROI gives marketers the evidence they need to refine strategy and allocate budget with confidence.
By focusing on the right metrics, using integrated analytics tools and following best practices, organizations can improve event performance and maximize returns.
[Explore our resources and tools to start optimizing your events and driving measurable results today.](https://expoplatform.com/resources/)
**Categories:** Event ROI
---
### [How to manage exhibitors with registration and lead-management software](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/exhibitor-management/)
**Published:** April 1, 2023
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Managing exhibitors well starts with a clear process and the right tools.
Registration platforms and lead-management systems reduce friction, improve communication and deliver measurable results.
This article highlights the features to prioritize, how these tools streamline operations, reporting and ways to use automation and feedback to avoid common issues like miscommunication and logistical bottlenecks.
We also look at emerging technologies that help organizers get better outcomes from every exhibitor.
## Key features of exhibitor registration software
Exhibitor registration software is central to smooth trade show operations.
Look for automation that speeds registration, an intuitive interface that makes life easier for exhibitors and integrations that keep data flowing between systems.
These solutions should also include lead tracking, robust reporting and payment processing so event teams can manage exhibitor data, finances and performance from a single platform.
### How automated exhibitor registration improves trade show management
Automated registration cuts administrative work and improves data quality.
When exhibitors register online, they get instant confirmations and access to key event details without manual intervention.
That reduces delays from paper forms and manual entry, lowers error rates and frees organizers to focus on strategy and onsite execution—while exhibitors get a faster, more reliable experience.
### Tools that support seamless exhibitor data and lead management
Effective exhibitor and lead management relies on cloud-based platforms that provide real-time access and secure data syncing.
Lead-capture tools let exhibitors capture attendee interest and enrich those leads with contextual data.
CRM integrations tie event leads into broader sales workflows, while analytics help teams compare solutions and choose the tools that best match their operational needs.
These practices align with findings in recent research on digital services and intelligent cloud systems for convention management.
## How exhibitor coordination tools enhance communication
Clear, timely communication between organizers and exhibitors is essential.
Coordination tools centralize updates, enable two-way feedback and provide collaboration features that keep everyone aligned.
They create a single source of truth where exhibitors can raise issues, get answers and stay informed throughout the event life cycle.
### Best practices for using exhibitor communication platforms
Get the most from communication platforms by sending regular updates during planning and execution, offering short training sessions so exhibitors know how to use the tools and collecting feedback to refine the channels over time.
These habits help the platform evolve to meet user needs and reduce last-minute confusion.
### Integrating communication tools with lead management systems
Connecting communication platforms with lead-management systems builds a unified workflow for exhibitor interactions.
Integrated systems let exhibitors see live lead activity and follow-ups, enabling faster, more personalized outreach.
For organizers, the integration means clearer reporting and a smoother handoff from event to post-event sales activity.
## How to streamline trade show exhibitor management processes
Simplifying exhibitor management increases efficiency and reduces mistakes.
Key strategies include disciplined scheduling, detailed logistics planning and structured feedback collection.
Together these practices create a smoother experience for organizers and exhibitors alike.
### Step-by-step procedures for booth scheduling and logistics
Effective booth scheduling and logistics depend on careful sequencing and clarity. Follow these core steps:
- **Booth layout planning**: Design booth placements to maximize visibility and optimize traffic flow.
- **Resource allocation**: Assign equipment, power and staff to each booth so teams have what they need when they need it.
- **Timeline creation**: Publish a clear schedule for setup and teardown, giving exhibitors enough time for preparation and allowing organizers to coordinate onsite support.
That structure reduces confusion and supports a smoother event execution.
### Collecting and using exhibitor feedback for event improvement
Feedback is a primary driver of continuous improvement.
Use short post-event surveys, targeted interviews and in-platform feedback mechanisms to gather actionable input.
Analyze responses to highlight strengths and reveal gaps, then prioritize changes that will improve exhibitor experience at the next event.
## Emerging technologies transforming exhibitor lead management systems
New technologies are reshaping lead management, making processes faster and more insightful.
Artificial intelligence and real-time analytics are helping teams move from reactive to proactive exhibitor engagement.
### How AI and real-time dashboards revolutionize exhibitor engagement
AI delivers predictive insights about attendee behavior and lead quality, while real-time dashboards surface engagement trends as they happen.
Together they let exhibitors and organizers adjust tactics on the fly—targeting follow-ups, reallocating staff or changing messaging to improve outcomes during the event.
## Metrics and KPIs to monitor exhibitor management success
Track KPIs that map to business goals: return on investment (ROI), lead conversion rates and exhibitor satisfaction scores are core metrics.
These indicators give a clear view of what’s working and where to focus improvement efforts.
### Tracking organic ranking and lead conversion using exhibitor analytics
Exhibitor analytics tools help you monitor organic search visibility and lead conversion.
Choose the right analytics stack, set benchmarks and review results regularly so you can refine marketing and follow-up strategies.
Ongoing measurement drives better lead quality and higher exhibitor ROI.
### Effective internal linking and structured data strategies for exhibitor platforms
SEO and discoverability are important for exhibitor platforms.
Build clear internal linking to guide users to relevant content and use schema markup to help search engines understand event pages and exhibitor listings.
These practices improve organic traffic and make it easier for attendees to find exhibitors.
This overview underscores how technology and strategic planning together drive successful exhibitor management.
## Comparison of ExpoPlatform and Eventleaf as Market Leaders
ExpoPlatform and Eventleaf are established solutions for exhibitor registration and lead management.
Both provide robust feature sets and user-friendly interfaces; this comparison highlights core differences to help organizers pick the best fit for their events.
**Feature/Aspect****ExpoPlatform****Eventleaf**Registration AutomationComprehensive with customizable workflowsUser-friendly with quick setup optionsLead ManagementAdvanced tracking and CRM integrationEffective lead capture with analytics dashboardsCommunication ToolsReal-time updates, customizable messagingIntegrated messaging and notification systemIntegration CapabilitiesWide range including CRM and payment gatewaysSupports major CRM tools and payment processorsAnalytics & ReportingAdvanced customizable reportsUser-friendly dashboards with key metricsMarket PositionStrong presence in large-scale international eventsPopular among mid-size and regional events## Use Cases for ExpoPlatform and Eventleaf
Both ExpoPlatform and Eventleaf adapt to a variety of event sizes and exhibitor needs.
Below are common scenarios where each platform tends to excel.
**ExpoPlatform Use Cases:**
- Large trade shows and international exhibitions that require complex registration flows and multi-tier exhibitor packages.
- Events that need deep integration with external marketing and CRM systems to centralize lead management.
- Organizers who rely on detailed analytics and custom reporting to measure exhibitor engagement and ROI.
**Eventleaf Use Cases:**
- Mid-size conferences and regional trade shows that prioritize fast setup and simple registration processes.
- Events that need straightforward lead capture with easy-to-read analytics for timely follow-ups.
- Organizers who want integrated communication tools to keep exhibitors informed and engaged.
## Conclusion
Registration and lead-management systems make exhibitor management more efficient and more measurable.
By combining automation, integrations and real-time analytics with strong communication and feedback practices, organizers can improve exhibitor satisfaction and event ROI.
[Explore our solutions to see how they can elevate your next event.](https://expoplatform.com/exhibition/)
**Categories:** event management, Exhibitions
---
### [The Hong Kong Tourist Board announces partnership with Informa](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-06-01/)
**Published:** June 1, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
The Hong Kong Tourist Board has signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Informa.
This agreement will see the global leading event organizer bring a portfolio of premium international exhibition IPs to the region.
It is part of Asia’s first-ever “city-as-your-showroom” concept to reinforce Hong Kong’s reputation as “the world’s meeting place”.
Your other top stories include:
- [NurnbergMesse Austria announces new leadership](#one)
- [Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance reveals record attendance at Legislative Action Day](#two)
- [Messe Dusseldorf is taking over operational responsibility for the German Pavilion at Expo 2027](#three)
Read on for your full Week in Events news.
## HKTB and Informa enter a strategic partnership to bring a premium exhibition portfolio to Hong Kong
**The Hong Kong Tourist Board and Informa Markets have signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding.**
This partnership comes as part of a wider MICE initiative to bring more diverse, global events to the region – it is a vital step in Asia’s first-ever ‘city-as-your-showroom’ concept.
It will see Informa bring a portfolio of premium international exhibition IPs to Hong Kong.
Peter Lam, chairman of HKTB, said: “This partnership is of great significance.
“It not only elevates Hong Kong’s position as a premier global destination for high-end MICE tourism, but also affirms the city’s vital role as a ‘super-connector’ and a ‘super value-adder’ between the Chinese Mainland and the world.”
HKTB hopes this will attract more high-value visitors to the region.
The Festival of Connoisseurs global exhibition platform will serve as the first major event in the partnership.
Its first edition will take place in Hong Kong this year and will continue to develop there at scale until 2028 as per the agreement.
Margaret Ma Connolly, CEO of Informa Markets Asia, said: “The decision to launch The Festival of Connoisseurs here is not simply a commercial one. It is a profound statement of conviction.
“We believe Hong Kong stands as the sovereign gateway between the world’s second largest economy and the global stage, where the Eastern prosperity meets the Western artistry.”
## NurnbergMesse Austria announces new leadership
**NurnbergMesse Austria has revealed that its operational responsibility will be handed over to new leadership.**
This comes after Inge Tremmel announced her retirement after ten years of success.
She will hand the role over to her long-time colleague and exhibition manager – Rosa Greul.
Martin Kassubek, senior vice president of business development at NurnbergMesse Group, said: “We are confident that as new branch manager, Rosa Greul will seamlessly build on the successful track record of ‘NMA’ and we wish her every success in her new role!”
Rosa joined NMA in 2018 as senior sales and project manager.
She has brought her extensive experience to marketing and social media campaigns to improve customer communication and retention.
Rosa now looks to continue developing the foundations of success laid by her predecessor.
## Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance reveals record attendance at Legislative Action Day
**Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance saw record-breaking attendance at its annual Legislative Action Day.**
Two hundred and twenty-six event business leaders and advocates were present at Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.
Participants from the U.S. and around the globe had the opportunity to engage with Congress regarding strengthening business and economic impact through the industry.
Fernando Fischer, chair of the ECA board of directors, said: “ECA Legislative Action Day is a powerful reminder of what makes our industry so special.
“Business and professional events bring people together, strengthen small businesses, support jobs and help communities grow.”
This year’s Legislative Action Day was centered on three key issues from ECA’s public policy agenda.
These were – trade and tariffs, future workforce development and the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act.
ECA deemed these key points integral to the industry’s ability to serve as a growth engine.
## Messe Dusseldorf is taking over operational responsibility for the German Pavilion at Expo 2027
**The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy has appointed Messe Dusseldorf with the overall responsibility for Germany’s participation in Expo 2027.**
They will take over the technical and operational implementation of the country’s pavilion at the World Expo – which will take place in Belgrade, Serbia.
Germany’s key industry areas will be showcased including – food and beverage, communication, retail, visitor services, accommodation, staffing and German National Day.
Marius Berlemann, COO of Messe Dusseldorf, said: “We are delighted by the trust the Federal Ministry has placed in us with this assignment and we are approaching the task ahead with great care.”
This is not the first time the organizer has taken charge of Germany’s positioning on the global stage.
They have implemented both national and Dusseldorf pavilions at World Expos in Seville, Shanghai, Hanover and Brussels.
Messe Dusseldorf looks to leverage this vast experience in delivering complex event formats at Expo 2027.
**That was the full Week in Events news. To apply advanced tech solutions to your next event, [book a free demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Event data analytics: What to track and why it matters for business insights](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-analytics/)
**Published:** February 28, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Event data analytics is a cornerstone of modern business intelligence.
By capturing user interactions and system events, organizations turn raw activity into clear actionable insights.
Knowing which events to monitor helps teams make smarter decisions, improve user experiences and accelerate growth.
This article walks through the key events to track, the best collection methods and tools, practical visualization and reporting approaches and how to keep data accurate and compliant.
We’ll also cover how automation and integrations boost analytics efficiency for a complete view of event data strategy.
## Which key events should you track in event data analytics?
Tracking the right events is how analytics delivers real value.
Focus on user actions, system events and core business KPIs that directly affect performance.
Those data points reveal user motivations, surface system issues and connect activity to outcomes.
### What user behavior metrics are essential for tracking?
User behavior metrics reveal how people move through your experience.
Core metrics include page views, click-through rates (CTR) and session duration.
Page views show interest and discoverability, CTR measures how compelling links and CTAs are.
Session duration gives a sense of attention and content relevance.
Together, these metrics expose trends, highlight friction and guide optimizations that improve engagement and conversions.
### How do system and business events impact analytics?
System and business events shape the context around user behavior.
System events — for example, server errors or downtime — affect user experience and can skew metrics.
Business events like transactions or customer inquiries map activity to revenue and engagement.
Understanding how these event types interact helps teams prioritize fixes and build strategies that preserve both experience and business outcomes.
## What are the best tools and methods for event data collection?
Picking the right tools and collection methods is essential for reliable analytics.
There are trade-offs between control, coverage and maintenance, so choose approaches that match your technical resources and measurement goals.
### How do manual tagging and automatic capture compare?
Manual tagging gives precise control: developers add specific tracking calls to capture the exact events you care about.
It’s intentional but takes time and can introduce human error.
Automatic capture tools record interactions without extra code, speeding deployment and reducing missed events — though they can surface more noise and miss highly specific actions.
Many teams use a hybrid approach to balance accuracy and scale.
## How can you visualize and report event data effectively?
Good visualization and reporting turn data into clear persuasive stories for stakeholders.
### What are the best practices for event data reporting dashboards?
Design dashboards for clarity and action.
Prioritize the few metrics that tie directly to business goals, keep labels and layouts intuitive and give users ways to filter or drill into the data.
Interactivity and context help teams diagnose issues quickly and make decisions with confidence.
## How do you ensure event data accuracy and quality assurance?
High-quality data is the foundation of trustworthy analytics — without it, decisions are risky.
### What techniques improve event data reliability?
Improve reliability with regular audits, validation rules and team training.
Periodic audits catch tracking gaps and inconsistencies.
Validation at collection prevents bad values from entering your dataset.
Training makes sure everyone follows the same tagging conventions and understands why data quality matters.
### How does data quality affect business decisions?
Data quality shapes the confidence of every decision built on analytics.
Poor data can misdirect campaigns, hide operational problems and waste budget.
Accurate user behavior data leads to effective marketing and product choices; reliable system event data protects uptime and performance.
Prioritizing data quality protects outcomes across the organization.
## What privacy and compliance considerations are critical in event analytics?
Privacy and compliance are central to modern analytics practices and to maintaining user trust.
### How to implement privacy-first data collection methods?
Adopt privacy-first practices like anonymization, consent management and data minimization.
Remove or hash directly identifiable information where possible, surface clear consent flows for users and collect only what’s needed for the intended purpose.
These steps reduce risk and keep you aligned with user expectations and legal requirements.
### What regulations impact event data analytics?
Key regulations include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and HIPAA for protected health information.
GDPR governs data protection across the EU, CCPA strengthens rights for California residents and HIPAA secures health-related data.
Knowing which laws apply to your data is essential to remain compliant and avoid penalties.
## How does automation and integration enhance event data analytics?
Automation and integrations speed insights and reduce manual work, making analytics more actionable and scalable.
### What role does AI play in event data automation?
AI accelerates event analytics through predictive models, anomaly detection and automated reporting. Predictive analytics forecasts trends and behaviors from historical data.
Anomaly detection surfaces unusual patterns that warrant attention.
Automated reporting delivers scheduled insights, freeing teams to focus on strategy rather than repetitive tasks.
### How to integrate event data with customer experience platforms?
Integrating event data involves API connections, synchronized data flows and cross-team collaboration.
APIs enable seamless data sharing, synchronization keeps systems aligned and collaboration between marketing, sales and support ensures insights turn into better customer experiences.
Unified data helps personalize interactions across the lifecycle.
## Comparison of ExpoPlatform and EventMobi as Market Leaders
ExpoPlatform and EventMobi both lead the market in event management and analytics.
Each offers robust tracking, reporting and engagement features tailored for different event needs and audiences, supported by broad adoption across industries.
**Feature****ExpoPlatform****EventMobi**Event Data AnalyticsAdvanced real-time analytics with customizable dashboardsComprehensive analytics with user behavior tracking and reportingUser Engagement ToolsInteractive features, Q&As, meeting formats and advanced networkingEngagement through gamification, surveys and personalized agendasIntegration CapabilitiesAPIs for CRM, marketing automation and third-party appsWide range of integrations including CRM and marketing platformsCustomizationHighly customizable event portals and branding optionsFlexible event app customization with branding and layout controlMarket PositioningStrong presence in corporate and large-scale eventsPopular among associations, conferences and hybrid events## Use cases for ExpoPlatform and EventMobi
Both platforms support a wide range of event types, using analytics and engagement tools to drive better outcomes.
### ExpoPlatform Use Cases
- **Corporate Events:** Powers large-scale meetings and product launches with live engagement features and real-time analytics.
- **Trade Shows:** Boosts exhibitor and attendee interactions with interactive portals and detailed tracking.
### EventMobi Use Cases
- **Conferences and Summits:** Offers attendee engagement features and session-level analytics to lift participation.
- **Associations and Membership Events:** Enables personalized agendas and member-focused tracking to increase relevance.
## Conclusion
Event data analytics gives teams the clarity to make better decisions, improve experiences and grow efficiently.
With the right tracking strategy, tools and governance, you can ensure accurate, compliant data that powers timely action.
Automation and integrations make those insights faster and more useful — so you can respond to opportunities and challenges with speed.
[Explore how ExpoPlatform can strengthen your event analytics and deliver measurable results.](https://expoplatform.com/)
**Categories:** Data
---
### [What are the main advantages of ExpoPlatform’s trade show, exhibition and conference solutions?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/main-advantages-of-expoplatform/)
**Published:** October 21, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
In an event landscape that demands scale, flexibility and measurable impact, ExpoPlatform positions itself as a full-service event technology partner for large trade shows, exhibitions and conferences.
This article breaks down the core advantages of ExpoPlatform — the features and benefits that help organizers boost attendee engagement, simplify event operations and improve return on investment (ROI).
As organizations look for smarter ways to reach audiences, a clear understanding of ExpoPlatform’s capabilities can be a decisive advantage.
We’ll cover how ExpoPlatform raises engagement, the platform’s key features, the analytics that drive ROI, integration options for marketing automation, security and data privacy safeguards, and why many organizers prefer it to other event-management tools.
## How does ExpoPlatform boost attendee engagement with advanced tools?
ExpoPlatform increases attendee engagement with a toolkit built for interaction, optimized matchmaking and immersion.
The platform helps attendees connect with content and each other, driving higher participation and satisfaction.
Built-in streaming, engagement features and flexible branding make events both informative and memorable.
## What are the key features of ExpoPlatform for trade shows, exhibitions and conferences?
ExpoPlatform is built for large-scale events and emphasizes flexibility and scalability.
Core features include powerful analytics, customizable event environments and smooth integrations — all designed to give organizers control and attendees a seamless experience.
### Which event solutions does ExpoPlatform provide?
ExpoPlatform supports a variety of event formats, including:
- **Trade shows**: Tools for exhibitor management, booth navigation and attendee discovery.
- **Exhibitions**: Feature sets tailored to product displays and exhibitor–attendee interaction.
- **Conferences**: Support for multi-session programs, speaker coordination and networking tracks.
Each solution is configurable to meet specific event goals and audience needs.
### How does ExpoPlatform support seamless event technology?
ExpoPlatform unites the technical pieces that make hybrid and virtual events work smoothly — from live streaming that links remote and on-site audiences to user-friendly interfaces that reduce friction. Organizer-facing tools and proven implementations show how the platform bridges physical and digital experiences effectively.
## How do ExpoPlatform’s analytics and reporting optimize event ROI?
Analytics and reporting are central to measuring event success and improving ROI.
ExpoPlatform delivers in-depth, real-time insights into attendee behavior, engagement patterns and overall performance so organizers can make informed decisions.
### What advanced analytics capabilities does ExpoPlatform include?
ExpoPlatform offers analytics features such as:
- **Real-time data tracking**: Monitor engagement and participation as events unfold.
- **Post-event reports**: Detailed summaries that highlight what worked and where to improve.
- **Customizable dashboards**: Visualize the metrics that matter most to your team.
These tools enable data-driven adjustments that strengthen future events.
### How can event organizers use analytics to improve future events?
Organizers use analytics to spot trends, test hypotheses and refine programming.
Feedback from post-event surveys and behavioral data informs content choices and engagement strategies.
Case studies show organizations that use these insights often see improvement in attendee satisfaction over time.
### What do case studies from ExpoPlatform reveal about benefits to organizers?
[Case studies](https://expoplatform.com/use-cases/) from ExpoPlatform demonstrate tangible benefits for event organizers, including increased attendee engagement, streamlined operations, and enhanced ROI. For instance, several large-scale trade shows reported significant improvements in participant interaction and satisfaction after adopting ExpoPlatform’s solutions. These real-world examples highlight how the platform’s features translate into measurable success, helping organizers achieve their event goals more effectively.
#### **The Meeting Show 2025**
The Meetings Show 2025 needed a way to improve buyer–exhibitor connections, simplify scheduling, and increase attendee engagement at scale.
ExpoPlatform implemented AI-powered matchmaking, mobile meeting scheduling, and integrated networking tools to streamline the experience for attendees and organizers alike.
The event exceeded expectations by achieving 120% of its meeting target, generating more than 32,000 meetings and over 30,000 attendee conversations.
For organizers, these results demonstrated how smarter networking technology can directly improve exhibitor ROI, attendee satisfaction and the overall commercial success of a large-scale event.
#### **Security & Policing 2025**
For Security & Policing 2025, organizers faced the challenge of managing a complex, high-security exhibition while improving networking, exhibitor management and attendee engagement.
ExpoPlatform provided registration management, AI-powered matchmaking, exhibitor tools and real-time analytics to create a more connected and measurable event experience.
The platform helped drive a 47% increase in attendee conversations compared to the previous edition, while giving organizers greater visibility into engagement and performance metrics.
This mattered because it enabled the event team to improve operational efficiency, deliver stronger networking outcomes and provide clearer value to exhibitors and sponsors.
## What integration options does ExpoPlatform offer for marketing automation?
ExpoPlatform connects with common marketing and CRM systems to streamline workflows and extend event data into broader marketing initiatives.
### How do integrations enhance event management and marketing efficiency?
Integrations reduce manual work by automating attendee lists, lead routing and follow-up campaigns. Organizations that connect event systems with their marketing stack often cut administrative effort by improving efficiency and boosting attendance and engagement.
## What security features ensure data privacy on ExpoPlatform?
Protecting attendee and organizer data is a core focus for ExpoPlatform.
The platform applies industry-standard controls to keep information secure and compliant.
### How does ExpoPlatform comply with data privacy regulations?
ExpoPlatform follows major privacy standards, including GDPR and CCPA, and implements practices to ensure lawful, transparent data handling — an important factor in building attendee trust.
### What measures protect attendee and organizer data?
Key security measures include:
- **Encryption**: All data in transit and at rest is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
- **Access controls**: Role-based permissions limit who can view sensitive information.
- **Regular security audits**: Ongoing testing and reviews reduce exposure to vulnerabilities.
Together, these protections create a secure environment that supports confident event delivery.
## Why choose ExpoPlatform over other event management software?
ExpoPlatform stands out for combining scale, customization and hands-on support — a combination that helps organizers deliver consistent, engaging experiences across in-person, virtual and hybrid events.
### What unique benefits differentiate ExpoPlatform from competitors?
Notable advantages include:
- **Scalability**: Built to handle events of any size, from focused exhibitions to large-scale trade shows.
- **Customization**: Flexible branding and feature options to match your event’s needs.
- **Comprehensive support**: Dedicated resources to ensure smooth execution before, during and after the event.
These strengths make ExpoPlatform a go-to choice for organizations aiming for reliable, high-impact events.
### What do case studies reveal about ExpoPlatform’s event success?
Case studies consistently show stronger engagement and higher satisfaction for events run on ExpoPlatform. For example, a recent large trade show reported a 70% increase in attendee interaction compared with prior editions — a clear signal that the platform’s features can materially improve event outcomes.
## Conclusion
ExpoPlatform offers a comprehensive suite of tools that enhance attendee engagement, streamline event management, and optimize ROI for trade shows, exhibitions, and conferences. By leveraging advanced analytics, seamless integrations, and robust security measures, organizers can create memorable experiences that resonate with their audiences. Embrace the power of ExpoPlatform to elevate your next event and achieve measurable success. [Discover how our solutions can transform your event strategy today.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
**Categories:** event management, Event Technology, Exhibitions, Smart Events, Tradeshows
---
### [Apollo announce agreements to acquire Emerald and Questex](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-05-18/)
**Published:** May 18, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Apollo Funds has announced that it has entered into separate definitive agreements to acquire Emerald and Questex.**
The move will see the two major event organizers combined into a leading B2B North American platform.
Apollo seeks to combine their portfolios and position them to drive organic growth.
Your other main industry stories include:
- [Deutsche Messe AG restructures and expands executive board](#one)
- [Easyfairs Belgium reveals intention to take over Xpo Group](#two)
- [Nineteen Group announces new CEO of The Payments Association](#three)
Read on for more event industry news.
## Apollo to acquire and combine Emerald and Questex to create a new B2B platform
**Apollo has revealed its agreements to acquire two major event organizers – Emerald and Questex.**
The combined portfolios will come under private ownership to create a scaled platform poised for further growth.
Apollo seeks to capitalize on Emerald’s category-leading events and Questex’s diverse portfolio – together they will host around 160 events.
Shahid Bosan, managing director at Apollo, said: “As AI and digital tools rapidly expand the ways professionals connect and share information, they are simultaneously elevating the value of trusted, in-person gatherings, where industries come together to do business, build relationships and make consequential decisions.
“Bringing together Emerald and Questex would create a scaled, highly complementary platform that is well positioned to capture that demand.”
The transaction is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2026 pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
Meanwhile, founder of Precision Communities Baris Onay believes this is part of a wider shift in the private equity cycle.
He argues the events industry appears to be following a new pattern of compounding assets rather than the established cycle of scaling and selling at an increased value.
Baris said: “Are the best event platforms becoming assets PE wants to keep compounding, rather than sell on?
“The latest CloserStill deal certainly looks that way. The reported £1.35bn valuation is eye-catching, but the real signal is quieter: Providence stayed in and brought in their co-investor from Hyve, Searchlight.
“\[…\] In the same vein, will the Apollo → Emerald+Questex deal turn out to be another long hold? Time will tell.”
Read Baris’s full article [here.](https://barisonay.com/blog/flip-to-hold-20-years-of-pe-investment-in-events)
## Deutsche Messe AG restructures and expands executive board
**Deutsche Messe AG has announced an expansion of its leadership team and executive board.**
Konstantin Kuhl, Jochen Köckler and Holger Feist will be added to the board in an effort to better align with the company’s future development.
Their focus will be on site development and transformation, trade fair business and digitalization.
Grant Hendrik Tonne, chairman of the supervisory board of Deutsche Messe AG, said: “The trade fair industry is undergoing profound change – economically highly challenging, but also offering clear opportunities for strong locations.
“By expanding the Executive Board today to include Konstantin Kuhl alongside Dr. Jochen Kockler and Dr. Holger Feist, Deutsche Messe AG is establishing clear priorities in trade fair business, digitalization, and site development & transformation.”
Jochen will focus on further developing business and strengthening the positioning of flagship events such as EMO Hannover and HANNOVER MESSE.
Konstantin will develop the long-term plan for Deutsche Messe’s future – this will involve evaluating and improving the company’s existing business model.
Holger’s primary objective will be to create new business opportunities across Germany and globally – including the development of new digital services that add value to attendees and exhibitors.
## Easyfairs Belgium reveals its intention to take over Xpo Group
**Easyfairs Belgium has announced its intent to launch a public conditional takeover bid for all Xpo Group shares.**
The leadership of both companies supports this move.
Xpo Group is the organizer of leading B2B events including the Solar Solutions series and the ARCHITECT@WORK.
Matt Benyon, CEO of Easyfairs Group, said: “Easyfairs and Xpo Group are highly complementary in the industries they serve and their international footprint.”
Easyfairs sees this as the ideal opportunity to extend its portfolio of European events.
This is part of the organizer’s wider growth strategy of expanding its network of shows in the region.
The offer is awaiting approval of the prospectus by the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA).
## Nineteen group announces new CEO of The Payments Association
**Nineteen group has revealed the appointment of the Payments Association’s newest CEO.**
Emma Banymandhub will take over the role and will focus on driving expansion.
The Payments Association is a trade body representing over 250 organizations in the financial services sector.
Tony Craddock, founder of the Payments Association, said: “Emma’s promotion is exactly what our community needs.
“She brings an enthusiasm for the unbeatable combination of community and events that makes us different.”
Emma was previously the COO and the association’s headcount tripled under her guidance.
She takes over during a period of significant international expansion, after establishing itself as a payments powerhouse in the UK.
The Payments Association now looks to Emma to lead it into its next stage of growth.
**Thank you for reading.[ Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to supercharge your event through tech.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [How to increase event attendance: 15 proven event marketing tactics to boost turnout](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/registration/event-attendance-15-stratigies/)
**Published:** June 14, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Event attendance can make or break an exhibition, tradeshow or expo. You might have a standout exhibitor list, a great venue and a packed agenda — but without the right people in the room, the event can’t deliver meaningful value.
For event organizers, increasing turnout isn’t just about selling more tickets. It’s about attracting qualified attendees, keeping them engaged before the show and giving them a clear, compelling reason to attend in person.
In this guide, we outline 15 proven event marketing tactics to help you boost attendance, improve registration quality and drive stronger outcomes for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees.
## Why event attendance matters
Solid attendance creates value across the entire event ecosystem: exhibitors meet more potential buyers, sponsors get greater visibility and attendees benefit from richer networking and product discovery.
For exhibitions, tradeshows and expos, foot traffic and audience quality are central to value. A successful attendance strategy doesn’t just aim for higher headcount — it targets the right audience, communicates a convincing reason to attend and keeps registrants engaged through to event day.
## 15 proven event marketing tactics to increase event attendance
## 1. Define your ideal attendee profile
Before you promote the event, be specific about who you want to attract. Broad outreach can raise awareness, but targeted campaigns bring attendees who matter to exhibitors and sponsors.
For example, a manufacturing expo might pursue procurement managers, plant directors, engineers, distributors and suppliers. A retail tradeshow may focus on store owners, buyers, brand managers and e‑commerce leaders.
The clearer your audience picture, the easier it is to craft messaging, pick channels and create offers that drive registrations. Rather than marketing to “industry professionals,” speak to each group and the outcomes they care about.
## 2. Build a compelling event value proposition
Attendees come when the value is obvious. Your event page, ads, emails and social posts should answer one simple question quickly: “Why should I attend?”
A strong value proposition explains what attendees will gain — whether that’s meeting new suppliers, learning from industry leaders, attending expert sessions, comparing products in one place or uncovering business opportunities.
Avoid vague phrases like “Join the leading industry event.” Be specific: “Meet 300+ packaging suppliers, compare live product demos and find cost‑saving solutions in two days.” Clear, outcome‑driven messaging is one of the easiest ways to increase attendance.
## 3. Create an optimized event landing page
Your landing page is a primary conversion tool. It should be clear, persuasive and frictionless: visitors must instantly know what the event is, who it’s for, when and where it happens and why they should register.
For exhibitions and tradeshows, show the attendee experience: exhibitor categories, speaker highlights, agenda snippets, venue details, testimonials and registration info. If you have strong attendance figures, notable sponsors or major brands involved, make those proof points visible.
Most importantly, make the registration CTA impossible to miss. A visitor should never have to hunt for the next step.
## 4. Use early bird registration campaigns
Early bird campaigns create urgency and get people to commit sooner, helping you build momentum, improve attendance forecasting and reduce last‑minute pressure.
The incentive doesn’t always need to be a discount. Offer VIP access, exclusive networking, limited add‑ons, group rates or priority workshop access. The goal is to give a real reason to act before the deadline.
Promote early bird offers across email, paid ads, social, partner channels and exhibitor networks. Use countdown messaging as the deadline approaches to convert on-the-fence prospects.
## 5. Segment your email marketing
Email is still one of the most effective channels, but generic blasts rarely perform. Segmentation lets you send more relevant messages to each audience group.
Past attendees will want to know what’s new. First‑time prospects may need a stronger introduction. VIP buyers respond better to personalized networking invitations. People who started but didn’t finish registration may need a timely reminder.
Tailor emails by attendee type, interest, behavior and stage in the registration journey — it’s how you move from broad awareness to qualified signups.
## 6. Promote high-value speakers, exhibitors and sessions
Speakers, exhibitors and sessions drive attendance. Attendees want to know who they’ll learn from, which companies they’ll meet and what they’ll miss by not attending.
For conferences, keynote speakers and panels are big draws. For exhibitions, major brands, product launches, live demos and hands‑on showcases can be equally powerful.
Announce confirmed highlights as they come in and keep building excitement as the event approaches — don’t wait until the full agenda is locked in.
## 7. Use social proof to build trust
People are more likely to register when they see others value the event. Social proof reduces hesitation and boosts credibility, especially for first‑time attendees.
Show testimonials, exhibitor success stories, photos and videos from past events, sponsor logos, media coverage and attendance figures. Specifics like “Last year, 8,000+ industry professionals attended, with 72% involved in purchasing decisions” make the event’s value tangible.
Concrete examples of success are far more persuasive than vague praise.
## 8. Launch a multi-channel promotion plan
Don’t rely on a single marketing channel. Attendees discover events via email, LinkedIn, Google search, retargeting ads, industry newsletters, partner promos and direct outreach.
A multi‑channel approach creates repeated visibility. Someone might first see a LinkedIn post, then get an email, then click a retargeting ad before registering. Each touchpoint reinforces the event’s value.
Choose channels where your target audience already spends time. For B2B exhibitions, LinkedIn, industry media, email, associations and sales outreach often perform best. The goal is consistent, relevant presence — not being everywhere at once.
## 9. Partner with industry associations and media
Associations, trade publications and industry communities help you reach a highly relevant audience. These partners are especially valuable for niche exhibitions and B2B expos where trust matters.
Partnerships can include newsletter placements, sponsored content, webinars, member discounts, speaker slots or co‑branded research. Because these partners already have established relationships, their endorsement helps your event stand out.
Partner promotion is not just about reach — it’s about credibility. A respected industry voice recommending your event makes attendance feel like a safer, more valuable choice.
## 10. Turn exhibitors and sponsors into promoters
Exhibitors and sponsors want strong attendance too. Make it easy for them to promote the event by giving ready‑to‑use assets.
Provide email copy, social graphics, custom registration links, discount codes and booth announcement templates. When sponsors share their participation with engaged audiences, you get highly qualified registrations.
You can also incentivize promotion by recognizing top promoters or offering extra visibility to active partners.
## 11. Use retargeting ads to convert interested visitors
Many visitors will leave your site without registering. Retargeting ads bring them back while the event is still top of mind.
Retarget visitors who viewed the landing page, abandoned registration, clicked emails, attended past events or watched your videos. These audiences are already interested and more likely to convert.
Make retargeting creative specific: highlight early bird deadlines, new speakers, major exhibitors or limited networking opportunities. A generic “register now” ad is less persuasive than a message tied to a clear reason to act.
## 12. Create event content before the event
Pre‑event content builds interest and positions the event as a key industry moment. It gives prospects useful context while supporting SEO, email and social promotion.
Examples: a construction expo publishing “Top Building Technology Trends to Explore at This Year’s Expo,” or a food tradeshow sharing exhibitor spotlights, buyer guides or short interviews with speakers. This content helps attendees understand what they’ll learn, who they’ll meet and why the event matters to them.
Good pre‑event content does more than advertise — it educates and primes prospects to register.
## 13. Make networking a major selling point
For many B2B attendees, networking is the primary reason to attend. If your event facilitates valuable connections, make that central to your marketing.
Promote matchmaking programs, hosted buyer initiatives, VIP lounges, roundtables, after‑hours receptions and app‑based meeting scheduling. These features help attendees justify the time and travel.
Present networking as structured and outcome‑driven, not accidental. The clearer you show how attendees will meet the right people, the stronger your attendance strategy becomes.
## 14. Reduce registration friction
Complicated registration quietly hurts attendance. Interested visitors will abandon long forms, unclear pricing or mobile‑unfriendly pages.
Simplify the registration journey: ask only for essential information, make pricing and ticket options transparent and send immediate confirmations. Include calendar links, travel details and clear next steps to reinforce commitment.
Every extra step increases drop‑off risk. A smoother registration experience improves both signups and actual turnout.
## 15. Nurture registrants until event day
Registering is one thing — showing up is another. Keep attendees engaged from registration through event day to maximize turnout.
Early communications should highlight speakers, exhibitors, sessions and networking opportunities. As the date approaches, shift to practical updates: travel and parking info, app instructions, badge pickup details and reminder checklists.
Consistent, useful updates significantly increase the likelihood that registered attendees will actually attend.
## Track the right event attendance metrics
Measure how people discover, register for and attend your event so you can improve future campaigns. Track website traffic, landing page conversion, email engagement, registration source, cost per registration, no‑show rate, attendee type, session attendance and returning attendee rate.
The point isn’t tracking data for its own sake — it’s to identify which channels, messages, partnerships and offers deliver the best turnout. Those insights make your marketing smarter over time.
## Common mistakes that hurt event attendance
Even strong events can underperform with weak marketing. One common error is starting promotion too late — many attendees need time for travel, budget approval and calendar planning.
Another mistake is relying on one-size-fits-all messaging. If every audience segment gets the same email or ad, you risk missing the specific motivations of buyers, executives, suppliers or first‑time visitors.
Don’t treat registration as the finish line. Without reminder campaigns, practical updates and ongoing engagement, some registrants will lose interest or forget to attend. Increasing attendance requires attention at every stage, from awareness to event‑day arrival.
## Final thoughts
Increasing event attendance isn’t a single tactic — it’s a system. Attract the right audience, communicate clear value, create urgency and keep people engaged through to the event.
For exhibitions, tradeshows and expos, the most effective strategies combine targeted promotion, strong partnerships, exhibitor engagement, compelling content and a smooth registration experience.
When you understand your audience and give them a clear reason to attend, you can lift turnout, improve event ROI and create a better experience for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors alike.
**Categories:** event management, Registration
---
### [Event website features: essential tools for smooth event management and stronger attendee engagement](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-website/event-website-features/)
**Published:** February 14, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
A well-built event website is central to running successful events and keeping attendees engaged.
This guide walks through the must-have features every event site should include — helping organizers and attendees enjoy a reliable, friction-free experience.
You’ll find practical coverage of core functionality, design principles, marketing approaches and analytics tools that increase an event website’s impact.
As technology evolves, robust event management matters more than ever.
This guide breaks down the critical components of an event website — registration systems, integration, UX design, SEO strategies and analytics — and explains how they work together.
## What are the core functional features of an event website?
An event website should include a set of core functional features that simplify planning and improve attendee experience.
Key elements are a reliable registration system, seamless integration and engagement tools that streamline workflows and reduce friction.
Knowing how these pieces fit together helps organizers build a more efficient, user-focused site.
### How does an event registration system streamline attendee sign-ups?
A modern registration system reduces friction by offering clear, concise forms, secure payments for premium features and automated confirmations.
Online registration cuts manual entry errors, saves time and gives organizers clean attendee data to inform planning and future marketing.
The result is a faster sign-up experience for attendees and better operational control for organizers.
## How to design an event website for optimal user experience and mobile responsiveness?
Designing an event website for strong user experience and mobile responsiveness is essential.
A successful site is intuitive, visually clear and performs well across devices.
Below we cover why mobile compatibility matters, practical design practices and accessibility steps that create a positive experience for every visitor.
### Why is mobile compatibility crucial for modern event websites?
With more than half of web traffic coming from mobile devices, event sites must be mobile-friendly. Responsive design ensures visitors can navigate, register and buy tickets from phones and tablets without friction.
Mobile compatibility also supports search performance, since search engines prioritize sites that work well on mobile.
### What are best practices for event website design and accessibility?
Follow simple design principles to reach a broader audience: keep navigation clear, optimize load times and format content for readability.
Accessibility matters too — include descriptive alt text, support keyboard navigation and test with real users.
Regular user testing uncovers barriers and helps refine the site so it’s inclusive and easy to use.
## Which event marketing and SEO strategies enhance event website visibility?
To increase an event website’s visibility, combine content-led marketing, SEO fundamentals and social outreach.
These tactics drive more qualified traffic and help potential attendees discover your event.
### How can content and meta data improve event website SEO?
High-quality content and well-crafted meta data help search engines understand your event and improve discoverability.
Use relevant keywords across the site and optimize title tags and meta descriptions to boost click-through rates from search results.
By prioritizing content quality and SEO best practices, organizers can attract a larger, more relevant audience.
### What structured data markup should be used for event websites?
Structured data markup gives search engines clear signals about event details — dates, locations and ticket information — and can produce rich snippets in search results.
Implement Event, Offer and Organization schemas where relevant to improve visibility and increase click-through rates.
In short, structured data remains a foundational SEO tactic for modern event sites.
## What analytics and reporting features are essential for measuring event success?
Analytics and reporting tools are essential for measuring an event website’s performance.
They reveal how users interact with the site, track registrations and show what’s working — information organizers need to make data-driven decisions.
### How do analytics tools track user engagement and registrations?
Analytics platforms monitor metrics such as page views, bounce rates and conversion rates to map user behavior and measure registrations.
Tools like Google Analytics provide detailed reports that help organizers spot trends and optimize marketing and UX based on real user data.
### Why is integration with CRM and marketing automation important?
Connecting analytics to your CRM and marketing automation platform streamlines data flow and personalizes outreach.
That integration lets you track attendee interactions, segment audiences and trigger targeted communications, improving engagement and driving higher registration rates.
Research shows that strategic CRM integration can significantly boost the effectiveness of event marketing and overall event management.
## What are the best event website templates and builders for efficient setup?
Choosing the right template or site builder speeds launch and reduces technical overhead.
This section highlights popular options and the features that make setup faster and more reliable.
### Which features should you look for in event website templates?
Look for templates that offer strong customization, mobile responsiveness and intuitive controls.
Good templates make it easy to add registration and ticketing, and those with built-in SEO settings can improve discoverability straight away.
### How do event website builders simplify event creation and management?
Event site builders simplify setup with drag-and-drop editors and prebuilt layouts, so organizers can launch without heavy technical work.
Many builders also include integrations and time-saving features that users praise for speeding up setup and simplifying ongoing management.
Find out how ExpoPlatform can provide your next show with [a premium event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/).
**Categories:** Event website
---
### [Exhibitor management systems: top platforms for smoother events and trade shows](https://expoplatform.com/event-management/exhibitor-management-systems/)
**Published:** November 14, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Exhibitor management systems (EMS) are indispensable for event organizers who want to simplify the many moving parts of trade shows and conferences.
These platforms centralize tasks like registration, booth assignments and lead capture, reducing manual work and improving the experience for organizers and exhibitors alike.
Below, we review the best exhibitor management platforms available in 2026, outline their core features and benefits and explain how to pick the right system for your event.
We also highlight emerging trends shaping the industry so event teams can make informed, strategic choices.
## What are exhibitor management systems and their key features?
Exhibitor management systems are purpose-built software solutions that help manage exhibitors throughout the event lifecycle.
Typical features include registration management, booth allocation, lead retrieval and analytics.
By automating these workflows, EMS platforms cut administrative load and make event operations more efficient and reliable.
### How do exhibitor management software platforms simplify registration and booth assignment?
These platforms simplify registration and booth allocation through automation and intuitive interfaces.
Exhibitors can register online, pick booth locations and submit payments in a few clicks.
Automation reduces manual errors and speeds up processing, while real-time updates let organizers manage assignments and respond to changes quickly.
### What role do lead retrieval and exhibitor portals play in trade show software?
Lead retrieval and exhibitor portals are central to exhibitor management.
Lead retrieval tools let exhibitors capture and manage leads on-site—often via mobile apps that scan badges—so follow-ups are faster and more reliable, boosting exhibitor ROI.
Exhibitor portals act as a single hub for critical resources, communications and updates, helping exhibitors stay informed and connected before, during and after the event.
Advances in event technology, particularly AI, are accelerating improvements in lead management—automating lead matching and scoring and enabling smoother CRM integration.
## Which are the best exhibitor management platforms in 2026?
Several platforms stand out in 2026 for their depth of features and ease of use.
These solutions serve a range of event sizes and formats, helping organizers find the right fit whether they run small shows or global conferences.
### ExpoPlatform and Swapcard
ExpoPlatform and Swapcard are among the market leaders, each known for comprehensive feature sets and strong customer adoption.
Both platforms deliver registration, booth management, lead retrieval and analytics, but they take slightly different approaches and emphasize different capabilities.
ExpoPlatform focuses on deep customization and flexible meeting formats, making it a strong choice for large, complex events that need tailored workflows.
Swapcard leans into attendee engagement with AI-driven matchmaking and networking tools, delivering a smooth experience for virtual and hybrid formats.
### Use Cases of ExpoPlatform and Swapcard
Both platforms cover a wide variety of event types, including trade shows, conferences and exhibitions.
ExpoPlatform is frequently selected by large events that require a scalable, customizable solution.
It offers AI-powered matchmaking and custom meeting formats to create high-quality connections, plus technology that supports year-round community engagement.
Swapcard performs especially well at events where attendee interaction is a priority, using AI to surface meaningful connections and boost engagement—particularly valuable for hybrid and virtual experiences.
These use cases show how each platform addresses distinct event needs effectively.
### Case Studies Demonstrating Success
**Swapcard – World Football Summit:** Swapcard increased exhibitor ROI and strengthened attendee networking with AI matchmaking, meeting scheduling and lead capture. The event produced more than 14,000 attendee connections and 4,500 scheduled meetings, with an 80% app adoption rate. The platform streamlined qualified lead collection and improved exhibitor interactions.
**ExpoPlatform – The Meeting Show 2025:** ExpoPlatform boosted networking and hosted-buyer meetings using AI matchmaking and mobile scheduling. The event surpassed its meeting goal by 20%, delivering 32,422 meetings, 30,017 attendee conversations and 57,770 favourites. ExpoPlatform also saw more than 71% account activation, signaling strong attendee adoption.
**Swapcard – HLTH 2025:** Swapcard improved networking, attendee engagement and exhibitor lead generation at scale. With AI-driven matchmaking and integrated networking features, the event reached a 91% active user adoption rate and an 18% year-over-year increase in lead capture, helping sponsors and exhibitors achieve clearer ROI through richer interactions and analytics.
**ExpoPlatform – IMEX Frankfurt:** ExpoPlatform supported large-scale networking and hosted-buyer engagement via AI meeting scheduling and matchmaking. The platform enabled more than 57,000 confirmed meetings, including roughly 48,000 pre-booked one-to-one meetings before the show opened, helping buyers and exhibitors connect efficiently at one of the industry’s largest trade events.
### Market Leadership and Feature Comparison
ExpoPlatform and Swapcard are considered leaders in exhibitor management because of their rich feature sets, scalability and customer support.
Their ongoing innovation and responsiveness to event trends keep them at the forefront of the market.
**Feature****ExpoPlatform****Swapcard**Registration ManagementHighly customizable with multi-tier optionsUser-friendly with AI-assisted workflowsBooth AssignmentFlexible booth layout and real-time updatesInteractive booth maps with networking featuresLead RetrievalOmnichannel lead dashboard with real-time analyticsAI-driven lead scoring and follow-up toolsAttendee EngagementAI matchmaking, diverse meeting formats and 365 community engagementAdvanced AI matchmaking and networkingEvent Types SupportedIn-person, hybrid, virtual with emphasis on large-scale in-person eventsIn-person, hybrid, virtual with emphasis on hybridMarket PositioningPreferred for large-scale, customizable eventsLeader in AI-driven engagement and hybrid events### What are the integration capabilities with CRM and marketing automation tools?
Integrations are key to unlocking an EMS’s value.
Many platforms offer native or API-based connections to popular CRMs and marketing automation tools, enabling smooth data flow between systems.
Those integrations help organizers track engagement, qualify leads and automate follow-up, improving marketing outcomes and event ROI.
## What are the benefits of using exhibitor management software for trade shows and conferences?
Adopting exhibitor management software delivers operational gains, clearer analytics and, ultimately, stronger ROI for exhibitors and organizers.
### How does analytics and reporting improve exhibitor performance and ROI?
Analytics tools let organizers measure key performance indicators and assess event success.
Tracking metrics like attendee engagement, lead conversion and booth traffic reveals what worked and what didn’t, so teams can optimize future programs.
Data-driven insights improve exhibitor performance and help maximize return on investment.
### Why is cloud-based event support increasingly important?
Cloud-based solutions have reshaped event management by adding flexibility and remote access.
Cloud EMS platforms enable teams to manage events from anywhere and scale resources as needed.
As demand grows for year-round, virtual and hybrid experiences, cloud-based architectures make those models practical and efficient.
Research supports the value of SaaS platforms for B2B events, highlighting better resource integration and the potential for virtual, year-round exhibitions.
## How to choose the right exhibitor management system for your event?
Choosing the right EMS is critical.
Event teams should evaluate platforms against functional needs, budget and growth plans to find the best match.
### What features should event professionals prioritize?
When assessing exhibitor management systems, prioritize features that improve usability and operations. Key capabilities include:
- **User-friendly interface**: A clear, intuitive interface ensures organizers and exhibitors can use the system with minimal training.
- **Comprehensive reporting tools**: Robust analytics let you monitor performance and make evidence-based decisions.
- **Customization options**: The ability to tailor the platform to your event’s requirements increases its effectiveness.
### How do pricing models and scalability affect platform selection?
Pricing and scalability are major selection factors.
Many vendors offer tiered pricing based on features and event scale.
Match your budget to the functionality you need today while ensuring the platform can scale as your events grow.
That prevents costly migrations later and keeps your technology aligned with long-term goals.
## What are the latest industry trends and statistics in exhibitor management systems?
Keeping up with trends helps event professionals stay competitive and deliver better experiences.
### What is the projected market growth and adoption rate through 2026?
The exhibitor management software market is forecast to grow substantially.
Growth is driven by rising demand for efficient event tools and the expanding popularity of both in-person and hybrid events, pushing wider adoption across the industry.
### How are exhibitor tools shaping event technology?
Exhibitor tools are advancing event tech by improving engagement and reach.
Features like virtual booths, live streaming and interactive networking are now standard in modern EMS platforms.
These capabilities meet evolving attendee preferences and allow organizers to connect with larger, more diverse audiences.
## How can event organizers implement and monitor exhibitor management platforms effectively?
Successful implementation and monitoring require planning, governance and the right measurement framework.
### What are best practices for structured data and SEO optimization?
To maximize visibility and performance, follow SEO and structured-data best practices:
- **Utilize schema markup**: Schema helps search engines understand event content and improves discoverability.
- **Optimize content for keywords**: Use relevant search terms across pages to attract the right attendees.
- **Regularly update content**: Keep event details current so attendees and search engines see accurate information.
### Which KPIs and tools help track exhibitor management success?
Monitor KPIs that reflect attendee behavior and business outcomes. Important measures include:
- **Attendee engagement rates**: How actively attendees interact with exhibitors and content.
- **Lead conversion rates**: The share of leads that convert to meaningful follow-ups or sales.
- **Booth traffic**: Visitor counts that indicate interest and engagement at exhibitor booths.
By tracking these KPIs with the right analytics tools, organizers can evaluate platform performance and make targeted improvements for future events.
## Conclusion
Utilizing an exhibitor management system can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your events, streamlining processes from registration to lead retrieval.
By leveraging advanced features and analytics, organizers can improve attendee engagement and maximize ROI for exhibitors.
Choosing the right platform tailored to your specific needs is crucial for achieving successful outcomes.
[Discover how our recommended solutions can transform your event management experience today.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
**Categories:** event management
---
### [Is ExpoPlatform the best AI-powered event platform for large conferences?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/conferences/event-platforms-for-conferences/)
**Published:** February 24, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
For large conferences, the event platform you choose can shape the entire experience for both organizers and attendees.
ExpoPlatform leverages AI to streamline event management and lift attendee engagement.
This article examines ExpoPlatform’s features, benefits, and user experiences to provide a clear evaluation of its suitability for large-scale events.
Organizers often struggle to keep interactions seamless and to raise attendee satisfaction.
ExpoPlatform tackles those challenges with targeted tools, making it a strong option for conferences that want to elevate the attendee experience.
Below we review the platform’s features, the benefits it delivers, user feedback, and how it compares to other solutions on the market.
## Top features of ExpoPlatform
ExpoPlatform includes a broad set of features built to support large conferences effectively. These include:
- **AI-powered personalization**: Personalizes the attendee experience based on individual preferences to boost engagement.
- **Scalable solutions**: Scales to your event’s size and needs while maintaining performance and reliability.
- **Lead intelligence**: Gives exhibitors tools to capture, qualify, and analyze leads to maximize ROI.
- **Diverse meeting formats**: Supports workshops, panels, and networking sessions to meet varied audience needs.
- **Mobile app integration**: A native mobile app keeps attendees connected and engaged on the go.
- **White-label solutions**: White-label options let organizations and sponsors present a consistent brand identity across the event.
Together, these capabilities make ExpoPlatform a robust choice for managing large conferences and delivering smooth experiences for organizers and attendees.
## Key benefits of utilizing the platform
Using ExpoPlatform for large conferences delivers several clear benefits:
- **Increased ROI for sponsors**: Lead intelligence connects sponsors with prospects more efficiently, driving stronger returns.
- **Seamless user experience**: A clean, intuitive interface and tight mobile integration let attendees navigate the event with ease.
- **Engagement tools**: Features like live polls, Q&A, and structured networking create more dynamic and interactive sessions.
These outcomes show how ExpoPlatform simplifies event operations while increasing value for both sponsors and attendees.
## User experiences
Customer feedback is largely positive: organizers highlight the platform’s ease of use and the responsiveness of the ExpoPlatform team.
Organizers value the training and resources provided, which speed up setup and reduce friction.
Attendees report high satisfaction with personalized agendas and the networking opportunities the platform enables.
That response underlines ExpoPlatform’s effectiveness in meeting the needs of large conferences.
It also mirrors industry trends that show how AI can personalize recommendations and track meaningful interactions throughout the attendee journey.
## Comparisons with other platforms
Against other event platforms, ExpoPlatform stands out for its feature set and AI capabilities.
Many traditional systems provide basic management tools; ExpoPlatform’s AI-driven personalization and lead intelligence are clear differentiators.
Its support for varied meeting formats and a smooth mobile experience further broaden its appeal.
That positioning helps ExpoPlatform meet the evolving demands of modern conferences, making it a preferred choice for many organizers.
## How does ExpoPlatform ensure scalability for large conferences?
ExpoPlatform is built for scale, handling large attendee counts without sacrificing performance.
Its infrastructure supports heavy engagement and large audiences while maintaining responsiveness.
Customizable mobile apps and real-time analytics let organizers adapt on the fly as needs change during the event.
### What technical infrastructure supports ExpoPlatform’s scalability?
ExpoPlatform’s modular architecture lets teams tailor components to specific event requirements.
Core components — AI-powered matchmaking, robust analytics, and scalable registration systems — work together to manage large audiences efficiently.
That architecture also improves the attendee experience through real-time updates and targeted notifications.
### How does scalability impact event success and attendee experience?
Scalability is critical to the success of large conferences.
By managing large audiences effectively, ExpoPlatform ensures attendees can access the resources and information they need.
AI-driven personalization adds tailored recommendations and networking matches that increase relevance for each participant.
Together, scale and personalization raise satisfaction and overall engagement.
Industry research also shows that AI can streamline processes and meaningfully improve attendee outcomes.
## Which AI features enhance attendee engagement on ExpoPlatform?
ExpoPlatform includes AI features that boost engagement:
- **Pre-event engagement**: Tools that engage attendees before the event to build anticipation.
- **AI-powered matchmaking**: Matches attendees with relevant peers to enhance networking.
- **Personalized agenda builders**: Help attendees create schedules tuned to their interests.
- **Automated meeting scheduling**: Simplifies arranging meetings and follow-ups between participants.
- **Dynamic content curation**: Surfaces relevant content based on attendee behavior and preferences.
- **Real-time insights and feedback mechanisms**: Enable organizers to tweak programming during the event based on live input.
Together, these features create a more interactive and responsive environment, helping ExpoPlatform lead in event technology.
### How does AI matchmaking personalize networking opportunities?
ExpoPlatform’s matchmaking analyzes attendee profiles and behavior to suggest relevant connections.
It pairs people whose interests and goals align, increasing the chance of meaningful conversations.
Those relevant matches improve networking quality and boost overall engagement during the event.
Research supports AI matchmaking as an effective way to facilitate one-to-one meetings and focused workshops at conferences.
### What role do real-time analytics play in improving conference interaction?
Real-time analytics are key to improving interactions at conferences.
ExpoPlatform tracks behavior and engagement so organizers can act on real data.
That visibility lets teams adjust programming and content delivery to keep the event relevant and engaging for all participants.
## What evidence demonstrates ExpoPlatform’s effectiveness for large conferences?
Proof comes from client success stories and industry metrics that demonstrate improved event outcomes.
Numerous organizations report higher engagement and satisfaction after adopting the platform for their events.
### Which client success stories highlight ExpoPlatform’s impact?
Notable client outcomes include:
- **The Meetings Show 2025**: Reached record attendance and engagement using ExpoPlatform’s features.
- **IMEX Frankfurt**: Reported stronger networking and lead generation for exhibitors thanks to the platform.
These cases show how ExpoPlatform can transform events and reinforce its position in the event technology space.
### What industry statistics support ExpoPlatform’s market leadership?
Industry statistics back the platform’s effectiveness in improving event outcomes.
Key metrics include:
- **Participant engagement metrics**: High attendee interaction rates during events.
- **Lead generation statistics**: Marked increases in leads captured by exhibitors using the platform.
- **Real-time analytics capabilities**: Strong feedback on the platform’s real-time insights and actionable analytics.
These metrics underline the value ExpoPlatform brings to large conferences, making it a go-to for organizers aiming to maximize impact.
For details on how ExpoPlatform supports large conferences, visit the[ ExpoPlatform’s large conferences page](https://expoplatform.com/conference/).
**Categories:** Conferences
---
### [Top event networking software options in 2026](https://expoplatform.com/event-networking/event-networking-software/)
**Published:** November 24, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Top event networking software — how to pick the right tools to maximize attendee engagement
In today’s fast-moving event landscape, meaningful networking is the single biggest driver of attendee engagement.
Networking platforms make those connections easier, more relevant and more measurable.
This article breaks down the core features, AI matchmaking approaches, integration points and ROI metrics you should evaluate when choosing networking software.
We’ll define what these platforms do, show how AI improves match quality, and highlight trends shaping the next generation of event networking.
## What is event networking software and how does it enhance event platforms?
Event networking software is a set of digital tools designed to help attendees discover and connect during events.
By combining searchable profiles, matchmaking logic and interaction features, these platforms turn passive audiences into active participants.
The result: more purposeful introductions, higher engagement and a richer event experience for both organizers and attendees.
### Defining event matchmaking software and its role in networking apps for events
Event matchmaking software is a specialized application that uses algorithms and profile data to pair attendees based on interests, objectives and professional fit.
Rather than leaving networking to chance, matchmaking surfaces the most relevant contacts — from potential partners to collaborators — increasing the odds of productive conversations and follow-up opportunities.
### Key features of event attendee engagement tools in modern conference networking solutions
Modern event networking solutions include several core features that drive engagement:
- **Personalized matchmaking**: Algorithms evaluate profiles and priorities to recommend the best connections.
- **Interactive chat functions**: Built-in messaging supports quick introductions and follow-ups.
- **Meeting scheduling**: Integrated scheduling tools make one-on-one and group meetings easy to arrange.
Together, these capabilities help attendees find the right people faster and make their time at the event more productive.
## Which AI matchmaking algorithms power effective event networking software?
AI matchmaking sits at the center of high-performing networking platforms, turning attendee data into useful connection suggestions.
These algorithms process profile details, behavioral and event signals to surface matches that are more likely to lead to meaningful conversations.
### How AI matchmaking improves connection quality among event attendees
AI improves connection quality by analyzing multiple data points — past interactions, session attendance, stated interests and profile fields — to predict which pairings will spark relevant dialogue.
That targeted matching boosts both the quantity and quality of meetings, raising attendee satisfaction and perceived event value.
### Examples of AI-driven features in leading networking apps for events
Top networking apps use AI in several practical ways:
- **Smart recommendations**: Personalized suggestions based on behavior and preferences.
- **Sentiment analysis**: Monitoring conversations to gauge engagement and attendee mood.
- **Data-driven insights**: Analytics that reveal interaction patterns and networking outcomes for organizers.
These AI features make networking more relevant, scalable and measurable across event formats.
## How do event networking platforms integrate with event management systems?
Tight integration between networking platforms and event management systems ensures data flows smoothly and attendees enjoy a unified experience. Integrations sync attendee records, schedules and engagement metrics so organizers can run events with fewer manual touch points and clearer analytics.
### Benefits of seamless integration for event organizers and attendees
Seamless integration delivers clear benefits:
- **Streamlined data management**: Centralized records reduce errors and duplication.
- **Enhanced user experience**: Attendees access profiles, agendas and messages from one place.
- **Improved analytics**: Combined data produces a fuller view of engagement and behavior.
These advantages help organizers operate more efficiently and give attendees a smoother event journey.
### Popular integration capabilities in top conference networking solutions
Leading networking solutions commonly integrate with CRMs to sync contact data for post-event follow-up, with email marketing platforms to automate communications before, during and after the event, and with analytics tools to surface engagement metrics. These connections extend the platform’s value across sales, marketing and operations workflows.
## What metrics and methods are used to measure ROI of event networking software?
Measuring the ROI of networking software helps prove impact and guide future investments. Organizers should track a mix of behavioral and outcome metrics to quantify value.
### Tracking attendee engagement and networking outcomes
Key engagement metrics include connection rate (the share of attendees who connect with others), meeting requests and scheduled meetings, and session attendance patterns that reveal topical interest. These indicators show how often and how effectively attendees are using networking features.
### Analyzing data from event lead retrieval and engagement tools
Lead retrieval and engagement tools yield outcome-focused metrics such as lead conversion rates (connections that turn into business opportunities), engagement depth (how actively attendees interact) and qualitative feedback scores. Reviewing these data points helps organizers refine matchmaking rules and improve event formats over time.
## What are emerging trends in event networking software for 2025-2026?
As events evolve, several trends are reshaping networking software. Staying aware of these shifts helps organizers deliver more personalized and impactful experiences.
### The rise of event platforms and personalized networking experiences
Event platforms that combine multiple event functions are growing in popularity because they simplify administration and broaden attendee access. At the same time, personalization is becoming table stakes: attendees expect curated connections and interactions that match their goals.
Research underscores the strategic value of embedding advanced features to boost engagement across hybrid and virtual formats.
### Future innovations in AI-driven event matchmaking and networking
Upcoming AI and platform innovations likely to change networking include:
- **Advanced predictive analytics**: Leveraging historical patterns to forecast attendee preferences and suggest optimal matches.
- **Enhanced virtual reality experiences**: Immersive environments that recreate in-person networking dynamics.
- **Integration of blockchain technology**: Greater transparency and security for attendee data and consent.
These developments will make networking more intelligent, immersive and secure.
## How to choose the best networking app for events: features and user experience comparison
Picking the right networking app comes down to matching platform capabilities to your event goals and attendee needs. Prioritize user experience, configurability and support to maximize adoption and results.
### Evaluating attendee engagement tools and event platform capabilities
When you evaluate networking apps, focus on:
- **User interface**: A clear, intuitive UI drives attendee adoption and satisfaction.
- **Customization options**: Ability to tailor matchmaking, meeting formats and branding to your event.
- **Support and training**: Onboarding and resources that help attendees and staff use the platform well.
These factors determine how effectively attendees can find and follow up with the right contacts.
## Market leaders in event networking software: ExpoPlatform and b2match
Two standout solutions in the networking space are ExpoPlatform and b2match. Both offer robust AI matchmaking, flexible integrations and feature sets designed to drive engagement, but they tend to target slightly different event types and priorities.
**Feature / Aspect**
**ExpoPlatform**
**b2match**
AI Matchmaking
Advanced algorithms with predictive analytics and tailored recommendations
Sophisticated AI-driven matchmaking focused on profile and interest alignment
User Interface
Intuitive, highly customizable and mobile-first
Clean, easy-to-navigate design with customization options
Integration Capabilities
Seamless connections to CRM, email marketing and analytics tools
Strong integrations with event management systems and marketing platforms
Networking Features
Personalized matchmaking, chat, scheduling and multiple meeting formats
Matchmaking, chat, meeting scheduling and session management
Market Positioning
Best suited to large-scale exhibitions and trade shows
Preferred for conferences and B2B events that prioritize matchmaking quality
## Use cases of ExpoPlatform and b2match in event networking
Both ExpoPlatform and b2match support a wide range of event types and networking goals, with features tailored to different use cases:
- **ExpoPlatform**: Built for large exhibitions and trade shows, ExpoPlatform supports various meeting formats, AI-driven matchmaking and broad engagement tools — ideal for events blending in-person and online elements.
- **b2match**: Designed for B2B networking and conferences, b2match excels at targeted matchmaking for business meetings, investor pitches and sector-specific gatherings, with detailed profile matching and session controls.
## Case studies demonstrating success with ExpoPlatform and b2match
Real-world examples show how these platforms deliver measurable networking outcomes.
### ExpoPlatform case studies
**92nd UFI Global Congress**: ExpoPlatform powered fast, high-value executive networking using its AI-driven NetWorks tool. Participants secured up to 10 personalized meetings each without prior registration, and meetings averaged a 4.5/5 rating. With instant check-in, mobile-first access and frictionless AI matching, organizers turned a 600+ delegate leadership event into a rapid, high-satisfaction networking experience.
**boe International 2026**: ExpoPlatform enabled structured, high-speed networking through its NetWorks solution — facilitating 407 meetings across 814 meeting slots, 1,123 pre-registrations and 136 on-site check-ins. The event saw 25% higher early engagement and twice as many meaningful conversations per hour compared with traditional formats.
### b2match case studies
**SALZ 2026**: b2match delivered a smooth, high-energy networking program with AI matchmaking, a mobile-first interface and on-site support. The event produced 221+ scheduled meetings, 1,473 messages exchanged and 67% attendee participation in matchmaking. By combining structured 1:1 sessions with spontaneous app-enabled interactions and quick QR check-ins, organizers maintained continuous, self-driven networking at scale.
**NNEXA Alliance (Exeo Lab)**: b2match automated matchmaking and transparent participant profiles to drive international, cross-sector networking — enabling 650+ pre-scheduled B2B meetings, 41 additional on-site meetings and 92% matchmaking participation across 140 attendees from 34 countries. Replacing manual “speed-dating” setups with data-led, self-service meeting selection produced more targeted connections and higher participant satisfaction.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right networking software can transform attendee engagement and create more meaningful, measurable connections. By evaluating AI matchmaking, integration capabilities and outcome metrics — and by comparing platforms like ExpoPlatform and b2match against your event goals — you can select the solution that best supports your format and audience. Explore our resources to find the networking tools that will make your next event more connected and more valuable.
**Categories:** Event networking
---
### [Top event marketing & promotion tools for high-impact campaigns in 2026](https://expoplatform.com/event-marketing/event-marketing-and-promotion-tools/)
**Published:** May 20, 2023
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Choosing the right event marketing stack can determine the success of your campaigns. This guide compares the leading event marketing and promotion platforms in 2026—covering features, pricing, and real-world effectiveness. You’ll learn which platforms stand out, the features that matter most, and how to evaluate ROI. As organizers work to reach target audiences and boost engagement, understanding AI, analytics, CRM integrations, and case-study insights will help you make confident decisions.
## What are the top event marketing software features in 2026?
By 2026 the event marketing landscape offers mature, end-to-end platforms built for planning, promotion, and onsite management. Market leaders package comprehensive toolsets that make them indispensable for modern event teams.
## Which features define the best event promotion and marketing automation tools?
To get the most from event marketing tools, prioritize marketing automation, seamless CRM connectivity, and social amplification. These capabilities drive reach, personalization, and measurable results.
### What marketing automation capabilities should you expect?
Top event marketing platforms deliver automation that streamlines promotion and follow-up. Key capabilities include:
- **Email campaigns**: Automated, targeted email journeys to engage attendees before, during, and after events.
- **Lead scoring**: Prioritize prospects based on engagement and interactions with event content.
- **Segmentation**: Create targeted audience segments for more relevant, higher-performing messaging.
Together, these features let organizers deliver personalized experiences that drive attendance and conversions.
### How do CRM integration and social media promotion enhance event marketing?
Connecting event platforms with CRM systems and social channels increases both efficiency and reach.
- **CRM integration**: Centralize attendee data with seamless transfer between event and CRM systems so you have a single source of truth.
- **Social media promotion**: Built-in scheduling and sharing tools, plus social analytics, make it easier to amplify events and measure campaign performance.
When used together, these integrations support cohesive campaigns that improve registration and engagement.
## How do pricing models and ROI compare across event marketing solutions?
Pricing models vary—subscriptions, per-attendee fees, and add-on modules all affect total cost. Understanding each vendor’s billing structure is essential for accurate budget planning and ROI assessment.
### How to evaluate ROI and cost-effectiveness of event marketing software?
Evaluate ROI by tracking a few core metrics:
- **Cost per lead**: Measure how much you spend to acquire each qualified lead from an event.
- **Engagement metrics**: Track registrations, session attendance, and interactions to gauge content effectiveness.
- **Post-event surveys**: Collect attendee feedback to measure satisfaction and identify improvement areas.
Consistently monitoring these metrics lets organizations judge cost-effectiveness and refine their chosen solutions.
Industry research also emphasizes the need for comprehensive evaluation frameworks to assess impact on customer loyalty and broader economic outcomes.
## What are the latest trends in AI and analytics for event marketing tools?
AI and advanced analytics are changing how events are planned and marketed. These technologies deliver deeper attendee insights and more precise targeting, improving both efficiency and outcome predictability.
### How is AI driving marketing automation in event promotion?
AI automates repetitive tasks and surfaces predictive insights that inform better decisions. Key benefits include:
- **Personalization**: Algorithms analyze attendee data to deliver tailored content and recommendations.
- **Predictive analytics**: Forecast attendee behavior so you can adjust campaigns and boost engagement.
That automation frees marketing teams to focus on strategy and creative execution instead of manual work.
Research shows AI-driven personalization is a major driver of engagement and loyalty in competitive digital markets.
### What role does data analytics play in optimizing event campaigns?
Analytics are central to optimization—revealing what resonates and where to refine your approach.
- **Behavior tracking**: Analyze how attendees interact with content to identify high-impact sessions and channels.
- **Performance metrics**: Use registration, attendance, and engagement data to inform future programming and promotion.
Applying analytics helps organizers iterate faster and improve event outcomes over time.
## How can you integrate event marketing tools with CRM and other platforms?
Integrating event platforms with CRM and other systems is essential for operational efficiency and maintaining a single, accurate view of attendee relationships.
### What are the best practices for seamless CRM integration?
For reliable CRM integration, follow these practices:
- **Data mapping**: Align fields between systems to ensure clean, accurate data transfer.
- **Regular updates**: Establish frequent syncs so attendee records and interactions stay current.
- **Training**: Train teams on integrated workflows so they can use the combined systems effectively.
These steps protect data integrity and improve workflow efficiency.
Studies highlighting automation and synchronization reinforce how critical robust CRM integration is for scalable event operations.
### Which social media and omnichannel promotion integrations are essential?
Effective event marketing requires presence across multiple channels. Essential integrations include:
- **Social media platforms**: Tools that simplify sharing and promotion on platforms like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
- **Email marketing services**: Direct integration with email platforms to automate attendee communications and campaigns.
Using these integrations helps create a unified promotional strategy that reaches your audience where they are.
## ExpoPlatform and EventsAir: key features and market positioning
ExpoPlatform and EventsAir both serve the event software market but with different emphases. ExpoPlatform focuses on a unified event marketing suite that streamlines promotion, registration, and analytics—prioritizing user-friendly interfaces and actionable data. EventsAir positions itself as a scalable event management solution with strong registration, ticketing, and attendee management capabilities, appealing to enterprises and associations with complex, high-volume needs. Both aim to improve efficiency and outcomes, but they target different use cases and integration requirements.
**Feature**
**ExpoPlatform**
**EventsAir**
Marketing Automation
Comprehensive email campaigns, lead scoring, segmentation
Basic automation with focus on registration workflows
CRM Integration
Seamless, real-time data sync with major CRM platforms
Strong integration with enterprise CRM systems
Social Media Promotion
Built-in scheduling, sharing and analytics tools
Supports social sharing, less emphasis on analytics
Analytics & Reporting
Advanced, actionable insights with user-friendly dashboards
Robust reporting focused on registration and attendance
User Interface
Intuitive, designed for marketing teams
Functional, optimized for event operations teams
Scalability
Ideal for large-scal events events and marketing-focused teams
Built for large-scale, complex events and enterprises
## Use case comparison: ExpoPlatform and EventsAir
ExpoPlatform is well suited to teams that want an all-in-one marketing and engagement platform with built-in analytics and promotional tools. It’s often chosen by organizers who value streamlined workflows from promotion through post-event analysis. EventsAir is commonly selected by organizations running large-scale or complex events that require advanced registration, ticketing, and tight integration with corporate systems. Each platform offers flexibility, but they serve different operational priorities and event complexities.
## What common challenges and solutions do users report?
Users commonly report issues like data integration friction and limited customization. Practical solutions include:
- **Investing in training**: Ensure teams are proficient with the platform to unlock its full value.
- **Choosing the right platform**: Match platform capabilities to your organization’s workflows and goals to avoid mismatches.
Addressing these areas helps organizations get more value from their event marketing investments.
## Conclusion
Picking the right event marketing tools can materially improve engagement and ROI. Focus on core features like CRM integration, automation, and analytics, and evaluate platforms against your specific needs. Use our comparisons and insights to make an informed choice and start optimizing your campaigns with the right tools for your organization.
**Categories:** Event Marketing
---
### [Event check-in & badge printing solutions: streamline registration and simplify attendee management](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/registration/event-check-in-and-badge-printing/)
**Published:** August 20, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
In today’s fast-moving events landscape, fast, reliable check-in and badge printing are essential to a great attendee experience.
These systems speed up registration, reduce friction, and free teams to focus on high-value work.
This piece outlines the core features and benefits of modern check-in and badge-printing tools, and shows how they can reshape event operations.
Long lines and confused guests undermine an event’s energy — the right technology helps organizers remove those pain points and deliver a smooth, welcoming entry for every participant.
We’ll cover key features, practical rollout tips and the role AI plays in automating routine tasks.
## Key features:
Check-in and badge-printing platforms bundle capabilities that speed up and improve registration accuracy.
Common features include self-serve badge printing, customizable badge designs, tight integration with existing systems, online registration and dedicated on-site support.
Together, these elements create a faster, more user-friendly experience for attendees and staff alike.
### **Self-serve badge printing**
Self-serve badge printing lets attendees collect their own badges on arrival, cutting queues and lowering staff load.
Kiosks and on-demand printers let guests check in quickly and independently, improving throughput and satisfaction.
Modern solutions also use web apps and QR codes to speed check-in further, reducing physical lines and simplifying verification.
### **Customizable badge and kiosk design**
Custom badge and kiosk styling let organizers reflect event branding while improving usability.
On-demand printing also reduces waste from pre-printed badges, helping make events greener.
Personalized badges help attendees feel seen and connected from the moment they arrive.
### **Seamless integration**
Native connections to your registration, CRM and analytics tools keep attendee data current and usable across platforms.
Real-time syncs reduce manual updates, help teams coordinate on-site, and give a clearer single source of truth for attendee operations.
### **Online registration**
Online registration gives participants a simple, accurate way to sign up before they arrive.
It reduces manual data entry errors and speeds up on-site check-in because attendee records are already complete and verified.
### **On-site support**
Having trained on-site staff ensures fast resolution of hardware or access issues and smooths any exceptions that occur.
Skilled support preserves flow, protects the attendee experience, and gives organizers confidence on the day.
## Benefits:
Adopting modern check-in and badge printing systems delivers clear gains: happier attendees, leaner operations and support for sustainability efforts that matter to many participants.
- **Enhanced attendee experience**: Faster, clearer entry reduces friction and leaves attendees ready to engage.
- **Reduced operational costs**: Automation cuts staffing needs and simplifies logistics, lowering event overhead.
- **Support for sustainability**: On-demand printing and eco-conscious materials help reduce waste and meet attendee expectations for greener events.
## Effective implementation strategies:
Rollouts succeed when organizers combine good communication, practical training and post-event learning.
These three areas keep technology working for people, not the other way around.
- **Pre-event communication**: Tell attendees what to expect, how to check in, and which tools to use — clear guidance reduces confusion on arrival.
- **Staff training**: Well-trained staff diagnose and resolve issues quickly, making the technology invisible to attendees.
- **Feedback collection**: Post-event surveys and usage data reveal what worked and where to improve for the next edition.
## What are the key features of AI-powered event check-in software?
AI-enabled check-in systems add automation, smart personalization and advanced integrations.
Expect workflow automation to reduce manual steps, content recommendations to boost engagement and connectors to centralize attendee data for rapid decision-making.
## How does AI automate attendee registration and check-in processes?
AI maps personalized registration paths, pre-fills fields and speeds verification to accelerate arrivals.
It also provides real-time analytics, enabling organizers to rebalance staff and resources on the fly based on crowd movements and throughput.
## Which technologies enhance event badge printing systems?
Key technologies include self-serve kiosks, on-demand printing, mobile and web check-in apps, and integrations with event platforms.
Together, they shorten lead times and make badge distribution predictable and fast.
## How do badge printing solutions improve visitor management and event efficiency?
Badge systems remove bottlenecks at entry points, improving guest flow and reducing congestion.
Personalized badges strengthen the attendee experience, while automated processes cut staffing pressure and deliver cost savings.
## How does real-time analytics support attendee monitoring?
Real-time analytics surface crowd trends, dwell areas and throughput so teams can react immediately — redirect staff, open extra lanes or adjust programming.
Post-event reports then guide continuous improvements for future editions.
## What integration capabilities should event professionals expect from check-in platforms?
Professionals should expect robust native integrations with CRMs, registration engines, marketing stacks and analytics platforms, plus open APIs for bespoke workflows.
Those connections enable richer attendee profiles and smoother operations.
## How do event check-in systems integrate with existing management software?
Integration usually happens through native connectors or APIs that synchronize registration, payment and attendee data in real time.
The result is a unified workflow that reduces duplicate entry and speeds up setup.
## What are the scalability options for large exhibitions and conferences?
Scalable platforms offer modular features that grow with the event: additional kiosks, distributed print points, real-time sync across sites and load-balanced services to handle spikes. These options keep even the largest exhibitions running efficiently.
## How can event organizers evaluate and implement effective check-in and badge printing solutions?
Start by defining event goals and peak attendee flows, then compare vendors on feature fit, integrations, support and scalability. Pilot key workflows before go-live and prioritize partners that provide clear on-site support and measurable outcomes.
## Comparing market leaders: Grip and ExpoPlatform
Grip and ExpoPlatform both lead the market but target slightly different needs. Each offers a powerful mix of check-in, badge printing and attendee engagement features tailored for modern events.
**Feature**
**Grip**
**ExpoPlatform**
Core Functionality
AI-powered matchmaking, attendee networking, check-in, badge printing
Comprehensive event management, check-in, badge printing, scalable meeting formats, advanced AI matchmaking
Integration
CRM, marketing automation, analytics platforms
CRM, registration systems, marketing tools, analytics
Customization
Customizable badges, event branding, personalized agendas
Custom badge designs, branded kiosks, flexible event layouts
Scalability
Suitable for mid-size to large conferences and exhibitions
Designed for events of all sizes, with a particular focus on large-scale exhibitions
Market Positioning
Leader in AI-driven attendee engagement and networking
Comprehensive platform for large events with scalable meeting formats and advanced AI matchmaking
## Use cases for Grip and ExpoPlatform
### **Grip**
- Industry conferences prioritizing networking and AI matchmaking
- Trade shows need efficient check-in and personalized attendee journeys
- Corporate events focused on data-driven engagement and analytics
### **ExpoPlatform**
- Large-scale exhibitions with complex badge printing and check-in requirements
- Events that require scalable meeting formats and sophisticated AI matchmaking
- Shows demanding strong branding control and flexible floor plans
## Case studies: Grip and ExpoPlatform
### **Grip case studies**
- **Yotta:** Grip’s integrated platform delivered a low-friction registration and onboarding flow, supporting rapid growth and centralizing attendee data. The streamlined entry point helped organizers scale efficiently and feed rich data into engagement tools. Yotta achieved 200% year-over-year attendance growth and scaled to over 3,300 attendees.
- **HumanX:** Grip’s registration captured detailed attendee profiles, powering AI matchmaking and personalized journeys from day one. With complete attendee data from the start, the platform enabled immediate, high-value networking — producing over 19,000 connections on the first day.
### **ExpoPlatform case studies**
- **The Meetings Show:** ExpoPlatform delivered a low-friction registration and onboarding experience that drove more than 71% of attendees to activate their accounts, letting users access agendas, messaging and AI matchmaking immediately. The smooth flow helped the event reach 120% of its meeting targets and facilitated over 32,000 meetings.
- **Security & Policing:** ExpoPlatform’s integrated registration captured structured attendee data at entry, powering the whole event experience. By linking registration to networking, exhibitor tools and mobile access, attendees engaged more effectively — resulting in a 47% increase in conversations compared to the prior edition.
## Conclusion
Advanced check-in and badge-printing systems reduce queues, reduce operational friction and support sustainability goals — all while improving the guest experience. Choosing the right platform and implementing it thoughtfully ensures a seamless arrival that sets the tone for the whole event. [Find out how our solutions can transform your next event.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
**Categories:** Registration
---
### [Best platform for association events: How to choose AI-powered event management software that delivers results](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/platform-for-association-events/)
**Published:** September 13, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Best platform for association events: How to choose AI-powered event management software that delivers results Picking the right platform for association events can make the difference between a routine meeting and a standout experience. AI-powered event management software helps teams simplify logistics, boost attendee engagement, and measure impact more reliably. This guide breaks down the core features, benefits, and selection criteria associations should weigh when choosing a platform designed to drive better event outcomes.
## Essential features:
When evaluating platforms for association events, certain capabilities are non-negotiable for a smooth experience. Look for these core features: - **AI Matchmaking Capabilities**: Connect attendees with the most relevant exhibitors, sessions, and peers to make networking faster and more meaningful.
- **User-Friendly Interface**: A clean, intuitive interface reduces friction for both organizers and attendees, shortening training time and increasing participation.
- **Analytics and Reporting Tools**: Actionable dashboards and customizable reports reveal attendee behavior and event performance so you can make informed decisions.
- **Customizable Profiles and Microsites**: Allow attendees and exhibitors to personalize their presence, creating more relevant and engaging experiences.
- **Engagement Tools**: Live polls, Q&A, and chat features drive interaction and keep sessions lively.
- **Lead Retrieval Solutions**: Fast, reliable lead capture helps exhibitors convert interactions into measurable ROI.
- **Integration Capabilities**: Native and API-based integrations ensure event data flows smoothly into your existing systems and workflows.
Together, these features reduce manual work and help associations run events that feel both efficient and personal. ## Benefits:
AI-powered event management platforms deliver clear advantages for associations. Key benefits include: - **Enhanced Networking**: Intelligent matchmaking surfaces connections that matter, improving the quality of interactions between attendees and exhibitors.
- **Personalized Experiences**: Tailored content and profile-driven journeys increase relevance and attendee satisfaction.
- **Data-Driven Insights**: Advanced analytics uncover trends and behaviors that guide programming and marketing decisions.
- **Scalability and Flexibility**: AI platforms adapt to events of all sizes — from focused workshops to large conferences.
- **Cost-Effectiveness**: Automation and better engagement often reduce operational costs while increasing sponsorship and registration revenue.
These outcomes illustrate how AI can move event programs from tactical to strategically impactful. ## Factors for optimal results:
To get the most from an AI event platform, consider these selection criteria: - **Clear Objectives**: Define success metrics up front — whether that’s higher engagement, lead quality, or streamlined operations.
- **Data Ownership and Security**: Confirm compliance with data protection standards and that your organization retains control of attendee data.
- **Customization Options**: Ensure the platform lets you match branding, workflows, and attendee journeys to your association’s needs.
- **Support and Training**: Evaluate onboarding, ongoing support, and available training to ensure rapid, confident adoption.
- **Feedback Mechanisms**: Choose tools that collect attendee feedback so you can iterate and improve each event.
Assessing platforms against these factors helps associations select solutions that align with their strategic and operational goals. ## How does AI enhance event registration and attendee engagement?
AI improves registration and engagement by automating personalization, predicting needs, and delivering timely, relevant experiences. ### Personalized registration flows:
AI enables registration journeys that adapt to individual attendee interests, increasing conversion and ensuring people register for the components most relevant to them. ### Predictive analytics:
Predictive models surface sessions, exhibitors, and content likely to interest each attendee, improving satisfaction and session attendance. ### AI-powered matchmaking:
Matchmaking connects attendees with exhibitors, sessions, and peers aligned to their goals, saving time and increasing meeting quality. ### Engagement recommender:
Automated suggestions — reminders, session nudges, or networking prompts — help attendees get the most from the event schedule. ### Real-time insights and emotion tracking:
Real-time analytics and sentiment signals let organizers adjust programming on the fly to keep momentum and address attendee needs. ### Dynamic content curation:
AI surfaces the most relevant sessions, resources, and speakers based on engagement patterns, keeping content timely and useful. ### Automated follow-ups:
After the event, automated outreach and data-driven summaries help continue relationships and capture feedback for future improvements. ## What role does lead retrieval and exhibitor management play?
Lead retrieval and exhibitor management are vital to delivering measurable value for sponsors and exhibitors. Efficient lead capture turns conversations into follow-ups, while exhibitor tools simplify booth logistics, product listings, and meeting scheduling. Together they increase exhibitor satisfaction, drive revenue, and strengthen long-term partnerships. ## How does real-time analytics improve event ROI measurement?
Real-time analytics enable organizations to monitor attendance, engagement, and lead activity as events unfold. That immediate visibility supports tactical adjustments — for example, promoting underperforming sessions or reallocating resources — and feeds into richer post-event reporting. These insights drive smarter planning, better sponsorship outcomes, and clearer ROI attribution. Processing data in real time helps teams spot trends quickly, optimize operations, and make evidence-based decisions before, during, and after an event. ## How can event organizers maximize benefits using AI event management tools?
Organizers get the most value from AI tools by using them to personalize attendee journeys, enable purposeful matchmaking, and continuously review data to refine programming. Combine strong pre-event communication, smart onsite tactics, and automated post-event follow-up to turn engagement into outcomes. Applied strategically, AI becomes a multiplier for attendee satisfaction, lead quality, and operational efficiency. ## What strategies increase attendee engagement and networking?
To boost engagement and networking, organizers should: - Use AI matchmaking to recommend relevant sessions and meeting partners.
- Communicate early and often with personalized pre-event content and recommendations.
- Prioritize an intuitive platform experience so attendees spend time engaging, not troubleshooting.
These tactics increase meaningful interactions and help attendees leave with clear value. ## How to leverage data-driven insights for continuous event improvement?
Use a disciplined approach: pick the metrics that matter, track them consistently, and apply AI-driven analytics to reveal actionable trends. Review results after each event, gather attendee feedback, and iterate on programming, marketing, and operations to raise performance over time. Repeatedly applying data-backed changes turns each event into a learning opportunity that improves future outcomes. ## Market-leading association event platforms: Cvent and ExpoPlatform
Cvent and ExpoPlatform are two prominent options in the association event technology space. Both deliver AI features to streamline planning, increase engagement, and surface measurable insights. While their strengths differ, each supports in-person, virtual, and hybrid events across a range of sizes and formats. **Feature** **Cvent** **ExpoPlatform** AI Matchmaking Yes — advanced networking algorithms Yes — personalized recommendations User Interface Feature-rich; may require training for new users Intuitive, easy-to-navigate design Analytics & Reporting Robust real-time analytics and customizable reporting Real-time insights and an omnichannel dashboard Customization Extensive branding and workflow customization options Flexible customization for profiles, microsites and experiences Lead Retrieval Integrated lead capture and lead-management workflows Efficient lead retrieval with exhibitor-focused features Integration Broad third-party integrations and APIs Seamless API integrations with popular systems Market Share Large global market share among enterprise event platforms Growing presence with a strong niche in association events ## Use cases for Cvent and ExpoPlatform
Both platforms serve a range of association scenarios, with use cases that reflect their core strengths. - **Cvent:** Well-suited for large conferences and trade shows that need extensive registration management, venue sourcing, and complex marketing workflows. Its enterprise-grade capabilities support integrations and processes for associations with diverse, high-volume event portfolios.
- **ExpoPlatform:** Strong for exhibitions and conferences focused on attendee engagement, with AI matchmaking and real-time analytics that prioritize personalized experiences and seamless integration into existing workflows.
## Case studies demonstrating success with Cvent and ExpoPlatform
Real-world examples show how each platform can deliver measurable value. ### Cvent Case Studies:
- **The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association:** centralized its event program across 200+ annual events with Cvent, expanding member engagement through scalable digital experiences. A new webinar series attracted 4,000 registrants for its first session — 2,400% above expectations — while bringing in entirely new audiences. Automation and unified data streamlined operations and improved event consistency and impact.
- **ACEC Arizona:** used Cvent Passkey with the Westin Riverwalk to manage housing for large events, coordinating 2,000 attendees and multi-hotel room blocks through an integrated booking experience. Automation replaced manual processes, reducing errors, improving visibility for planners and hotel partners, and generating $700K+ in upsell revenue.
### ExpoPlatform Case Studies:
- **The International Rice Congress:** powered a highly interactive global association event with ExpoPlatform’s AI matchmaking and a mobile-first design, driving strong engagement and more than 245,000 app page views while enabling efficient networking and session participation. Organizers gained real-time analytics on attendee behavior to optimize ROI.
- **The 51st Union World Conference on Lung Health:** hosted 4,000+ participants in a fully virtual, multi-day event using ExpoPlatform. The solution supported networking, online meetings, and live sessions at scale, delivering high digital engagement and a smooth attendee experience.
## Conclusion
Selecting the right AI-powered event platform can elevate association events by improving engagement, simplifying operations, and delivering clearer ROI. Features like AI matchmaking, real-time analytics, and flexible customization give organizers the tools to design memorable, measurable experiences. Explore the capabilities of platforms such as Cvent and ExpoPlatform to find the solution that best fits your association’s goals — and use our resources to plan your next high-impact event.
**Categories:** Associations, Corporate Events
---
### [Sponsorship for an event: platform monetization opportunities and strategies](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/sponsorship-for-an-event/)
**Published:** April 10, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Sponsorship for an event has become a central revenue stream for organizers — it funds programming, amplifies reach and connects brands with highly engaged audiences. This article walks through how sponsorship works on modern event platforms, answering the following questions
- [Which event sponsorship packages drive monetization?](#one)
- [Which digital platform monetization models support event sponsorship?](#two)
- [How to measure sponsorship ROI and use analytics for platform monetization?](#three)
- [How to leverage website and mobile app sponsorship opportunities for maximum revenue](#four)
We’ll cover pricing approaches, the ROI metrics sponsors care about and real-world examples to illustrate what works. Read on to learn how to maximize sponsorship value for your events. ## Which event sponsorship packages drive monetization?
Sponsorship packages give brands structured opportunities to showcase their products or services before, during and after an event. Packages come in tiers with clearly defined benefits and visibility — from headline title rights to niche targeted placements. Well-designed packages convert interest into predictable revenue, deepen sponsor relationships and can become a recurring income source. Platforms such as ExpoPlatform simplify building and managing these packages so organizers and sponsors can move from proposal to activation faster. ### How to design effective sponsorship for an event
Designing strong packages starts with knowing what both sponsors and attendees want. Core elements include a concise value proposition that explains what sponsors gain — visibility, engagement, lead capture etc. Tailored options aligned to sponsor goals like brand awareness, lead generation or product demos; and a range of tiers so companies of different sizes can participate. Clear deliverables, measurable outcomes and easy-to-understand assets make packages more attractive. ExpoPlatform provides templates and presentation tools that help you package and pitch those offers with clarity. ### What pricing models optimize sponsorship revenue?
Choosing the right pricing approach affects uptake and overall yield. Common models that work well include: - Tiered pricing — multiple packages at different price points that match varying sponsor needs.
- Value-based pricing — setting fees based on the expected business impact or unique access a sponsor receives.
- Dynamic pricing — adjusting prices according to demand, timing or sponsor exclusivity.
Each model has trade-offs; the right choice depends on event scale, audience scarcity and sponsor objectives. ExpoPlatform supports flexible pricing to implement any of these strategies. ## Which digital platform monetization models support sponsorship for an event?
Digital platforms expand sponsorship for an event beyond physical signage. Effective models include subscription access — charging for premium content or members-only events. These approaches increase sponsor touchpoints and make sponsorship packages more valuable. ExpoPlatform is built to integrate these monetization options into sponsorship offers. ### How do monetization platforms integrate sponsorship activation?
Tech providers like ExpoPlatform turn sponsorship from passive branding into active engagement through interactive tools. Examples are premium profiles, Q&As, spotlight products and dashboards that deliver analytics on impressions, engagement and leads. These integrations deepen sponsor ROI and improve attendee experience. This includes these interaction and analytics features to help sponsors measure impact and refine activations. ## How to measure sponsorship ROI and use analytics for platform monetization?
Measuring ROI is essential to prove value and secure repeat sponsorships. Important metrics include brand awareness indicators (surveys, reach), engagement data (session attendance, chat and social interactions) and lead generation (captured contacts, demos booked). Tracking these metrics over time shows which package elements drive results and where to invest next. ExpoPlatform’s analytics provide real-time visibility into these signals so organizers and sponsors can make data-driven decisions. ### What metrics define successful sponsorship for an event?
Success is typically measured by a mix of reach, engagement and conversion. Reach tracks the total audience exposed to the sponsor. Engagement measures interaction levels — clicks, session participation, social shares and dwell time. Conversion looks at leads or sales attributable to the sponsorship. Reviewing these together gives a rounded view of campaign performance and helps optimize future packages. ### How does data-driven targeting improve sponsorship effectiveness?
Using audience data lets you deliver more relevant sponsor experiences. Personalization increases engagement by matching content and offers to specific segments. Targeted marketing places sponsor messages where they’ll perform best and concentrating investment on high-potential segments improves ROI. Data-driven workflows also make renewals easier because sponsors see clear evidence of impact. ExpoPlatform embeds analytics and segmentation tools to support precise targeting and personalization. ## How to leverage website and mobile app sponsorship opportunities for maximum revenue
Websites and mobile apps offer premium, measurable sponsorship placements. Options include branded profile headers and background images, virtual lobby exposures, splash banners and timed pop-ups across web and app. Pair those with a real-time statistics dashboard that reports impressions, clicks and video metrics — with full export capability — and you have sponsorship products that sell. These options let you build tiered packages that appeal to diverse sponsor needs. ### How to upsell and add value to exhibitors and sponsors
Upsells increase revenue when they add clear, measurable value. Offer premium visibility and exclusive content slots, enhanced exhibitor profiles, prioritized search placement, tailored networking permissions and app-exclusive features for top partners. Provide advanced lead intelligence tools that demonstrably increase lead volumes and quality — those outcomes justify higher package prices. Clear package limits and transparent benefits make upsells easy to sell. ExpoPlatform includes these capabilities so organizers can package upgrades that deliver tangible ROI. ### How can you drive revenue year-round with community platforms and marketplaces?
Move beyond one-off events by building year-round communities and marketplaces. A 365-day marketplace delivers continuous lead flow to sponsors. Regular virtual hosted-buyer meetings and monthly webinar series keep sponsor brands active and top of mind. Micro-community sponsorships let brands target niche audience clusters with precision. These steady engagement channels turn single-event sponsors into long-term partners and create predictable revenue streams. ## In conclusion
Leveraging event sponsorships effectively can transform your revenue streams while enhancing brand visibility and audience engagement. By utilizing tailored sponsorship packages and innovative activation strategies, organizers can create meaningful connections between sponsors and attendees. Embrace the potential of digital tools and analytics to maximize your sponsorship ROI and ensure long-term partnerships. [Discover how ExpoPlatform can elevate your event sponsorship strategy today.](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [The end of mass events: Hello hyper-everything experiences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/the-end-of-mass-events-hello-hyper-everything-experiences/)
**Published:** April 9, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The era of the monolithic trade show is dead as priorities shift toward hyper-everything experiences where relevance is the goal, according to an industry expert.**
Narisa Wild, chief digital officer at Clarion Events North America, argues that being able to synthesize complex behavioral signals will now separate innovators from followers.
Clarion is among an elite group of organizers proving the future of events lies in the ability to listen to data – largely by moving away from generic large-scale experiences and focusing on hyper-specific, relevant and contextualized interactions.
She said: “The mass-produced experience is becoming less and less important.
“People want that niche focused, hyper specific, hyper relevant, hyper contextualized, hyper personalized experience. In a world of one to many, people crave one to one experiences.
“We’re using the data to actually create more of these custom, niche experiences within our events versus just doing large scale events.”
Narisa – an expert contributor to the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) – argues the broad-brush approach to event planning is failing to move the needle because time has become the world’s most precious commodity.
It was argued that the industry must pivot toward “events within events” by using digital information to carve out niche experiences that feel bespoke to the individual attendee.
Findings from the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) show data collection and analytics as the top opportunity for 2026, with 82% of respondents citing this area.
Key to making this work is having consistent and clear information to work with.
Meanwhile, personalization of experiences was also a high priority for 76% of organizers.
Clarion is responding to what the data says the audience actually wants by hosting summits and customized offsite experiences in the framework of a major event.
This represents a fundamental change in how large-scale trade shows are programmed.
Narisa – who is an expert contributor to the Event Tech Forecast added: “We’re using different signals and touchpoints across the portfolio of an event, which is more than just the event itself, to tell us what customers are looking for.”
## **Moving beyond the registration form**
Reliance on the traditional registration form was highlighted as the most significant hurdle for the modern organizer.
This is because the data set can often be irrelevant, static and occasionally inaccurate.
Narisa’s strategy to fix this involves stitching together a journey that begins months before a visitor ever sets foot on the show floor.
She said: “What we’re doing is we imagine the email address or certain signals are the glue.
“What other signals do we have about that customer based on the journey they’re taking in the Clarion ecosystem? It’s stitching all of that together to give a very clear, robust view.”
Registration and check-in was found to be the most essential feature for organizers in the Event Tech Forecast, with 76% of respondents citing this.
It is no surprise that this was closely followed by personalized matchmaking and networking, with 61% also choosing it.
Clarion builds a 360-degree view of the customer by layering signals from media websites, marketing services and learning management solutions.
Organizers can move past the limited pieces of information typically gathered from a badge scan by using this ecosystem approach.
This provides exhibitors with a fuller picture of who a lead is and what they actually need.
## **The instant gratification of data**
The demand for immediate value in exchange for personal information is among the most pressing trends heading into 2026.
Participants now expect an instant reciprocal value benefit – where every piece of information is met with an immediate, real-time return in value.
She said: “What’s going to differentiate and distinguish the innovators and the followers is the ability to create that seamless experience for your customers so you’re able to transform something that feels stitched up into something that is smooth and seamless.
“As a result of that, it’s fast, it’s thoughtful and people give honest answers because they see that immediate benefit.
“Real-time demonstration of value, the ability to prioritize connections, all of that becomes a priority in terms of how you succeed within an event.
“The last thing is the ability to create transparency for your customers – to be really upfront in how you’re presenting information, to provide it in real time and to provide it in a way that is transparent.”
**Practical implementation**
To move from theory to a “seamless” reality, organizers should focus on several tactical shifts in their digital strategy:
- **Move beyond the registration dump:** Instead of asking a “myriad of questions” months in advance, transition to a “progressive profiling” model where you ask only what is essential for the immediate next step in the user journey.
- **Prioritize real-time connection over lists:** Use technology to move past simple directories – success will be measured by an AI agent’s ability to connect threads across different platforms to foster true human connection.
- **Establish a value for data exchange:** Every data request should have a clear “What’s in it for me?” benefit for the user, ensuring higher data accuracy and deeper trust.
- **Adopt transparent information architecture”:** Provide information and value demonstrations in real time so that participants have absolute clarity on the ROI they are deriving as the event unfolds.
- **Focus on assimilation:** The smartest technical investment is a system capable of assimilating data from “a myriad of sources” to provide a singular, hyper-relevant experience for each specific customer and multi-layered behavioral signals of intent.
Smart organizers are beginning to ask the right questions at the right time rather than asking a myriad of questions all at once and hoping for the best.
This requires a transformation away from the traditional way of managing registration.
## **The evolution of the data marketeer**
The human element of the industry must also evolve as technology becomes more integrated, Narisa has argued.
She has observed a complete shift in job titles and required skill sets – with the data marketing specialist of 2026 now replacing the marketing manager of 2020.
Narisa said: “Marketeers are transforming. What we’re seeing is a shift toward answer engine optimization specialists, agentic search expertise and AI agent solution creators.
“They are the connectors creating the pathways to drive efficiencies.”
Organizers must upskill their internal teams to think about nurturing and exciting customers year-round if they want to grow digital revenue.
Narisa believes this revenue should comfortably exceed the common 10% threshold.
## **AI as a productive team member**
Artificial Intelligence is perhaps the most discussed – and misunderstood – tool in the organizer’s kit.
Narisa is quick to refute the idea that AI is a replacement for human creativity, instead viewing it instead as a team player that handles the mechanical so humans can handle the emotional.
A total of 52% of eventprofs told the Event Tech Forecast highlighted automation of processes as a major focus for technology.
She said: “AI’s role is not to replace humans – it’s rather to do the things that allow humans to move faster, to be better and to be more efficient.
“Consumers are becoming very savvy. They can see when something is written by an AI agent. What it lacks is heart, soul and context.”
Almost two thirds (63%) of organizations report an internal efficiency improvement between 0-24% due to AI adoption.
Meanwhile 24% are seeing gains of 25-49% and a smaller segment of 11% reports significant efficiency jumps of 50-74%.
Clarion uses AI for automation, scheduling and AB testing among other tasks to create a seamless journey for the customer.
This shows how efficiency does not have to sacrifice the “genuine emotion” of human connection.
**Categories:** All
---
### [Best trade show management platforms: Your practical guide to event management solutions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/event-management/)
**Published:** January 2, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Choosing the right event management platform is a make-or-break decision for modern trade shows.
The right solution speeds planning, boosts attendee engagement and makes data collection effortless.
This guide walks through the top event management platforms for trade shows, highlighting their core features, market positioning and integration options.
With planners juggling logistics, attendee experience and analytics, a clear understanding of platform capabilities can materially improve event outcomes.
We’ll cover essential features, leading vendors, CRM integration, pricing approaches and how industry trends are reshaping trade show management.
This shift toward tech-enabled services and more personalized experiences is explored further in recent research on digital servitization in trade show management.
## What are the key features of top trade show software solutions?
Best-in-class trade show platforms are built to simplify event operations while delivering a smoother experience for attendees.
Core features include lead retrieval, CRM integration and intuitive interfaces that make adoption straightforward.
These capabilities help planners manage registrations, capture attendee interactions and analyze results to improve future events.
Additional research underscores how competitive intelligence and strong information management systems shape effective B2B exhibitor strategies.
### How do lead retrieval systems enhance trade show management?
Lead retrieval systems capture attendee information in real time, making post-event follow-up faster and more accurate.
They streamline nurture workflows so exhibitors can contact prospects while conversations are still fresh.
Using mobile apps or badge scanning, exhibitors collect contact details and engagement signals that inform better targeting and future marketing decisions.
## Which platforms lead the market for trade show and exhibition management?
A handful of platforms dominate the trade show space, each tailored to different event sizes and objectives.
ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo are two market leaders known for comprehensive toolsets that address distinct parts of the event lifecycle.
Comparing their strengths helps planners pick the platform that best matches their event goals.
### How do ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo compare in trade show features?
**Platform****Key features****Market positioning**ExpoPlatformEnd-to-end event management tools, advanced analytics, flexible meeting formats, monetization features and CRM integrationEnterprise and large-scale eventsBizzaboRich networking tools, event marketing capabilities and highly customizable agendasMid-market and growth-oriented eventsThis side-by-side view makes it easier for event teams to choose the platform that aligns with their scale and priorities.
## Studies: Real-world results with ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo
### ExpoPlatform case studies
#### **1. The Meetings Show**
At The Meetings Show 2025 in London, ExpoPlatform powered a large buyer-led exhibition with tens of thousands of attendee–exhibitor interactions.
The platform’s AI matchmaking and scheduling features helped the event reach **120% of its meeting target**, facilitating over **32,000 meetings**.
High user adoption (71% buyer activation) and more than **30,000 conversations** showed notable gains in engagement and connection quality.
#### **2. GITEX Global**
At GITEX Global 2023, ExpoPlatform supported one of the world’s largest tech exhibitions, hosting over **187,000 attendees** and **6,000 exhibitors** across multiple venues.
Hosted-buyer workflows and matchmaking tools produced a record **12,000+ curated meetings** between investors, startups and enterprises.
Lead intelligence and digital badge scanning generated more than **698,000 unique lead scans**, significantly enhancing exhibitor pipelines and ROI.
### Bizzabo case studies
#### **1. Experity Urgent Care Connect**
At Experity’s Urgent Care Connect 2025, Bizzabo supported an event with over **365 attendees**, surpassing targets.
The platform helped produce a measurable business impact—a **$9 million sales pipeline** and a **19x ROI on pipeline influence**.
Within weeks, organizers reported an additional **$5.4 million in pipeline** and solid revenue attribution from post-event activity.
#### **2. Customer Contact Week (CCW) Event Series**
At the Customer Contact Week series, Bizzabo’s Klik SmartBadge solution improved onsite engagement and lead capture.
The technology delivered a **315% increase in exhibitor leads** versus older QR-code systems.
It also enabled thousands of smooth contact exchanges, making networking faster and data more reliable.
### How can integration with CRM and analytics tools improve trade show ROI?
Connecting event platforms to CRM and analytics systems deepens insight into attendee behavior and makes ROI measurable.
These integrations let planners trace leads through the funnel and use data to refine targeting and follow-up strategies.
### What are the benefits of real-time analytics in trade show platforms?
Real-time analytics give planners immediate visibility into attendee activity so they can make informed adjustments during the event.
This awareness helps optimize session schedules, direct traffic to busy booths and reallocate resources where they’ll have the most impact.
Monitoring live data lets teams respond quickly to trends and maximize engagement while the event is underway.
### How do trade show platforms integrate with marketing automation systems?
Most platforms offer connections to marketing automation tools to automate lead nurturing and accelerate sales follow-up.
These integrations enable triggered campaigns and personalized messaging based on attendee behavior captured at the event.
By linking systems, planners ensure leads are routed and nurtured efficiently, increasing conversion chances after the show.
## What pricing models and ROI considerations should event planners know?
Knowing platform pricing structures is essential to control event budgets and predict total cost of ownership.
Vendors commonly offer subscription plans, usage-based pricing or hybrid models—each affects budgeting and ROI differently.
### How do subscription and usage-based pricing affect trade show budgets?
Subscription pricing typically means a fixed fee for ongoing access—cost-effective for organizations running multiple events each year.
Usage-based pricing charges per attendee or feature used and can be more economical for single or irregular events.
Planners should weigh event frequency, scale and feature needs to choose the most cost-effective model.
### What metrics measure the return on investment for trade show software?
ROI measurement should include KPIs like lead conversion, attendee engagement and overall event satisfaction.
Tracking these metrics helps planners evaluate platform performance and make data-driven decisions for future events.
## How are industry trends shaping the future of trade show event management?
Trade show management continues to evolve as new technologies and attendee expectations reshape the industry.
Staying current with those trends is key for planners who want to deliver memorable, measurable events.
### What role does AI play in enhancing attendee engagement and lead scoring?
AI is increasingly embedded in platforms to boost engagement and sharpen lead scoring.
AI analyzes attendee behavior and preferences to personalize experiences and prioritize high-value leads.
Advanced AI agents are also being built to automate lead matching, scoring and enrichment—improving sales efficiency and follow-up precision.
### How are trade show platform requirements evolving?
Platform expectations are rising: organizers now demand seamless integration of registration, networking, content and analytics in one place.
Vendors are responding with more interoperable, user-friendly solutions so every participant has consistent access to information and networking opportunities.
This evolution pushes software providers to continually innovate and better support planners and attendees alike.
## Conclusion
Choosing the right trade show management platform can significantly enhance event planning, attendee engagement, and data collection.
By leveraging tools like ExpoPlatform and Bizzabo, planners can streamline operations and achieve measurable results.
Understanding the features and pricing models of these platforms empowers organizers to make informed decisions that align with their event goals.
[Discover how our comprehensive resources can guide you in selecting the ideal solution for your next trade show.](https://expoplatform.com/exhibition/)
**Categories:** Tradeshows
---
### [Top corporate event planning tools for enterprise-scale events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/corporate-events/top-corporate-event-planning-tools/)
**Published:** June 1, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
In today’s fast-moving corporate event landscape, strong planning separates memorable experiences from missed opportunities.
The right enterprise event tools keep every detail on track—registration, engagement, analytics and follow-up—so teams can focus on outcomes, not logistics.
This article outlines the core capabilities of enterprise event management software, practical best practices for roll out and the measurable results organizations can expect.
Many teams wrestle with registration bottlenecks, disjointed data and inconsistent engagement.
With modern, AI-driven platforms, businesses can simplify operations and improve event performance.
Below, we’ll cover the features to look for, how to put them to work, and the concrete benefits they deliver.
## Essential features of corporate event planning tools
When evaluating enterprise event platforms, prioritize features that speed planning and improve attendee experience.
These capabilities save planners time and create smoother, more engaging events for attendees.
The breadth of enterprise platforms means mapping and prioritizing these features is an important—if sometimes complex—step in choosing the right solution.
Key features include:
- **Lead retrieval tools**: Capture and manage leads reliably, so potential opportunities are tracked and acted on.
- **Registration and ticketing solutions**: Simplified registration flows and ticket management reduce administrative load and attendee friction.
- **Data analytics capabilities**: Robust analytics surface attendee behavior and event performance, enabling teams to make data-driven decisions.
ExpoPlatform offers AI-powered corporate event planning tools that include these core features, helping enterprises streamline their event operations and improve results.
## Best practices for corporate event planning tools
To get the most value from event planning tools, follow practical best practices that boost adoption and drive engagement.
These approaches make the platform easier to use and ensure stakeholders see results.
Recommended practices include:
- **Prioritize user experience**: Choose platforms with clear, intuitive interfaces so planners, exhibitors and attendees can navigate without friction.
- **Train exhibitors and sponsors**: Provide focused onboarding and easy-reference resources so partners use tools effectively and get measurable ROI.
- **Act on data-driven insights**: Regularly review event metrics and attendee behavior to refine programming, marketing and on-site decisions.
Applied consistently, these practices help organizations unlock the full potential of their event tech.
ExpoPlatform recommends requesting a demo to see how our solutions support modern enterprise event workflows.
## Measurable outcomes of corporate event planning tools
Well-implemented event management software delivers clear, trackable outcomes that demonstrate its business value.
Typical measurable results include:
- **Higher lead quality and volume**: Lead retrieval tools help teams capture more qualified contacts and feed a healthier pipeline.
- **Revenue growth**: Monetization features can be utilized to generate additional event revenue.
- **Improved attendee engagement metrics**: Analytics show what content and formats resonate, enabling planners to boost participation and satisfaction.
These outcomes make a compelling case for investing in a robust event management platform that supports enterprise needs.
## What are the essential features of enterprise corporate event management software?
Enterprise event platforms should include a set of core capabilities that enable seamless planning and execution.
Look for features that support scale, security and ongoing optimization:
- **Lead retrieval tools**: Efficiently capture and categorize attendee information to enable richer post-event follow-up.
- **Event apps**: Mobile apps deliver schedules, real-time updates and networking features to improve the attendee experience.
- **Data capture and analytics**: Collecting and analyzing event data reveals attendee preferences and performance trends to guide future events.
Including these features in your tech stack helps teams manage complex enterprise events while improving overall satisfaction and outcomes.
## How does AI-powered matchmaking enhance corporate event attendee engagement?
AI-powered matchmaking boosts engagement by recommending relevant connections and content tailored to each attendee.
By analyzing profiles and interaction patterns, AI surfaces meaningful introductions and refines those recommendations over time through feedback loops.
The result is more productive networking, higher session relevance and stronger attendee satisfaction—benefits that compound as the system learns from each event.
## Which corporate event registration tools streamline enterprise event operations?
Registration tools are central to a smooth event experience.
The most effective solutions combine security, flexibility and convenience:
- **Secure registration processes**: Protecting attendee data builds trust and ensures compliance with privacy requirements.
- **Custom registration pathways**: Tailored forms and flows capture the right information for different audiences and event types.
- **Digital badges**: Digital credentials speed check-in, improve security and simplify on-site operations.
These capabilities reduce operational friction and improve the experience for both attendees and staff.
## How can real-time corporate event analytics improve event success?
Real-time analytics give planners the visibility to make quick, effective decisions during an event.
Useful real-time metrics include:
- **Session attendance**: Seeing which sessions draw crowds helps optimize room allocation and future programming.
- **Engagement levels**: Tracking interactions with content and features highlights what’s working and where to redirect effort.
- **Feedback collection**: Capturing attendee reactions in the moment enables immediate course corrections and better experiences.
Using these insights during an event helps teams respond faster and improve outcomes on the fly.
## What metrics should enterprise corporate event planners monitor?
To evaluate event performance, planners should track a focused set of KPIs that link activity to business goals.
Key metrics include:
- **Return on investment**: Measuring event ROI clarifies the financial impact and guides future budgeting.
- **Engagement metrics**: Participation rates and interaction levels reveal program effectiveness.
- **Post-event feedback**: Attendee surveys and qualitative responses identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Monitoring these KPIs helps planners refine strategy and demonstrate event value to stakeholders.
## Why choose AI-powered corporate event planning tools over traditional software?
AI-powered tools deliver advantages that go beyond automation.
They help teams work faster, spend smarter and deliver more personalized experiences:
- **Efficiency**: Automation reduces repetitive work, freeing teams to focus on strategy and experience design.
- **Cost-effectiveness**: AI-informed decisions optimize resource allocation and can lower overall event costs.
- **Enhanced user experience**: Personalization and smarter recommendations increase attendee satisfaction and retention.
For enterprises that need scale, speed and smarter insights, AI-enhanced platforms offer measurable benefits over legacy systems.
## What case studies demonstrate measurable success with AI corporate event technology?
Several real-world examples show the impact of AI in event settings.
Notable outcomes include:
- **Increased lead generation**: A major conference used AI lead retrieval to achieve a rise in qualified leads versus prior events.
- **Enhanced attendee engagement**: An organization that deployed AI matchmaking saw significantly more meaningful interactions among attendees.
- **Improved ROI**: A company using data-driven reporting realized higher event ROI through smarter resource allocation and targeted outreach.
These case studies illustrate how AI-driven features can produce measurable improvements in lead quality, engagement and financial return.
## Comparison of ExpoPlatform and Eventee for corporate event planning
ExpoPlatform and Eventee are established providers of corporate event technology, each tailored to different enterprise needs.
The table below highlights their main differences and strengths:
Feature / Aspect
ExpoPlatform
Eventee
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Advanced AI algorithms for highly personalized attendee connections
Matchmaking features with manual customization options
Lead Retrieval Tools
Comprehensive lead capture and management with CRM integration
Solid lead capture with export capabilities
Event Apps
Customizable mobile apps with real-time updates and networking features
User-friendly apps focused on agendas and speaker information
Data Analytics
Advanced real-time analytics that surface actionable insights
Detailed analytics dashboard with strong post-event reporting
Registration & Ticketing
Secure, customizable registration including digital badges
Registration with standard ticketing options
Market Positioning
Designed for large enterprises and complex events that need AI-driven solutions
Targeted at small to mid-sized corporate events and conferences
## Best use cases for ExpoPlatform and Eventee
Both platforms serve corporate event planners, but they meet different needs and event scales:
- **ExpoPlatform** works best for large enterprises and complex events that require advanced AI features such as personalized matchmaking, robust lead retrieval and live analytics. It’s suited to scenarios where automation and data-driven decisions are essential to event success.
- **Eventee** is ideal for small to medium-sized corporate events, conferences and meetings that prioritize ease of use. Its straightforward interface and core features make it a good choice for organizations seeking efficient event apps and reliable analytics without deep customization.
## Case studies: success stories from ExpoPlatform and Eventee
### ExpoPlatform case study
**International Rice Congress:** ExpoPlatform supported 2,000+ active participants, 440+ speakers, and 140+ sessions, creating a highly engaged, content-rich environment for global collaboration across science, policy, and industry. The event generated 245,000+ mobile app page views and 4,400+ favorites, signaling strong attendee engagement with agenda content and sustained in-app interaction throughout the congress.
By centralizing networking, content and participant journeys on a single platform, the event demonstrates how a data-driven ecosystem can scale knowledge exchange, deepen engagement and deliver measurable outcomes for large-scale corporate and institutional events.
### Eventee case study
**Atlas Copco:** Eventee’s event app reached an 85% adoption rate, with nearly 80% of attendees engaging with news posts and 66% actively networking—strong indicators of in-app participation across corporate events.
The platform drove a 471% increase in user-generated content and supported over 1,300 messages and 1,180+ networking connections, highlighting a notable uplift in community interaction and social engagement.
With session engagement as high as 60% and support for up to 12 events annually, these results show how a mobile-first app can replace static formats with scalable, measurable engagement and clear internal ROI.
## How does event automation reduce operational complexity in corporate event planning?
Event automation simplifies operations by handling routine tasks and centralizing workflows. Key areas of impact include:
- **Registration and ticketing solutions**: Automated systems cut manual work and speed attendee processing.
- **AI-powered matchmaking**: Automated networking recommendations expand connections without extra planner effort.
- **Data analytics**: Automated data capture and processing provide timely insights that support quick decisions during events.
Automation lets teams focus on strategy and attendee experience instead of repetitive operational tasks.
## How does data-driven reporting increase corporate event ROI?
Data-driven reporting improves ROI by turning event data into actionable decisions. Important inputs for these reports include:
- **Cost analysis**: Breaking down event costs highlights where to optimize and save.
- **Attendee feedback**: Understanding satisfaction and pain points informs better programming and service design.
- **Lead conversion rates**: Tracking how event leads convert into sales shows the event’s direct business impact.
Using data-driven reports helps organizations allocate resources more effectively and strengthen the financial case for future events.
Bring the right tech to your event [here.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
**Categories:** Corporate Events
---
### [Can ExpoPlatform increase event ROI? A comprehensive look at monetization and optimization](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/increase-event-roi/)
**Published:** April 30, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform delivers a cohesive suite of tools built to increase event ROI through advanced analytics, smarter engagement strategies and streamlined monetization.
In today’s competitive events landscape, maximizing return on investment is essential for organizers who need to justify budgets and show impact.
This article explains how ExpoPlatform can boost event performance by turning data into actionable insights, improving attendee engagement and unlocking effective revenue streams.
Many organizers struggle to measure success and defend costs. With the right analytics, they can make evidence-based decisions that increase profitability.
We’ll walk through the key metrics ExpoPlatform tracks, proven techniques for measuring event success and real-world case studies that show measurable ROI gains.
The role of data analytics in event management is now widely accepted as a core driver of better outcomes and higher returns.
## How does ExpoPlatform increase event ROI through analytics?
ExpoPlatform can increase event ROI by providing deep, actionable analytics that reveal attendee behavior, engagement patterns and overall event performance.
By monitoring the right metrics, organizers can make data-driven changes that sharpen strategy and improve results.
Our real-time analytics let teams react during the event — adjusting programming, targeting outreach and reallocating resources to maximize impact.
This data-first approach doesn’t just show what worked; it uncovers where to improve, helping teams run progressively more successful events.
In short, analytics are the practical way to quantify and increase the financial value events deliver.
### What event performance metrics does ExpoPlatform track?
ExpoPlatform captures several core performance metrics that matter for evaluating event success. These include:
- **Attendee engagement levels**: How actively participants interact with content, sessions and networking opportunities.
- **Session attendance rates**: The number of attendees per session, highlighting topics and formats that attract the most interest.
- **Lead generation metrics**: Measures the effectiveness of networking, sponsor activations and exhibitor interactions at generating qualified leads.
Knowing these metrics helps organizers assess event performance and make targeted adjustments to improve future results.
### How does attendee engagement influence ROI with ExpoPlatform?
Attendee engagement is a major driver of ROI: more engaged participants tend to be more satisfied, stay longer and convert more frequently.
Higher engagement generally correlates with better retention and stronger commercial outcomes.
ExpoPlatform boosts engagement through interactive sessions, curated networking and personalized content delivery that keeps attendees involved.
For example, events that add gamification and interactive features often see higher participation, deeper connections and improved ROI.
By prioritizing meaningful attendee experiences, ExpoPlatform helps organizers create events that deliver both immediate results and longer-term value.
## What are effective techniques for measuring event success using ExpoPlatform?
Accurate measurement combines qualitative feedback with quantitative data to paint a complete picture of success.
ExpoPlatform equips organizers with tools to collect and correlate those signals, enabling them to evaluate performance confidently.
### How to use ExpoPlatform’s data analytics for accurate ROI measurement?
To measure ROI effectively with ExpoPlatform, follow these steps:
- **Define clear objectives**: Set specific goals for the event, including concrete ROI targets and desired business outcomes.
- **Utilize analytics dashboards**: Use ExpoPlatform’s dashboards to monitor attendee behavior, engagement and conversions in real time.
- **Analyze post-event data**: Review collected data after the event to benchmark results against objectives and identify areas for improvement.
Applying these steps consistently gives organizers reliable insights into event effectiveness and informs smarter planning for future events.
### Which metrics best reflect event marketing ROI?
Choosing the right metrics is essential to understand marketing ROI. Key indicators are:
- **Cost per lead**: The cost to generate a lead, indicating marketing efficiency.
- **Conversion rates**: The share of leads that convert into customers or qualified opportunities.
- **Sponsorship revenue**: Sponsor income relative to event costs, indicating the commercial value of partnerships.
Together, these metrics reveal how marketing investments translate into financial returns and help refine budget allocation for better outcomes.
## How can ExpoPlatform increase event revenue through monetization options?
ExpoPlatform includes several monetization features organizers can use to grow revenue and add value for sponsors and exhibitors.
When integrated thoughtfully, these options create steady, diversified income streams that improve event profitability.
### What event monetization tools does ExpoPlatform offer?
ExpoPlatform supports a range of monetization tools, such as:
- **Sponsorship packages**: Flexible sponsor options that drive visibility and engagement across the event.
- **Premium exhibitor options**: Enhanced presence, priority placements and exclusive profile features in the event app.
- **Access to a 365 marketplace:** Year-round lead generation, micro-community groups and a virtual meetings environment to sustain connections beyond the event.
These tools help organizers maximize revenue while delivering measurable value to sponsors and exhibitors.
### How does sponsorship and lead capture increase event ROI?
Sponsorship and lead capture work together to boost both immediate and long-term revenue. Strong sponsorships fund programming and elevate the attendee experience.
Lead capture — through digital forms, interactive booths and scheduled meetings — turns engagement into actionable prospects for future marketing and sales.
This combination not only increases short-term income but also builds a pipeline of ongoing commercial opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors.
## What case studies demonstrate ExpoPlatform’s ability to increase event ROI?
Actual event outcomes highlight how ExpoPlatform drives measurable ROI improvements across different formats and industries.
Reviewing these case studies shows how organizations use the platform to meet specific goals and scale results.
### Which real-world examples show quantifiable ROI improvements?
**IMEX America:** ExpoPlatform’s technology supported 92,000 scheduled meetings (an 8% increase YoY) and 185,883 unique badge scans, signaling stronger buyer–exhibitor engagement.
The event also recorded 871,105 favourites and over 663,600 conversations, reflecting deeper platform activity and meaningful connections.
With 17,633 participants and 3,700 exhibitors, these outcomes demonstrate how a data-driven, AI-powered ecosystem can scale high-quality interactions and improve measurable ROI year over year.
**Security & Policing:** ExpoPlatform delivered a 47% increase in conversations (7,423 vs. 5,045 YoY), indicating more qualified buyer–supplier interactions and stronger commercial results for exhibitors.
Engagement signals rose as well, with 15,324 favourites (+3%) and 58.6% of exhibitors publishing products (up from 32.3%), expanding visibility and lead opportunities.
These improvements translated into tangible ROI gains by increasing both the quantity and quality of sales opportunities per exhibitor. At the same time, 2,026 app downloads and 102,000+ page views showed sustained digital engagement beyond the show floor.
## How to implement and utilize ExpoPlatform for continuous ROI optimization?
Successful implementation combines strategic planning with ongoing measurement, enabling organizers to refine their approach and boost ROI continually.
Following best practices helps teams unlock the platform’s full value over time.
### What KPIs should event organizers track with ExpoPlatform?
Essential KPIs to monitor include:
- **Engagement rates**: To understand how actively attendees participate with content and activations.
- **Lead conversion rates**: To measure how effectively captured leads turn into qualified opportunities or sales.
Regularly tracking these KPIs enables organizers to adjust tactics and drive ongoing ROI improvements.
### How to use structured data and analytics dashboards for monitoring?
Structured data and clear dashboards make monitoring straightforward and actionable.
ExpoPlatform’s dashboards offer a comprehensive view of event performance, letting organizers spot trends, diagnose issues and prioritize interventions.
By consistently reviewing these insights, teams can turn raw data into operational decisions that steadily improve outcomes.
Visualizing complex data in digestible dashboards is key to converting information into continuous, measurable improvement.
## Conclusion
The objective to increase event ROI is achievable with ExpoPlatform’s analytics, engagement features and monetization tools, which empower organizers to make smarter decisions.
By tracking the right metrics and using built-in monetization options, planners can enhance attendee experiences and increase profitability.
Real-world case studies further underline the platform’s ability to deliver measurable results.
[Explore ExpoPlatform today](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/) to see how our tools can transform your events and increase event ROI.
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [The event tech integration issue: how to overcome the industry's biggest challenge](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-tech-integration/)
**Published:** March 26, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Out of the many challenges facing the industry in recent years – event tech integration remains the most persistent.
Although the issue itself has layers, business leaders believe that the solutions are simple in theory but require universal commitment in practice.
Why is event tech integration such a challenge?
We will cover the following points in this article:
- [Event tech integration and the other challenges facing the industry](#one)
- [Is integration the real issue?](#two)
- [Is collaboration in events key to overcoming the challenge?](#three)
The prospect of finally overcoming the industry’s number one issue is within reach.
## Event tech integration and the other challenges facing the industry
Integration has remained one of the main challenges facing event professionals for several years.
Organizers have been more concerned with overcoming issues such as ensuring exhibitors achieve ROI and providing a seamless experience for all parties.
Event tech integration has now moved to the forefront of challenges, with 74% of the industry citing it as their number one obstacle in the recent [Event Tech Forecast](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) by ExpoPlatform.
This is hardly surprising – technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace and there is a strong desire for companies to be seen as ahead of the curve.
It has been cited above other issues such as high costs and budget limitations (47%) and lack of staff training/skills (42%).
Yet integration of event tech remains the primary concern.
Fortunately, industry leaders believe this can be overcome – but it is important to look at the root cause.
## Is integration the real issue or is there a deeper obstacle beneath the surface?
Although event tech integration appears to be the most challenging obstacle facing the industry – the real question is why?
Understanding the answer to this question could be the key to solving the problem.
Event leaders believe this is merely the tip of the iceberg – what lies beneath is the larger issue.
Stephan Forseilles, CDO of Easyfairs, has weighed in on the obstacle and believes integration itself is not as hard as it seems.
He said: “Integration is easy. What’s difficult is the underlying data models – there’s no overarching data model of our industry. Everybody does things differently.”
So the problem is not event tech integration as such, but the siloed approach to it among organizers.
Having a common data model appears to be the solution.
Other leaders have also expressed this belief – citing poor data housekeeping as a key barrier to achieving this.
Simplifying data warehouses is not the easiest task and while accomplishing it is an important first step, it is not the only one that must be taken.
## Is collaboration in events key to overcoming the challenge?
To have an overarching data model that makes integrating event tech easy, organizers must first cast off competitive mindsets.
This is not to discourage competition within niche target audiences, but as is evident – the siloed approach to tech adoption is hindering the industry as a whole.
Instead, all event organizations should embrace the era of collaboration we are entering.
Sharing lessons, scaling knowledge and developing a shared vision are key to enabling the industry to grow as a whole and overcome its main obstacles.
This joint problem-solving includes working toward universal tech adoption and an overarching data model that will simplify integration.
Organizers need to start flexing their collaboration muscle to finally push past the toughest challenge they’re currently facing.
This will also have a domino effect on removing other obstacles – 37% of event professionals say complex or unreliable tech is another challenge.
Competitors can work together to weed out inconsistent tools and adopt simpler solutions.
All while continuing to push each other within their respective areas.
This results in a state of co-opetition – retaining the rewards of healthy competition while ensuring all ships rise with the tide.
Discover more about how collaboration in events is the key to success [here](https://expoplatform.com/trends/collaboration-in-events/).
**Categories:** Event Technology, Trends
---
### [Best virtual and hybrid event platforms: Complete guide to leading software and features (2026)](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/best-virtual-and-hybrid-event-platforms/)
**Published:** May 26, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
As the industry evolves, virtual and hybrid event platforms have become essential tools for organizers who want to reach larger audiences and boost attendee engagement.
This guide reviews the top platforms for 2024–2026, outlines their key features and benefits – showing how the right technology can improve your event experience.
We address common challenges—limited physical attendance, demand for interactivity—and offer practical comparisons, feature checklists and trends that will shape event technology over the next few years.
## What are virtual and hybrid event platforms and why are they essential?
Virtual and hybrid event platforms are software solutions that support online and mixed in-person/remote events, enabling smooth interaction between attendees, speakers and organizers.
They let planners build accessible, scalable experiences that remove geographic limits and expand reach.
Their value lies in offering flexible tools and workflows that meet today’s event demands—especially in a post-pandemic world where hybrid formats are now standard practice.
### Defining virtual event software and hybrid event technology solutions
Virtual event software hosts events entirely online, providing live streaming, attendee interaction and content-sharing tools.
Hybrid event technology blends in-person and virtual elements so participants can join onsite or remotely.
Event tech providers offer solutions that combine features from both categories to create a seamless, richer experience.
### Key benefits of using online conference platforms for event management
Using online conference platforms brings several clear advantages for event management:
- **Cost-effectiveness**: Virtual and hybrid formats reduce expenses tied to venue rental, travel and accommodation.
- **Wider reach and accessibility**: These platforms open events to a global audience, increasing participation and inclusivity.
- **Enhanced engagement features**: Live polls, Q&A, chat and networking tools encourage interaction and make sessions more dynamic.
## Which features should you look for in the best virtual and hybrid event platforms?
When evaluating platforms, prioritize features that directly improve the attendee experience and event outcomes.
Look for reliable live streaming, robust engagement tools and thorough analytics and reporting capabilities.
### How do live streaming, attendee engagement and networking tools enhance events?
High-quality live streaming ensures remote attendees receive a smooth, immersive experience.
Engagement tools—chat, polls, Q&A and interactive sessions—create real-time interaction, while networking features help participants make meaningful connections.
Together, these elements elevate attendee satisfaction and make events more memorable.
### What role do analytics, reporting and platform integrations play in event success?
Analytics and reporting reveal what worked and what didn’t: engagement levels, popular sessions and attendee feedback guide data-driven decisions for future events.
Integrations with CRM and marketing systems streamline workflows, improve lead management and boost overall operational efficiency.
## How do the top platforms compare?
Picking the right virtual or hybrid platform is a key factor in an event’s success.
A side-by-side comparison helps you match each platform’s strengths to your goals, audience size and budget so you can choose the solution that best supports your needs.
Below is a comparative analysis of the market’s leading platforms, highlighting their core features and positioning to help event planners make informed decisions.
**Platform****Feature Highlights****Market Positioning**CventEnd-to-end online event management: registration attendee hub and virtual engagement toolsEnterprise-grade solution with deep functionality for large corporate events and complex conferencesExpoPlatformComprehensive virtual and hybrid experiences with customizable digital environments, immersive exhibitor booths and advanced networking featuresDesigned for large events that prioritize immersive attendee experiences and brand presence### What are the pricing models and scalability options across leading platforms?
Pricing varies across providers—subscription plans, pay-per-event and usage-based options are common.
Scalability is crucial: choose a platform that can scale with your event size and complexity so you only pay for what you need as your events grow.
### How do user experience and feature sets differ between ExpoPlatform and Cvent?
User experience and feature sets differ between ExpoPlatform and Cvent, reflecting their strategic focuses and target customers.
**ExpoPlatform** focuses on immersive, customizable virtual environments and modern, intuitive interfaces.
Organizers can tailor virtual venues to match event branding and themes.
Advanced networking features—AI-powered matchmaking, virtual meeting rooms and interactive exhibitor booths—help foster meaningful connections.
The platform supports live streaming, on-demand video and interactive sessions within a visually rich interface – including analytics that track attendee behavior and engagement in real-time.
Its customization and emphasis on immersion make it especially suited to large-scale events that want to recreate the dynamism of in-person conferences.
**Cvent** is known for comprehensive event management that spans the entire event lifecycle—registration, attendee management, marketing and post-event analytics.
Its platform is highly configurable for enterprise needs, offering branding and workflow automation at scale.
Cvent’s virtual features—live streaming, breakout sessions, polls, and Q&A—are paired with strong operational tools and broad integrations with CRM and marketing systems.
The result is a platform built for scalability and efficiency, with training and support resources for both novice and advanced users – making it a common choice for large organizations with complex event programs.
In short, ExpoPlatform prioritizes immersive attendee experiences and interactive networking in customizable virtual settings, while Cvent provides a broader event ecosystem designed for enterprise-level scalability and operational control.
### Case Studies: real-world applications of Cvent and ExpoPlatform
Real-world case studies illustrate how Cvent and ExpoPlatform perform across different event types and industries.
#### **ExpoPlatform case study: LexisNexis Risk Solutions Global Tech Summit**
The LexisNexis Risk Solutions Global Tech Summit is an annual gathering for the company’s technologists to share knowledge and strengthen relationships.
ExpoPlatform transformed the 2022 edition from a live-only event for 300 people in one location into a fully virtual summit with more than 3,700 active participants across multiple locations.
The event used website-building tools, AI matchmaking, online networking, meeting and session management, analytics and email marketing to scale participation.
The platform supported over 80 sessions across four and a half days – significantly increasing content delivery and user activation while reducing event costs by 66%.
#### **Cvent case study: The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Australia**
Cvent helped the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers Australia (ICB) by delivering consistent virtual event branding—a capability they previously lacked.
By supporting both in-person and virtual components within a single platform, Cvent removed the need for separate solutions.
Cvent’s integration CRM integration improved ICB’s event management and contributed to an 86.7% attendee show rate from 552 virtual participants at the 2022 Summit, with 1,900 total registrations and notable time savings in managing CPD processes.
#### **ExpoPlatform case study: JCK Virtual 2020**
JCK Virtual was the first fully virtual edition of the annual JCK Las Vegas and Luxury Shows – one of the largest gatherings in the global jewelry and watch industry.
ExpoPlatform delivered an interactive event website, online meetings, sessions and utilized AI-driven matchmaking to recreate the live-event experience in a virtual format.
The five-day digital event attracted over 45,000 participants and 44,000 visitors – showcasing 4,995 products from 956 exhibitors and sponsors.
## What are emerging trends and innovations in hybrid event technology for 2024-2026?
Several emerging trends and innovations are shaping hybrid event technology and promising richer attendee experiences as well as more efficient event operations.
### How is AI-driven personalization transforming virtual event engagement?
AI-driven personalization customizes content and recommendations by analyzing participant behavior, creating a more relevant experience for each attendee.
That personalization increases engagement, satisfaction and retention – helping organizers deliver higher-value events.
Recent research underscores AI’s growing role in improving efficiency and engagement across event operations.
### What future features will shape the next generation of event platforms?
Future platforms are likely to add richer virtual reality environments, more sophisticated networking capabilities and stronger accessibility features.
These advances will narrow the gap between in-person and virtual experiences and make events more inclusive for all attendees.
As technology progresses, strategic integration of these innovations will be essential for delivering consistently meaningful event experiences.
## How can event planners maximize ROI using virtual and hybrid event platforms?
Maximizing ROI is a top priority for event planners.
When combined with the right strategy and tools, platforms can improve outcomes, increase revenue opportunities and make events more cost-effective.
### What are best practices for leveraging analytics and reporting tools?
To maximize ROI, focus on key metrics – attendee engagement, session popularity and feedback scores.
Use those insights to identify improvements, optimize content, scheduling and make data-driven decisions for future events.
Consistent analysis across the event lifecycle drives better results.
Effective event planning relies on best practices throughout the lifecycle—from pre-planning to post-event follow-up.
### How do platform integrations with CRM and marketing tools boost event outcomes?
Integrating event platforms with CRM and marketing tools streamlines communication, improves lead tracking and enables targeted campaigns.
These integrations help convert attendee interest into measurable outcomes – higher engagement, better-qualified leads and improved conversion rates.
Used effectively, they create a cohesive, data-driven event strategy that supports long-term goals.
### Frequently Asked Questions
#### What types of events are best suited for virtual and hybrid platforms?
Virtual and hybrid platforms are ideal for a wide range of events, including conferences, trade shows, webinars and workshops.
They cater to both large-scale gatherings and smaller, niche events.
The flexibility of these platforms allows organizers to reach global audiences while accommodating local attendees.
Additionally, they are particularly beneficial for events that require high levels of interaction, such as networking sessions and panel discussions – where engagement tools can enhance participant involvement and satisfaction.
#### How can I ensure a smooth experience for both in-person and virtual attendees?
To ensure a seamless experience for all attendees, invest in high-quality technology that supports reliable live streaming and interactive features.
Conduct thorough testing before the event to troubleshoot any potential issues.
Additionally, provide clear instructions and support for both in-person and virtual participants.
Engaging moderators can help facilitate discussions and manage Q&A sessions effectively.
Lastly, consider using breakout rooms for smaller group interactions, which can enhance networking opportunities for both audiences.
#### What are the security considerations for virtual and hybrid events?
Security is a critical aspect of virtual and hybrid events.
Organizers should prioritize data protection by using platforms that offer encryption and secure access controls.
Implementing registration processes that verify attendee identities can help prevent unauthorized access.
Additionally, be aware of potential cybersecurity threats, such as phishing attacks and educate participants on safe online practices.
Regularly updating software and monitoring for suspicious activity can further enhance the security of your event.
#### How can I measure the success of my virtual or hybrid event?
Measuring the success of a virtual or hybrid event involves analyzing various metrics, such as attendee engagement, session attendance and feedback scores.
Utilize analytics tools provided by your event platform to track participation rates, interaction levels and post-event surveys.
These insights can help you understand what worked well and identify areas for improvement.
Additionally, comparing these metrics against your event goals will provide a clearer picture of overall success and ROI.
#### What are some common challenges faced when using virtual and hybrid platforms?
Common challenges include technical issues, such as connectivity problems and platform glitches, which can disrupt the attendee experience.
Additionally, maintaining engagement can be more difficult in a virtual setting – distractions are prevalent.
Organizers may also struggle with coordinating logistics for both in-person and remote participants.
To mitigate these challenges, thorough planning, testing and having a dedicated technical support team during the event can help ensure a smoother experience for everyone involved.
#### What future trends should I be aware of in virtual and hybrid event technology?
Future trends in virtual and hybrid event technology include the integration of advanced AI for personalized attendee experiences, enhanced virtual reality environments and improved accessibility features.
These innovations aim to create more immersive and engaging experiences that closely mimic in-person interactions.
Additionally, the use of data analytics will continue to evolve, providing deeper insights into attendee behavior and preferences, which can inform future event strategies and enhance overall satisfaction.
**Categories:** Hybrid Events, Virtual Events
---
### [Event registration software: Your complete buyer's guide to choosing the best tech solutions](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/registration/event-registration-software/)
**Published:** October 19, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
This guide gives a clear, practical overview of registration technology — how it works, the features that matter, typical pricing approaches and how these tools support different event formats.
As organizers juggle registrations, ticketing and attendee engagement, knowing what these platforms can do helps you pick the right solution for your goals.
For comprehensive event management, integrated platforms are essential to replace fragmented, manual workflows.
## What is event registration software and how does it work?
Event registration software is a web-based system that simplifies collecting attendee information, selling tickets and managing event access.
It automates repetitive tasks, enabling teams to handle large registration volumes reliably.
Typical capabilities include online ticketing, attendee databases, reporting dashboards and check-in tools — all designed to improve the experience for organizers and attendees alike.
### Defining event registration and ticketing software
Though the terms are often used together, registration and ticketing focus on different parts of the attendee journey.
Registration centers on gathering attendee details and managing sign-ups; ticketing focuses on selling, issuing and validating access.
Platforms like Eventdex and ExpoPlatform combine both, offering end-to-end functionality for many event types.
### How online and onsite registration processes operate
Registration can happen before an event or at the venue.
Online registration typically involves a web form, ticket selection, and secure payment.
Onsite registration may require staff-assisted check-in and manual data entry, which can slow queues. Choosing software that supports both online pre-registration and fast onsite check-in helps avoid bottlenecks and keeps attendees moving.
## Which key features should you look for in event registration software?
When evaluating registration platforms, focus on the features that directly affect attendee experience and operational efficiency.
The right mix reduces friction, saves time, and gives you visibility into registrations and revenue.
### Online ticketing, attendee management and check-in capabilities
Good registration systems offer flexible ticketing options, attendee profiles, and real-time roster management.
Fast check-in — via QR code scanning or mobile apps — cuts wait times and improves first impressions.
Look for tools that make it easy to manage guest lists, pull reports, and communicate with attendees before and during the event.
### Automation, reporting and integration with payment gateways
Automation reduces manual work by handling confirmations, reminders, and follow-ups.
Reporting features turn registration data into actionable insights about sales trends and attendee demographics.
Secure integrations with payment gateways ensure smooth transactions, refunds, and reconciliation.
## What are the pricing models and cost considerations for event registration software?
Understanding pricing models is key to forecasting costs and choosing a platform that fits your event cadence and budget.
Different models suit different organizers and event types.
### Comparing subscription, per-event, and freemium pricing options
Most platforms use one of three pricing approaches: subscription, per-event, or freemium.
Subscriptions provide full feature access for a recurring fee and are cost-effective for frequent users.
Per-event plans charge by individual events and can be economical for occasional organizers. Freemium plans let you start for free but lock advanced features behind paid tiers.
**Pricing model**
**Description**
**Pros**
**Cons**
Subscription
Recurring fee for full access
Predictable costs, complete feature set
Higher ongoing cost for infrequent users
Per-Event
Charges based on events hosted
Cost-effective for occasional events
Can add up for frequent or large events
Freemium
Basic features for free, upgrade available
No initial spend, easy to test
Limited functionality without upgrade
Match your event frequency, required features, and budget to the pricing model that gives you the best total value.
### How to calculate ROI and budget for event management tools
To calculate ROI, compare the platform costs and team time savings against gains like higher ticket sales, faster check-ins and improved attendee retention.
Budgeting should include software fees plus related expenses such as marketing, staffing and venue costs.
A clear budget and ROI estimate help justify the investment and select the right plan.
## Top event registration software providers:
Eventdex is a notable provider in the registration space, with strengths for different event needs.
It delivers solid registration, ticketing, and attendee management features, tailored to in-person formats.
Below is a comparison table outlining its key features and market positioning:
**Platform**
**Key features**
**Market positioning**
Eventdex
AI chat assistant, 0% ticket commission, flexible payments, walk-in registration, mobile check-in and badge printing.
Ideal for trade shows, corporate planners, and associations needing CRM and lead retrieval; excels in onsite logistics and detailed attendee data for in-person events.
ExpoPlatform
Comprehensive event registration, large-scale event support, customizable registration forms, integrated networking tools and real-time analytics.
Best suited for large-scale conferences and organizations seeking seamless management of high-volume in-person events.
## Best-suited users for Eventdex
**Eventdex:** Well-suited to trade show organizers, corporate event teams, and associations that need integrated CRM and lead capture. Its strengths are onsite logistics and granular attendee data, which help events focused on in-person networking and lead generation.
## Best suited users for ExpoPlatform
**ExpoPlatform:** Ideal for large-scale exhibition organizers and enterprises requiring a unified platform for managing large-scale in-person events. It excels in delivering customizable registration experiences and integrated networking features tailored to high-attendance gatherings.
## Case studies featuring Eventdex
### Eventdex case studies
**Ultimate Medical Academy:** UMA used Eventdex for registration and check-in at its graduation ceremony, handling graduates, faculty, and guests. To avoid delays from manual processing, Eventdex provided online registration, custom forms, the Scan Attendee check-in app, and on-site badge printing. As a result, **1,346 attendees registered**, enabling faster check-ins, accurate attendee data, and smoother event logistics.
**Event Planner Expo:** Hosted by EMRG Media in New York City, this large industry gathering brought together event professionals, vendors, and hospitality leaders. To handle heavy registration volume and reduce queues, organizers used Eventdex for automated online registration, on-site check-in and badge printing, lead retrieval, and real-time attendee tracking. The event welcomed **1,500+ attendees**, delivering faster check-ins, better networking, and improved lead capture for exhibitors.
### ExpoPlatform case studies
**IMEX America:** IMEX America 2025, one of the world’s largest trade shows for the global meetings and events industry, used ExpoPlatform to manage attendee registration, networking, and meeting scheduling. The organisers needed a scalable platform capable of supporting thousands of buyers, exhibitors, and attendees while facilitating efficient networking across the three-day event. The event welcomed **17,633 participants**, enabling **92,000 scheduled meetings**, along with over **193,000 badge scans and 663,600 conversations**, demonstrating strong engagement.
**Security & Policing:** the UK government’s official global security event held at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, used ExpoPlatform to power event registration, exhibitor tools, mobile engagement, and reporting. Organisers required a secure, approval-based registration system capable of handling vetted attendees while supporting networking and meeting scheduling. As a result, the platform helped drive stronger engagement, including a **47% increase in conversations (7,423 in 2025 vs. 5,045 in 2024)** and **2,026 mobile app downloads**, reflecting active participation across the event.
## What integration and automation capabilities enhance event registration software?
Integration and automation are essential for a smooth registration experience and efficient event operations.
### Connecting with payment gateways, CRM and marketing tools
Registration platforms should connect with payment gateways, CRM systems and marketing stacks so attendee data flows where it’s needed.
These integrations make reporting accurate, enable personalized outreach, and reduce manual data entry.
### Leveraging AI and automation for personalized registration flows
AI can tailor registration journeys based on attendee behavior and preferences, while automation handles tasks like targeted follow-ups and reminders.
Together they improve conversion and keep attendees informed at the right moments.
## Where can you find case studies and industry trends on event registration software?
Following industry reports and real-world case studies helps you benchmark options and understand what works for similar events.
### Recent reports on event growth and attendee engagement metrics
Recent research shows attendance and interactive features continue to drive engagement. These trends emphasize choosing software that adapts to evolving attendee expectations and supports in-person experiences.
### Success stories demonstrating software benefits and user satisfaction
Case studies consistently show improvements in attendee satisfaction, streamlined operations, and higher ticket revenue when organizers adopt the right registration tools. These success stories are practical proof of value and guide better platform selection.
**Categories:** Registration
---
### [Informa reports record revenue and adjusted operating profit](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-03-16/)
**Published:** March 16, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Leading B2B event organizer Informa has reported more than £4 billion in record revenue for 2025.**
The company also revealed an adjusted operating profit of almost £1.14 million.
This has led to double-digit adjusted earnings-per-share growth for the fifth consecutive year.
Your other top stories include:
- [RX appoints its new global head of corporate communications](#one)
- [Nineteen Group launches Smart Manufacturing Week](#two)
Read on for your full Week in Event news.
## Informa reveals record revenues and adjusted operating profit
**Informa has reported more than £4bn in record revenue for 2025 – an almost 14% increase from the previous year.**
The leading organizer of B2B events also marked a 14.6% rise in adjusted operating profit compared with 2024.
This marks the fifth year in a row the company has seen double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth.
Stephen Carter, group CEO of Informa PLC, said: “The Informa Group delivered an outstanding performance in 2025, delivering double-digit growth in revenues, adjusted earnings per share and cash flow.”
The B2B event organizer has also confirmed £620m in cash returns last year.
Informa – which reported the revenue figures as £4,041.4m and adjusted operating profit as £1,139.8m – has also revealed an acceleration of share buybacks in 2026.
The organization sees the combination of these promising figures and growth as confirmation that its ‘One Informa’ four-year programme to maximize growth and value is working.
## RX appoints its new global head of corporate communications
**RX has announced the appointment of Katrine Graugaard as global head of corporate communications.**
She will take the lead on its global communication strategy and reinforce the company’s internal and external narrative.
This includes ensuring that the evolution of RX’s engagement, storytelling and positioning align with strategic ambitions.
Katrine said: “I am excited to be joining RX as the industry enters a period of significant transformation.
“With a strong, purpose led global platform and a clear focus on innovation, RX is well positioned for continued success.”
Katrine has over two decades of experience in international leadership across large, multi-market companies.
Her previous role was with Wavemaker – part of WPP – as global head of marketing and communications.
Within that role she led the implementation of strategies that improved internal engagement, brand identity, corporate reputation, and executive communications – experience that RX hopes to leverage fully.
## Nineteen Group launches Smart Manufacturing Week
**The Manufacturer – part of Nineteen Group – has announced the launch of new subsidiary Smart Manufacturing Week in the US.**
This marks a significant expansion of the company’s global manufacturing portfolio into North America.
The group sees the launch of the inaugural event as a signal of its continued investments in the US manufacturing sector and as a way to create a well-rounded platform after its recent takeover of Reliabilityweb.
Mary Larkin, president of Nineteen Group Americas, said: “The acquisition of Reliabilityweb gives us a deep connection to the reliability and asset management community, while The Manufacturer and Smart Manufacturing Week’s UK event provide the audience and credibility to scale the platform into the US manufacturing market.”
Smart Manufacturing Week US will bring together leaders overseeing technology deployment, operational performance and modernization of production across the manufacturing sector.
The event will host two co-located exhibitions – Smart Factory Expo and Maintec.
Nineteen Group has chosen Detroit as the prime location for the inaugural event because the city is one of the largest industrial concentrations of manufacturing jobs in the world (3.3 million).
**That is your full Week in Events news. To apply advanced tech solutions at your next event, [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform today.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Collaboration in events: is it essential to work closer with competitors?](https://expoplatform.com/trends/collaboration-in-events/)
**Published:** March 13, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Collaboration in events is now more imperative than ever.
This doesn’t just mean deepening existing collaborative relationships with partners- it means embracing an industry-wide shift in cooperation between competitors.
The following article will break down what this looks like, including answering the following questions:
- Has ‘healthy competition’ between event professionals become unhealthy?
- [How can collaboration in events work between competitors?](#one)
- [Can greater cooperation between rivals solve the number one challenge in the events industry?](#two)
- [Will better collaboration in events create more opportunities for all parties?](#three)
As we move further into a tech-driven future, being overly competitive in the events industry could be self-sabotage.
## Has ‘healthy competition’ between event professionals become unhealthy?
**The short answer is no (at present). But all the evidence suggests that if we don’t redefine the meaning of ‘healthy competition’ between event companies, the long-term answer will be different.**
Rivalry between companies in any industry is normally a good thing and still is to a degree.
Competitors measure themselves against one another, push one another to be better and give their target audiences options – which puts customers in a better position (especially when negotiating contracts).
Competition is one of the root causes of evolution in tech, strategies and products.
Now that the industry has reached a point where AI, data and technology adoption are key, trying to compete too aggressively will no longer be considered healthy.
We must prioritize collaboration in events for all companies to stay ahead.
Strategic cooperation between competitors is now an invaluable asset that leaders cannot ignore.
Knowledge, resource and data sharing are the only ways event companies can keep pace with buyer expectations.
Ignoring the opportunities this cooperative approach to the future presents, in favor of the more traditional ‘be the best’ mentality, will be damaging not only to companies with this mindset but to the industry as a whole.
This doesn’t mean event companies shouldn’t still compete and continue striving to be the best at what they do.
It means embracing more friendly competitive approaches while prioritizing collaboration.
## How can collaboration in events work between competitors?
By understanding that it is still acceptable to maintain a level of healthy competition within their specific niches.
**Alongside this, organizers must recognize that they are part of a wider event industry collective that needs to increase cooperation among competitors.**
A crucial step in fostering greater collaboration in events is recognizing the challenges it will help overcome.
The recent [Event Tech Forecast 2026 by ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) revealed a significant perception gap in how event companies adopt new technology.
74% claim to be ahead of the curve in terms of tech adoption – yet 45% claim they have seen little impact on their overall business model.
Staying ‘ahead of the curve’ or rather – ahead of competitors is hindering companies from getting the true value out of technology.
Business leaders can share lessons learned from implementing tools that did not yield the expected results.
This enables the event industry as a whole to narrow down which tools improve processes and in turn, this will close the perception gap.
Frequent cross-organizational working groups must be developed to share resources and establish AI best practices.
The result will be collective intelligence that drives overall industry improvement and success.
## Can greater cooperation between rivals solve the number one challenge in the events industry?
The number one challenge that event professionals have cited is integrating new software with existing systems.
The Event Tech Forecast 2026 revealed that almost three-quarters of the industry believe integration is the biggest hurdle they face.
This also aligns with the number of companies that believe they are above average in technology adoption.
Stephan Forseilles, CDO of Easyfairs, claims that integration itself isn’t the issue – what’s needed to make it simple is better collaboration in events.
He said: “Integration is easy. What’s difficult is the underlying data models – there’s no overarching data model of our industry. Everybody does things differently.”
To overcome this challenge, companies must first look internally to ensure the cleanliness of data.
However, the endgame is to make data more accessible and shareable to create the industry-wide model Stephen speaks of.
We can only achieve this through in-depth collaboration between competitors who align on which tools to adopt.
**So yes, cooperation in events is the answer to overcoming the industry’s biggest challenge – now we just need to get moving.**
## Will better collaboration in events create more opportunities for all parties?
**Cooperation between competitors within the events industry will almost certainly lead to more opportunities for organizers, venues, exhibitors and buyers alike.**
Which is why the era of ‘co-opetition’ must be embraced in our approach to tech adoption.
The industry must now learn how to flex its collaboration muscle more than ever.
By leveraging a shared vision and collaborating on high-level goals, all parties will deliver increased value to all audiences.
We have entered an era of ‘co-opetition’ in our approach to tech adoption.
Challenges that have been a thorn in the side of organizers for years, such as – the integration of emerging technologies and staying relevant as an in-person industry in the digital age.
Removing these hurdles will create a more frictionless market and enable easier access for buyers.
Having standard practices for AI, trade tools and an overarching data model will be key to achieving this.
By being partners in one market (the events industry) and competitors in another (the target market for each event), businesses have a rare opportunity to have their cake and eat it too.
They will simultaneously reap the benefits of staying competitive while gaining the rewards from collaboration in events as a whole.
The industry will perform better, more efficiently and stay in step with technological evolution.
Buyers will have easier access to sellers, which ensures both industry relevance and enhanced value.
This is the era of collaboration – trying to outdo competitors now is detrimental to achieving success.
**To learn more about this and bring the most relevant industry tech to your next event, [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Top exhibition software for large events 2026: enterprise solutions comparison](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/exhibition-software/)
**Published:** March 13, 2024
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
In the realm of large-scale events, the right exhibition software can significantly enhance the management and execution of these complex gatherings.
This article delves into the top enterprise solutions available for large events, focusing on their key features, market positioning and unique capabilities.
Readers will learn about essential tools that streamline event management, improve attendee engagement and facilitate effective lead retrieval.
As event organizers face challenges such as registration complexities and attendee networking, understanding the capabilities of various software solutions becomes crucial.
This guide will cover the key features of enterprise event software, compare leading platforms including ExpoPlatform and Swapcard and explore how these tools integrate with existing systems to optimize event success.
The critical role of information systems in managing the complexities of large-scale events is further emphasized by research in the field.
## What are the key features of enterprise event software for large exhibitions?
Enterprise event software is designed to address the multifaceted needs of large exhibitions – providing a suite of features that enhance operational efficiency and attendee experience.
Key features include lead retrieval tools, event apps for engagement and robust data analytics capabilities.
These functionalities not only streamline event management but also foster meaningful interactions among attendees and exhibitors.
### How do registration and ticketing solutions streamline large event management?
Registration and ticketing solutions are pivotal in managing large events efficiently.
They offer secure registration processes that protect attendee data while providing custom registration pathways tailored to specific audience segments.
Additionally, digital badges for entry simplify the check-in process, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall attendee experience.
By automating these processes, event organizers can focus on delivering a high-quality experience rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
### What attendee engagement and networking tools enhance exhibition experiences?
Attendee engagement tools are essential for creating memorable experiences at large exhibitions.
AI-powered matchmaking features help connect attendees with similar interests, facilitating networking opportunities that can lead to valuable business relationships.
Mobile event app features – such as interactive agendas and real-time notifications, keep attendees informed and engaged throughout the event.
Furthermore, interactive product catalogs allow exhibitors to showcase their offerings dynamically, enhancing the overall exhibition experience.
## Which platforms lead the market in large event management software?
Several platforms dominate the market for enterprise exhibition software, each offering unique features and capabilities.
Understanding how these platforms compare can help event organizers choose the right solution for their specific needs.
This comparison focuses on ExpoPlatform and Swapcard – two leading enterprise-scale solutions designed for large events.
**Platform****Key Features****Market Positioning**ExpoPlatform
Comprehensive event management, advanced lead retrieval, customizable floor plans, hybrid event support, strong CRM integrations
Enterprise-focused, scalable for large exhibitions
Swapcard
Unified login, interactive floor plans, AI matchmaking, content management, lead intelligence tools
Innovative technology with strong networking focus
### How do ExpoPlatform and Swapcard compare in enterprise exhibition software?
ExpoPlatform is recognized for its robust and scalable solutions tailored to large exhibitions, offering extensive customization options and seamless integration with CRM and marketing automation tools.
Its advanced lead retrieval and analytics capabilities provide exhibitors with actionable insights to maximize ROI.
Swapcard, meanwhile, excels in enhancing attendee networking through AI-powered matchmaking and interactive floor plans – making it ideal for events prioritizing engagement and content management.
Both platforms support hybrid event formats, reflecting the evolving needs of the event industry.
## Case studies: enterprise exhibition software in action
### ExpoPlatform case study: IMEX America 2025
At IMEX America 2025, ExpoPlatform was deployed to manage over 17,000 participants and 3,700 exhibiting companies.
The platform’s AI-matchmaking tools lead to an 8% increase in scheduled meetings compared to the previous year.
The tech solutions provided has also enabled a 14% (YoY) increase in unique badge scans.
### Swapcard case study: HLTH 2025
Swapcard powered HLTH 2025, facilitating seamless networking among 12,000+ attendees and over 8,000 exhibitors and sponsors.
Its AI matchmaking feature enabled exhibitors to increase contacts by 12%(YoY). 91% of attendees were active users (35% above the industry average).
### ExpoPlatform case study: GITEX Global 2023
ExpoPlatform provided the digital infrastructure that supported over 187,000 attendees and 6,000+ exhbitors at 43rd edition of GITEX Global.
In-app badge scanning and lead retrieval software led to allmost 700K unique lead scans and a record-breaking 12,000+ curated meetings took place.
### Swarpcard case study: BePositive 2024
During BePositive 2024, Swapcard supported 100,000 visitors and 3,000 exhibitors with their tech solutions.
Data from their app showed that 20% of attendees connected with at least one exhibitor. While their solutions enabled the event to see 3x the number of business meetings.
## ROI calculator and cost comparison for enterprise exhibition software
Understanding the return on investment (ROI) and cost implications is crucial when selecting enterprise exhibition software.
Below is a simplified cost comparison and ROI calculator framework to assist event organizers in evaluating these platforms.
**ROI Calculator Framework:**
- Estimate total event revenue increase attributable to software features (e.g., lead conversion, sponsorship upsell).
- Subtract total software and implementation costs.
- Calculate ROI as (Net Gain / Cost) × 100.
For example, if Expoplatform helps generate an additional $100,000 in revenue and costs $40,000 total, ROI = (($100,000 – $40,000) / $40,000) × 100 = 150%.
## How does exhibition floor plan and booth management software improve event organization?
Exhibition floor plan and booth management software play a crucial role in organizing large events.
These tools enhance navigation for attendees, ensuring they can easily find their way around the venue.
Customization options for exhibitors allow them to design their booths according to their branding and marketing strategies, creating a more engaging experience for visitors.
Additionally, data-driven insights provided by these platforms help organizers optimize booth placements and traffic flow.
### What are the benefits of interactive floor plans in enterprise event platforms?
Interactive floor plans offer several benefits for both attendees and exhibitors.
They improve attendee navigation by providing real-time updates on booth locations and event schedules.
This increased visibility can lead to higher booth traffic, as attendees are more likely to visit exhibitors they can easily locate.
Furthermore, the data collected from these interactions can provide organizers with valuable insights into attendee behavior and preferences.
### How do booth management features support exhibitors and organizers?
Booth management features are designed to support both exhibitors and event organizers.
These tools often include lead capture functionalities that allow exhibitors to collect contact information from interested attendees efficiently.
Exhibitor self-service options empower vendors to manage their booth logistics, such as scheduling and inventory, directly through the platform.
Mobile app integration further enhances this experience, enabling real-time updates and communication between exhibitors and organizers.
## What role do lead retrieval and analytics play in enterprise event software?
Lead retrieval and analytics are critical components of enterprise event software, providing insights that can significantly enhance the return on investment (ROI) for exhibitors.
By capturing attendee data and interactions, these tools enable exhibitors to follow up effectively and nurture leads post-event.
### How Is data-driven ROI measurement achieved through event analytics?
Data-driven ROI measurement is achieved through comprehensive event analytics that track attendee engagement and interactions.
Real-time dashboards provide organizers with insights into attendance patterns, session popularity, and lead generation effectiveness.
Lead scanning technology allows exhibitors to capture attendee information quickly, facilitating timely follow-ups and improving conversion rates.
Post-event evaluations further enhance understanding of what worked well and what could be improved for future events.
### What lead retrieval tools are essential for large exhibition success?
Essential lead generation tools include lead capture apps and badge scanning technology, which streamline the process of collecting attendee information.
Data analytics dashboards provide exhibitors with insights into lead quality and engagement levels, allowing for more targeted follow-up strategies.
These tools are vital for maximizing the effectiveness of lead generation efforts during large exhibitions.
## How do enterprise exhibition software solutions integrate with CRM and marketing automation?
Integration with CRM and marketing automation tools is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of enterprise exhibition software.
This integration allows for seamless data synchronization and enhanced lead nurturing capabilities.
### What are the benefits of CRM integration for event organizers?
CRM integration offers several benefits for event organizers, including increased efficiency and accuracy in managing attendee data.
By synchronizing data between the event software and CRM systems, organizers can ensure that all information is up-to-date and accessible.
This integration also facilitates data-driven follow-ups, allowing for more personalized communication with leads and a complete view of the buyer journey.
### How does marketing automation improve lead nurturing in large events?
Marketing automation enhances lead nurturing by providing tools for automated workflows that engage attendees before, during and after the event.
Lead intelligence capabilities allow organizers to track attendee interactions and tailor follow-up communications accordingly.
Year-round engagement strategies ensure that leads remain warm and interested, ultimately increasing the likelihood of conversion.
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Trade show lead capture: what are the key attributes?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/lead-retrieval/trade-show-lead-capture/)
**Published:** March 13, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
The choice of trade show [lead capture technology](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/) directly shapes how well prospects convert into opportunities.
This article breaks down the core features of lead capture systems, answering the common questions:
- [What are the essential features of lead capture technology?](#one)
- [How can event lead management improve trade show lead tracking?](#two)
- [What are the latest trends in trade show lead capture technology?](#three)
- [How does privacy and compliance impact lead capture at trade shows?](#four)
- [What metrics and ROI measurements are critical for exhibit lead generation?](#five)
You’ll learn which attributes make lead capture effective, how event lead management tracks and nurtures prospects, and how privacy rules influence these tools—so you can strengthen your trade show strategy and maximize ROI.
## What are the essential features of lead capture technology?
Lead capture technology refers to the tools and platforms used to collect and manage attendee information – quickly and accurately.
These solutions simplify the capture process – enabling teams to follow up faster and smarter.
Effective systems share three hallmarks: intuitive user interfaces, smooth integration with event management platforms and robust analytics for actionable insights.
Together, these features improve the attendee experience and increase the reliability and speed of lead retrieval.
### Key features to consider when choosing trade show lead capture software
- **Instant lead scanning and evaluation:** Eliminate the hassle of managing business cards by scanning badges and QR codes to connect exhibitors with visitors and capture live data. Exhibitors can also add ratings and notes to evaluate and categorize leads effectively.
- **Access exhibitor details, resources and products:** Lead retrieval extends beyond just contact information. Attendees can scan QR codes at exhibitors’ physical or virtual booths to access comprehensive company profiles, shared materials or product information. The exhibitor ROI dashboard tracks these visitor interactions – offering valuable insights.
- **Maintain connections without internet access:** Lead retrieval remains functional even without WiFi. If the venue’s internet connection drops, all captured data is stored locally and automatically synchronized once connectivity is restored – preventing any loss of information.
- **Leverage real-time analytics for immediate action:** Avoid waiting until after the event to review leads. The ROI dashboard provides live tracking of leads generated by team members, along with interactions across profiles, sponsorships, and sessions, enabling prompt follow-up.
### How do lead retrieval devices and software work together?
Physical devices—like scanners—and mobile apps pair with backend software to capture attendee details and push them into a central database.
Badges or business cards are scanned, data is synced in real time and the software organizes and enriches those records for easy access.
That tight device‑to‑software workflow lets teams track interactions and follow up while leads are still top of mind.
### Which connectivity and compatibility options matter most?
Connectivity is foundational – Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi enable real‑time syncing between devices and platforms, while reliable network coverage prevents data gaps.
Equally important is compatibility with your existing systems – so lead capture fits into current workflows without heavy customization.
Lead capture runs more smoothly and reduces manual work when connectivity and compatibility are addressed up front.
## How can event lead management improve trade show lead tracking?
Event lead management turns captured contacts into qualified opportunities.
By applying qualification criteria and scoring, teams can prioritize outreach, route leads to the right reps and track follow‑up activity.
This improves conversion rates and makes event spend more measurable.
There are solutions that integrate directly with lead-capture tools to automate follow-up, surface behavior-based insights and keep communication coordinated across sales and marketing.
### What are the best practices for lead qualification and scoring?
Good qualification starts with clear criteria for what makes a lead sales‑ready – paired with a scoring model that weights high‑value signals.
Prioritize high‑scored leads, act quickly and iterate your criteria based on outcomes.
These practices focus resources on prospects most likely to convert and increase the efficiency of your follow‑up.
***How AI matchmaking works:*** *“It’s about being able to let exhibitors concentrate their efforts in marketing andspending time seeing the right person. An exhibitor on an event of two days may see 100 different people, but out of theseonly 10 may be really interesting. What if you could say ‘instead of spending 10 minutes with someone, you can spendone hour with each of the 10 people who are a much better use of your time’. That’s a very interesting proposal for the exhibitors.” – [The AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/), Stephan Forseilles, 2024*
### How does data integration enhance lead management efficiency?
Bringing data together from multiple sources creates a unified view of each lead, enabling real‑time decisions and preventing missed opportunities.
Tight integration streamlines workflows—automating enrichment, deduplication and routing—so teams spend less time on data cleanup.
Which means more focus on conversations that move deals forward.
## What are the latest trends in trade show lead capture technology?
Trade show lead capture software is evolving quickly.
Mobile and contactless collection, AI‑driven scoring and deeper integrations with CRMs and enrichment services are shaping how organizers and exhibitors capture and act on leads.
These trends improve attendee convenience and speed up lead processing.
### How are mobile and contactless lead capture solutions changing events?
Mobile and contactless options let attendees share information quickly and without physical contact – which is both convenient and aligned with current health expectations.
These approaches accelerate data collection and often improve engagement by enabling participants to share details with minimal friction.
### What role does AI play in real-time lead scoring and qualification?
AI analyzes behavior and profile signals to surface leads most likely to convert, enabling teams to prioritize outreach in real time.
As AI capabilities expand, expect more automation around matching, scoring and data enrichment—reducing manual effort and sharpening sales focus.
Recent research underscores AI’s potential to automate lead matching, scoring and enrichment for trade show contexts.
## How does privacy and compliance impact lead capture at trade shows?
Privacy and compliance are central to any lead capture program.
As data protection rules expand, organizations must understand their obligations for collecting, storing, and using attendee data.
Compliance reduces legal risk and strengthens attendee trust—two outcomes that matter for long‑term success.
### What are the key privacy regulations affecting lead retrieval systems?
Regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) set strict standards for the collection and processing of personal data.
These laws typically require explicit consent, clear disclosures about use and mechanisms for data access or deletion.
Navigating these requirements is essential to operating lead-capture systems responsibly.
The regulatory complexities around GDPR and related protections are also the focus of ongoing research into data stewardship for lead capture.
### How can organizers ensure data security and attendee trust?
Trade show organizers should use secure lead-capture platforms, encrypt sensitive data, conduct regular audits and publish clear privacy notices.
Transparent communication about how attendee data will be used—and the protections in place—builds trust and encourages more people to share their information.
## What metrics and ROI measurements are critical for exhibit lead generation?
Assessing trade show performance requires tracking the right metrics to evaluate what worked and where to improve.
Clear KPIs help teams measure effectiveness and justify event spend.
### How to measure lead capture accuracy and event engagement?
Measure capture accuracy by comparing total contacts collected to those qualified after follow‑up.
Track engagement metrics—booth traffic, meaningful interactions, and demo requests—to understand how well your presence resonated.
Analyzing these signals reveals gaps and opportunities for future events.
### Which KPIs best reflect trade show lead capture success?
Key indicators of success include the conversion rate from lead to customer, cost per lead and the overall ROI of the event.
Monitoring these KPIs enables teams to make data‑driven decisions to refine lead-capture and follow‑up strategies for future shows.
## Conclusion
Implementing effective trade show lead capture technology can significantly enhance your ability to convert prospects into valuable opportunities.
By leveraging features like real-time analytics, seamless integration and compliance with privacy regulations – you can optimize your lead management process and maximize ROI.
To take your trade show strategy to the next level, explore our comprehensive range of lead capture solutions tailored to your needs. [Start transforming your event outcomes today](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).
**Categories:** Lead Retrieval
---
### [The Event Data Crisis: Why detached leadership fails](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/baris-onay-feb26/)
**Published:** February 25, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event chiefs might have grown too detached from their own exhibitions to understand where they are failing on experiences, according to an industry strategist.**
Barış Onay, founder of [Precision Communities](https://precision.community/about), argues organizers are hiding behind expensive technology to mask the disorganized state of their underlying data.
He believes industry bosses need to step up and get more first-hand experience of what it means to take part in their events – which will lead to better outcomes.
Barış – expert contributor to the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) – said: “I once published a CEO checklist on data where I asked CEOs ‘when was the last time you signed up for one of your shows?’
“The answer was almost always never. They are all talking about being customer-centric but have never used anything their customer uses. That’s really just lip service.
“They would understand what is going on if they did.”
This detachment results in a broken customer experience – attendees face redundant communications and unnecessary registration friction because no one at the top has experienced the norm.
Findings from the Event Tech Forecast put data collection and analytics as the top opportunity for 2026.
A total of 82% of respondents cited this area, which reinforces the idea that a key part of making this work is having consistent and clear information to work with.
Personalization of experience also remains a high priority for 76% of organizers.
Barış urged event bosses to register to their own shows to understand the friction caused by answering so many questions – often unnecessary – before seeing if their team even noticed they were signed up.
He added: “No one will notice – I guarantee you – because no one ever eyeballs data. That is a huge mistake.”
It was argued that success in 2026 will belong to those who abandon corporate lip service and fix their broken internal processes.
This requires a shift from chasing AI-driven layoffs toward building human “nudge departments” that actually facilitate business.
### **The data integrity crisis**
**Many organizers are failing to create relevant experiences because the quality of their database is poor, according to Barış.**
He believes most of these eventprofs attempt sophisticated marketing manoeuvres on a foundation of sand.
The result is that the promise of personalization remains a myth until the data is clean, complete and recent.
Barış said: “Their data is messy. There’s just no question about it.
“I work with lots of organizers and generally we look at a sophisticated thing they want to do.
“They want to triangulate a small portion of the audience with a really tailored message. That’s great, but do we have data that will help you do that? No, they don’t.
“The data quality falls down the cracks because it looks like an intellectual problem, but it really is a business problem that gets left until the last minute.
“How are you going to personalize it if you’re missing first names for a portion of your database?
“What are you going to do if you’re missing product interest for half of your database?”
Barış advocates for a media view of data analysis – which involves analyzing the difference between who is in the database and who actually attends.
He suggests using Large Language Models (LLMs) to standardize entries, as these can understand that different job titles mean the same thing and see beyond any language barriers – which is something legacy systems can’t do.
### **The Nudge Department**
**Meanwhile, eventprofs have been reminded that technology is not a standalone solution for the industry’s engagement problems.**
Organizers must put human resources behind their platforms to make them work – which Barış calls a “nudge department”.
These teams act as matchmakers who proactively facilitate connections rather than waiting for users to discover them.
Barış said: “When I go to a show I don’t want to download an app. But if I’m incentivized to download the app – if I receive an email saying 22 people are looking to meet with me – I will download that app.
“Organizers think investing in technology by itself is going to be enough – people will magically download the app in their thousands, know how to use it and be incentivized to use it – which is not true.
“You have to have more focus on making the tech work – we’re missing the nudge department for technology to actually do what it’s supposed to do.”
The nudge department acts as an instigator – they are teams who query the system to find groups that aren’t engaging and use targeted outreach to facilitate meetings.
This human intervention ensures the technology achieves its intended purpose.
**The instigator strategy**
Driving engagement is a proactive human task, not a passive technical one. A “nudge department” acts as a digital matchmaker that monitors the system in real-time to provoke serendipity.
- **Move beyond random oversight:** This role should not be assigned to a junior staff member – it requires a strategist who understands the industry, the specific market, and digital operations.
- **Query and act:** The team must have access to CRM and platform data to quickly identify demographics that are not engaging before the show begins.
- **Incentivize engagement:** Instead of generic reminders, send high-value nudges, such as an email notifying a buyer of opportunities to drive app downloads.
**Eliminating the museum atmosphere**
A major point of failure is opening a digital platform that is empty, which Barış compares to a “museum”. The nudge department must fast-track the interaction window to fix this.
- **Pre-fill with Expertise:** Rather than waiting for exhibitors to fill 25 boxes of information, the nudge team should proactively pull logos, bios and products from LinkedIn and company websites.
- **Elongate the Window:** By doing the work for the exhibitors, organizers can launch their platforms months earlier – moving a June show’s digital opening from late May to January.
- **Handhold the Buyer:** For key visitor cohorts, the team should manually ensure their profiles are optimized and offer them a curated list of “20 companies not to miss” with one-click meeting options.
**Steps for implementation:**
- **Deploy a matchmaking instigator:** Hire or assign a team specifically to live and breathe the show digitally, pressing the button on targeted communications.
- **Launch with 80% completion:** Do not open your portal to visitors until exhibitor profiles are at least 80% complete – even if you have to get someone to fill it manually.
- **Focus on the chaperone role:** Treat the visitor as a customer who needs to be chaperoned through the technology to reach the standard of service they expect as consumers.
Technology alone cannot always change habits alone. Investing in a “nudge department” – whether internal or external – means organizers bridge the gap between having a system and having a successful show where buyers and sellers actually meet.
### **Growth vs the bottom line**
**Barış highlighted a rift is forming between organizers as AI adoption accelerates – some use the technology for top-line growth while others use it to cut costs.**
Eventprofs were warned that using AI primarily for staff reductions is a false economy, as cutting marketing or operations staff in a people-heavy business risks cutting into the bone.
He said: “Organisers are stingy. If AI is replacing cost, they will adopt it. If AI is adding cost, they won’t.
“The mistake we’re all making is we want to sprinkle AI on what we’re doing and magically it will be more efficient.
“How you grow your bottom line is the big question. If you want to replace your people with AI and grow your bottom line – or if you want to give AI-enabled tools to your people so they can do 30% more work and you’re making more money.
“I think most CFOs and CEOs are looking at the first one. That is a false economy.”
The [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) shows 55% of organizers allocate between 0-9% of their budget to event technology. This is an increase from 2025 when 40% of respondents fell into this segment.
About 32% of organizers spend 10-29% of their budget on tech, while 8% allocate 30-49%.
A small “tech-first” segment (5%) now reports spending over 70% of their budget on event technology.
### **The goal of invisibility**
The hallmark of a smart technology decision in 2026 is subtraction rather than addition, according to Barış.
It was recommended that organizers embrace the philosophy of invisible technology.
Success is measured by reducing the number of disparate systems and focusing on a seamless user journey.
He said: “The highest peak of technology is being invisible. Try to remove the number of systems your people, your exhibitors and visitors log into.
“The smartest event technology decision an organizer can make is to remove systems. Really, just take them out. The fewer systems, the better.”
**Thank you for reading. Get more insights from Paul, other expert contributors and analysis of the global survey data in the [Event Tech Forecast 2026.](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Event meeting formats: which should you choose for your next show?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/meeting-formats/event-meeting-formats/)
**Published:** February 25, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
There is a range of event meeting formats available, but finding the right one to your purpose is where it matters.
Attendees and exhibitors increasingly want hyper-personalized experiences that make it easy to achieve their goals.
The expectation and pressure are on organizers to provide the correct formats to facilitate this.
So what are the options available in this area? This guide will unpack the top event meeting formats:
- [Speed networking](#one)
- [Exhibitor events](#two)
- [Round tables](#three)
- [Hosted buyer programmes](#four)
- [Board meetings](#five)
- [Concierge meetings](#six)
- [Self-requested meetings](#seven)
Choosing the right setups is key to ensuring your show’s success.
## What is the main benefit of speed networking event meeting formats?
**Speed networking improves the quality and quantity of connections.**
Attendees want to maximize the time they spend at events without compromising the quality of engagements.
Speed networking is the clear-cut event meeting format that directly caters to this need.
Organizers can offer either pre-matched or walk-in sessions depending on which best suits the audience.
AI-powered matchmaking is used to compile a list of connections that participants can optimize through a voting system.
Once the speed networking session begins, visitors can cut straight to the chase and determine which connections are most valuable to them.
Afterwards, they can engage in deeper discussions that can lead to high-value outcomes.
Visitors can use this format to simultaneously increase the number of quality connections and boost ROI while weeding out engagements that could have been a waste of time if they had used traditional networking.
This event meeting format is perfect for organizers who want to cater to audiences seeking more meetings, better connections and higher ROI.
**[Click here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/speed-networking-blog/speed-networking-guide/) to find out more about speed networking.**
## How do exhibitor events work?
**Exhibitor events empower exhibitors to achieve their goals by allowing them to organize their own sessions at their stands.**
The scheduling software used to create exhibitor events ensures they don’t conflict with other sessions and panels.
Relevant audience segments are targeted using AI algorithms. This gives exhibitors a wider reach and a chance to showcase valuable products or brand information to several attendees at once.
But the benefits are two-fold – exhibitors can drive more leads through these optimized formats while attendees can gather insights from these recommended sessions.
The overall event becomes a more specialized experience for both parties.
Organizers who want to prioritize their exhibitors’ business needs should consider offering exhibitor events as a premium event meeting format.
## What do eventprofs gain from using round table event meeting formats?
**Round tables are an event meeting format that brings multiple participants together to share insights.**
AI groups participants based on their interests or expertise, organizers curate sessions to incorporate diverse insights and experiences.
They use real-time data to ensure balance – each round table has a wide range of knowledge that every participant will find valuable.
This format is ideal for attendees invested in gaining deep industry insights and different perspectives or who are looking to collaborate with a number of different businesses.
Round tables are intelligently orchestrated to meet these needs without making them feel overtly manufactured.
As tech grows, data and insight sharing is becoming more commonplace even amongst competitors.
In a world were collaboration is becoming more crucial, the use of round tables is becoming one of the increasingly more valuable event meeting formats.
## What does the ideal hosted buyer programme look like?
**Hosted buyer programmes give high-level buyers a seamless event journey that gets them to the correct exhibitors.**
Buyers signal what their procurement needs are when attending the event.
The organizer then creates a personalized meeting schedule that matches buyers with the most relevant exhibitors.
Real-time data and AI-matchmaking create the basis for this which will then be curated to maximize efficiency and quality.
Organizers also ensure all hospitality information and key documents are at the buyers’ fingertips.
Hosted buyer programmes increase ROI for exhibitors while providing VIP visitors with a highly personalized, satisfying experience.
## How can board meetings generate maximum impact and shorter sales cycles?
**This event meeting format serves as a platform for exhibitors to showcase thought leadership.**
It allows them to cast a wide net by presenting to a large group of buyers.
These groups are assembled using intelligent algorithms and organizer intervention to ensure exhibitors reach the most relevant participants.
The event format tech also enables exhibitors to gain valuable insights from engagement tracking and the ability to test multiple session types.
Exhibitors receive high-level feedback from buyers, which enables them to optimize future sessions.
Buyers, on the other hand, benefit from gaining industry-leading insights without the concern of just attending a sales pitch.
This is one of the event meeting formats that demonstrates that the organizer is invested in helping both exhibitors and buyers continue to grow and improve for future events.
## What is the purpose of concierge event meeting formats?
**Concierge meetings empower organizers to leverage semi-automated scheduling tools powered by AI.**
A list of matches is created that the concierge team can fine-tune to make it more personalized.
This produces a curated meeting schedule that participants can trust.
Buyers can be assured that their engagements will be of the highest quality, having been optimized by both AI and human professionals.
Concierge meetings are a premium event meeting format that builds trust in attendees.
It signals to them that the organizer personally invests in helping visitors achieve their business goals.
If an organizer wants to position their event as “going the extra mile” for its attendees, then concierge meetings are a must-have.
## Do self-requested meetings empower participants?
**This event meeting format enables visitors to have complete autonomy over their meeting schedules.**
The AI algorithm sends a list recommended connections based on participants’ interests.
Attendees can use this as a basis to form their meeting schedules – voting on the connections they find most valuable and flagging any that they think are irrelevant.
The algorithm then realigns itself with these parameters to put together a more precise list.
This also removes several time-consuming admin tasks from the organizer’s plate.
It is also a useful meeting format to identify key insights that lie with specific audiences – which topics are trending, which parties connect and where engagements translate into measurable ROI.
Self-requested meetings should be a staple for all organizers looking to give control to their visitors.
**[Book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to bring the right event meeting formats to your next show.**
**Categories:** Meeting Formats
---
### [Event app market to double in value by 2028 - report](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/value-2028/)
**Published:** February 17, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The global event app market is set to more than double in value and hit $2.5 billion by 2028, according to** **[a new report](https://www.theinsightpartners.com/pr/event-apps-market)**.
Figures from the Insights Partners show the technology was worth $1.2bn in 2022 but is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14% over six years.
It comes as ExpoPlatform’s research shows that mobile event apps are the top desired event tech features by organizers, with 64% of those surveyed selecting it.
**Get complete research insights by downloading the [Event Tech Forecast 2023](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/)**
This article will reveal the reasons behind this market growth as well as the key features you need in your app to create successful live shows.
## **Key reasons for the growing adoption of mobile event apps ?**
The popularity of mobile event apps has surged like never before. These apps provide convenience and efficiency for both organizers and attendees at exhibitions.
Updates happen instantly, making it easier to create connections without worrying about missed opportunities.
The seamless user experience also eliminates stress. All this happens with an intuitive app that’s tailored to the event’s needs.
Everything is at the participants’ fingertips – speakers’ bios, session descriptions, social network integration, special offers, booth details, content access and more – it’s all integrated into one app allowing everyone to get the most out of the event.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, **[said](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4_9NJ9uh1M)**: “We’re seeing a real ramp up in mobile app adoption at live events. There’s various studies around this and generally mobile app adoption at events seems to be 2 to 3 times what it was pre-pandemic.”
Here are some reasons why the adoption of event apps is rapidly increasing:
**Recovery of exhibitions sector ?**
The exhibition industry is on track to make a full recovery in 2023 in most global markets, according to UFI’s latest **[Global Exhibition Barometer Research](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/the-global-exhibition-barometer-january-2023/).**
More events = greater use of event tech like mobile apps.
**Increasing digitization of events – evolution of Smart Events ??**
The landscape of B2B events has undergone a drastic transformation. Tech is prevalent everywhere and organizers are looking to create more live shows powered by modern event tech solutions.
Mobile apps are a crucial part of this digitization and nearly every major show has one.
**Integration of networking and content distribution solutions ?**
Event apps now come with advanced networking software like AI matchmaking algorithms and **[hosted buyer software suites](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)**.
Organizers can also enable easy content access and distribution for attendees by incorporating QR codes.
Also read: **[Learn how to properly use QR codes to improve your live event experience](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/qr-codes-live-events/)**
**Rising investment by enterprises in mobile event apps ?**
More businesses are investing in event apps as it improves management efficiency, boosts engagement levels and provides the ability to create branded touchpoints.
**Increased focus on sustainability ?**
Organizers are looking to make their shows more sustainable and work toward the **[Net Zero Carbon Events](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/)** pledge.
Mobile event apps can help play a crucial role in offsetting the carbon footprint of your event. You can:
- Plan and manage entire events through the app – replacing manual processes
- Eliminate paper use – the customer journey can be done through various touchpoints on the app. You no longer need to create lanyards, paper forms and more.
- Allow attendees to access digital brochures and catalogues, removing the need for any printed marketing materials.
- Plant a tree by simply booking a demo or confirming a meeting on the app under ExpoPlatform’s **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** initiative.
Chris Pendley of Messe Frankfurt highlighted the sustainability aspect of mobile apps in their shows.
He said: “We’ve implemented the badges into the mobile app and did some PR around it saying we’re going to be a little more sustainable. Things like that have given us an uptick in adoption rates.”
**Integration of event management software into mobile apps ?**
Different automation solutions, customer relationship management software (CRMs) and other collaboration platforms like interactive floorplans are being integrated to create **[Smart Mobile Event Apps](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)**.
These apps can handle a plethora of tasks and functions to deliver high value to the audience.
Miguel Neves of Skitft Meetings said: “If you make the app necessary for the event or, there’s something that’s really important to do that is so much better to do on the app, I think that really drives that adoption.”
Read more: **[How ExpoPlatform’s partnership with Crowd Connected is making its event app more location-aware](https://www.crowdconnected.com/news/expoplatform-and-crowd-connected-announce-strategic-partnership-to-drive-smart-event-agenda/)**
## **12 event app features you should consider to create Smart Events ?**
For organizers, mobile event apps provide a data-backed landscape that ensures greater engagement and new monetization opportunities at events.
This includes and is not limited to generating additional revenue through customized buyer journeys, advanced networking via AI matchmaking algorithms and acceleration of the sales pipeline with an improved lead retrieval process.
These event apps have the power to create Smart Events with a high success rate – if you know which features to include.
In a recent webinar, Dahlia El-Gazzar of DAHLIA+ Agency said: “You have to figure out what you are going to put in that mobile – that is just going to be essential for any stakeholder of any event to have a great experience.”
Here’s a checklist:
**✔ Standalone container app ?**
A single app is used for a specific event or multiple events of a similar nature e.g if there are multiple fashion events happening under the same umbrella brand.
*Benefit* ? You can access different events and their content with a single download – no need to install separate apps on your mobile each time a new event happens.
**✔ Custom homepages and theme ?**
Create a customized homepage with your event’s branding and theme to include the necessary information for your audience.
*Benefit* ? All the info like login details, profile page, contact numbers and links are provided to help the attendee explore various aspects of the event and boost engagement.
**✔ Personalized agenda builder ?**
Attendees can use this feature to create their own personalized agenda for the event.
*Benefit* ? Attendees can cut through the noise to attend the sessions most relevant to them and save time.
**✔ Live session streaming ?**
Helps you stream different sessions directly from the event app.
*Benefit* ? You can gauge the real-time audience reaction and feedback and make necessary corrections.
**✔ Meeting scheduler and messaging ?**
Ability to set up meetings, share relevant documents and communicate privately with other participants within the app.
*Benefit* ? Encourages knowledge sharing, networking and boosts community building.
**✔ Interactive floorplan ?**
Use indoor mapping and blue-dot wayfinding to help attendees navigate smoothly at the venue location.
*Benefit* ? Attendees can move from one location to another in the quickest way possible e.g. they can search for meeting rooms, breakout areas and different booths without having to ask for directions.
**✔ Lead scanning ?**
Real-time lead scanning and scoring helps organizers track contacts, qualify prospects and work on lead nurture campaigns.
*Benefit* ? Increase exhibitor leads at live shows by as much as 250%. Best of all, it also works without the internet.
**✔ Product Tinder view ?**
It’s a Tinder-like product finder where users can swipe right and left to select or ignore products.
*Benefit* ? Attendees can get details of relevant products, browse product catalogs and view more info in a simple manner.
**✔ PDF lookbook ?**
A marketing document that displays an image gallery of products, reviews, walkthrough videos and testimonials.
*Benefit* ? Attendees get a quick and clear look at exhibitor profiles that aids decision-making.
**✔ Digital monetization ?**
Digital sponsorship opportunities through banner ads, splash screens, featured search and premium exhibitor profiles.
*Benefit* ? Helps create multiple revenue streams to drive business growth and improve event ROI.
**✔ Exhibitor catalogue search ?**
Search exhibitor cards to view complete profiles and details.
*Benefit* ? Sort and filter relevant exhibitor cards based on business needs.
**✔ Permission levels for different user types ?**
Organizers can allow selective access to different materials and content to their audience.
*Benefit* ? Helps create tier-based access to exhibitors and attendees based on the package they select – improves event monetization.
Want to know how you can drive more value for your audience through Smart Events? **[Read the organizer’s guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)** to learn more.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Mobile Event App
---
### ['Why stop at $2m when the marketing pie is $10m?'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/paul-miller-feb26/)
**Published:** February 10, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The balance of power in marketing is shifting toward in-person events – and those who can capitalize on their data will reap the rewards, according to an industry leader.**
Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, argues smart organizers are waking up to a world where they aren’t just selling booths – they’re now data engines with serious clout.
Those who are gathering insights and who can actually listen to their audience needs will be able to create tailored content, sharper agendas and premium sponsorship opportunities powered by their audience databases.
This will produce increased ROI for Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) who are spending more time and marketing dollars with live events and want to engage with their prospects beyond the three-day event.
**Get your copy of the [Event Tech Forecast here]().**
Paul – who is an expert contributor in the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) – said: “In general, today, companies spend more of their marketing dollars on digital marketing – in its entirety – than anything else.
“If the event slice of the pie is $2 million and the total marketing budget pie is $10m – why am I just fighting for the two?”
CMOs are the executives who can reveal key issues, new products they want to promote, tough points of pressure and how they want to get their stuff out there.
An organizer who listens properly will be able to offer digital content to address these issues through their event audience database.
This could involve delivering them a daily newsletter about industry affairs or a podcast highlighting solutions to emerging challenges, or a webinar discussing the benefits of a new solution but importantly – it creates a sponsorship sales opportunity.
It creates the ability to “extend the event” into associated revenue streams for organizers.
Paul takes this a stage further and highlights a strategic advantage called “negative cost of customer acquisition (CAC)” where using this digital consumption directly shapes live event programming and builds a database of potential prospects with insights for companies exhibiting at an event.
He said: “Digital advertising is challenged at the consumer level. But at the B2B level – where we know our audience – it’s dynamic and targeted.
“We know what people are reading. We know what subjects they’re attracted to. We know what’s trending.
“We can bring that into our events as conference tracks and topics. Our conference producers look at what content people are really engaged with and say, ‘we should probably ask her to come and speak on a panel or ‘we should have a session on this topic’.
“An industry colleague highlighted the term ‘Negative CAC’, where we’ve got this data engine that produces revenue whilst building our database of attendee customers – resulting in the negative cost of customer acquisition.”
The 2026 forecast data shows 82% of respondents view data collection and analytics as a top opportunity, but this strategy demonstrates how to move beyond mere collection and toward active application.
## **‘Control what you can control’**
**Meanwhile, a return to focus on core business values was highlighted as key to growing amid a “tricky” period of volatility in the US events market.**
Paul argues organizers must pivot toward a “back-to-basics” strategy which prioritizes customer ROI over external uncertainty.
His comments come amid new figures from the Event Tech Forecast 2026 which show organizers are growing more reliant on technology to create efficiencies.
He said: “Uncertainty is the new certainty. This is the new US – like it or lump it, we’re in an era of change, uncertainty, posturing.
“But the posturing doesn’t always come forward as real policy. You’ve got to try to read between the lines a little bit.
“It behoves us as an industry to be aware of the macroeconomic environment.
“You can’t ignore it, but at the same time if you’re very reliant on international visitors to your USA based show, I’d be thinking very quickly about pivoting to build a local audience – while making sure that you are doing what you can to make international visitors and exhibitors as comfortable as possible.
“However, I would not waste infinite cycles on this as there is a vibrant USA-based customer set that you can target.”
This shift forces a transition in events leadership focus – moving away from the pandemic’s “existentially shutdown” mentality.
Paul set out that the “post-World War Two” era of US business has changed to one where organizers must now look past political posturing to find real policy.
This focus has already paid off for Questex, which has been able to continue growing by refusing to let outside “chaos” freeze their operations.
Paul suggests those who react quickest to this new reality will thrive.
He said: “The US is a big market. It’s still growing. It’s still the best economy in the world.
“There is definitely a change. It’s not the US of post-World War Two at the moment, but business is still business.
“People still want to do business, sellers want to connect with buyers so let’s get back to the basics of finding signals not the noise and focusing on the customer.
“I know it sounds boring and a bit ‘mom and apple pie’ – but actually it’s really paid off for us.
“Those of us who got there quicker ended up having a relatively good year.
“Things are a bit frozen around M&A right now. As companies are looking for the perfect target. We were a little more kind of counter, the sort of the behaviour and the Gestalt, if you will.
“We just said, ‘there are good assets out there – let’s go find them, let’s go talk to people and let’s get some deals done’.
“We did. We got three deals done – and we’re looking for more.”
## **‘Humans are reaching capacity’**
**Questex is moving past speculative experimentation in this new era of AI innovation toward an organizational model where humans work alongside AI co-pilots.**
This responds to fundamental capacity challenges – technology that bridges the gap when human staff reach their limits.
Paul said: “Humans are reaching capacity in what we’re asking them to do – and leaders/managers are constantly asking those people for more.
“So if your capacity is maxed and I’m asking for more, then what’s the answer? You either hire more people and/or technology has to help people become more efficient.
“The challenge is that people see technology as a threat to their job. Actually, it’s a key route to ensure that you can be successful.”
An internal generative AI committee is one of the ways Questex has worked towards progressing with innovation successfully.
It has already piloted initiatives in sales, marketing, creative and finance.
Paul said: “We’ve given every employee an agent ‘colleague’ in the company.
“The challenge is that people can see the technology as a threat to their job – our take is to experiment, learn and share the positive outcomes – of time saved, reach increased – as examples of where everyone can benefit if they embrace the change.”
The Event Tech Forecast 2026 reveals 82% of professionals have used AI for individual time optimization.
However, Questex is looking for broader organizational impact with their AI-driven sales development representatives who qualify inbound leads automatically.
Paul added: “We’ve got a bit of an internal competition going on right now: Can AI forecast better than humans? I have a feeling the answer is going to be yes.”
A further 38% of respondents to the forecast said they have used AI to create new revenue opportunities, while lowering costs is also a priority for 32% of organizers.
Meanwhile, more than 40% told the forecast they integrate new tech several times per year.
A dedicated 20% of organizers introduce new tools at every single event, while another 22% do this on an annual basis.
But Paul urged organizers to maintain discipline in this “Wild West” world of technology.
He said: “The leader of the business has to really lead the atmosphere of how you’re going to engage with tech.
“You’ve got to be disciplined around tech, because vendors are relentless and they will eventually find somebody in your organisation to sell too
“Embrace the technology, but be very disciplined about not having sprawl.
“Once we make a decision, we say to our tech vendors, ‘we want to be on your tech roadmap committees so we can learn where we’re behind or drive you to where we need the tech to go’.”
**Thank you for reading. Get more insights from Paul, other expert contributors and analysis of the global survey data in the [Event Tech Forecast 2026.](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Nineteen Group forms strategic partnership with Montgomery Group](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-02-09/)
**Published:** February 9, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Welcome to the Week in Events. You top story is Nineteen Group has expanded its portfolio following a strategic partnership with Montgomery Group.
At the core of this collaboration is the forthcoming Professional Woodworking Expo.
The built environment and manufacturing event will be co-located with InstallerSHOW 2026 and the Painting & Decorating Show at the NEC Birmingham.
Your other top stories include:
- [UFI adds first-ever Latin America-based Diamond Sponsor](#one)
- [Retromobile sees record-breaking attendance at its 50th edition](#two)
- [The German Association of Healthcare IT Vendors and Messe Munchen join forces to bring DMEA to Munich](#three)
Read on for your full Week in Event news.
## Nineteen Group strengthens portfolio following partnership with Montgomery Group
**Nineteen Group is strengthening its built environment and manufacturing event portfolio as it joins forces with Montgomery Group.**
The two organizations have entered into a strategic partnership to bring the Professional Woodworking Expo to the NEC Birmingham.
This will be co-located with both InstallerSHOW 2026 and the Painting & Decorating Show.
Mike Costain, managing director of Nineteen Group, said: “This co-location opens up exciting opportunities for Professional Woodworking exhibitors to connect with the major brands and decision makers already committed to attending InstallerSHOW.”
These three events will create a powerful platform for professionals from the interiors, fit-out and construction industry.
This co-location will enable the Professional Woodworking Expo to grow and diversify its audience.
Nineteen Group also sees this move as reaffirming its commitment to support construction and interior supply chains through connected platforms.
David Todd, event director at Montgomery Group, added: “We’re delighted to be working with Nineteen Group on the next chapter of Professional Woodworking Expo.
“Co-locating the event with InstallerSHOW and the Painting & Decorating Show reflects how the sector is evolving, bringing together woodworking, installation and finishing in a way that mirrors real-world project delivery.”
## UFI adds first-ever Latin America-based Diamond Sponsor
**UFI has announced a first-ever Latin American addition as its newest diamond sponsor.**
Expo Guadalajara has signed a multi-year agreement and will gain increased promotion and visibility from the partnership.
The venue is the largest in Central and South America and will be the first Latin American-based company to hold UFI’s highest-tier sponsorship.
Elena Hurtado, managing director of Expo Guadalajara, said: “UFI’s mission to support and advance the exhibition industry aligns closely with Expo Guadalajara’s long-term vision.
“Becoming a Diamond Sponsor is a strategic step in our internationalization efforts, focused on strengthening global partnerships with industry leaders as part of our 2050 strategy.”
The venue is also the first in Mexico to establish a clear social foundation and an in-depth sustainability strategy.
The global association of the exhibition industry sees this move as increasing its ability to better serve its global community.
Expo Guadalajara will host the 94th UFI Global Congress next year.
## Retromobile sees record-breaking attendance at its 50th edition
**Retromobile celebrated its 50th anniversary edition this week and saw a record number of attendees.**
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles opened its doors to 181,500 visitors – a 24% increase compared to 2025.
The event sees this as a reaffirmation of its position as the world’s leading classic car show.
Romain Grabowski, director of Retromobile, said: “This edition presented a triple challenge: to celebrate Retromobile’s 50th anniversary in style, to integrate our new partner Gooding Christie’s and to launch a new co-located event, the Ultimate Supercar Garage.
“The record attendance and the amount of transactions carried out throughout the week are proof that these challenges were successfully met.”
The Ultimate Supercar Garage also held its inaugural edition alongside Retromobile.
These two events together created a platform for professionals from both the classic and modern supercar sectors.
63,450 visitors attended the Ultimate Supercar Garage – which the event sees as a great success for the first show.
## The German Association of Healthcare IT Vendors and Messe Munchen join forces to bring DMEA to Munich
**Europe’s leading event for digitalization in healthcare DMEA is relocating from Berlin to Munich**.
This comes after the German Association of Healthcare IT Vendors (bvitg) and Messe Munchen announced their strategic partnership.
The two organizations expect this new location to lead to further development of DMEA and will benefit exhibitors, attendees and the digital healthcare industry.
Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel, the two CEOs of Messe Munchen, said in a joint statement: “Munich offers the right ecosystem and ideal conditions for sophisticated technology and science trade fairs.
“DMEA stands for quality, expertise and innovation exchange at the highest level.
“We look forward to further developing the event together with bvitg and the entire industry in Munich.”
DMEA 2027 will take place at Messe Munchen in April of next year.
The event has an annual expectation of 20,000+ visitors and over 800 exhibitors.
Messe Munchen and bvitg’s partnership will focus on increasing the trade show’s growth and international orientation.
Sascha Raddatz, managing director of bvitg, added: “Munich marks the next stage in the success story.
“DMEA remains the original and is realizing its full international potential here – in a location with outstanding infrastructure, global networking and unique appeal for the digital healthcare industry.”
**That was the full Week in Events news. To apply advanced tech solutions to your next event, [book a free demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [The top 10 event tech challenges facing the industry](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/the-top-10-event-tech-challenges/)
**Published:** February 2, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
Eventprofs now have high expectations for what digital tools can do for organizers when adopted and invested in.
That’s especially true as 2026 gets into full flow. But what are the biggest event tech roadblocks facing the industry?
1. Implementing AI: from trending to training
2. Avoiding the tech versus talent pitfall
3. The age-old integration issue
4. Personalizing the attendee experience with event tech
5. Compete at the expense of falling behind
6. Staying committed to an event tech stack
7. The AI perception gap
8. Event registration: the growing barrier
9. Remembering event tech is not an incentive
10. Getting over the perfectionist mindset
Understanding these challenges will bring organizers one step closer to realizing the full potential of technology.
## 1. Implementing AI: from trending to training
**AI has been the shiny new toy for the last couple of years and interest in its potential has been high within the events industry.**
Organizers have implemented such tools to help reduce workloads.
Latest findings from the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) show 82% of event professionals have reported that incorporating AI has enabled them to optimize their time, which has been the primary benefit across the board.
This is a positive – but it is still only scratching the surface of its potential.
Eventprofs need to take a more dedicated approach to achieve greater efficiency.
The key to every LLM is that they are always learning, therefore they need to be specifically trained by users to provide specialized results that require less editing or attention.
This can be done by creating custom prompts tailored to specific AIs and by investing in technical talent to help build this infrastructure.
Once these are in place the true time optimizing efficiency of AI comes into play and event professionals will see results that have more impact.
But this can only be achieved through dedicated training, not just jumping on the latest AI trends when they arise.
## 2. Avoiding the tech versus talent pitfall
**This has been the universal worry for the workforce of every industry – “will tech replace me”?**
AI in particular has heightened these fears and the event sector is no exception.
The worry isn’t entirely unfounded – tech can automate some services that previously required human attention.
However, this is not AI’s role in an industry that is about bringing people together.
Almost two-thirds (63%) of event companies have reported limited improved efficiency after adopting artificial intelligence tools – of only up to 24%
Around a quarter has seen better gains, which reveal the true benefits of event tech.
AI is best utilized as an acceleration tool for eventprofs – enabling them to be more efficient, faster and better at what they do.
This means that businesses need to invest more in tech that empowers staff and ensures their workforce understands how to fully take advantage of the benefits provided.
## 3. The age-old integration issue
**News of the next revolutionary event tech advancement is always exciting for the industry.**
Until the bubble-bursting reality sets in – will it integrate with existing systems?
It may be enough to halt the adoption of new tools if the answer to this question is no.
Three-quarters of the event industry cite integration as a top tech challenge, 74% of respondents choosing it.
But experts believe that the issue isn’t integration itself – it is the cleanliness of data that hinders it.
This is because there is no overarching data model for the industry.
Event organizations need to start ensuring their data is clean in order to overcome this issue.
Although this is a significant challenge, it is not impossible to get past.
Data warehouses need simplification to be more interpretable for LLMs.
Integration between software will become organically easier as a result.
## 4. Personalizing the attendee experience with event tech
**Organizers have always strived to curate events that have a unique experience – that is no longer enough.**
Personalization for attendees has been identified as a high priority for organizers.
This stems from professionals wanting an experience that is hyper-specific to their needs; anything less might not be worth their time.
Prioritizing personalization has steadily increased since last year, when 67% of the industry indicated it was a primary goal.
Now at 76%, tech clearly hasn’t been utilized properly to make this happen.
That does not mean that it can’t still happen – it means organizers need to put less investment in creating mass-produced event experiences.
The key to this is data and using it to understand the layers of attendee interests and how to cater to them.
That way organizers can apply various formats to their shows and use tech like AI-powered algorithms to create a unique experience for each attendee.
## 5. Compete at the expense of falling behind
**The event industry space has become far more collaborative in recent years.**
Event tech is the common ground where leaders are becoming more cooperative.
This is because the technology infrastructure needs to be developed and improved together through shared knowledge and data.
Being too competitive with one another now poses a very real risk of falling behind when it comes to tech – what harms one in this area harms all.
The event industry has entered an era of co-opetition out of necessity (but embracing it further is key).
This does not mean competition ceases altogether; it means every business will now be running on concurrent paths.
#### Competition
Organizations will continue to stay competitive with one another.
But this will become more niche to specific show types.
Competition is healthy after all, businesses need reasons to keep elevating.
#### Collaboration
Cooperation takes precedence when it comes to event tech.
Many of the challenges it presents are universal and only by being united can businesses hope to overcome them.
By sharing knowledge, resources and strategies, the industry can jointly solve major issues.
The result? All ships rise with the tide.
A collective approach to event tech is key to reaching its full potential.
## 6. Staying committed to an event tech stack
**Technology is an investment and businesses need to be committed to their decisions.**
42% of the industry is integrating new tools into their event tech stack several times a year.
This level of investment shows that technology is a driving force behind behind key strategic choices.
But discipline in this area is vital – tech is an enabler and a messy tech stack can be more of a hindrance than a help.
It’s about quality, not quantity and every vendor will push their digital tools as “revolutionary” to your business.
The key is committing to the technology you do choose to invest in.
Leaders have to invest their time in learning what tools they really need to grow.
They must then develop close ties with their technology partners to understand how their solutions will enable this growth.
Having an optimized event tech stack that has been carefully crafted towards business goals is the key to unlocking potential.
The challenge is both finding the tools that help achieve business goals and resisting temptation when something sounds good but might not make a significant impact.
## 7. The AI perception gap
**There is an inherent problem in being part of the digital age, with technology underpinning everything we do.**
As a result, businesses feel the need to be seen as “advanced” in this area.
Organizations within the events industry are no exception and as an industry that has been seen as playing catch-up in its approach to tech, the pressure is significantly greater.
This has led almost three-quarters of the industry to identify themselves as ahead of the curve when it comes to AI.
The only problem is that less than half of these have reported seeing little impact from such tools on their business once they have been implemented.
A perception gap is apparent and that might be because event companies are not putting the pieces together properly.
The need to be *seen* as a tech innovator is taking priority over actually *being* one.
But adopting AI tools does not automatically make a company a leader in this area.
To truly see the impact, there has to be a clear strategy for this technology and more importantly, the people with the knowledge to implement it.
Event industry leaders now need to turn perception into reality.
**Learn more about the AI perception gap facing the industry [here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/kai-hattendorf-january-2026/).**
## 8. Event registration: the growing barrier
**What attendees once viewed as walking through a front door now feels like breaching a fortified gate.**
Event registration forms are increasingly taxing for those filling them out and has become more of a roadblock than an entry point.
That is because organizers see this as an opportunity to harvest data from visitors – even if it’s unnecessary.
In a world where inconvenience is increasingly a deterrent, the event industry cannot afford to continue using overly long questionnaires.
Aside from being unnecessary, the information gained from manual profiling is not always as accurate as it is from accessible databases.
Shunting a task onto attendees when organizers can do it is not going to do themselves any favors.
The answer is to use tech solutions that will make life easier for both parties.
A move towards the one-click badge, followed by behavioral profiling and automated insight retrieval using LLMs, is the most viable option.
Gathering statistics at the expense of user experience, while adding little value, is no longer a good practice for the events industry (if it ever was in the first place).
## 9. Remembering event tech is not an incentive
**This is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing eventprofs.**
While being seen as ahead of the curve is a positive – it is not an incentive.
Visitors prioritize outcomes; they care more about what results they stand to gain than which tools organizers use to achieve them.
Because technology is ultimately still a tool, an imperative one yes, but still a means to an end.
If your tech is flashy, uses AI or some other amazing software, great… but if a competitor is providing the same or better outcomes without all that, participants will choose what benefits them more.
The focus has to be on technology as an enabler of outcomes.
Organizers still need to highlight the incentives of using said tools – number of meetings, high-value connections, access to content from industry experts etc.
This is what attendees care about and it is important to always keep in mind that technology does not drive engagement; people do.
Having a dedicated team that understands visitors’ needs and using this knowledge to incentivize them is key.
## 10. Getting over the perfectionist mindset
**There is often a need to understand everything when it comes to tech – this mindset is a self-imposed barrier.**
This level of understanding takes a lot of time and that is a luxury event professionals cannot afford.
It’s also unnecessary, as clarity about what your tech tools do is enough to incorporate them into your strategy.
It’s okay to be a jack of these trades and not a master of all.
Similar to challenge nine – just as attendees care less about the how, organizers should care more about the results their tools can produce rather than how exactly they achieved them.
Leaders should focus on the bigger picture of event tech instead of getting lost in the weeds.
Knowing what these tools do is enough to develop a strategy for blending them to achieve business goals.
The time wasted trying to understand everything to a perfectionist level could be self-sabotaging.
Developing trust with tech partners and seeing the results firsthand enables leaders to make informed decisions.
**Gain practical insights on overcoming these challenges by downloading the [Event Tech Forecast 2026.](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Exhibitions face innovation ‘perception gap’ as AI reality sets in](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/kai-hattendorf-january-2026/)
**Published:** January 21, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Exhibition businesses appear to be navigating a “notable” disconnect between public innovation claims and actual digital adoption, according to Event Tech Forecast findings.**
New global survey data in **[the report by ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)** reveals 74% of firms position themselves as leading innovators, while 45% admit artificial intelligence has yet to meaningfully impact their business models.
Kai Hattendorf, partner at jwc GmbH, argues this positioning may have to do with a perceived need for many companies to be seen as “AI advanced”, related to the current period of intense global mergers and acquisitions activity.
He said: “If this survey data is an indicator for the wider industry – it may be testament to a perceived desire to be seen as ahead of the curve.
“The survey data suggests that many companies see themselves as quite far ahead – whereas then if you ask them specifically in the same survey, they admit they’re not. There’s a gap here.”
Organizers face a strategic dilemma as they attempt to navigate the complex transition from traditional space-and-service providers towards more data-driven organizations.
This self-assessment among eventprofs indicates a high level of organizational confidence, yet the actual impact of artificial intelligence remains largely concentrated on basic operational tasks such as time optimization.
Key to closing this gap could be through aligning technological infrastructure with clear company values and desired audience outcomes to ensure digital tools generate true value.
[**\*\*\*Download the free Event Tech Forecast here\*\*\***](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)
Kai – who is an expert contributor in the Event Tech Forecast – said: “We are an industry that brings together people to meet. Many are pitching us to be a data-driven industry – AI is a huge enabler of that.
“Of course that unlocks more business opportunities – and with that – drives valuations of businesses.
“We have to learn the tools of the trade of AI to apply it properly so that we can adapt and we can adopt the potential of the technology to drive valuations and benefits.”
## **The AI implementation paradox**
**Another issue identified by Kai is businesses who treat artificial intelligence as a “big box of Lego bricks”, but who are yet lacking a functional instruction manual.**
The forecast shows 82% of event professionals have successfully optimized their individual time using AI – but the broader organizational impact remains unclear.
Efficiency gains are currently concentrated in a modest bracket, with 63% of organizations reporting internal improvements of only 0-24%.
A huge barrier to deeper transformation – often cited – seems to be a reliance on out-of-the-box AI tools, which can fail to deliver the context-aware insights required for complex B2B environments.
The industry appears apprehensive for standard applications to evolve in other sectors before embedding these technologies as a core part of its nature.
But eventprofs can overcome this by utilizing specialized AI agents for specific tasks to ensure that technology generates genuine business value rather than superficial efficiency.
Kai said: “Think of AI as a big box of Lego that you’ve just been given and you can build so much with it.
“Instinctively, you’re looking for the manual – you’re looking for instructions on what to build with it.
“These instructions aren’t there yet, so you ‘build along’ and experiment. We are just not primed to lead in tech innovation by our very own nature as an industry.”
## **Integration and the ‘collaboration muscle’**
**Integration with existing systems is another major hurdle cited by eventprofs in making the most of the potential of AI and other event technology.**
The [**survey data shows**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) this has jumped to the number one digital challenge facing event professionals, cited by 74% of respondents.
A lack of an overarching common data model in the industry has been highlighted as something which forces organizers to spend too many resources making different tools communicate with each other.
Kai sees a growing culture of cooperation within the industry – even among potential competitors – as part of the solution.
This was set out as leading to a “collaboration muscle” that is now a core asset for senior leadership.
He said: “This industry has become so much more collaborative. You can be competitors in one market but collaborators in another market.
“It’s a totally different ball game now, where the senior leadership across the industry has really really built a collaboration muscle.
“Especially around new technologies, there’s a lot of potential to use that for the good of the industry.”
**WATCH: Kai Hattendorf sets out gains to be made with an exhibition collaboration muscle.**
This new era of collaboration is particularly vital for navigating the complexities of technology.
Organizations can remain competitive in their specific show niches, but they are increasingly sharing knowledge on technical infrastructure to solve shared problems:
- **Scaling knowledge:** Leaders are sharing lessons on AI implementation to avoid the common “perception gap” where tech investment fails to drive actual efficiency.
- **Joint problem solving:** Collaboration allows the industry to address massive hurdles like system integration – ranked as the top challenge by 74% of respondents – by pushing for unified standards.
- **Resource efficiency:** Partnering on the tools of the trade for AI enables organizers to adopt the technology’s benefits more effectively than working in silos.
## **Geopolitical resilience and regional shifts**
**Meanwhile, Kai set out how the industry has demonstrated significant resilience by navigating a new level of global uncertainty amid complex geopolitical situations.**
A more fragmented world of regional blocks is forcing organizers to spread their brands across specific territories to capture localized momentum.
The US remains a critical domestic opportunity for organizers, while the Indian market is following its own growth trajectory as increased venue space allows for more aggressive show launches.
Saudi Arabia is witnessing a surge of eagerness to grow shows in Riyadh – reflecting a broader trend of development across the GCC region in other markets like Qatar, Oman and Bahrain.
Event tech is one thing supporting this regional expansion – providing a scalable digital infrastructure that allows global organizers to launch “geocloned” events quickly while maintaining centralized data standards.
Kai said: “You regionalize your brands to make sure you can capture the momentum of specific markets.
“It’s also an insurance policy if you find one market to become more challenging.
“That kind of one world-leading event the Germans call ‘Leitmesse’, while still going strong for some industries, is in retreat – and continues to be in retreat, in favour of a global network of regionally leading shows under one brand.”
## **The 2030 revenue flip**
**The traditional role – and dominance – of floor space sales is eroding as organizers shift their focus toward service revenues and digital monetization strategies, figures show.**
Revenue shares derived from floor sales currently sit at 63%, but [recent data compiled by Kai](https://htf-business-events-expe-wihn0k5.gamma.site/) projects this to decline by 6% by 2028.
On this trajectory, Kai foresees the likelihood for a fundamental “flip” in the early 2030s when space sales may fall below the 50% threshold – making the industry more reliant on other sources of income.
The forecast shows sponsorship is becoming an embedded fixture of the roadmap, with 61% of organizers expecting their digital budgets to expand.
Kai said: “At some point in the early 2030s, space sales will likely fall below the 50% threshold and we will actually make more money and more revenues as an industry from other sources than just the sales of floor space.
“One big open strategic question for our industry is if we can roll out subscription-based models besides event-based models for revenues.”
**Thank you for reading. Get more insights from Kai, other expert contributors and analysis of the global survey data in the [Event Tech Forecast 2026.](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)**
**Categories:** AI in Events, Exhibitions
---
### [Out-of-the-box AI 'not good enough' for eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/ai-in-events/out-of-the-box-ai-not-good-enough-for-eventprofs/)
**Published:** January 28, 2026
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Generic tools don’t cut it for the specialized world of B2B exhibitions and organizers must now cross the “second door” of personalization, according to an industry expert.**
Stephan Forseilles, chief digital officer at Easyfairs, argues the market has moved past the era of asking “how” to do things and is now stuck wondering which tools to use properly.
It comes amid fresh figures from the **[Event Tech Forecast 2026](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)** which show the industry is seeing limited impact from tech despite organizers feeling like they are leading the way in innovation.
He said: “Out of the box AI is not good enough. You really have to put in the effort to select which model you want to use or which prompt you want to use in the different areas.
“From the beginning people said that prompting would be very important. Now we really see that it’s actually even worse than that.”
Organizers face a strategic dilemma as they move into 2026 – the initial excitement of artificial intelligence has hit a plateau because many users are failing to move beyond basic applications.
This self-assessment among eventprofs indicates a high level of individual use but the broader organizational impact remains elusive.
Stephan – an expert contributor to the [**Event Tech Forecast 2026**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) – added: “Even the topic of AI is ubiquitous. It’s everywhere.”
## **The end of the free lunch**
**Another issue identified by Stephan is the risk of using off-the-shelf software for sensitive B2B data.**
Many firms have banned the use of public platforms like ChatGPT or Gemini to protect their intellectual property.
It comes as the industry is moving toward a custom-built approach where organizers develop their own frameworks to ensure security.
Meanwhile, the forecast shows that efficiency gains are often limited because users do not personalize their tools.
Stephan compares the current state of AI to a “two-room house” where most people never make it past the front door.
He said: “You enter the first room and it’s wonderful. You see there are so many possibilities.
“Then you actually realize that it’s always a little bit off or my special case is not treated.
“You have to make the effort to go through that second door, which is personalizing.”
Organizers can overcome this by building proprietary systems which allow staff to select models like Claude or Gemini via enterprise APIs that guarantee data is not used for external training.
Stephan said: “There’s no such thing as a free lunch. I think we passed the free lunch era of the LLMs.
“Why would ChatGPT give you free access if they didn’t have any advantage of using your data to train their model? I don’t think they would do that.”
## **The Ferrari problem and specialized agents**
**A huge barrier to deeper transformation is the “shallow” adoption of technology, with the report showing 23% still report uptake as low at their events.**
Many event professionals treat AI like a high-performance vehicle but lack the training to drive it.
The survey data suggests limited efficiency gains because – potentially because users expect perfection without putting in the work to refine the output.
Stephan argues the real productivity boost happens when you train specific agents for specific tasks – different prompts for team meetings, product demos, webinars and one-to-one sessions.
He said: “Basically you buy the Ferrari or the Porsche and then you drive it and you say, ‘Okay, but anyway, it’s dangerous. I cannot drive it fast enough.’
“Then you actually learn to drive it and you go on the track with it and then you realize that it’s actually a very good car. It’s the same for AI.”
## **Data hygiene and the one-click badge**
**Integration with existing systems remains the number one digital challenge for 74% of event professionals.**
However, Stephan believes the problem is not the technology itself but the underlying data models.
The “plumbing” of integration has become easy through drag-and-drop tools but the lack of common terminology creates friction.
He said: “Integration is easy. There are so many good tools to make integrations. What’s difficult is the underlying data models. We lack a common data model that represents what we do across the different tools. This is where the shit hits the fan.”
This lack of cohesion prevents the industry from reaching its “gold mine” – the ability to provide B2B customers with deep industry insights.
B2C giants like Amazon and Meta know everything about their users, but data collection remains difficult because exhibitions are primarily face-to-face.
Stephan identifies several areas where data strategy must evolve:
1. **Registration Friction:** Organizers often ask too many questions just for the sake of “making a pie chart” which wastes visitor time.
2. **Behavioral Tracking:** Technology like NFC smart badges allows organizers to see what products people are actually touching rather than asking them what they like in a form.
3. **Cross-Show Standards:** Using different product categories for different shows in the same portfolio makes it impossible to track returning visitor behavior accurately.
Stephan added: “If I have 5,000 visitors and they all spend 10 seconds answering your question, you’ve cost humanity 50,000 seconds of their life. Is it worth it for the pie chart? I don’t know – especially if you have another way to find out.”
## **The Agentic Future: MCP in 2026**
**Meanwhile, Stephan set out how a new technical standard called Model Context Protocol (MCP) is becoming the “core” of efficient AI in event technology.**
This allows different AI models to communicate with each other and share context.
It enables a “highway” of agents where one model translates a document while another summarizes it and a third creates related images.
Stephan said: “It’s a bit technical but it’s MCP. We’re starting to use MCP more and more. It came out in 2024 already but we really started using it in 2025. I think it’s going to be at the core of what we do with AI in 2026.”
This move toward an agentic company requires a fundamental shift in hiring.
Stephan argues the smartest decision an event organizer can make for 2026 is to secure high-level technical talent regardless of the cost.
He said: “Get the smartest people, tech people you can find, whatever the price. Because the good ones are rare. And hang on to them.”
The traditional role of the event organizer is shifting from a space provider to a data-driven consultant.
To survive this transition firms must move past the “AI powered” marketing badge and start delivering real value through clean data and specialized agents.
**Thank you for reading. Get more insights from Stephan, other expert contributors and analysis of the global survey data in the [Event Tech Forecast 2026.](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)**
**Categories:** AI in Events
---
### [Informa and DWTC join forces at pivotal time for Dubai](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-01-26/)
**Published:** January 26, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Informa Group and Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) have entered into a strategic partnership to create a new B2B live event business.**
inD – pronounced “indee” – will combine a portfolio of over 40 brands across Turkey, Egypt, the UAE, India and Bahrain.
The launch expects to see combined annual revenues of $650 million in 2026.
That’s your top story. Here are your other headlines in the Week in Events news roundup:
- **[Messe Dusseldorf reaffirms industry leadership position with 2025 financial results](#one)**
- **[UFI appoints Raya Al Taher as new research coordinator](#two)**
- **[Kai Hattendorf provides insights on the event industry’s AI perception gap](#three)**
Keep reading for your full news stories.
## Informa and DWTC launch new B2B event business inD
**Leading event organizers Informa and DWTC have joined forces in a new a strategic partnership.**
The two companies have teamed up to create inD – a new business that will combine a portfolio of more than 40 shows in the UAE and IMEA.
It comes as part of a wider strategy to strengthen the region’s international position as the leading hub for B2B live events.
Stephen A. Carter, CEO of Informa Group, said: “The creation of inD deepens our partnership with DWTC at a time of structural growth for our industry, strong economic growth across the region and dynamic market growth in the UAE in particular, as the supply of high-quality venue space increases to meet growing demand for B2B live events.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, added: “Dubai has long been the world’s leading destination for global business events. This partnership now elevates that position further by transforming Dubai into an IP and knowledge hub that not only accelerates international growth opportunities for DWTC’s flagship brands but also strengthens Dubai’s long-term GDP impact, further cementing its role as a leading global player in B2B events.”
The portfolio will include major events including – GITEX Global, WHX, Dubai Airshow and Gulfood.
inD will launch this year with expected annual revenues of over $650 million and a strong pipeline.
This comes during a “pivotal” moment as Dubai is expanding its event infrastructure – including the Dubai Exhibition Centre expanding to 140,000 sqm of event capacity.
## Messe Dusseldorf reaffirms industry leadership position with 2025 financial results
**Messe Dusseldorf has reported solid fiscal results for 2025 and looks to continue this momentum this year.**
The trade show organizer sees this as reaffirming its position as an industry leader and powerful economic driver for the region.
The global group – including nine international subsidiaries – generated approximately €370 million in sales.
Wolfram Diener, CEO of Messe Dusseldorf, said: “By constantly evolving our portfolio, expanding into the global economy’s growth markets and investing in our Dusseldorf Exhibition Center, we ensure that we remain relevant to our customers while boosting the international competitiveness of both our company and the Dusseldorf trade fair hub.”
The organizer has attributed its continued global expansion as key to this success, staging 81 trade shows internationally last year.
It now aims to continue building on this success throughout 2026 and 2027 with seven premieres in Dusseldorf and five new formats across the Gulf.
## UFI appoints Raya Al Taher as new research coordinator
**UFI has announced the appointment of Raya Al Taher as research coordinator.**
Raya will work with the research team to conduct analyses that support the association’s strategic insights for the events industry.
Such research projects will include – the Global Exhibitors and Visitors insights, the World Map of Venues and the Global Exhibition Barometer.
Adeline Vancauwelaert, COO of UFI, said: “We are thrilled to welcome Raya Al Taher as Research Coordinator.
“Research is one of UFI’s key pillars and having her on the team will help us continue to provide informed decision-making to our members and the wider global exhibition community.”
Raya brings a data-driven background and a PhD in digital marketing to the role.
The global association of the exhibition industry plans to utilize her expertise in survey design, market research and analysis to support strategic decision-making.
Raya will also provide technical support in collecting, validating and interoperating data.
## Kai Hattendorf provides insights into the event industry’s AI perception gap
**Kai Hattendorf has shared his insights about new survey findings in the [Event Tech Forecast 2026.](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)**
The ExpoPlatform study cites a large majority (74%) of respondents from the events industry position themselves as ahead of the tech innovation curve – yet almost half admit that AI has had little impact on business operations.
Kai, partner at jwc GmbH, determines this stems from a need to be seen as AI advanced amid a strong period of global acquisitions in the industry. **Get the full interview with Kai [here.](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/kai-hattendorf-january-2026/)**
**Thank you for reading. [Book a free consultation with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) today to supercharge your event through tech.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Media 10 acquires Futurebuild from Easyfairs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2026-01-19/)
**Published:** January 19, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Welcome to the Week in Events. Media 10 has acquired the built environment exhibition Futurebuild from Easyfairs.**
The show will co-locate with UK Construction Week London at Excel.
This will create a powerhouse event for the industry that will bring together over 25,000 visitors.
Your other top stories include:
- [Event Tech Forecast reveals a shift from experimentation to expectation for 2026](#one)
- [Deutsche Messe announces the launch of Industrial Transformation Africa](#two)
- [Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance reveals new 2026 appointments to its board of directors](#three)
Read on for the full Week in Events.
## Media 10 takes over Futurebuild from Easyfairs.
**Futurebuild – the UK’s leading built environment exhibition – has been acquired by Media 10.**
The event and media business has taken over the show from international organizer Easyfairs.
Futurebuild will now be co-located with UK Construction Week London to create a super event for the built environment sector.
Rob Nathan, managing director of Media 10, said: “Futurebuild is one of the most respected platforms in the built environment, with a clear purpose and a strong industry following.
“Bringing Futurebuild into the Media 10 family and co-locating it with UK Construction Week London, will create a step-change event that serves the full construction ecosystem.”
The recently acquired Stone & Surfaces Show will also be part of the combined exhibition.
This super event will take place at Excel London between 12–14 May 2026.
A joint audience of 25,000+ visitors from the built environment industry is expected.
Alison Willis, CEO of Easyfairs UK & Global, added: “We are confident that Media 10’s expertise and strategic vision will take Futurebuild and now the combined super event with UK Construction Week, to even greater heights.”
## Event Tech Forecast reveals a shift from experimentation to expectation for 2026
**ExpoPlatform’s annual Event Tech Forecast has revealed how we are currently using technology – and where there are gaps.**
Professionals from across the globe have contributed to the report, with 57% of respondents having 20+ years of industry experience.
The report reveals that 8 out of 10 eventprofs are currently using AI to reduce workloads.
Top industry experts have provided key insights in the approach to tech – revealing clear indicators that there has been a shift from interest to implementation.
The Event Tech Forecast reveals practical guidance in five key areas:
- AI: From hype to utility
- Navigating opportunities and obstacles
- The evolving tech landscape
- The digital revenue roadmap
- What is the best tech decision you can make in 2026?
**Start optimizing your strategy and [download the Event Tech Forecast 2026](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/) now.**
## Deutsche Messe announces the launch of Industrial Transformation Africa
**Deutsche Messe is expanding it’s global presence to Africa for the first time with the launch of a new show.**
Industrial Transformation Africa’s inaugural edition is set to take place in Casablanca, Morocco during Autumn 2026.
The event will serve as a central platform for international cooperation, industrial innovation and tech transfer across the continent.
Jochen Kockler, CEO of Deutsche Messe, said: “Africa is a rapidly expanding and strategically vital market for industry, with Morocco playing a central role in this landscape.
“Together, ‘Industrial Transformation Africa’ and the Smart Factory Academy create a unique business model enabling us to engage with our customers throughout the year rather than meeting up with them just once annually at the trade fair.”
Deutsche Messe is also launching Smart Factory Academy Casablanca as a year-round platform that will focus on robotics, automation and Industry 4.0.
This will complement the annual Industrial Transformation Africa trade fair.
These combined platforms are part of the event organizer’s integrated, 365-day strategy on sustainable expansion and impact within the African market.
## Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance reveals new 2026 appointments to its board of directors
**The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) has announced its new officers and board of directors.**
Each will serve a term of one year on the board which will conclude on December 31st 2026.
The appointments include:
- Fernando Fischer of RX: Chair
- Mark Bogdansky of Trade Shows and Community Engagement, Auto Care Association: Vice chair
- Chris Griffin of Crew XP: Treasurer
- Herve Sedky of Emerald: Secretary
Fernando Fischer, president of RX Americas, said: “I am honored to work alongside this accomplished Board of Directors as we continue to strengthen ECA’s role as the unified voice of our industry and advance a policy agenda that helps create new jobs, reduce economic uncertainty, safeguard affordability and increase the competitiveness of the U.S. industry.”
Fernando will be taking over from Herve Sedky who served as the Alliance’s inaugural chair.
These elected officers will join ECA’s existing board of directors made up of leaders from various sectors of the American events ecosystem.
Event and conference organizers, exhibitors, suppliers, venues and partners generated over $400 billion dollars in nationwide spending in 2025.
**That was your full Week in Events. To apply the most advanced tech solutions to your event, [book a free demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform today.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [What are the vital attributes of an advanced expo floor plan?](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/floorplan/expo-floor-plan/)
**Published:** January 6, 2026
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
The foundation of your live event starts with building a premier [expo floor plan.](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)
Having the right tools at your disposal to create this is key to setting your show up for success.
It makes it easy for attendees to navigate your event and gives exhibitors an opportunity to highlight their key messaging at the early stages.
In this guide we will cover:
- What an advanced expo floor plan looks like
- [Customization for exhibitor stands on your expo floor plan](#one)
- [Creating the first touch points between participants](#two)
- [Expo floor plan filters for visitor optimization](#three)
Organizers need a platform that enables them to create a floor plan that will make their exhibition feel unique and memorable.
## What an advanced expo floor plan looks like
**The primary goal when creating the ideal floor plan for an event is to ensure easy navigation for attendees.**
Visitors need a clear map that helps them get to where they need to be quickly and efficiently.
Important venue spaces should be highlighted, such as:
- Stage areas
- Conference rooms
- Exhibition stalls
- Hosted buyer lounge
The best expo floor plans empower organizers to provide more than just a map of the exhibition – they will offer an interactive experience that serves as a preview of the venue in the digital space. For a full walkthrough of interactive floor plans [click here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/interactive-floor-plans/).
This gives attendees the ability to draft their event journey and utilize their time correctly by getting to grips with the layout beforehand.
Advanced expo floor-planning software will also include GPS-style features that show visitors the quickest routes to their desired venue spaces.
## Customization for exhibitor stands on your expo floor plan
A key attribute of any event platform is the customization options it provides.
Organizers can give their exhibitors the ability to customize their digital stand on the map.
This provides a better experience for exhibitors by enabling them to customize the branding on what could be the first touchpoint for visitors.
They can provide brief but essential information – main brand messaging or mission statement, upcoming sessions or child exhibitors (if applicable).
It also provides an opportunity to make their custom branding stand out on the venue map.
**If an exhibitor’s brand stands out to attendees on the floor plan, it could increase the likelihood of engagement during the live show.**
This is also where links to individual profiles are hosted, driving further engagement.
## Creating the first touch points between participants
Exhibitions are primarily about engagement between exhibitors and attendees.
**Some of the first touchpoints of this can occur at the beginning of the event journey, which should be taken into account when creating the ideal expo floor plan.**
As attendees research and explore the map, specific mini-profiles will likely catch their eye.
This could lead them to click on their main page and engage with the content or products available.
Attendees can also interact with stands on the map by booking meetings, messaging directly or favoriting specific exhibitors.
This has a domino effect on the AI-powered algorithm – impacting which business and product profiles visitors see in their individual feeds.
An expo floor plan should be approached as a mini-preview of the exhibition itself and can often reflect the actual journey of participants on the day.
## Expo floor plan filters for attendee journey optimization
A key attribute of an interactive floor plan is to empower attendees to optimize their event experience.
This can be done by offering filtering options that helps them identify key areas relevant to them on the map, enabled through the integration of [Crowd Connected](https://www.crowdconnected.com/)‘s location software.
Attendees can carefully craft their custom exhibition journey using these filters and categories.
They can use quick filter options to highlight sessions, booked meetings, favorites, top matches or stands they have previously visited.
**These tools enable attendees to maximize their time and plan efficiently so they can get the most out of the event.**
Advanced expo floor plans empower organizers to make their exhibitions unique while giving exhibitors the opportunity to make their brand stand out and make it easy for visitors to navigate and plan their event journey.
To bring your show to life in the digital space, [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExoPlatform.
**Categories:** Floorplan
---
### [Speed networking: driving better connections and inclusive events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/speed-networking-blog/speed-networking-guide/)
**Published:** July 23, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Speed networking is the event industry’s answer to time scarcity without compromising quality.**
Challenged attention spans, needs for structure and a strong desire to maximize time spent at a show are all putting pressure on event professionals.
But speed networking gives event attendees and exhibitors the chance to overcome the time-consuming issues hitting exhibitions.
This article will explore the following key areas:
- **[Speed networking is the answer to the ever-shrinking attention span](#one)**
- **[Get straight to the heart of engagements for more valuable connections](#two)**
- **[How speed networking is making events more accessible and inclusive](#three)**
- **[Session formats for every kind of events](#four)**
- **[Important considerations for event organizers](#five)**
- **[Speed networking questions for attendees](#six)**
- **[Speed networking questions for exhibitors](#seven)**
- **[How participants find the speed networking experience](#eight)**
These attributes of speed networking pave the way for a streamlined, inclusive and straightforward event experience that empowers all involved to get the most value out of every event.
---
## **Boost the value of your event by increasing the number of meetings**
The most fundamental benefit of speed networking is how it adds value to your event.
An event’s value is determined by the number of mutually beneficial meetings between business professionals.
Attendees can initiate meetings by booking one-to-ones through the app, engaging exhibitors or approaching speakers post-session.
But these meetings have little to no structure and how long they last is up to the parties involved. The number of meetings is limited by how long these interactions last.
Incorporating speed networking sessions into an event is estimated to double the number of meetings that can take place.
Participants are optimized to make more valuable connections through these sessions.
This means the value of the event is significantly increased due to speed networking.
---
## **Speed networking is the answer to the ever-shrinking attention span**
People are increasingly hardwired to consume information in quick bursts.
Doom scrolling and consuming all manner of short-form content: reels, memes, gifs, infographics and more.
They retain information specific to their interests and discard the least relevant.
Topics deemed important after the initial touchpoint are returned to later for a deeper dive.
People only want the most valuable info in their initial content. Beyond that – s*ay less*. Event organizers now need to adopt this mentality fully.
Exhibitors are engaging with many attendees who each have different levels of interest and value if converted to leads.
Both parties must be provided with the means to overcome this challenge.
AI-powered speed networking is the ultimate solution for low attention spans and maximizing high-value interactions.
Organizers pre-determine the length of meetings while the AI algorithm offers a preference-based list of potential matches to participants.
This results in high-quality matches at a pace that values attendees’ and exhibitors’ time (and attention).
The most valuable connections are enabled at speed without the participating parties having to wade through the weeds.
---
## **Get straight to the heart of engagements for more valuable connections**
Initial event engagements are about getting to know one another and discovering if there is a possible business relationship worth pursuing.
This can lead to alignment of goals, sharing of assets and a mutually beneficial partnership that could last years.
But either party can often determine in the first minute or two whether further interactions can yield more benefits.
This can sometimes even force the interaction longer than necessary out of courtesy.
Speed dating is the solution in the dating world to help people avoid wasting time and enduring drawn-out encounters.
Attendees and exhibitors connect on the essential points they are interested in without fear of appearing blunt or rude.
Technology further enhances this by providing AI-generated lists of potential matches that participants can vote on.
This ensures sessions are optimized to match attendees with the right exhibitors for their specific needs.
Both parties maximize their time and gain the most value from their event interactions.
---
## **How speed networking is making events more accessible and inclusive**
Networking is a fundamental element of exhibitions.
But many individuals find it daunting to engage with scores of professionals in one day to achieve business goals.
Busy events where the objective is to engage and sell yourself and your brand is intimidating for introverted people.
It takes more effort for them to approach exhibitors, speak confidently and get their point across.
Such experiences can have a completely different impact on neurodiverse people.
Packed exhibition centers with people approaching without rhyme or reason can be debilitating.
Trade shows can quickly become overwhelming if there isn’t a clear structure to interactions.
Which is why speed networking is the premium solution for more accessible and inclusive events.
Introverted attendees can relax knowing that their meetings are pre-planned and are only with exhibitors relevant to their needs.
It gives them more confidence in engagements without the stress of beginning and ending the interaction.
Short sessions with set beginning and end times that aim to discuss clear, relevant topics are also very beneficial to neurodiverse attendees.
This is because it creates a safe, structured environment that doesn’t run the risk of overwhelming visitors.
It is this that makes speed networking a key component of a more inclusive and accessible future of events.
---
## **Session formats for every kind of event**
A key element of speed networking is the adaptability factor.
Organizers can apply networking sessions to their events regardless of size or location and choose which speed networking format best fits the purpose. They can select from two tailored formats:
- Pre-matched
- Walk-in
Registration for pre-matched networking sessions are set up by the organizer to gather important information from participants.
A quick process that uses preferences and interests to create customizable networking groups optimized for the right connections.
AI-generated match lists are given to participants who then vote on these matches and a schedule is created prioritizing the most relevant meetings.
The organizer then reviews and can manually adjust the schedule if needed.
Walk-in sessions utilize badge scanning and emails to match participants.
Organizers scan badges on-site and an email is sent containing a link to the speed networking interface.
Those participating in the session receive a list of potential matches based on information gathered from their event profile.
They then vote on these matches to tailor the experience to their preferences and inform the final schedule.
---
## **Important considerations for event organizers**
Speed networking sessions can be crafted for every kind of event.
Organizers need to consider precisely how they can tailor these sessions to participants. Certain attributes must be taken into consideration:
**Who are your participants?**
Events cover niche sectors as well as large industries with inherent layers so that there are almost sub-industries in them.
These layers have varying levels of relevancy to each participating professional.
If a wide range of professionals from various areas are taking part that will impact the meeting structure.
Organizers must consider the size and length of sessions to ensure participants can meet everyone they are matched with.
As well as deciding how many user groups they may require to keep connections relevant.
**Which is the best format for your event?**
Knowing who the participants are and the size of the event will inform which format is best for the speed networking session.
Pre-matched sessions are ideal for large-scale exhibitions targeting big or multiple industries.
The organizer can create user groups to increase the likelihood of sessions resulting in high-value matches.
Walk-in sessions are better suited to smaller events or events targeting specific industry professionals, where there is already a pre-determined level of relevancy among professionals.
Participants can then use the voting system to narrow this down to their preferences.
**Are you providing opportunities for follow-up?**
The session itself is not the most crucial element of speed networking. What comes next as a result is what matters.
Participants will likely need details, context and other key information before deciding to explore a potential partnership.
A speed networking session is certainly not the time or space to get into that level of detail.
Organizers should enable participants to immediately follow up with their most positive connections to explore opportunities further.
Ensure you are setting up your participants for post-speed networking success.
---
## **Speed networking questions for attendees**
- **What products/services does your business offer?**
- Get straight to the point and determine how relevant the connection is to you.
- **Who have you previously worked with?**
- Request what is essentially a brief case study overview.
- It gives you an idea of the credibility of the business and the calibre of clients they have previously worked with.
- **What do you think will be the most significant industry impacts over the next two to three years?**
- A good way to determine how much industry expertise this connection has.
- You can also determine whether their thoughts on the industry align with your own.
- **What are your costs?**
- Cuts to the bottom line of every B2B engagement.
- You find out price ranges and if there isn’t a concrete answer that can inform next steps.
- **What are your company values?**
- Find out whether your values align and how much that factors into a future partnership.
---
## **Speed networking questions for exhibitors**
- **What is your purpose for attending this event?**
- Helps determine how hot or cold a potential lead would be.
- Find out if they are there to explore specific services or just keeping up-to-date with industry-leading tech, developments and best practices.
- **What challenges is your company currently facing?**
- Ask in relation to understanding what their needs are or what products/services they are seeking.
- It enables you to understand how best you can help them overcome those challenges or provide the best solutions.
- **What is your company’s background?**
- Gains a brief overview of the participant’s company.
- Provides insight into how close they match up to the Ideal Customer Profile.
- **What are your current top priorities?**
- Can inform you how to sell a particular product/service.
- Manages your expectations – is what you have to offer something they are prioritizing?
- **Which speakers/sessions/exhibits have you found most interesting or engaging?**
- Provides more insight into which industry topics are connection points for them.
- Can also reveal if they are engaging with competitors.
---
## **How participants find the speed networking experience**
Participants of speed networking sessions are finding them to be the highlights of their event experience.
ExpoPlatform has received some amazing feedback after providing speed networking sessions at recent events.
[/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/networks-ufi-nick-interview.mp4](/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/networks-ufi-nick-interview.mp4)
The overall consensus is that the sessions force you to dive in and find the strongest point of connection.
Short sessions result in intense meetings that yield interesting results and participants can quickly determine which connections they would most like to follow-up with.
**To bring premium speed networking to your next event, check out [NetWorks powered by ExpoPlatform.](https://expoplatform.com/networks/)**
**Categories:** Speed Networking
---
### [10 ways an event website fosters tradeshow success](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-website/10-ways-event-website-tradeshow/)
**Published:** August 30, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event websites have evolved from digital brochures to all-access information hubs. A feature-rich website now helps tradeshows facilitate buyer-seller connections and close business deals.**
In this article, you’ll learn the 10 ways a dedicated event website can help tradeshows succeed ⤵️
**? [Download our Events Amplified ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)** to learn how tools like event website and more can help amplify your event marketing.
## **1. Improve pre-event and post-event buzz**
An event website acts as a digital headquarters for your tradeshow.
You can build anticipation and engage participants weeks and even months before the show goes live.
This is done by publishing relevant content, sneak peeks and interviews to create hype and anticipation.
It also means the event’s impact doesn’t have to fade once it concludes.
The website boost post-event engagement through content sharing, surveys and follow-up information.
This secures a lasting connection with attendees and paves the way for future participation.
## **2. Centralised information access**
An attendee’s experience is simplified by consolidating all essential event schedules, speaker bios, exhibitor information and venue maps onto a single platform.
A well-designed website provides them with quick access to important details – including the date, time, location and schedule of activities.
Easy accessibility reduces attendee confusion and frustration, improves their satisfaction and encourages more informed participation.
## **3. Seamless registration and ticketing**
An intuitive event website provides a user-friendly registration and ticketing process.
Attendees can secure their spots hassle-free, while organisers can manage numbers efficiently through a streamlined process.
This reduces the burden on staff and helps in smoother event execution by tracking attendance and revenue.
You can also offer real-time updates on ticket availability and pricing as well as offer discounts and promotions to encourage early registration.
## **4. Allows attendees to research your show beforehand**
Attendees find it easy to scope out the event before it goes live using the website. Here’s how:
- **Pre-plan:** Attendees can scan the list of participants and exhibitors – this helps them decide whom to meet in advance and draft tailored messages to boost interaction efficiency.
- **Agenda setting**: Identify the keynote speakers, workshops or parallel sessions happening – helps pre-decide what aligns with their interests and plan the schedule accordingly.
- **Be technologically prepared**: Is there an event mobile app or QR code scanning? Get familiarised with the tech tools in the tradeshow to ensure a smooth experience.
- **Online preparation**: Get access to valuable resources available on the website like blog posts, videos and tutorials to learn more about the show.
## **5. Dynamic content showcasing**
An event website serves as a digital showroom for exhibitors and sponsors. Rich media content, such as videos, product galleries and interactive displays can showcase what participants can expect on-site.
Videos provide opportunities for live product demonstrations, virtual tours of showrooms and expert interviews that deepen engagement.
High-quality images and galleries allow exhibitors to present their offerings from multiple angles, showcasing intricate details that might be missed in person.
Interactive displays such as 3D models or virtual reality experiences elevate engagement levels and enable attendees to explore products or environments with new depth.
This dynamic content showcasing allows exhibitors to convey their brand’s essence, demonstrate product functionality and highlight unique selling points.
## **6. Help attendees connect**
Attendees can connect with exhibitors, speakers and other participants using a website with networking features like **[AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)**, meetings and messaging.
Organisers can plan targeted networking by enabling filtered searches, virtual interactions and inbuilt messaging.
This helps attendees connect with like-minded individuals and explore potential business opportunities within their niche.
The website’s advanced search capabilities ensure that participants can efficiently find the right contacts to expand their professional network.
## **7. Boost global reach, accessibility and visibility**
Your tradeshow transcends geographical boundaries and becomes accessible to a global audience. The website extends its reach beyond traditional limitations and bolsters it on the international stage.
- An event website establishes an online presence, making it easier for both attendees and sponsors to find information about your show.
- It can serve as a platform for promotional updates and activities such as giveaways.
- Using sophisticated analytics, your website can track visitor engagement and deliver valuable data on event ROI.
## **8. Help organisers streamline planning**
For organisers, an event website makes planning a breeze. It is equipped with various integrations such as:
- **[Exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)** to help onboard exhibitors quickly to the tradeshow.
- Hosted buyer solutions to set table meetings between pre-qualified buyers and exhibitors.
- Interactive 3D floor plan to help attendees navigate through the venue without hassle.
- Facilitate lead generation with messaging and networking functionalities, helping spark conversations and drive conversions.
## **9. Increase event sponsorships**
**[Event sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)** isn’t just about the event itself, it’s about harnessing multichannel opportunities for brand exposure – and your event website is a key player in that mix.
Let’s understand the options websites offer to increase sponsorship at your show:
- Branding opportunities such as exhibitor profile header and background image, digital meeting rooms and sessions.
- Real-time statistics dashboard for premium exhibitors to track impressions and clicks of pop-up, search and video statistics.
- Wider presence for exhibitors by enabling specialised content for their category along with a premium showroom profile.
- Search results priority for premium exhibitors and products.
- Ability to set networking limits and permissions for different exhibitor categories – helps organisers create packages with ease.
## **10. Collect valuable attendee data**
Event website analytics help organisers gain critical insights into attendee preferences and behaviours.
This data empowers strategic decisions and helps tailor future events to better meet the needs of the target audience.
With the right tools and features, an event website can help you gather meaningful data about your attendees – including their contact information, job titles, interests as well as onsite behaviour and preferences.
This data can then be used to create targeted marketing campaigns and tailor your content and activities to specific audience segments.
You can gain insights into what works and what doesn’t and make data-driven decisions to optimise your trade show for maximum impact and ROI.
Get started with your event website today with zero coding experience – learn more about our [**event website builder**](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you**
**Categories:** Event website
---
### [How to build a high-impact tradeshow website in 2026](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-website/build-a-tradeshow-website/)
**Published:** December 15, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Tradeshow websites serve multiple purposes. They are a bridge between buyers and exhibitors, a showcase to highlight products and brands and a comprehensive resource for event-related information.**
In this article, we do a deep dive on how to create a high-impact tradeshow website to get more clicks and conversions for your shows in 2024.
Read more? [**10 ways an event website fosters tradeshow success**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-website/10-ways-event-website-tradeshow/)
## **Step 1: Planning**
**Define your exhibition goals**
Before jumping into website design and development, you need to define clear, specific objectives for your exhibition.
It could be increasing brand awareness, gathering new contacts and prospects, maximising buyer-seller connections and securing advance orders.
Get as specific as possible – for instance, aim to expand your network by a certain percentage or target a specific number of new contact acquisitions or advance orders.
Balancing your objectives with a realistic understanding of the exhibition’s size, duration, attendees and potential for business leads will help measure success and return on investment.
**Craft a content strategy for the website**
A well-planned content strategy for your exhibition website is crucial.
Brainstorm the different ways your website can engage and inform your audience about the exhibitor’s products and services.
Content can range from blog posts, case studies, interactive videos, pdf manuals or product demos.
Combine this with seamless and visually pleasing design aesthetics and a clear call-to-action (CTA) for the best impact. For example ⤵️
*Bonus Tip:* Consider extending special offers or discounts to tradeshow attendees. This can act as a magnet for people to visit your site and potentially transition from visitor to customer.
**Identify your potential audience**
In the context of your exhibition, identifying your potential audience is not limited to merely determining who might be interested in your products or services.
This also involves delving deep into customer behaviours, preferences, needs and challenges.
You can refine your research by reviewing demographics from past exhibition attendees – analysing web traffic of industry competitors, leveraging social media and Google analytics or even sending surveys to existing customers.
This helps align your website’s content and design with your target audience’s preferences to ensure a more personalised and engaging experience for visitors.
This is key in delivering ad content, creating product recommendations and structuring email lists for relevant targeting.
## **Step 2: Development – mastering website essentials**
**Choose an attractive domain name**
Choose a domain name that resonates with your business identity – it should be easy to remember and have a good recall value.
Short, concise and easy-to-type domain names perform better and can be easily shared.
Consider using industry-specific keywords in your domain name to improve search engine rankings.
For exhibitions, having a separate or subsidiary website tailored for the event helps maintain exclusivity and creates buzz.
**Use your website’s wall space efficiently**
Consider your event website as digital ‘real estate’ – you can showcase key differentiators, brand accessories and messaging artworks to make your exhibition stand out.
Implement banners, artwork and essential information that is easily found by visitors.
Make sure to avoid clutter and convey your message clearly without confusing your visitors.
A well-designed and arranged virtual space can result in better ROI, augmented brand value and better lead generation. See the example below:
**Incorporate visually powerful content**
You can greatly enhance the user experience and engagement by using captivating images, expressive infographics and engaging videos on the website.
Consider showcasing your event results to put a credible touch on your potential audience.
Displaying videos or images of happy customers at the venue space is one way.
It breaks monotony, tells a story and creates a deeper connection with attendees.
Your aim should be to make your website an enjoyable sensory experience for your visitors – be liberal with multimedia elements but also ensure relevance and quality to enforce your brand identity.
## **Step 3: Set up the branding**
**Showcase expertise and experience**
While setting up your website, make sure to drive the point home how your event has influenced the industry as a whole.
Feature visitor voices, audience testimonials, media coverage and case studies illustrating the authority of your show in the industry.
This enforces trust, credibility and reliability among your potential customers.
**Reflect your USP**
Highlighting your unique selling proposition (USP) is a critical aspect of outstanding website development.
Avoid gimmicky phrases like “most famous” or “number one event” – instead, highlight tangible benefits and key features.
Examples of effective USPs can include some standout stats like leads generated or engagement numbers using tech like **[mobile event app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** and lead intelligence tools.
Or you can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability by showcasing any green initiative that will reduce the event’s carbon footprint.
**Also read** ➡️ How to make your events greener with ExpoPlatform’s **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** programme.
## **Step 4: Elevate the user experience**
**Make the website scannable**
Most internet users skim through content rather than reading each word – it’s key to present the information in an easily digestible and scan-through format.
Use headlines and subheadings to break up large blocks of text.
Keep paragraphs short for easy readability. Bullet points are a must while listing information, as they help underline essential points without overwhelming the reader.
Incorporate blocks of whitespace to aesthetically balance out the content and allow the reader’s eyes to rest.
It reduces visual clutter and increases comprehension.
Also, leverage your design to highlight key information and guide your website visitors through your content in a logical way.
Your webpage should strike a balance between being informative and easy to navigate. The International Rice Congress website is an example of a clean layout with ample white space ⤵️
**Provide additional resources**
Educational resources such as e-books, whitepapers, guides, videos, podcasts and webinars can further enhance the user experience and improve your brand credibility.
This cements your standing as an industry leader, encourages repeat visits and fosters trust with potential customers.
Create a dedicated section on your website – such as a learning corner or resource centre where users can easily access these materials.
Also, make it easy for visitors to share the content on social media platforms and via email.
Offering enriching resources with actual value helps assert your stand as a thought leader in your industry and demonstrates a commitment to your audience’s knowledge and growth.
**Create downloadable and on-demand content**
Providing downloadable and on-demand content is essential for exhibitions and trade shows.
Not everyone will have time to explore your website during the event. However, they might want to later watch event sessions or download product catalogues, brochures and other educational material.
These can be offered as downloadable PDFs or made available via a QR code that can be scanned and saved.
This addresses your audience’s requirements and also aids in lead generation, as you could request contact information or a newsletter subscription in exchange for the download.
## **Step 5: Amplify online presence through SEO**
**Importance of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)**
Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is crucial to ranking your website higher on the search engine result pages and boosting its visibility.
A properly executed SEO strategy will drive relevant traffic to your website, improve your brand’s reputation and increase lead conversion rates.
From an exhibition perspective, SEO helps attract more relevant visitors interested in your industry – the results are not immediate though, so it’s important to be patient and persistent.
**Use relevant keywords and meta descriptions**
Using relevant keywords and meta descriptions in your website significantly improves your SEO. These help you move up the ranks on search engine result pages and increase your visibility.
Keywords should be sprinkled throughout your content and include industry-specific terms, product or service descriptors, brand elements and other words or phrases that your target audience might use.
Remember to place keywords in your headings, subheadings and image descriptions to maximise their impact.
Meta descriptions are short summaries of web page content that appear in search engine results pages – these are said to boost visibility in search results.
## **Step 6: Promote your website through social media**
**The power of social channels**
Social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram are cost-effective routes to amplify the reach and success of your exhibition or tradeshow.
You can disseminate information, excite your potential attendees and establish a digital footprint.
Social media allows you to create a buzz around the show, your products or experiences.
Engaging tools such as sneak peeks, countdowns, quizzes and live chats can keep your followers hooked and generate that much-needed ‘Fear of Missing Out’ (FOMO) among audience members.
**Use hashtags and live social media walls**
Using hashtags and live social media walls can boost your exhibition or trade show’s online visibility and positioning.
They can encourage digital participation and interaction, transforming passive audience members into active contributors in the digital conversation.
Utilising an event-specific hashtag can amplify your reach and consolidate all related content in one digital space.
If your event doesn’t already have an official hashtag, consider creating one.
Engage with the audience by encouraging them to use the designated hashtag in their posts and tweets, creating a domino effect of digital word-of-mouth marketing.
A live social media wall can display real-time social media posts featuring your event hashtag, encouraging attendees to join the online discussion.
Positive messages displayed on the wall can attract new visitors to increase the chances of making sales.
The key to striking the right balance with both is effective moderation. Revolve live feeds around the audience’s positive experiences, manage negative exposure and foster an inclusive digital environment.
## **Final step: After the exhibition – keeping the momentum going?**
A successful website requires consistent monitoring and regular updates to remain relevant and effective.
Post-exhibition, it’s important to check your website traffic, bounce rate and conversion rate with the help of analytical tools.
These help in identifying areas that require fine-tuning or improvement.
Updating your website regularly is just as essential. This can involve adding new blog posts, updating product descriptions and refreshing your images and videos.
Routinely updating content not only engages your users but also boosts your website’s performance on search engine result pages.
Staying updated with the latest trends and developments in your industry and incorporating them into your website can help you stay ahead of the competition.
Make sure to maintain the security of your website by updating your plugins and software, regular backups and ensuring it’s locked down with an SSL certificate.
## **Conclusion**
Creating a high-impact website for exhibitions and tradeshows involves strategic planning, well-curated content and a focus on user experience.
When done right, it can draw in potential customers, engage them and lead them further down your sales funnel.
While the process might seem elaborate and time-intensive, the rewards spill over into boosted online visibility, increased brand credibility and improved lead conversion – all while streamlining your workflow.
Modern event tech tools have made this process much easier though.
You can create interactive websites that convert with ZERO coding experience – learn how with ExpoPlatform’s [**Event Website Builder.**](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you?**
**Categories:** Event website
---
### [Hybrid trade show platform: everything organizers need](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/hybrid-trade-show-platform-everything-organizers-need/)
**Published:** September 1, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**The best hybrid trade show platform covers all the live and digital bases.**
It enables organizers to maximize the value of their events while providing an enriching experience.
These platforms deliver true ROI while optimizing attendees to make high-value connections.
In this guide, we will cover:
- [Easy onboarding and optimized navigation](#zero)
- [Hybrid trade show platforms with advanced lead intelligence](#one)
- [A scalable white label solution](#two)
- [The digital foundations of live events](#three)
- [Monetizing your hybrid trade show platform](#four)
Having a platform that ticks all these boxes ensures organizers are producing premier exhibitions for participants.
## Easy onboarding and optimized navigation
**Event organizers need a platform that will make the entire process seamless for exhibitors and attendees.**
This begins with onboarding exhibitors and enabling easy navigation for all participants.
The best trade show solutions have the resources and custom options to make these steps effortless while enhancing the experience.
#### Exhibitor Manual
Organizers can customize the onboarding process to make it easy but also to ensure exhibitors get the most out of their individual journeys.
These can be implemented through a comprehensive [exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/) that enables clear, multi-step pipelines.
Unique flows are built through the use of a drag’n’drop editor and conditional logic.
Monetization opportunities are also part of this – connecting exhibitors with trusted suppliers through a dedicated webstore, which creates upselling opportunities.
Exhibitors can set automated reminders, upload important documents and create checklists that make it easy for them to stay organized and set goals within desired timelines throughout the event.
### Floor Plan
A key part of a hybrid trade show platform is the ability to create an [interactive floor plan.](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)
It makes navigation easy for participants while developing layouts that make each event feel unique.
Exhibitors can customize their stands on the digital map with custom branding, vital information and links to company profiles.
It enables pre-event interactions between participants with messaging, favoriting and meeting bookings via the floor plan.
Attendees then have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the layout beforehand, but also have GPS-style options that provide clear routes to desired spaces on the day.
## Hybrid trade show platforms with advanced lead intelligence
**One of the primary goals for exhibitors is lead generation – it’s the organizer’s responsibility to facilitate this.**
The platform being provided must be optimized to ensure this need is fully met in order to provide true value.
[Lead capture](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/) occurs across multiple fronts during events, both in-person and online.
Attendees enter pipelines via badge and QR code scanning during the live show – while more leads can also be generated online when participants engage with profiles, content and products.
The best platforms empower exhibitors to prioritize high-value leads with an extensive ROI dashboard.
This stores real-time data that will reflect which participants will most likely convert into opportunities.
Hybrid tradeshow platforms offer these features so organizers can increase the value of their event by boosting exhibitor leads.
## A scalable white label solution
**[A comprehensive hybrid trade show platform](https://expoplatform.com/exhibition/) is needed to execute large-scale events.**
Organizers require a tech-stacked platform that includes all the tools needed to deliver a seamless experience for participants.
A tailor-made solution that caters to each of their needs and covers every area of the event.
This ensures the trade show has unlimited potential for the attendees and exhibitors participating.
Scalability is essential in a platform for large exhibitions – especially if the aim is to continue growing year-on-year.
The event branding is also a high priority for organizers.
This requires a white-label solution so the event can reflect the unique concept it is designed around.
Having a 360 platform that is customizable, scalable and tailored is the only way to ensure large-scale events are both seamless and memorable for participants.
## The online core of live events
**In-person exhibitions are built upon a foundation of digital applications.**
Advanced event websites and mobile apps are an essential part of the live-event experience.
The platform the organizer chooses must include this comprehensive online software.
### Event website
A trade show’s website serves as the online hub for the event all year round.
It hosts all the vital information for sponsors, exhibitors and attendees alike.
A premium trade show platform will allow organizers to easily craft a website that showcases their event’s branding and highlight important messaging.
It also creates monetization opportunities to increase the exhibition’s value.
The digital space onsite offers sponsorship options through banners and splash pop-ups.
Exhibitors can take advantage of premium profiles that will put their brand front and center.
### Event Mobile App
Arguably, the most essential component of a hybrid trade show platform is having an advanced event app.
It acts as the digital extension for every attendee, exhibitor and sponsor participating.
Visitors can book meetings, network, capture leads and share content on the go.
The mobile app is the backbone for every event and enables every party to access their key activities:
- Exhibitors use it to capture leads, engage with participants and analyze data
- Attendees can look up speaker sessions, company profiles, use the app to navigate the floor and connect
- Hosted buyers can access all their important documents and hospitality information via a dedicated portal
Tech providers must ensure that this integral piece of tech both meets the demands of all those who use it and enhance the overall experience.
## Monetizing your hybrid trade show platform
**The best platforms provide organizers with every opportunity to increase the value of their event.**
Exhibitors should have the opportunity to boost their ROI by having more opportunities to make their brand stand out among others.
This is on offer through packages that include features such as premium showroom profiles and spotlight products that take priority in participants’ in-app searches.
Sponsors also have several options to showcase their brand through specific banner placements and splash-style ads.
These opportunities are not just available for the live event but also year-round via the 365 marketplace.
Sponsors can reach micro-community groups and different audience segments that go beyond the live exhibition itself.
These monetization opportunities enable organizers to maximize the ROI of their event, regardless of its format or size.
**Harness your own hybrid trade show platform that is customizable and has the digital foundations to boost value – [book a call with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).**
**Categories:** Tradeshows
---
### [The best event management software providers for 2026](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/best-event-management-software-providers/)
**Published:** September 1, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Here is your complete guide to the best event management software providers and what sets them apart.**
We uncover what organizers must consider when choosing a platform to enhance exhibitions and meet visitor needs.
A key part is ensuring that the provider streamlines and optimizes the experience before, during and after your event.
**Top features to look out for when choosing the best platform include:**
- Advanced[ lead retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)
- Optimized[ registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)
- [Data capture and analysis](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/drive-tradeshow-roi-data-analytics/)
- [Clear meeting scheduling](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/best-event-meeting-formats/)
- [Exhibitor ](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)manual
- [Monetization options](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
- [Mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-app/event-organizer-mobile-app/)
- [Event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)
- Customization and white labelling
- Exhibitor/Sponsor and product directory
Many exhibition platforms also offer sub-features and additional tech solutions to enhance the experience.
## **Organizer priorities when choosing an event management software provider**
### **Comprehensive solution or easy integration**
Event management platforms exist to make the exhibition process more seamless.
A key part of this is ensuring the tech easily integrates with the digital tools used by organizers.
Registration, meeting scheduling, lead retrieval etc. The platform you chose must easily integrate with such tools.
The best platforms will also provide comprehensive solutions for the above attributes.
With this approach, organizers provide exhibitors with an omnichannel dashboard that enables them to prioritise meetings and track important information in real-time.
This makes lead retrieval seamless – tracking the quality and quantity of leads in one place makes it easy to determine event ROI.
### **Flexibility and scalability**
Organizers can have portfolios containing shows across different sectors in various formats – including executive summits, B2B trade shows or conferences.
Some event management software providers specialize in specific formats, while others cater to all setups.
This means organizers should prioritize from a functionality standpoint.
Consider whether it is better to have one versatile platform that covers all the basics of every format or pick multiple platforms that are each suitable for purpose.
### **Monetization**
Your ideal event management software should first and foremost be seen as an essential tool enabling organizers to generate revenue rather than be considered a cost.
Clear monetization options should be available to ensure the ROI gained from the platform far outweighs the cost.
These will come in the form of packages for both exhibitors and sponsors.
The options will include premium exhibitor profiles, digital ad space, interactive splash screens, etc.
This increases the value of events and provides more opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors to stand out using your event platform.
### **Data security and ownership**
A lot of important data passes through your event management software.
Ensuring this information is safe and secure is crucial when choosing a provider of this tech.
Check that they adhere to all data security compliance and standard practices.
There are also different approaches to data ownership among event platforms.
Some believe that organizers should retain complete and exclusive control over their user data, while other platforms believe in shared ownership.
The latter means the vendor is not obligated to delete the organizer’s data upon request.
Organizers who want to be in absolute possession of their user data should consider this when choosing an event management software provider – one that will respect their data autonomy.
## **Bizaboo**
Bizaboo is a platform that specialises in conferences and online events.
They provide registration solutions, agenda building and engagement tools.
Bizaboo also offers webinar event options to increase its value.
This platform is suitable for conferences, smaller B2B shows and virtual events.
## **EventsAir**
EventsAir offers several basic solutions for each stage of the event process.
They have networking, lead management, registration and reporting options.
EventsAir provides budgeting and accounting tools to help set up an event quickly.
This is a suitable platform for first-time organizers or smaller trade shows that need to cover all the bases.
## **ExpoPlatform**
ExpoPlatform provides solutions in lead retrieval, event apps, AI-powered matchmaking, registration, event websites and data analytics.
They offer a **[365 community platform](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)** for organizers to keep their audiences connected year-round.
ExpoPlatform also provides a range of monetization options for sponsors and exhibitors.
Organizers have access to a library of resources that provides information on different areas of the event process.
Ideal for organizers of large-scale exhibitions and trade fairs looking for a comprehensive solution with monetization options to increase value.
## **Grip**
Grip offers event management and engagement tools – networking, meeting scheduling, lead capture and events apps.
They offer badge scanning and smart badges that provide heat mapping insights.
Their modular solutions can integrate with native systems in these areas.
Grip is suitable for conference and trade fair organizers focused on networking solutions.
## **Swapcard**
Swapcard provides event registration, networking, lead scanning and data reporting.
They provide monetization options for sponsors to increase event value.
Their registration solution offers on-site, self-service check-ins, badge printing or monitored access points if preferred.
This platform is suitable for larger exhibitions and conferences that do not require a white label solution.
## **Is ExpoPlatform the best event management software provider for you?**
ExpoPlatform is the best event management platform for big exhibitions and B2B trade shows.
This is your best option if you are looking for a comprehensive solution that will help grow your event and increase ROI.
An all-in-one platform that provides premium event tech to advance your exhibitions.
**[Book a free consultation here](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to discuss exactly how we can do this at your next event.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Chris Haddow appointed as Chief Growth Officer](https://expoplatform.com/blog/chris-haddow-chief-growth-officer/)
**Published:** November 18, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has appointed Chris Haddow as its new Chief Growth Officer to build upon its global partnerships and drive long-term expansion.**
Chris will lead the event technology provider’s expansion through innovative product development, marketing and sales.
He brings more than a decade of experience in associated sectors, having held senior revenue and global sales roles in event platforms and professional networks across the UK, North America, the Middle East and Africa.
Chris Haddow, Chief Growth Officer, said: “I’m thrilled to be joining ExpoPlatform at such a pivotal moment. I’m looking forward to working with the team to challenge conventional models, build meaningful partnerships with our customers and empower our people to grow their careers.
“Together, we’ll advance the platform and help organizers deliver exceptional experiences in a world where technology and human connection matter more than ever.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “I’m delighted to welcome Chris to the leadership team. His track record of driving growth in event-technology and his passion for empowering teams and customers make him the perfect fit for this role.
“Having Chris at the helm of growth gives us immense confidence that we will accelerate our ambition and create even more value for organizers, exhibitors and attendees alike.”
This announcement comes at a time of significant growth for ExpoPlatform including a series of key strategic appointments to strengthen its leadership and scale its global impact.
The market-leading event technology provider has also recently launched its standalone speed networking product NetWorks, which has successfully been utilised at several major events including for UFI.
ExpoPlatform is an AI‑powered event technology provider trusted by leading organizers including Informa, Dubai World Trade Centre, IMEX and more.
The company delivers solutions such as omnichannel lead retrieval, advanced matchmaking, multi‑format meeting orchestration, mobile apps and AI-powered assistants to optimize journeys and outcomes.
Organizers also benefit from its 365 community platform, registration, event website builder, sustainability scheme, interactive floorplan and more.
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how speed networking could work for you? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** All
---
### [Céline Laukemann appointed as Head of Partnerships](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/celine-laukemann/)
**Published:** October 27, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has appointed Céline Laukemann as Head of Partnerships to spearhead growth of its AI-powered speed networking.**
Céline’s focus will be on scaling [**NetWorks**](https://expoplatform.com/networks/), a standalone product designed to trigger business opportunities which benefit organizers of small-to-largescale exhibitions and conferences.
She has more 20 years of expertise in leading go-to-market strategies, with over a decade in event tech and SaaS across finance, education and logistics.
Her work has seen her help global brands and ambitious SMEs expand into new markets across Europe, the Middle East and Southern Africa.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Céline to ExpoPlatform as our new Head of Partnerships.
“Céline’s leadership and vision will be instrumental as we scale NetWorks and continue to redefine how people meet, match and build relationships in the age of AI.
“Her joining marks another exciting step forward for our team – and for the future of intelligent, human-centred event tech.”
Céline added: “I’m honored to join ExpoPlatform as Head of Partnerships, where I champion NetWorks – ExpoPlatform’s smart speed networking star.
“NetWorks is a beautifully simple solution that instantly connects people, ideas, and opportunities in a unique way – a true gift for me as I start my journey at ExpoPlatform with and everyone in the event industry.
“This new, standalone product is super easy to implement and ready to go anywhere, giving event organisers unlimited formats to bring the right people together. Easy wins. Anytime.
“Being part of a delightfully diverse team that values innovation, deep tech, real impact and outstanding customer success means everything to me.
“Are you ready to date your new world with NetWorks? We are ready to partner up with you.”
NetWorks is powered by an intelligent algorithm to match buyers with exhibitors and sponsors with delegates, so all participants can cut to the chase with a personalized schedule.
The simple and easy-to-use format comes with walk-in and pre-matched options so that organizers of all shapes and sizes can benefit – from small conferences to giant exhibitions.
Organizers specify the timeframe for a number of short, fast-paced meetings to take place over the course of a session.
This opens the door for deeper conversations to then take place with new contacts over the course of the event and beyond.
It is designed so organizers and participants all see a boost to their event ROI:
- **Organizers**: Increase NPS and rebooking rates by delivering quantifiable value.
- **Exhibitors and sponsors**: Meet prospects in rapid-fire, face-to-face sessions so that time is not wasted.
- **Buyers and delegates**: Make better connections through AI-powered agendas which fast-tracks discovery and decision-making.
Céline’s focus on scaling NetWorks comes after having consistently developed and championed new models to help transform industry standards – including ticket pricing, monetization options or faster access to new target audiences.
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how speed networking could work for you? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Deutsche Messe subsidiary opens new company in Dubai](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-10-27/)
**Published:** October 27, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Welcome to the Week in Events. Your top story is that Hannover Fairs Turkey has created a new company in Dubai as it seeks to strengthen its position in the region.**
The Deutsche Messe subsidiary has appointed Mehtap Gürsoy as new managing director as part of the move.
Other top stories this edition include:
- **[IMEX extends key partnerships to 2030](#one)**
- **[Messe Frankfurt launches entertainment and AV event in Thailand](#two)**
Get the full stories below with your full Week in Events round-up.
## Deutsche Messe subsidiary establishes Hannover Fairs MENA
**Hannover Fairs Turkey is seeking to strengthen its presence in MENA by creating a new company based in Dubai.**
The Deutsche Messe subsidiary sees establishing this latest operational center in a high-growth country as an important step in its growth strategy.
Hannover Fairs MENA aims to answer growing demand for more high-value trade shows in the Middle East and North Africa.
Mehtap Gürsoy has taken on the position of managing director for the new subsidiary as well as taking on the same role for Hannover Fairs Turkey.
She brings 20 years of senior-level experience in exhibition management and strong connections to key regional governmental institutions.
## IMEX extends key partnerships to 2030
**IMEX has extended two key contracts as they work to address the “evolving needs” of the events industry.**
The collaborations with MGM Resorts International and GES have a long-term history working together to deliver IMEX America.
GES has been the general service contractor for the trade show since its inception, while MGM Resorts has been the venue partner.
Mark Mulligan, director of operations at the IMEX Group, said: “Our company value, ‘achieve together’, comes to life through our close work with MGM and GES.
“Together, we continuously shape and elevate IMEX America year after year to meet the evolving needs of the global business events community.”
IMEX has extended the contracts from 2026 to 2030 with hopes this momentum will continue.
The organizer also believes the partners are key to furthering their goals of sustainability and accessibility.
These are priorities the coalition will aim to improve as part of their joint goal to meet changing industry needs.
Jeff Quade, president of North America exhibitions at GES, added: “Together, GES and IMEX introduced and nurtured initiatives to meet the changing needs of the industry including sustainability with graphics, carpet and most recently pre-fabricated frames that can be reused many times.
“In the future, we see our partnership becoming more integrated, focusing on innovation in the way we service exhibitors and attendees.”
## Messe Frankfurt launches entertainment and AV show in Thailand
**Messe Frankfurt has launched a new entertainment and professional audio-visual event in Thailand.**
The organizer’s Hong Kong subsidiary has created Prolight + Sound Bangkok in partnership with VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific.
It will host leading brands from the professional audio-visual industry, with hopes to capitalize on country’s growing entertainment sector.
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “Prolight + Sound Bangkok is a natural extension of the brand into Southeast Asia, bringing our vast resources and expertise in pro AV and entertainment technology to a region ready for transformation.”
VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific plans to leverage its local connections to create easy stakeholder relationships to enhance the show’s impact.
Prolight + Sound Bangkok aims to be a launchpad for international suppliers and brands to connect with Southeast Asia’s buzzing market.
The show will work to enable companies to capitalize on these opportunities in a cost-effective and high-impact way.
Justin Pau, CEO of VNU Exhibitions Asia Pacific, added: “Our proven collaboration with Messe Frankfurt, including for Meat Pro Asia, demonstrates a shared commitment to delivering impact for exhibitors and visitors.
“Together, we aim to build Prolight + Sound Bangkok into the premier hub for ASEAN’s entertainment technology ecosystem.”
**Thanks for reading – you are all caught up on this Week in Events. To stay ahead in the events industry [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [What are the best meeting formats for events?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/best-event-meeting-formats/)
**Published:** October 23, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Meetings are the beating heart of any event. Formats may differ – from high-speed networking to curated board sessions – but their success depends on one thing.**
That is meaningful human connection, enhanced by smart technology.
Here’s how each meeting format is evolving into a smarter and more rewarding experience for organizers, exhibitors and attendees alike.
## **1. Self-Requested Meetings: Empowering choice through connection**
**Attending an event has often relied on luck with meeting a few good leads between sessions.**
Now armed with an [**event app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/), they can send meeting requests directly to relevant prospects – no awkward cold introductions, no wasted time.
What used to be guesswork becomes precision matchmaking. AI auto-scheduling and calendar sync fills the week with high-value conversations that actually lead somewhere.
Meanwhile, organizers gain analytics that reveal who’s connecting, what topics trend and how engagement translates to ROI.
Self-requested meetings empower participants while relieving organizers of administrative headaches. It’s networking on the attendee’s terms – but with the organizer’s control and insight.
## **2. Speed Networking: When every minute counts**
**Your participants have a limited budget and limited time. They’re surrounded by thousands at a mega trade show. So who should they talk to first?**
Enter speed networking – the event world’s answer to strategic speed dating.
Organizers configure parameters through an AI matchmaking engine that can automatically pair participants based on goals, interests and compatibility scores.
Each conversation runs like clockwork – a few minutes, one table, one chance to connect.
Participants walk away not just with business cards, but with qualified leads.
AI ensures their time isn’t wasted on mismatched conversations. Organizers can analyze meeting ratings and feedback to refine future sessions.
Think of it as the only kind of speed dating where everyone actually follows up the next day.
**Why it matters:** Random networking is risky – intelligent networking is revolutionary. AI transforms what used to be chaos into chemistry by analyzing profiles, behavior and feedback loops.
**Real life example:** ExpoPlatform speed networking – now known as [**NetWorks**](https://expoplatform.com/networks/) – has been utilised at [**UFI**](https://www.ufi.org/) events to maximize connections among participants through short, fast-paced meetings.
The Americas and European conferences achieved an average meeting rating of 4.6 out of 5. A total of 89% of participants rated the matchmaking as highly effective.
Visit [**NetWorks**](https://expoplatform.com/networks/) to see how AI-powered speed networking could be used in your events.
## **3. Exhibitor Events: Let the brands take the stage**
**Exhibitor events can be little more than glorified sales pitches. A handful of people wander in, listen politely and leave without remembering a single slide.**
But now technology means exhibitors can organize branded sessions that feel more like community gatherings than product demos.
These events can be made up of product demos, workshops or training sessions, networking sessions, one-on-one meetings or panel discussions.
Exhibitors can use different customizations to tweak their offerings while the overall experience is curated and controlled by the organizer.
The result? Standing-room-only sessions and real engagement data – not just a headcount.
Exhibitors get leads, attendees get insights, organizers get a richer program without lifting a finger.
**Why it matters:** [**Exhibitor events**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-event/) decentralize knowledge-sharing while enhancing event value. Technology ensures relevance and reach, creating a triple win for exhibitors, visitors and hosts.
## **4. Hosted Buyer Programmes: Precision meets partnership**
**Hosted buyer programmes can be logistical nightmares. Matching buyers and suppliers requires spreadsheets thicker than a phonebook and endless email chains.**
Now, technology allows you to map out a seamless onboarding journey to qualify your hosted Buyers with a data-driven dashboard efficiently.
The system helps to manage buyer hospitality, meetings and documentation. Attendees are given allowance details, essential paperwork and hospitality information on the portal.
Organizers see new levels of efficiency: meetings flow on time, buyers leave satisfied and suppliers secure deals before the event even ends.
**Why it matters:** These [**hosted buyer programmes**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/) are about trust. When curated correctly, they drive measurable ROI. Technology doesn’t replace the human handshake – it makes sure that handshake happens between the right people.
## **5. Concierge Meetings: The VIP touch**
**High-profile executives don’t have time to browse through attendee lists. They expect white-glove service – relevant introductions without the admin.**
Concierge meetings – powered by semi-automated scheduling – allow organizers to act as curators. AI shortlists matches which the concierge team fine-tunes with a personal touch.
It means your top-tier buyers have calendars filled with quality meetings – their satisfaction soars and the event earns a reputation for premium service.
**Why it matters:** Technology scales personalization. The *true* hybrid model – AI efficiency plus human empathy – delivers the best of both worlds.
## **6. Board Meetings: Strategy, not serendipity**
**Corporate board-style sessions at events used to be exclusive – and often inefficient. Ten decisionmakers, one presentation and no structured outcomes.**
Now, scheduling tools allow one-to-many meetings where an exhibitor presents to a curated group of buyers. The system ensures balance across session types and tracks engagement.
What emerges are strategic growth sessions – focused, data-backed and outcome-driven. The exhibitor gets qualified feedback and targeted exposure. Buyers gain insights, not sales pitches.
**Why it matters:** Board meetings showcase thought leadership while shortening sales cycles. With tech handling logistics, organizers can focus on fostering meaningful dialogue.
## **7. Round Tables: Where collective wisdom meets precision**
**Round tables once relied purely on luck – who sits next to whom, who speaks up first. The conversations were rich but unstructured.**
Data now helps organizers balance groups and ensure diversity of thought when scheduling participants to tables based on shared interests or complementary expertise.
The result? Sessions that feel spontaneous but are intelligently orchestrated. Organizers can capturing insights that might otherwise evaporate into thin air.
**Why it matters:** Great ideas happen when the right mix of minds meets. Technology ensures those minds can meet and their insights are remembered.
## **The power of AI: Turning intent into impact**
**Every meeting format shares a common challenge – time. Organizers have too little of it, attendees want to maximize it and exhibitors are desperate to prove it was worth it.**
That’s where technology quietly becomes the hero of our story.
Intelligent systems – from an AI-automated meeting scheduler to a speed networking algorithm – reduce friction and amplify connection.
They turn profile data into compatibility insights, transform intent into booked meetings and convert conversations into actionable summaries.
In an era where attention is fleeting, AI ensures every meeting has meaning.
## **Why we do this**
**Technology isn’t the story – people are.**
The reason behind innovation is simple – to give organizers the power to create experiences where technology fades into the background and human connection shines through.
Behind every data point is a person with a story – a buyer searching for the right supplier, an entrepreneur pitching a dream, a marketer chasing that next big idea.
We exist to make sure they meet. The best event tech doesn’t just digitize logistics, it humanizes experiences.
Meetings may continue to evolve, but their goal remains timeless – connection.
**Want to see how these meeting formats in action at your events? [Get in touch](https://expoplatform.com/smart-event/) for a free expert consultation.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [What does the best trade show event management software provide?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/trade-show-event-management-software/)
**Published:** October 21, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Seamless trade show event management software is key to delivering engaging and value-driven smart events.**
Organizers must provide a platform that empowers exhibitors and sponsors to prove ROI.
The software must also ensure that attendees have a seamless and enhanced experience online and offline.
This article will cover the main attributes of event management software:
- [A 360 trade show event management software solution](#one)
- [Premium smart event app and website](#two)
- [Trade show event management software powered by AI](#three)
- [Optimum lead retrieval tech](#four)
Organizers require software that will cover all of these basis to provide a premium trade show experience.
## **A 360 trade show event management software solution**
**Having an all-in-one platform is always better for managing multiple pieces of software at once.**
Ensuring easy integration of different parts can be problematic and opens up more margin for error.
Your tech stack is key to building a premium Smart Event.
Advanced event management software should enable you to customize and optimize the following elements in one platform:
###### **Registration**
Registration is the first touchpoint for your Smart Event. The experience needs to be seamless and primed to obtain important data:
- Customize your multi-step process to optimize pipelines, defining data flows that will prove ROI.
- Create visitor badges and digital badge pages according to your design and utilize custom email chains triggered by meaningful actions.
- Utilize on-site registration kiosks to streamline attendee processing on arrival.
*You can customize these kiosks with branding options and provide an array of badge types for on-demand printing.*
###### **Interactive floorplan**
A custom floor plan is fundamental to creating a unique event experience.
Guide attendees through their exhibition journey with simple and easy navigation with filtering options to important spaces.
Make sure to provide your exhibitors with customizable stands that showcase clear branding and information that empowers them to connect with high-value attendees.
The best tradeshow event management software allows you to create a floor plan that will contribute to building a unique event experience.
###### **Hosted buyer management**
Your tech-stack should include optimum hosted buyer management software.
On-board your hosted buyers with a data-driven dashboard designed to qualify them easily.
Your tech should provide a portal that enables management of key documents, hospitality information and meeting schedules.
Track meetings with a dashboard that provides real-time data through attendee check-ins.
###### **Exhibitor Manual**
Easily onboard and monetize your exhibitors with an extensive exhibitor manual.
This will streamline the onboarding process through a clear checklist and automated reminders.
You can then upsell exhibitors by offering various packages that generate multiple revenue streams for your event.
Ensure they have easy entry into the event without requiring extensive logins or additional integrations.
## **Premium smart event app and website**
**Digitally extend your event experience through a branded website and customizable event app.**
A top attribute of trade show event management software is a fully customizable SEO event website that maximizes engagement before, during and after the event.
- Utilize simple website-building tools and select from a library of customizable templates that reflect your brand’s vision.
- Create an online hub that brings together social channels, relevant news feeds and gated content powered by an AI algorithm.
- Capture leads early with data-capturing and downloadable content which can also be nurtured post-event with online messaging functionality.
- Provide an AI-powered mobile app along with your optimized website to extend your digital smart event experience.
*This empowers your visitors to network, research, connect and generate leads in real-time.*
The smart event mobile app can more than triple exhibitor leads through instant badge scanning and online interactions, using real-time data analysis that immediately qualifies lead values.
Customize the app homepage and theme with your branding and messaging as you can with your website to bring together your event’s online presence.
Use the app to monetize your event further – provide digital ad space, offer premium exhibitor profiles and offer interactive splash screens.
Capitalize on the app’s interactive features further with product tinder and connection suggestions that enable attendees to personalize their experience.
Your mobile app can also serve as an umbrella for multiple events.
This creates ample digital space for all of your events and can help attendees make cross-event connections.
## **Trade show event management software powered by AI**
**AI is enhancing events to be more data and value-driven.**
The event experience is more personalized thanks to AI-powered algorithms aligning themselves with attendee preferences.
This includes recommending specific sessions, content, exhibitors and more – which the visitor can dismiss if irrelevant.
The algorithm then realigns its suggestions, considers this feedback and recommends more relevant content.
Recommended match lists consider the needs and preferences of exhibitors and attendees – prioritizing the high-value matches first.
You can utilize conditional logic to customize the AI matchmaking according to desired outcomes, creating a matchmaking ruleset specific to your event.
Real-time data is key – it produces clear data points from session interests, booked meetings and viewed content.
This information can be used to calculate ROI, empowering both parties to gain the most value from interactions.
## **Optimum lead retrieval tech**
**Lead retrieval is essential for any trade show. That makes it essential to event management software.**
Having an all-in-one lead generation platform brings maximum value to exhibitors.
Exhibitors have an omnichannel dashboard that enables them to segment and rate leads based on real-time scoring.
Leads are also retrieved from attendees who scan exhibitor codes and interact with online profiles.
A key feature is the online and offline capabilities of the lead retrieval software.
Data caching occurs if the internet connection goes down and all data is syncs when the connection next becomes available.
**[Get in touch to harness this software](https://expoplatform.com/smart-event/) and deliver a premium exhibition experience.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [GITEX expands across four continents to ensure global AI progress](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-10-20/)
**Published:** October 20, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Welcome to the Week in Events. Your top story is that GITEX is to launch events in four more cities to help ensure progress AI “serves all humanity”.**
The announcement was made during the landmark 45th edition of the show, with the development to include shows across four continents.
It comes as GITEX Global in Dubai reported record of number of attendees and more than 6,800 exhibitors in its latest edition.
**Your other top headlines include:**
- [Hyve expands finance tech event to Europe](#one)
- [New space economy expo by IEG](#two)
- [Free Event Strategy Bot launches](#three)
Read on for your the full Week in Event industry news roundup.
## GITEX expands into four “fast-moving” cities
**GITEX Global will be expanding its portfolio across four continents to ensure AI progress “belongs to everyone”.**
Sao Paulo, Bangalore, Belgrade and Istanbul will all now host their own editions of the brand.
The move was announced at GITEX Global in Dubai, which reported record-breaking figures for the world’s largest AI and tech event.
Trixie LohMirmand, EVP of organizer Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The future of AI cannot be written by a few privileged nations.
“Only through shared participation can we ensure intelligence serves all humanity, not just for some.
“Every economy, regardless of size or shape, has a vital role and the right to shape this collective future.
“Guided by this conviction, this week at GITEX Global 2025 we announced the further expansion of GITEX into four of the world’s fastest moving cities – countries defined by fearless ambitions, abundant talents and bold, committed Governments.
“Now part of the GITEX Global universe across four continents and in 14 countries, these rising intelligent economies will take their place in influencing the global narrative of AI.
“GITEX Global is proud to ensure that innovation is inclusive, opportunity is borderless and progress belongs to everyone.”
Meanwhile, the event in Dubai drew over 6,800 exhibitors, 2,000 startups and tech delegations from 180 countries for the 45th edition of the show.
Visitors saw several major unveilings of new tech in areas such as – generative AI, next-gen systems and connected cloud.
ExpoPlatform was once again the official tech provider for the landmark edition of GITEX Global.
## Hyve expands finance tech event to Europe
**Hyve is set to expand one of its major finance tech shows into a new market.**
The move will see Fintech Meetup Europe launch in Lisbon, Portugal next year.
It comes after three “game-changing” editions of the event in the US.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve, said: “Fintech Meetup has proven to be a game-changing format in the US and expanding it into Europe is a natural next step.
“This launch demonstrates our ability to take high-performing event brands into new regions and launch at full scale from day one.”
Hyve has made several new acquisitions this year across several sectors.
This move to scale up Fintech Meetup is another significant milestone in the organizer’s growth strategy.
The event will see more than 2,500 attendees – with over 25,000 double opt-in meetings planned.
Gary Dempsey, event director of Fintech Meetup Europe, added: “Europe’s fintech community is ready for a platform that delivers real outcomes, not just conversations.”
## New space economy expo by IEG
**The Italian Exhibition Group is launching a new space industry expo-conference in collaboration with the Emilia-Romagna Region.**
Beyond Exploration (BEX) will see its first edition take place at the Rimini Expo Centre in 2026.
The event will be a focal point for generating new ideas and business opportunities within the aerospace industry.
Giuseppe Sala, president of BEX’s Scientific Technical Committee, said: “BEX is preparing to be an absolute first in the panorama of events dedicated to space exploration and the space economy.
“The project, developed by a group of experts from complementary disciplines, aims to overcome traditional formats and become an international point of reference.”
IEG has created BEX as part of efforts to position Italy the epicenter of international debate for the space industry.
The conference’s main objective is to serve as a bridge between the research and innovation, traditional supply chain and emerging fields.
IEG is in discussions with government bodies and major space industry stakeholders to increase the size and reach of BEX across the globe.
## Free Event Strategy Bot launches
**A new AI-powered tool has been developed to create a full strategic analysis of any show in minutes – and it’s being given away for free.**
Baris Onay, founder of Precision Communities, created the [Event Strategy Bot](https://barisonay.com/the-event-strategy-bot) to help organisers quickly understand and benchmark their events.
It was born from his own consulting work with mid-sized companies and designed to make event analysis “as easy as possible”.
He told ExpoPlatform: “I made it as easy as possible. The only input you need is the URL of the show you want to analyse.
“It might be your own show, your competitor’s show – just the URL – and wait five minutes and you get a 10-point strategy out. It doesn’t get easier than this.”
He added: “You can also run it on your competitors, or if you’re having M&A targets, you can put the bot on one of those and see what it does for you. It will give you a very nice overview of your target show.”
Meanwhile, Baris also covered topics such as the importance of “invisible” technology, issues with a fragmented playing field as well as the power imbalance between organisers and participants.
Read the full Transformation Story with Baris Onay **[here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/baris-onay-oct2025/).**
**That was your full Week in Events roundup. To bring the latest tech to your next trade show [book a demo with ExpoPlatform.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [IMEX America kick-off: What's new for 2025?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-10-06/)
**Published:** October 6, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Eventprofs are winding up for one of the most important business tradeshows of the year as IMEX America gets set to open its doors.**
This year’s edition will the largest for floor space to date, with many exhibitors expanding booth space thanks to strong forecasts for attendee interest.
Thousands are expected to descend on Las Vegas this week to take part in the major gathering, so we’re putting it under the spotlight for this Week in Events. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- **High expectations lead to largest floor space ever for IMEX America**
- **ExpoPlatform named official tech partner for further three years**
- **Introducing NetWorks at IMEX America 2025**
Read on for all your IMEX America 2025 Week in Events special edition.
## High expectations lead to largest floor space ever for IMEX America
**One of the biggest highlights of the year for the events business begins this week.**
Over 3,500 exhibiting companies from across the globe are participating in this years show.
Many have increased booth sizes in anticipation of strong interest from attendees, resulting in the largest edition yet in terms of floor space.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, said: “The investment and innovation we’re seeing from exhibitors is a clear and welcome sign of strong momentum across the sector.
“From expanded booths to immersive activations and headline-making launches, (the) show floor will put the full spectrum of the global events industry on display in glorious color and with a friendly get-down-to-business attitude.
“It represents a much-needed and powerful moment for all our attendees to learn, do business, connect, be inspired, and understand what’s coming up in 2026.”
The event is expected to highlight innovation and immersive experiences from exhibitors.
Participants anticipate industry-altering announcements including – new research, projects and partnerships.
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform has concentrated on making networking smoother and smarter at the event in its role as official technology partner.
First up – profile sharing. New one-click profile sharing and bulk exports mean exhibitors can promote their teams effortlessly.
Re-engineered meeting requests have also been introduced to mean no more dead ends – just real-time availability and instant booking.
These updates came straight from IMEX feedback – making every connection faster, clearer and more rewarding.
## ExpoPlatform named official tech partner for further three years
**IMEX has extended its partnership with ExpoPlatform as the official event tech provider for another three years.**
The announcement comes after the two companies successfully collaborated on a total of six events across IMEX America and IMEX Frankfurt since the partnership began in 2023.
The close collaboration and continued innovation has helped to elevate the customer experience, as Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, explains: “Our partnership with ExpoPlatform is a key part of our strategic focus on enhancing the show experience.
“New features added to the app – including free lead scanning – and a more intuitive web platform have all helped to support connections between buyers and exhibitors as well as remove friction points across both of our shows. Our continued collaboration will ensure we continue to iterate, innovate and improve as we go along.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “IMEX continues to set the standard for world-class events, not only through their global showcases but also by driving innovation and positive change in our industry.
“We’re proud to extend our collaboration for another three years after a highly successful partnership.
“Long-term partnerships like this are where real impact happens – they allow us to evolve together, deliver smarter solutions and keep raising the bar for event experiences.
“We’re excited to keep building with IMEX and to empower planners with the tools they need to create even more valuable connections.”
The partnership between the IMEX and ExpoPlatform teams has involved close collaboration to ensure the digital offerings are best suited to the needs of the shows and participants.
Gary Coombs, COO of IMEX, said: “Over the past three years, our partnership with ExpoPlatform has enabled us to work in close alignment, challenge each other constructively, and co-create a solution that delivers a great experience for our exhibitors and attendees.
“Our relationship is built on a solid foundation of trust, shared ambition, and a deep desire to improve our shows. With a rich dataset now at our fingertips, we’re now able to work together to unlock new insights into how people interact both within the platform and at our shows – insights that will fuel smarter decisions and more personalized experiences.
“As we look ahead, we’re excited to explore how AI can further enhance the in-person journey and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in event tech. There are many exciting developments on the horizon, and I look forward to continuing this great partnership.”
Mykyta Fastovets, CTO of ExpoPlatform, added: “Over the last three years, we’ve built powerful digital solutions together that enhanced the quality of in-person experiences. Now, we’re taking it further.
“This next phase is about smarter data, seamless integrations and technology that supports better results as well as effectively leveraging the ever-evolving AI technologies.
“Aligning innovation with IMEX’s vision means we can set new standards for how technology empowers our industry.”
The 2024 edition of IMEX America saw 15,873 total participants and 85,000 meetings booked.
The 2025 edition of IMEX Frankfurt saw 13,335 total participants and 67,000 meetings booked.
ExpoPlatform is a UK-based event tech provider that operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers due to its innovative and reliable technology.
This agreement makes it the official partner for the group and its major shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas until the end of 2028. IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America are leading international trade shows for the meetings and events industry, taking place annually. The 2025 edition of [IMEX America](https://imexamerica.com/newfront/page/register?utm_source=Other&utm_medium=Other&utm_campaign=IA25&utm_content=PR&_gl=1*cmswy5*_gcl_au*MTQxNDA2MjMyNi4xNzUzMTc0NjU0), takes place October 7-9, at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas.
Both serve as places for exhibitors to showcase their products, services and destinations to a global audience of event professionals, buyers and decision-makers.
IMEX first partnered with ExpoPlatform for the 2023 edition of IMEX Frankfurt and launched an all-new online platform with enhanced capabilities to drive buyer-exhibitor connections.
Over three years, the collaboration has shaped one of the most digitally advanced experiences in the global meetings and events industry.
## Introducing NetWorks at IMEX America 2025
**ExpoPlatform will be showcasing its newest event tech solution at IMEX America 2025 – NetWorks.**
[**NetWorks**](https://expoplatform.com/networks/) is a standalone speed networking solution that delivers real ROI for participants.
The product has been created to increase the quality, quantity and value of meetings at events through AI.
It has been launched by ExpoPlatform on the back of successful AI-powered speed networking sessions with UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry.
Organizers can run it two ways: Instant walk-ins at the networking area or planned sessions with pre-matched, scheduled meetings.
Level up your event with higher meeting density, happier participants, and measurable ROI perfect for any size from meetings to trade shows.
Participants can visit ExpoPlatform at stand F801 where they can get an introductory offer to NetWorks.
**Thanks for reading the Week in Events news round up. To find out how you can supercharge your next event with advanced event tech solutions, [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) today**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [The necessity of emotionally engaging events](https://expoplatform.com/trends/emotionally-engaging-events/)
**Published:** June 20, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Every event must be emotionally engaging – whether it’s a trade show, conference or product exhibition.**
Regardless of the audience, exhibitors or objective. This is now a universal requirement for all shows.
Marketing as a whole has undergone significant transformation over the last several decades.
In a world that is more emotionally reactive, the following are now necessary:
- [Why invoking emotional reactions is a priority](#one)
- [Whether your event is B2C or B2B, ALL events should be B2F (Business-to-Feels)](#two)
- [How AI-powered platforms are facilitating emotionally engaging events](#three)
- [Emotionally engaging events lead to personal connections between exhibitors and attendees](#four)
Where the aim was once to build transactional relationships, it must now be about creating personal connections – even in B2B settings.
We have already seen this play out in how businesses engage on other platforms: social media, paid advertising, email marketing etc.
Exhibitors must ensure they are providing an emotionally engaging event experience for attendees.
It is the responsibility of organizers to provide the tools that enable exhibitors to create such experiences.
## **Why invoking emotional reactions is a priority**
We’re not robots. Decision-making based solely on logic and reason has become the exception where it was previously the rule.
Business professionals are increasingly inclined to ‘go with their gut’ about a brand before committing to anything.
And these instincts are directly influenced by how the brand makes them feel.
How do brands create these emotional connections?
They work to gain a deeper understanding of their audience, with the aim of creating emotionally invoking experiences that lead to a personalized connection.
Capitalizing on positive emotions such as joy, nostalgia, passion, humor and empathy is an easy way for brands to build a strong foundation for lasting partnerships.
Event platforms are a crucial tool that enables exhibitors to understand their audience on that emotional level.
In turn, emotionally engaging events have the potential create stronger personal connections than any other medium.
## **B2B means B2F (Business-to-Feels)**
B2C brands have been evoking emotions in their customers for many years.
It’s a straightforward formula to position a product as one that creates joy or pleasure.
Christmas for example, is an annual competition between B2C brands to see who can drive the most tears from their Christmas ad campaigns.
Those who create a significant upsurge in saltwater that year tend to have an excellent festive period. It’s a little different for B2B brands.
Relationships between two businesses are traditionally based on how they can benefit one another on a transactional level.
B2B brands typically use monetary gain, increased efficiency and business growth as the driving forces to connect with their audience.
This has changed in the past couple of years. Business professionals are now more interested in brands that align with their personal values and passion points.
Brands that are all about creative storytelling, humor, relatable content or engaging with them as a person rather than just trying to sell them something.
It endears the brand to them and the consumer sees a potential partner rather than just a service provider.
Creating a stronger connection that also fosters increased loyalty between consumers and brands.
In response to this shift, organizers need to ensure that both B2B and B2C exhibitors have the necessary tools to hit their audiences straight in the feels.
Additionally, events have a significant advantage over all other platforms in this regard.
They are perfectly poised to create more personalized connections by enabling exhibitors to engage with consumers directly.
Providing a level of live, immersive tangibility that no other medium can compete with.
Exhibitors just need to have the correct tools on-hand to bring it all together.
## **How AI-powered platforms are facilitating emotionally engaging events**
How can exhibitors create a truly personalized experience that evokes strong emotions in attendees?
By ensuring they have a platform that provides all the information they need to create said experience.
The best way to evoke the right emotion from attendees is to learn what emotionally engaging experiences will lead to a positive connection.
Technology can provide exhibitors with deep insights into attendee behaviors, showing precisely what emotional experiences are engaging to them.
Through AI-powered algorithms, attendees showcase which experiences they are seeking out and each of these experiences are designed to evoke specific emotions.
Attendees telegraph their interest in sessions with speakers who are speaking on subjects that motivate or inspire them.
A pattern could also emerge from which exhibitors they are engaging with. Brands that have similar values or tones of voice that align with that of the attendee.
The AI-driven algorithm continues to map these patterns by providing on-demand content related to their preferences – content designed to engage attendees in the way they are seeking emotionally.
If the recommendations are off, attendees can opt for content or resources that they are *more* emotionally invested in.
The AI algorithm then realigns itself with those preferences.
This lays the groundwork for exhibitors before the initial interaction with attendees – all thanks to [AI-powered matchmaking.](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
## **Emotionally engaging events lead to personal connections between exhibitors and attendees**
The platform empowers exhibitors with this knowledge so that when the time comes to engage with attendees, they can elicit the exact emotion that creates a personal connection with the brand.
In-person events can also enhance the emotional tone of the experience in other ways.
Exhibitors have the unique ability to provide interactive experiences that capture the senses with music, lighting, scents, decor and more.
These elements alone can aid in getting attendees to a desired state of emotion.
They looks at the exhibitor differently due to these emotionally stimulating experiences.
They become a brand that goes above and beyond to create a personal connection in an attendee’s eyes, rather than just selling them something.
This puts events at the forefront of emotional connective marketing.
All organizers need to do is ensure that exhibitors have the best tools available to provide attendees with the most emotionally engaging events possible. **[Book a demo to find out more](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Almost 60% of eventprofs say AI won't axe jobs: report](https://expoplatform.com/trends/chart-of-the-month-ai-staffing/)
**Published:** December 1, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**More than half of eventprofs believe AI technology won’t result in staff being axed, according to a new survey.**
This edition of Chart of the Month highlights research from PCMA Convene’s 30th Meetings Market Survey, which shows 27% don’t see any changes to the workforce and 32% only see the need for some upskilling.
That’s 59% of respondents saying that staff numbers won’t shrink, while only 14% said it will lead to a reduced need for both full-time and contract workers.
**Source: PCMA Convene**
The annual survey was conducted among 788 event professionals from late July to early September, with a majority of respondents being from North America.
Also read ? [**How AI Matchmaking helps you create successful events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/how-ai-matchmaking-is-reshaping-the-future-of-events/)
## **AI use among eventprofs expected to increase in next two years ?**
**Almost half of event profs also told how they weren’t using AI tools in their jobs.**
The survey found as many as 48% weren’t exploring this technology for work, however 68% consider it to be critical for event operations over the next two years.
**Source: PCMA Convene**
Major use cases of AI in events were found to be in general research and marketing, followed by the creation of marketing materials, agenda sessions and research of potential market segments.
The low adoption of AI can be attributed to fewer eventprofs showing interest in tools like ChatGPT.
Our [**Transformation Story with Mark Parsons of Events Intelligence**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/mark-parsons-generative-ai/) goes further than these findings **–** with his estimates being less than 25% of organisers are exploring the potential of generative AI.
Mark, who was teaching an AI course to 120 eventprofs, discovered that “between 50 and 60 had never used ChatGPT or a similar large language model” and “only 25% had used an image generator such as DALL-E 3 or MidJourney”, while “fewer than five were doing more advanced things with video, code or other mediums.”
He said: “Four years ago GPT-2 couldn’t count to 10, now GPT-4 can write a passable college admission essay.
“The pace of change is profound, and it will really impact those businesses which are unprepared.”
**Download now ? the [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) ebook to learn how data science can help your events.**
## **How AI is improving event experiences ?**
**Generative AI use in events is set to carry on growing in the coming years.**
A previous edition of Chart of the Month details the different aspects of tradeshows that will be impacted the most by AI – **[read about it here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-the-month-july-23/)**.
ExpoPlatform CTO Mykyta Fastovets has also highlighted how ChatGPT-like tools can help event participants and organisers in a range of ways. **[Get his insights here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/mykyta-fastovets-chatgpt/)**.
Here are a number of ways event experiences are being improved through AI tools:
- **[AI-powered matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/):** AI-driven algorithms analyse attendee preferences and behaviours to provide personalised recommendations for people, products and content.
- **Smart booth placement:** Optimise booth placements based on traffic patterns, exhibitor relevance and attendee interests – maximising exposure and interaction opportunities.
- **Predictive analytics for exhibitor performance:** Exhibitors can leverage AI for predictive analytics, helping them understand attendee expectations, preferences and potential leads, enabling more targeted and successful exhibitions.
- **Chatbot assistance:** Advanced AI-driven chatbots offer real-time assistance to participants, guiding them through the event, answering queries and providing information on exhibitors and sessions.
- **Dynamic content curation:** AI-driven content curation dynamically adjusts based on attendee engagement, ensuring the most relevant and popular sessions and exhibitors are prominently featured throughout the event.
**Additional reading** ? [**Six ways AI helps your events make more money**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/six-ways-ai-more-money/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Smart AI Guide, Strict Rules: Only Event Questions Allowed!](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/douglas-orr-mar25/)
**Published:** March 25, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**For most AI chatbots, a simple web search could return a biography of the famed physicist Albert Einstein. But Message Matrix has a different purpose.**
The digital assistant wasn’t built to answer history questions – it was designed to be a concierge guide for attendees and exhibitors, delivered through platforms such as WhatsApp.
Need to know the keynote speaker’s start time? The best networking sessions? Where to grab a coffee on-site? It has instant answers, all sourced directly from the event’s website.
Douglas Orr, CEO of Message Matrix, said: “Our clients want to know that the content that they’re providing for us is not being shared with ChatGPT.
“They want to know that they are in control over content. They want to know that it is GDPR compliant, so that information is being processed in the EU or Great Britain.
“The limitation of that is that our AI concierge will not answer questions outside of it.
“If you ask who Albert Einstein is it will say ‘I don’t know. I can tell you about the show’.
“So that content piece is the essential piece – because without the content, you can’t answer the questions.”
He added: “We’re not trying to replace apps, we’re trying to provide a complimentary service – in fact, we will drive traffic towards the apps.
“Whenever somebody asks a question which is better answered by an app, we’ll say ‘here’s the app for the show’.”
It works by sending event participants a message introducing the tool once registered, triggering the start of their guided event journey.
Leading up to the show, attendees receive timely updates – reminders about key sessions, special guest appearances and other highlights – to maximize engagement and attendance.
Questions can be asked before, during and after the event so that participants have information readily available through their mobile phone.
Its goal is to enhance user experience while driving higher conversion rates.
Douglas added: “Many people coming to shows are not using the apps which have been created with great care and expenditure.
“You might have 70%, 80%, 90% of attendees wandering around without a meaningful guide – and we knew with the technology that we had created, originally for banking, with security and all these other good things, that we could actually give people an AI concierge.
“The equivalent of that guy who’s behind the small desk of the front end of a swish hotel who knows where to get tickets and upgrade your room and tell you how to get to the airport.”
He added: “The ROI is massive, because we can help guide people to the exhibitors who have products and offerings that they’re interested in.”
Douglas said the set-up cost for shows is “roughly proportional” to the number of participants, however he claims this is offset by things such as customer satisfaction.
There is also potential to increase revenue, with add-ons for exhibitors which can in turn improve their ROI on taking part in the event.
Meanwhile, the AI-powered chatbot is able to adjust its tone depending on the sort of event it is working for as well as judging the tone of whatever message it receives.
It is multilingual which further enhances the user experience – if a question is asked in Ukrainian, it will respond in the same language.
Douglas said: “Some events are very buttoned up, some very relaxed Hawaiian shirt.
“We work with our partners to find where on a spectrum they want this – it’s about building a character.
“The AI is always trying to mimic the characteristics of the person who’s asking the question.”
Message Matrix’s AI concierge technology first gained traction with Clarion Gaming, who were among the company’s first major clients.
Mash Media also adopted the platform as its AI solution at International Confex 2025, strengthening its position in the UK market.
Douglas said: “This is just the beginning of a very exciting journey.
“Our first major client was Clarion Events last summer and they have been a fabulous partner for us – now we have many partners in the exhibition space.”
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Chart of the Month: rise and rise of generative AI in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-the-month-july-23/)
**Published:** July 28, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Generative AI tools have made their mark on the world and are soon set to make waves in events, a new study suggests.**
UFI’s 31st **[Global Exhibition Barometer research](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/the-global-exhibition-barometer-july-2023/)** shows the use of applications like ChatGPT and Midjourney is rising significantly in tradeshows – and will continue to grow.
Almost two-thirds (62%) believe it will impact event sales, marketing and customer relations, while 58% believe it will effect research and development.
*Source: UFI*
The current impact has been most prominent in sales, marketing and customer relations with 22% using generative AI, followed closely by research and development (19%) and event production (10%).
Some reasons behind the growing popularity include:
- Ability to brainstorm creative content quickly
- Boost efficiency and productivity, reduce the manual burden and labour costs
- Saving time to focus on critical tasks requiring human intervention
- Data-driven insights to improve decision-making
**Get comprehensive insights into how digital tools will shape the event industry in 2023 ➡️ [Download the Event Tech H2 2023 forecast ](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)**
## **Key applications for generative AI in exhibitions ?**
AI is not exactly a new phenomenon – it has been around in the form of customer support chatbots and automation to handle queries and provide event information.
However, the simple conversational ‘prompt-and-create’ experience of generative tools has fast-tracked its application in many areas of exhibition planning and management, such as:
1. **Automated content generation:** Produce different content like interactive visuals, personalised videos and promotional materials, based on predefined criteria.
2. **Predictive attendee analytics:** Analyse historical data and predict attendee demographics, interests and preferences. Helps organisers tailor their exhibition in a more customised way to their audience.
3. **Predictive analytics for sales:** Generative AI algorithms help forecast customer behaviour, identify buying patterns and recommend personalised offers. This empowers sales representatives to make targeted decisions to close more deals.
4. **Personalised agendas:** Create personalised schedules for attendees and exhibitors based on their preferences to maximise time and help them get the most value.
However, the growth of generative AI will only add to the rise of specialised event technology.
A recent **[Gartner survey](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-06-26-gartner-survey-finds-81-percent-of-cios-expect-to-grow-their-it-team-in-2023)** of large enterprise CIOs found **81% plan to grow their IT team in 2023**.
Jose Ramirez, senior principal analyst at Gartner, said: “Attracting and retaining technology talent remain critical areas of concern for CIOs.
“Even with advances in AI, Gartner predicts that the global job impact will be neutral in the next several years due to enterprise adoption lags, implementation times and learning curves.”
This trend holds for the exhibitions industry, which is embracing digital tools and solutions to transform their internal processes and make their shows smarter ⤵️
## **Advancing together: AI’s fusion with smart event solutions ⚛️**
What will future event tech solutions look like? The complex nature of tradeshows suggests generative AI and digital tech will work in synergy, with algorithms making event tech tools smarter and more effective than before.
Research **[from Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-07-27-gartner-survey-finds-55-of-organizations-that-have-deployed-ai-take-an-ai-first-strategy-with-new-use-cases)** reveals an interesting fact – **55% of organisations that have used it before are likely to use an AI-first strategy for new use cases**.
Meanwhile, findings from UFI’s survey reflect a similar trend. Changing customer expectations are most likely to influence business development over the next five years, with richer, more personalised experiences being the order of the day.
Digitalisation will continue to be a crucial factor as more organisers infuse digital tech into their exhibitions and transform their internal processes.
[](https://expoplatform.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ufi-cotm.png)
For exhibition organisers, it’s a crucial moment to equip their shows with tools and create experiences that resonate with and delight their audience. Some of these smart event tech tools include:
1. [**AI-powered matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/): Enable meaningful business interactions using people-to-resource mapping algorithms.
2. [**Hosted buyer programme**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/): Use online hosted buyer software to create a curated buyer-seller experience, increase leads and boost sales.
3. [**Lead retrieval**](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/): Scan leads real-time, qualify and nurture prospects and make decisions with analytics dashboard.
4. [**365 community**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/): Build an online community to offer personalised experiences, networking and revenue generation opportunities before, during and after the live event.
5. **[Exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)**: Online exhibitor manual software to onboard and monetise your exhibitors.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [How real-time lead data is proving event ROI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/lead-retrieval/real-time-lead-data/)
**Published:** May 27, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**What is real-time lead data and why is it more important than ever for event organizers and exhibitors?**
As the name suggests, this data is almost instantaneously available the moment you capture the lead.
Why is that important? It is now the driving force behind data-driven lead generation, with events as the vehicle. Said data proves ROI through AI-powered means.
In the past, you would capture and process event lead data through practices such as registration forms.
However, as ExpoPlatform has reported, tech trends show that [event registration data ‘is broken’](https://expoplatform.com/blog/event-registration-data-is-broken-heres-how-to-fix-it/) and real-time lead data is a huge part of the solution.
It’s time exhibitors and organizers take full advantage of this.
## **The competitive edge of real-time lead data: Stay in step with trends as they happen**
The reality of staying ‘on-trend’ is almost an illusion, because trends often stem from something unexpected.
‘I had no idea that post would go viral’ is a phrase used all too frequently and something everyone hopes to replicate. As new trends can emerge as a result.
Regardless of how quickly we react to capitalize on the latest trends, we are still usually a step behind.
Whereas real-time lead data enables you to capitalize on trends as they are born.
You can predict the behaviors of attendees and what will interest them to the best of your ability.
But people are unpredictable, so you can never know for sure what they will engage with on the day. Except now you can.
Real-time lead data reveals exactly what is generating interest and leads on the day.
Certain panels, speakers or product showcases could attract more attendees than initially anticipated.
Exhibitors can adapt on the fly to these interests and make dynamic adjustments such as allocating more resources or increasing promotion.
These key insights give you an advantage over your competitors because they are not seeing the trends emerge that your lead data is revealing in real-time.
They might hear word of it after the fact, but they can only react to what you already know.
Real-time lead data empowers you to stay in-step with current trends, which is likely one step ahead of your competition.
## **How does real-time lead data improve lead qualification?**
You know that feeling at a theme park? The one you get when you’re in a fast-track lane?
The pure satisfaction of saving yourself hours of waiting in line.
Well, think of real-time lead data capturing as that fast-track lane in your pipeline.
Processing leads, especially in batches, takes time.
Leads need to be scored to become MQLs, then scored again to become SQLs before finally becoming opportunities.
Thanks to real-time lead data captured during tradeshows and exhibitions, you’re skipping quite far ahead in that process.
The nature of B2B events is knowing in advance that the leads gained are from people within your industry or are interested in the products, services or developments on show.
But knowing if they are ‘ready-to-buy’ is something that is not commonly derived until the SQL stage of the marketing funnel.
However, with a real-time insight dashboard like ExpoPlatform’s, exhibitors gain game-changing insights.
Data that in the past could only be reviewed post-event.
Attendee behaviors and actions that indicate their interest in particular products/services by what exhibitors they’re connecting with.
Or the subject matters of specific panels or showcases they are showing interest in attending.
Now exhibitors can instantly score leads based on the data captured from the badges or QR codes they have scanned. By the end of the event, the exhibitors already know what stage individual leads are at in the marketing funnel.
Start fast-tracking leads with [real-time lead data intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/) and skip lead gen wait times.
## **Personal connection is the new lead gen currency (so start spending!)**
Buyers are gravitating more towards businesses that show a clear personalized understanding of their needs. Communicating with them on a human level, not just a sales level.
This is why real-time lead data is crucial. It informs that personalized connection.
Attendees are telegraphing all the information exhibitors need to know through their in-app actions, thanks to AI-powered algorithms.
ExpoPlatform’s Smart Event App, allows visitors to customize their journeys to fit their personal preferences.
The algorithm picks up on this and suggests relevant products and connections based on these preferences.
You then use this data to tailor conversations to specific attendees before they approach.
In turn, the attendee feels like you ‘get’ them and have a deeper understanding of their interests and needs.
You can offer them exactly what you know is relevant to them. Creating a strong foundation of trust upon which you can build fruitful partnerships.
**[Download the free Event App Handbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/)** **to understand why event apps will take your shows to the next level of lead generation.**
Empowering exhibitors to enrich their personalized communication with attendees.
## **Enable timely follow-up and prioritize which leads to nurture**
As previously mentioned, real-time lead data capturing enables exhibitors to determine the stage of the marketing funnel their leads are at.
Accelerating the follow up process in tandem with prioritizing the leads that are most likely to convert.
Following a successful Smart Event, exhibitors will already understand who their highest-scored leads are.
What products/services they are interested in and how ‘ready-to-buy’ they are.
These key insights are gained from the real-time data procured throughout the event as well as the personalized communication it provided the basis for.
Therefore, you determine which leads you should follow up with first in order to create opportunities quicker.
You can also begin nurturing leads further up the funnel who may need more awareness to move them to the ‘ready-to-buy’ state.
All these insights gained from real-time lead data enable exhibitors to make data-driven decisions.
Not only dynamic decisions during the event itself but also for future events, so that they can continue to capitalize on the elements of the show that will have the most impact.
Above all, it provides data-proven ROI that exhibitors, organizers and sponsors can all take forward into marketing plans.
Informing future budgets, lead gen strategies and overall approaches to future events.
Real-time lead data is putting Smart Events at the forefront of lead generation in a tech-driven landscape.
Discover how real-time data paired with AI matchmaking are enabling Smart Events. Tripling the number of quality leads with an ROI dashboard that enables real-time actions.
[**Book a demo now to start empowering your exhibitors**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).
**Categories:** Lead Retrieval
---
### [North America: Event mobile apps value to hit $832m by 2028](https://expoplatform.com/blog/lead-retrieval/chart-of-week-20220916/)
**Published:** September 16, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The North American event mobile app market is projected to exceed $830 million by 2028 – more than double its current value.**
Stats from Research and Market’s latest [report](https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5635309/north-america-event-apps-market-forecast-to-2028) show the technology’s worth will grow from $370.9m this year to $832.4m in six years.
The body predicts a CAGR of 14.4% from 2022 to 2028 in market value, reflecting the growing adoption of apps in meetings and events.
The report segments the event app market into:
- Enterprise event apps – constituting the largest market share
- Hybrid apps
- Corporate meeting apps
- Tradeshow apps
- Miscellaneous – festival, sports
**Find out more about how our [Smart Event mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) can help your live shows grow.**
The business and corporate segment witnessed the most frequent use of these apps at their shows. Key reasons were increased event participation, higher efficiency, greater engagement and lower production costs.
Research and Market’s report is based on interviews with industry professionals involved in the North America event apps markets – including VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers and more.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Rising demand for improved customer experiences and implementation of digital transformation strategies across different end-use verticals is driving event app market growth.
These factors include:
1. Easy app creation and code customisation options.
2. Additional revenue streams through in-app updates and sponsorships.
3. Need for greater engagement through live polls, instant notifications and gamification.
4. Smooth access to in-person events through an interactive floor plan.
5. Making round-the-year connections through 365 community.
6. Managing in-person interactions at live events.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
Mobile event apps have become a critical tool in planning and executing a successful event. They provide event marketers with useful information on user behaviour and other crucial metrics – like session duration, booth visits, content downloads, retention and conversion rates.
For organisers, event apps are a necessary part of the Smart Event experience – where live shows are enhanced through the use of tech.
Here’s how they can help:
1. **Get 3X leads**: Use the app to scan leads and assign scores and ratings to attendees. This gives valuable data that is synchronised with an exhibitor dashboard to offer real-time insights.
2. **Offer** **access multiple events with a single click**: Use container apps to group similar multiple events under one umbrella.
3. **Virtual monetisation**: Use in-app components like banner ads, interactive splash screens and premium exhibitor profiles to generate digital revenue.
4. **Product Tinder view**: Help buyers find the relevant items by matching them with the right products by swiping right or left on the app.
Keen to learn more? Get a demo of our [**event mobile app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) and start creating personalised event and community experiences!
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Lead Retrieval
---
### [Hyve moves further into health sector with latest takeover](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/wie-20250721/)
**Published:** July 21, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**The largest conference of its kind in the US for behavorial health profs has been taken over by Hyve.**
Behavioral Health Tech is the latest in a string of acquisitions for the organizer – marking their fourth in a year.
That’s your top story for the Week in Events. Here are some other highlights for the industry:
- **[Italian Exhibition Group gains the Fiuggi Congress and Events Center management contract](#two)**
- **[GovNet launch new internship program to support next generation of eventprofs](#three)**
- **[Record-breaking revenue sales were seen by NurnbergMesse](#four)**
- **[ICC Wales and Business of Events launch research project](#five)**
Read on for your full Week in Events.
## Hyve acquires biggest **Behavioral Health tech event in US**
**Hyve has made its fourth acquisition in just a year with the takeover of Behavioral Health Tech.**
It is the largest conference of its kind in the US and comes as part of a continuation of the organizer’s three-year growth strategy.
The behavioral health sector has been at the forefront of Hyve’s priorities in these plans.
Mark Shashoua, Hyve Group CEO, said: “What’s exciting about this event is the founder energy behind it – that hunger, vision, and drive you only get from something built from the ground up.
“It’s loved by its community, has real momentum, and we’re extremely proud to bring it into our portfolio.”
Behavioral Health Tech boasts the largest community focused on expanding access to mental health, substance use, autism and I/DD care through technology, health equity and innovation.
Solome Tibebu, Behavioral Health Tech president, added: “I couldn’t think of a better home than Hyve and can’t wait to get started and collaborate.”
The addition means Hyve has also further increased their healthcare presence after acquiring HLTH back in October 2024.
## IEG one step closer to multi-venue conference center in Lazio region
**Italian Exhibition Group has taken on the management contract for Fiuggi Congress and Events Center.**
The deal brings them closer to achieving their goal of revitalizing the conference program in the Lazio region.
It comes as part of a plan to create a multi-venue conference hub in central Italy.
Maurizio Ermeti, IEG president, said: “We believe in this region, both for its geographic location, easily accessible from the capital, and for the significant efforts that private individuals and institutions are making to promote the overall redevelopment of such a well-known and prestigious location.”
The group aims to host 14 major events by 2027 with the help of local operators.
## GovNet launch internship program for next-gen event professionals
**GovNet has launched their new internship program as part of aims to support the next generation of industry professionals.**
The scheme targets recent graduates who have studied event management and marketing or a similar field in London.
Interns will have the chance to gain practical experience while developing their industry knowledge and skills, providing aspiring eventprofs with a gateway into employment.
Liz Whittingham, director of operations at GovNet, said: “This programme isn’t just about shadowing – it’s about validating each person’s experience and giving them the space to truly be part of the team and get a feel for the events industry.”
GovNet will deliver the internship program in partnership with Inspire Connect as part of efforts to bridge the gap between education and events.
## NurnbergMesse respond to record sales with significant investment
**NurnbergMesse hgas reported a record-breaking €368 million in revenue sales over 12 months.**
Figures for 2024 also show a significant year-on-year growth for the last three years – a 42% increase in exhibitors since 2022 and a 23% increase in overall visitors from 2023.
The group is now taking steps to continue their growth trajectory with an investment €100 million in key development areas.
Peter Ottmann, CEO of NürnbergMesse Group, said: “We are making the most of the tailwind from the highly successful anniversary year to make targeted investments in our exhibition grounds in Nuremberg, our worldwide event portfolio and our IT and AI capabilities.”
The group now anticipates a consolidation of their annual revenue with an expected €350 million in sales.
## ICC Wales and TBOE launch event inclusion research project
**ICC Wales and the Business of Events have launched a nationwide research project for the UK’s event industry.**
The study aims to make the future of the events industry more accessible and inclusive.
It will see venues and organizers participate in an anonymous survey to share insights on these areas.
Julie Hammond, chief executive of ICC Wales, said: “If we want to deliver truly inclusive experiences, we must listen to those with lived experience of disability and be honest about where we are now. I urge UK venues to take part in this research, share their challenges and be part of the change.”
Findings of this research will inform an extensive report to be published later this year – highlighting current practices, key areas of improvement and where challenges lie.
This will include solutions on an infrastructure level, along with online accessibility and emerging technologies to improve inclusion.
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [How Nineteen Group’s culture adds rocket fuel to growth](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/peter-jones-apr25/)
**Published:** April 15, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**“We believe that when you prioritize culture, numbers and profit look after themselves”.**
Those are the words of Peter Jones, CEO of Nineteen, about how his company has gone from strength to strength since emerging from lockdown.
This culture-first approach has allowed his team to “blow up rockets”, meaning they applaud failing forwards as long as it’s done with the right values – and it appears to have paid off.
Fresh from transitioning into a new private equity fund in September, the company is now gearing up for its next phase of expansion.
It has its headquarters in Wimbledon, a new APAC office in Singapore and now has plans for a North American HQ having recently appointed Mary Larkin to lead its growth in the region – Nineteen is capitalizing on momentum.
Peter said: “The biggest challenge for the Nineteen Group – and what keeps me awake at night – is just maintaining our culture as the business grows.”
The group has achieved a 25% annual organic growth rate since the pandemic exit in 2022.
Organic expansion, acquisitions and new show launches are on the horizon – reinforcing Nineteen’s aggressive push into new markets.
But for Peter, the numbers are not the primary focus – they are a by-product of a deeply embedded company culture.
Nineteen has established four “core values” which everyone is expected to work by as the company steams towards growth: be kind, agile, driven and inclusive.
Part of this success comes with oversight from Ruth Creely, head of culture, who ensures these characteristics remain embedded in daily decision-making.
Peter said: “As long as you make decisions based on one or more of those four values, when it goes right, we celebrate your success.
“When it goes wrong and you fail, we celebrate it even harder – because we learn our best when we’re failing.”
He added: “That’s how most pioneers innovate. You blow rockets up on the launch pad before you actually break it into near space – and that’s what we do here.
“We blow rockets up. It’s good fun and that’s how we learn.”
Meanwhile, Nineteen’s financial stability is bolstered by its proactive approach to rebooking.
Peter highlighted how approximately 80% of all shows are forward-booked by the time the previous edition concludes.
He added: “That underpins great stability for the year ahead and enables us to focus on adding new business to the shows.
This strategy also allows the company to concentrate on audience delivery – expanding and diversifying its visitor base through content, features, marketing initiatives as well as and social media outreach.
[Nineteen Group](https://www.nineteengroup.com/) now looks forward to its next phase of global expansion plans, with a commitment to culture that remains unwavering.
Peter said: “As long as those values stay really alive in every person in the group, we should be okay.”
Peter founded Nineteen Group in 2002, launching trade shows across a variety of industries – from security to food.
He saw the potential for growth through private equity and attracted investment interest from Phoenix Equity Partners, which first engaged with the company in 2017 and officially partnered in November 2018.
The company expanded significantly in 2023 with the acquisition of Oliver Kinross – a Wolverhampton-based B2B exhibition firm that organizes events in Sydney, New York, Chicago, and London.
In 2024, Nineteen entered a new phase as Phoenix transitioned into a newly formed growth partnership fund, positioning the company for its next stage of development.
Today, the company operates events across multiple sectors, including security, fire, emergency services, cybersecurity, health and safety, workplace management, manufacturing, engineering and maintenance, building services, energy and retail technology.
Looking ahead, he acknowledged the growing role of technology in the events industry but maintains that human connection will always be at the heart of business.
He set out how AI and digital tools are advancing exhibitor and attendee engagement – but only as far as enhancements rather than replacements for in-person interaction.
Peter said: “Machines can’t do everything.”
Technology instead is to serve as a tool to accelerate and refine event experiences, particularly in facilitating business matchmaking.
He added: “Do I see technology and AI playing an increasing role in bringing people together? Yes.
“I see technology probably playing an increasing role, accelerating, matching the right people, the right buyers and sellers together, suggesting meetings.
“But I think it will always be down to human intervention.”
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Events will become an 'oasis of truth' in world of AI - Nick Borelli](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/generative-ai/nick-borelli-jul25/)
**Published:** July 16, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Events will become an “oasis of truth” amid a world where experiences of reality are being increasingly shifted by AI, according to an industry expert.**
Nick Borelli, marketing director at event tech firm Zenus, sees a future where trust built face-to-face becomes one of the most valuable arguments for in-person events.
This is because the need for genuine human interaction grows as AI tools increasingly generate content that looks and sounds real.
He said: “Events will be an oasis of truth. Every other thing that you see online you ask, ‘Is it real? What’s their background? What are they trying to prove?’
“But when I’m meeting you in person, I know you’re there and I ask you a question about, ‘Can you provide this service for me?’
“The result will be an increased amount of acceleration of trust that takes place in person.
“That’s not going to be from a technology doing that, but events leaning into the fact that it is not a complete digital environment. So that part’s exciting for me too.
“As somebody who works in tech, it’s not the answer that most people would give – but I really think that.”
Nick also believes the industry is stuck in outdated ways of thinking – rather than growing and evolving, many events operate in predictable loops.
He sees a pattern where events are judged in simple terms: good or bad, success or failure.
Nick said: “It’s off or it’s on, or it’s good or it’s bad – as opposed to iterative.
“I don’t see this binary thinking as a slight on the intelligence of an organizer – I just see it as the culture of events from the leadership down is to execute an event and see if you can do the same results with a little bit less money.”
It was argued this type of thinking holds events back from real innovation because organisers often repeat what feels safe, rather than trying new things and building on what works.
He added: “Designs aren’t created to grow – they’re designed to not fail. And growth means vulnerability.”
At the heart of Nick’s vision is a move toward iteration. He compares it to digital advertising, where campaigns are tested, adjusted and improved over time.
He wants events to embrace that same mindset. This requires organisers to have access to clear, actionable data.
Zenus uses facial analysis to track sentiment and engagement, all without recording video or identifying individuals.
Nick said: “We’re not trying to position ourselves as instead of post-event surveys. Post-event surveys are awesome because they provide very valuable contextual clues to things that we discover.
Zenus technology captures patterns in how groups respond to different parts of an event.
It can reveal when people are most engaged during sessions or whether a booth design is helping or hurting performance.
This kind of insight is a way to drive real-time change through live dashboards, allowing organisers to make decisions during the show.
Nick said: “You get a dashboard immediately where it starts clocking in data and organizing it into all kinds of different groupings allowing you to compare one thing versus another thing instantaneously and in real time.
“The most progressive show uses are those who evaluate certain aspects of an event at the end of day one, because they get enough data so they can predict how to make a change for day two.”
He pointed out a common pattern in event behaviour – day one tends to have more traffic, but day two sees deeper engagement.
That’s because people use the first day to explore, then return for serious conversations on the second.
Nick added: “Almost every show experience based on our data is more traffic on day one, but day two the story is higher dwell rates within booths.
“So the deeper, more impactful conversations – higher sentiment and higher dwell rates – pretty predictably happen on the second day.”
He wants organisers to use that knowledge to improve planning.
They might focus branding efforts on day one, then schedule key meetings for day two.
One organiser used data-led insights to turn an underused hallway into a premium sponsorship space, which Nick said helped them in generating $250,000 in the process.
But he is also clear that privacy is a core principle – they do not collect personally identifiable information and they avoid use cases that cross ethical boundaries.
He said: “We just say no to money like that all the time. That’s because we have a very specific view of what we offer.
“It really comes down to people who have a firm understanding in the events world of duty of care.”
Meanwhile, Nick sees matchmaking as one of the biggest opportunities in the industry.
But he believes it will only reach its potential if platforms can access richer data sets that persist beyond individual events.
For Nick, the real innovation is not just in the tools, but in how they’re used. He urges organisers to challenge habits and make data a core part of decision-making.
He added: “Comparisons are where you get real value because you get control – it gives you something to have a baseline for.”
**Categories:** Generative AI
---
### [RX grows WTM portfolio with launch in Saudi Arabia](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-09-12/)
**Published:** September 15, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**RX has launched a new edition of World Travel Market for Saudi Arabia**.
The inaugural WTM Spotlight is a new brand in the WTM portfolio which is set to take place in Riyadh next year.
It comes as Messe Frankfurt also announces a move in the market, while UFI has announced approval of a global events standard committee and a major organizer unites with a rebrand.
Here are your other top stories from the Week in Events:
- [RX expands World Travel Market portfolio to Saudi Arabia](#three)
- [Messe Frankfurt launches new subsidiary in Saudi Arabia](#four)
- [UFI announces approval of new events standards committee](#one)
- [MBB Consulting partners with IAEE](#two)
Continue reading for your full industry news.
## RX expands World Travel Market portfolio to Saudi Arabia
**The Saudi Arabian events sector is seeing major moves as RX announces a new expansion to its World Travel Market portfolio.**
WTM Spotlight will see its inaugural event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September and October 2026.
It will focus on a specific market and create new opportunities for regional and international stakeholders.
Vasyl Zhygalo, managing director of Middle East and Emerging Markets at RX, said: “By creating events that delve deeper into a specific market, we offer regional and international stakeholders, as well as travel professionals, an unparalleled opportunity to build essential relationships, gain richer insights, uncover future travel trends and discover innovative new ways to connect the world.
“Ultimately, these shared experiences and cultural insights lay the foundation for long-lasting, mutually beneficial relationships.
“Saudi Arabia is the perfect location to launch this concept – its tourism sector is one of the most ambitious and fastest-growing in the world, and WTM Spotlight will play a pivotal role in supporting its development as a destination by connecting the world to Saudi and Saudi to the world.”
The WTM portfolio RX already includes Arabian Travel Market, World Travel Market as well as events in Cape Town and Sao Paulo.
## **Messe Frankfurt launches new subsidiary in Saudi Arabia**
**Messe Frankfurt has officially launched its new subsidiary in Saudi Arabia.**
The move comes as part of its long-term investment strategy in the Kingdom’s fast-growing events industry.
Azzan Mohamed has been appointed as managing director of the new Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia subsidiary to lead this expansion.
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “With more than twelve years of industry experience, Azzan has an in-depth knowledge of the market and a proven track record with large-scale exhibition formats across the MENA region.
“During his earlier position at Messe Frankfurt Middle East in Dubai, Azzan played a pivotal role in launching Saudi-based formats such as Intersec Saudi Arabia, which generated significant revenue for the group.”
The new subsidiary will be responsible for Messe Frankfurt’s business activities in the Kingdom, offering platforms that are aligned with the local market dynamics and designed specifically for industry players to interact with one another.
It will also drive localisation efforts and lead to strategic partnerships with government bodies, associations and other industry stakeholders to help the Saudi economy in its efforts to diversify further.
Messe Frankfurt Saudi Arabia aims to work closely with government bodies to support its Vision 2030 goals and drive economic growth.
## **UFI announces approval of new events standards committee**
**UFI has announced that a new standards committee has been approved for events.**
ISO, the International Organization for Standardization, develops recognised benchmarks across industries to ensure quality, safety and efficiency.
This new ISO Technical Committee – TC 354 – is expected to establish universal standards across event tech, terminology, safety and security, metrics, accessibility and crisis management.
Hugh Jones, president of UFI, said: “This is a landmark moment for our industry. For the first time, we have a dedicated ISO committee to define and align global standards for events.
“TC 354 recognizes the vital role our sector plays worldwide, not only as a driver of economies and industries, but also of knowledge and professionalism.”
A total of 17 countries are participating to ensure this standardization will boost every area of the event ecosystem.
The scope of the committee spans across event formats and purposes – from academic conferences and business exhibitions to sporting competitions and live entertainment.
It will be managed by the Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR) as it carries out its initiatives.
There will also be a sub-committee that will focus on sustainability in event management.
Franck Lebeugle, general manager of AFNOR’s Standardization Unit, added: “Standardization can provide a shared framework to address the events industry’s multiple challenges and is a key tool to meet the sector’s expectations to harmonize innovation, accessibility, sustainability, safety and profitability.”
## **MBB Consulting partners with IAEE**
**MBB Consulting Group and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events have entered into a strategic partnership.**
The aim is to provide the organization’s members with enhanced global content and specialized consulting services, strengthening the industry through shared expertise and networks.
IAEE members will gain access to MBB’s ingrowth strategies, market research, mergers and acquisitions, venue consulting and education.
Matthias Tesi Baur, CEO of MBB Consulting Group, said: “This collaboration with IAEE is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the exhibition industry by combining our international expertise with IAEE’s global reach.
“With world-class consulting products ready to enhance growth, we are proud to bring international content to IAEE members and contribute to advancing the exhibitions industry worldwide.”
**Marsha Flanagan, CEO of IAEE**, added: “IAEE remains dedicated to empowering our global membership with the resources and knowledge they need to excel in an increasingly dynamic exhibitions industry.
“Through strategic initiatives like this, we are delivering the practical solutions and forward-thinking perspectives that enable our members to adapt, innovate and achieve sustained success in their markets.”
The partnership also extends MBB’s reach into the United States, a key focus market where MBB already works with three dedicated consulting partners as part of its international network covering all major exhibition regions worldwide.
**That was your full Week in Events round-up. To leverage emerging tech for your own event, [book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExploPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Informa retains top revenue ranking as Messe Frankfurt rejoins podium](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-09-05/)
**Published:** September 8, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Informa has retained its top spot in the Stax revenue rankings, as Messe Frankfurt joins the podium.**
The table shows Informa and RX remain the largest exhibition organizers in 2024, with Clarion slipping into fourth position.
Both Hyve and dmg Events joined the top 10 after huge growth over the year – respectively acquisitive and organic, according to Stax.
That is your top story from the Week in Events. Your other industry headlines include:
- [**Events Venture Group completes strategic investment in Explori**](#three)
- **[The Association of Event Organizers appoints Easyfairs CEO as new chair](#one)**
- **[Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2025 sees record-breaking attendance](#two)**
Continue reading for your complete Week in Events.
## **Informa, RX and Messe Frankfurt take top three in Stax rankings**
**The top 20 exhibition organizers saw annual revenue rise almost 15% to just over $10 billion, according to new rankings.**
Figures from the Stax rankings show Informa retained the top post, with RX and Messe Frankfurt taking second and third place respectively.
The 14% overall industry growth was described as “broad-based”, being led by both global leaders and mid-tier challengers.
Informa and RX reported double-digit expansion, with the former achieving a record-breaking $2.74bn in exhibition-organizing revenues – including the acquisition of Ascential.
Hyve nearly doubled its revenues, reflecting both portfolio strength and the acquisitions of HLTH and POSSIBLE. dmg Events grew by approximately 70%, driven by strong performance in the energy and infrastructure sectors as well as Middle Eastern growth.
Messe Frankfurt, NürnbergMesse and IFEMA benefited from positive biennial effects to grow above 25%, whilst CloserStill and IEG reaped the rewards of strong portfolio management to expand at a similar pace.
Comparisons with the 2019 “high watermark” reveal the full arc of recovery and a significant reshuffling of leadership.
Aggregate revenues for the top 20 in 2024 were 20% above 2019 levels – confirming the industry has not just recovered, but grown.
## 
## **Events Venture Group completes strategic investment in Explori**
**Events Venture Group has completed strategic investment in research organization Explori designed to accelerate industry growth.**
The industry intelligence provider is the global leader in providing standardized feedback and data-driven benchmarking for events.
This move means Explori is now in a position to accelerate product developments, tech innovation and expand it’s global intelligence services with the backing of EVG’s syndication.
Mark Brewster, Explori CEO, said: “This syndication is more than just capital – it’s a true partnership with operators and investors who have scaled events and event technology, from the ground up.
“With EVG’s backing, we’re ready to ignite Explori’s next phase of growth.”
EVG sees this as a strategic move to help solve industry challenges and increase ROI across the events industry.
The expectation is that gaining more measurable performance through deeper insights and data-driven performance will result in significant industry growth.
Greg Topalian, founding EVG board mkember, said: “The challenge before us is how to deliver the highest levels of ROI, gain key insights into what our customers want and need and where industries are going.
“Explori is at the center of solving these challenges.”
## **The Association of Event Organizers appoints Easyfairs CEO as new chair**
**Allison Willis has been appointed chairwoman of the Association of Event Organizers (AEO).**
The board made this decision during its most recent meeting with outgoing chair Rachel Swann taking on the role of past chair for the next 12 months.
Allison will have the task of continuing AEO’s member engagement momentum – delivering a fresh value proposition that reflects member needs.
The Easyfairs CEO said: “I’m truly honoured to take on the role of AEO chair at such an exciting time for our sector.
“There’s so much energy and ambition among our members and my priority is to harness that – working together to make the AEO experience even more rewarding, relevant and inspiring.”
AEO also announced that Andrew Williams, vice president of Informa, will take on the role of vice chair along with the appointment of several new additional board members.
The new board members include:
- Emma Barret (managing director of Broadway Events)
- Simon Albert (managing director of Messe Frankfurt UK)
- Tim Willoughby (managing director of Mark Allen Group)
Anna Golden, chief executive of AEO, added: “As we welcome Alison and Andrew into their new roles, my focus will be on deepening our member relationships and delivering on the promise of a refreshed value proposition – one that’s shaped by what our community truly wants and needs.”
## **Formnext Asia Shenzhen 2025 sees record-breaking attendance**
**Additive manufacturing trade fair Formnext Asia Shenzhen has reported record-breaking attendance.**
The South China show saw figures rise by 78% following their 2025 edition.
Formnext’s rising prominence is positioning the fair as the industry hub for Asia’s manufacturing sectors with positive feedback from exhibitors.
Leo Xiao, marketing manager at PollyPolymer, said: “Our sales team was incredibly busy handling a constant stream of inquiries from international clients spanning the Middle East, India, Pakistan, Europe and the US and the organisers’ all-round support, both before and during the show, has been excellent.”
This is supported by Formnext reporting a significant increase in international attendance.
Global participation rose by 158% with 733 international visitors attending the event.
This indicates significant year-on-year growth as the figure has more than doubled for the second consecutive year.
**Thank you for reading your Week in Events. To utilize event tech that will turn these insights into actions? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Accessibility in events: a priority for event professionals](https://expoplatform.com/inclusive-events/accessibility-events-priority/)
**Published:** September 2, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**Accessibility in events is high on the priority list for event professionals.**
It is hot a topic during trade show sessions and is the subject of in-depth industry research projects.
The subject is important enough to warrant European legislation requiring event organizers and venues to meet specific standards.
This article will dive into the following:
- Why is accessibility in events a priority now?
- The European Accessibility Act (EAA)
- Researching how to improve accessibility in events
- How speed networking is making events more inclusive
Organizers and venues are responsible for making the changes necessary to make exhibitions more inclusive.
Exhibitors and attendees who have disabilities or who are neurodiverse have the same right to benefit from events as anyone else in the industry.
The events industry must do what it can to make necessary changes now.
## **Why is accessibility in events a priority now?**
Making events more accessible and inclusive is a priority because the events industry must meet current standards.
Awareness around inclusion and accessibility has increased over the past several years.
All industries are going to greater lengths to improve their standards in this area.
The events industry is considered to be behind compared to other sectors.
This is due to some unique challenges that not all other industries face.
Worldwide infrastructure updates are required that will impact some venues more than others.
Some venues may have less step-free access or facilities than others and will find it costly to implement the necessary changes.
The core nature of events presents another challenge – large spaces filled with crowds of people who are there to network and approach each other.
This creates a scenario that can be daunting and hard to navigate for neurodiverse people.
Organizers can find this challenge difficult to overcome as core elements need to change in order to create more accessibility in events.
Alterations also need to be made to the digital events space such as ensuring visual and audio aids are present online.
A session on industry priorities was held during the Meeting Show 2025, with a key takeaway being that accessibility in events is a concern that should be prioritized event professionals.
Around 15% of the global population has a disability or is neurodiverse. This should incentivize event companies as this is a significant audience that is not being adequately catered to.
## **The European Accessibility Act (EAA)**
Outside of the value incentive to make events more accessible and inclusive there is also the legal requirement.
The European Accessibility Act (EAA) came fully into effect on June 28 2025 – legislation which primarily impacts event websites, platforms and other digital services.
All visuals need text descriptions and/or alt tags, captions or transcripts for videos and color contrasts need to be taken into account.
Online platforms must be accessible for non-mouse and non-keyboard users who use other methods to navigate the online space.
Regulatory bodies will ensure these practices are complied with on an ongoing basis.
Adherence to the specific requirements laid out by the act is crucial, but further changes are implicit.
All ships must rise with the tide and that is how this act is impacting the events industry.
What needs to be done is not only in accordance with the EAA but also to raise the standards across the board to make events more inclusive.
This includes making changes to venue infrastructure – building accessibility, navigation with clear signage, appropriately trained staff and the proper restroom facilities etc.
Organizers are also responsible for ensuring the transport to the venue is appropriate for people with disabilities.
With this act the events industry understands that the approach to accessibility in events must be proactive rather than reactive going forward.
## **Researching how to improve accessibility in events**
Event professionals need to know precisely what needs to change now that inclusion and accessibility are priorities.
Some of the inclusionary issues the events industry faces are long-standing.
Other challenges could be less obvious and therefore need a light shining on them to overcome them.
The most important question is – what actions do we need to take to create long-lasting change?
ICC Wales recently teamed up with the Business of Events to conduct a nationwide research project across the UK to help answer that question.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events is backing the project to identify key obstacles and possible solutions.
Data gathered from venues and organizers will inform a report containing actionable insights.
These findings will help event companies implement meaningful change and raise industry standards to the expected level.
Event companies should also conduct internal and external research of their own outside of this report.
A key element of accessibility and inclusion is acknowledging that one size does not fit all.
Some individual venues and organizers will have challenges subjective to them and will need to find their own solution to meet raised industry standards.
## **How existing solutions can help to create more inclusive events**
There are several existing solutions and technologies that can help to make events more inclusive.
#### Customizable Floor Plans
A fundamental way for organizers to provide more accessibility it to consider how people with disabilities can navigate their event.
They can tailor their floor plan with inclusive considerations.
Organizers can customize their plan to provide easy wheelchair access and clear guidance and signage for attendees with visual impairments.
Crafting a floor plan with these as core considerations creates a good foundation for a more accessible event.
Developing better inclusivity within events starts from the floor up.
#### AI-Matchmaking
The purpose of events is to create valuable in-person connections.
Attendees often approach at random and engagements can last anything from a few seconds to several minutes.
These scenarios can hinder neurodiverse people – large crowds, people approaching randomly and engaging without structure.
AI tech in event is making this more manageable by creating more structure pre-event
Through AI-matchmaking attendees are presented with exhibitors that are directly relevant to them.
This creates a less disarming environment as professionals know ahead of time the engagement will be with someone who is more likely to understand what topics will be discussed without the need for deep explanations.
Random encounters throughout the event are reduced, attendees do not have as much pressure on them to find out if the connection is relevant to them and they have an idea of what the day will look like and who they need to meet ahead of time.
The structure and straightforwardness of events will continue to improve as the AI-matchmaking tech advances.
Which will create a less disarming event environment for neurodiverse people.
#### Speed Networking
Speed networking is another solution to make events more inclusive towards neurodiverse people.
Sessions are structured, contain a fixed number of people, are timed and topics of discussion are all but pre-determined.
Participants get straight to the point and are aware that the meeting will end in a few minutes.
Neurodiverse people can be comfortable knowing ahead of time who they are engaging with and having a clear structure.
These attributes can help people who struggle with traditional event networking to thrive in the exhibition space.
Having speed networking sessions as part of an event used to be seen as an add-on for an event.
Now it is a must-have since inclusion and accessibility in events are top priorities for the events industry.
Take a look at speed networking solutions [here](https://expoplatform.com/networks/) and take the step towards making your next event more inclusive.
**Categories:** Inclusive events
---
### [UFI embarks on business mission to LatAm](https://expoplatform.com/blog/week-in-events/wie-2025-08-04/)
**Published:** August 4, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**UFI has issued an open call to all members and non-members who want to join its business mission to LatAm.**
Your top story from the Week in Events highlights the move to connect stakeholders in the region-s growing events industry / with Colombian capital Bogota as the center point.
Here are your other news highlights:
- [Hyve continues to expand its portfolio with EdTech acquisition](#two)
- [Kuala Lumpur secures six conferences](#three)
Continue reading for your full Week in Events roundup.
## UFI launches mission to connect international stakeholders with LatAm’s growing events industry
**UFI is heading to Bogota on an industry scouting mission as part of plans to boost its presence in Latin America.**
The Colombian capital is emerging as a strategic exhibition hub in LatAm and is primed for new and diverse opportunities for the events community.
UFI has opened registration to all members and non-members to join the mission in order to connect global organizers, suppliers and venues to the fast-growing LatAm exhibition market.
Ana Maria Arango, regional director for Central and South America at UFI, said: “I am convinced about the huge potential of the exhibition industry in Latin America.
“The global community just needs to discover our market. We have plenty of trusted partners in the region and Corferias has proven this role through the different international partnerships established in the last two decades.”
UFI’s program will last two days between October 14 and 15 and will be hosted at the Corferias Convention Center.
Stakeholders will given insights into why the region’s exhibition sector is beginning to boom.
It aims to lead to new opportunities for international stakeholders and continued regional growth in the industry.
Andres Lopez-Valderrama, executive president of Corferias, added: “This event represents a unique opportunity to strengthen regional collaboration across Latin America, highlight Bogotá and the region’s potential as a hub for international exhibitions.”
## Hyve continues to expand its portfolio with EdTech acquisition
**Hyve has made another acquisition as part of efforts to improve its position in education tech.**
The GSV Summit is a leading annual event for C-suite leaders of the market.
This is the fifth addition Hyve has made to its portfolio in 12 months.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve, said: “Together, GSV Summit and Bett form a powerful new alliance across the global learning landscape.”
Bett has been the leading EdTech summit for the UK, Brazil and Asia for more than 40 years.
Hyve has further strengthened its global education presence by having both platforms under its umbrella.
Both events will continue to operate distinct from one another but will now have the opportunity to collaborate and share industry insights.
Ducan Verry, portfolio director for Hyve’s global edtech events, added: “Our Bett customers have told us time and again they want more access and insight into the U.S. and now we can deliver that.
“With the GSV Summit joining forces with Bett, we’re building bridges between two complementary communities.”
## Kuala Lumpur secures six conferences
**The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has secured six major international conferences over two years.**
These events will generate an estimated RM77.5million (USD18.2million) for Malaysia’s economy.
The conferences will cover several sectors including clean-energy tech, aviation, global health security, women’s health and evidence-based guidelines.
John Burke, general manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, said: “Beyond the RM77 million in direct economic contribution, these events will spark new partnerships, accelerate talent development and showcase our nation’s commitment to driving solutions for aviation safety, global health security, net-zero technology and women’s health.”
The center has an ongoing commitment to deliver economic value to the country.
Securing these conferences is also significant in furthering Malaysia’s goal of positioning itself as a strategic hub for business events in the Asia Pacific region.
Kuala Lumpur has become a key strategic partner in achieving this goal – playing a vital role in improving Malaysia’s visibility in the global business events industry.
**These were your top stories from the Week in Events – thank you for reading. [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to apply industry-leading tech to your event.**
**Categories:** Week in Events
---
### [Maximize event ROI: Your guide to a Hosted Buyer Program](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/)
**Published:** May 25, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**A Hosted Buyer program connects key industry suppliers with top business leaders – the aim of the game for an event organizer.**
This solution offers a way to make exhibitions and trade shows more compelling for your exhibitors.
Although digital has proven an effective knowledge-sharing medium, exhibitors are not entirely convinced about its ROI.
Finding the right connections, getting qualified leads and closing business deals quickly remains a challenge.
In-person events are the best arena for doing this, but sometimes a more direct format is needed to help buyers and sellers connect.
**The answer lies in the form of [Hosted Buyer programs](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/).**
A well-designed digital program can work just as effectively using online Hosted Buyer management software.
In this guide, we will explore these programs in detail and learn how to execute one successfully using proprietary Hosted Buyer software.
Here’s what we will cover:
- **[What is a Hosted Buyer?](#stepone)**
- **[What is a Hosted Buyer program?](#steptwo)**
- **[What are the benefits of a Hosted Buyer program?](#stepthree)**
- **[Challenges at Hosted Buyer events](#stepfour)**
- **[Examples of events with Hosted Buyer program](#stepfive)**
- **[How to execute a successful Hosted Buyer program using online Hosted Buyer software](#stepsix)**
- **[Conclusion](#stepseven)**
## **What is a Hosted Buyer?**
First, let’s understand what a Hosted Buyer is.
People typically participate in trade shows or other B2B events as regular attendees.
But at times, they are part of a Hosted Buyer program.
Organizers host these buyers by sponsoring their travel, accommodation, meals, transfers and create a bespoke experience so they can meet exhibitors through pre-arranged appointments.
**A Hosted Buyer is pre-qualified based on their decision-making and spending power within an organization.**
They have a singular goal in mind – to find the best suppliers who can provide optimum business solutions.
Meeting them means a genuine opportunity to win new business without having to go through the traditional route of finding, nurturing and converting leads.
## **What is a Hosted Buyer program?**
**A Hosted Buyer program facilitates business by scheduling appointments between pre-qualified buyers and interested sellers.**
The suppliers/exhibitors can maximize their sales potential while buyers can make better purchase decisions.
This format creates a highly targeted business environment by connecting key industry suppliers with top business leaders.
## **What are the benefits?**
The most important benefit of a Hosted Buyer program is its ability to drive business deals in a short space of time.
Everything is laid out on the table according to predefined criteria – annual budgets, decision-making and purchasing power, the number of events organized annually etc.
Both sides gain access to valuable networking opportunities and direct business results without resorting to endless meetings and filtering leads.
**Here are some advantages of the program:**
1. High-quality matchmaking and increased sales potential for the sellers.
2. Sellers can measure ROI precisely – tracing all sales back to pre-booked appointments.
3. Opportunity for new industry exhibitors to connect and interact with valuable leads.
4. Ample time for buyers and sellers to research each other before the event. Which provides the opportunity to present feedback for mutual growth and makes the meeting more effective.
5. Attendees are shielded from the constant bombardment of sales pitches, messages and reach-out mails. A fixed schedule frees up time to engage in knowledge-sharing and training sessions at the event.
## **Challenges of Hosted Buyer programs**
### **1. How to qualify Hosted Buyers**
Visitors qualify as Hosted Buyers based on the professional information they provide to organizers.
This includes economic details such as purchasing and importing volume, products of interest, geographical area, budgetary restrictions and previous event participation history.
Once they meet the criteria, they are provided with a personalized meeting schedule that they must adhere to to qualify for coverage of their expenses.
This line-up of selected buyers serves as a list of qualified leads for exhibitors.
The Hosted Buyers enjoy the benefits of having their expenses covered by organizers or sponsor companies.
Most iterations of such programs are quite productive for both parties.
Hosted Buyers are quite clear on their buying capacity and requirements, while sellers can connect and network with potential customers in a limited timeframe.
However, there can be some challenges while shortlisting these buyers.
**It’s crucial to vet their past purchase history and determine if they intend to buy in the coming months.**
You don’t want to end up with forced appointments and disappointing results.
### **2. How to manage scheduling woes at Hosted Buyer events**
Overseeing and managing appointments requires effort to ensure everything goes smoothly.
A meeting scheduler/tracker dashboard helps make the process more efficient through:
- **Easy Monitoring**: Organizers can view a complete list of scheduled appointments under one heading. Users can add relevant metrics to the list, such as the date and time of the scheduled meeting, hall locations/coordinates, the status of the meetings and ratings for each meeting.
- **Managing Check-ins**: Buyers can log their digital check-ins, enabling organizers to keep track of their progress throughout the event.
- **Rescheduling capabilities**: Rescheduling options help avoid ‘forced appointments’ and create a collaborative and natural meetings experience.
### **3. How to ensure quality networking and avoid spamming**
Email bombardments and spamming can be highly detrimental to networking at Hosted Buyer events.
Some organizers mistake networking as simply forwarding email address lists to sellers.
This can be a major turn-off and possibly violate privacy regulations and compliance rules.
AI Matchmaking software can help organizers build meaningful business connections in the following ways:
- **Regulating connection requests:** Attendees can use conditional logic to receive valuable connections based on categories and preferences of their choice, avoiding spam requests.
- **Recommend quality content:** Relevant products, event-related content and news recommendations to learn more about different companies.
### **Examples of events who used a Hosted Buyer program**
The **ILTM World Tour** is a series of luxury travel events that connects local buyers worldwide to suppliers through one-to-one pre-scheduled meetings.
In 2020, ILTM shifted its event to the virtual space due to COVID-related challenges.
They had to cater to audiences across three different time zones: Asia-Pacific, EMEA and the Americas.
Alison Gilmore, ILTM’s exhibition director told how they delivered a successful three-week event at scale using ExpoPlatform.
She said: “ExpoPlatform provided a seamless experience in pivoting our flagship ILTM event to virtual space. The platform’s hosted-buyer solutions and AI matchmaking abilities added a new dimension of online interactions and networking to the event, creating a richer, more connected experience for the participants.
“As a result, the ILTM Virtual World Tour, which was spread over nine days, across three weeks and three regions event, was highly praised by our exhibitors and attendees.”
Read the **[full case study here](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/iltm-world-tour-2020/)**.
**CosmoProf Worldwide Bologna** is a global trade show that brings together major international players from the beauty and cosmetics industry.
Hosted Buyer programs are popular within this industry and the organizers wanted something similar for their flagship event.
An event tech platform with robust Hosted Buyer capabilities was needed to create personalized meetings and handle the event’s scale and complexity.
An in-depth analysis of the pain points enabled ExpoPlatform to develop a customized digital platform with accurate matchmaking, meeting and messaging functionality.
This laid the foundation that has been significantly strengthened since first becoming the event tech provider in 2019.
The 2025 edition once again saw significant success, with **pre-event meeting requests** **rising by 4.5%** and the number of these meetings taking place is up year over year.
Read the **[full case study here](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/cosmoprofs/)**.
### **How to execute a successful Hosted Buyer program using online Hosted Buyer software**
**Engaging with Hosted Buyers should be a smooth, hassle-free experience, but managing multiple stakeholders can trap you in an endless circle of chaos.**
Using a Hosted Buyer management platform with advanced AI-powered capabilities can significantly improve the Hosted Buyer’s journey from complex to simple.
In the following sections, you will learn how to execute a successful Hosted Buyer management program using an **[online Hosted Buyer platform](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/)**.
**Buyer registration and approval**
Organizers have access to an intuitive dashboard through which one can roll out e-invitations with registration forms to a pool of buyers.
Suitable buyers can be handpicked post-registration by approving the data from these forms within minutes.
Shortlisted buyers will receive automated personalized email and message confirmations, with options to customize their profiles.
The platform opens the networking section to connect and interact once the desired number of buyers has been reached.
**Benefits setup**
Create buyer categories and fill in remuneration, benefits and allowance-related information in the portal.
The buyers just need to download, upload and provide signed documents through the integrated dashboard to move the process along.
**Setting up networking for buyer**
Organizers set up emails to send profiles of recommended exhibitors to buyers, who can vote ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for each exhibitor.
A score is generated based on the votes of buyers and exhibitors.
Matching scores are generated based on the product categories selected in the profiles.
The networking window is open six to eight weeks before the event so buyers and sellers can interact and set expectations accordingly.
**Creating the meeting plan**
Organizers can set up the meeting plan manually or trigger the algorithm based on the generated score to decide on the optimum seating arrangement.
New meetings can be added, suggested meetings can be changed and the algorithm can run multiple times to reshuffle unlocked tables.
Once the arrangement is complete, finalize the meeting schedule and send it to the buyer.
This meeting schedule is final and locked, with no further requests allowed for change.
**Setting up networking for exhibitors**
Exhibitors/distributors receive an email with the finalized meeting schedule so they can assign team members to different meetings.
The schedule will mention the company’s name if no names are assigned.
Exhibitors can also add new meetings through meeting check-ins and reviews.
**Meetings happen in-person or online**
Meetings between the Hosted Buyer and the exhibitors are held in-person, online or both – depending on whether the event format is live, virtual or hybrid.
Special designated areas and rooms are booked beforehand at the event venue if the Hosted Buyers and exhibitors are expected to meet face-to-face.
**Meeting ratings and success analysis**
The Hosted Buyer receives email notifications and reminders to review and rate all the meetings.
They can do this through the dashboard.
Organizers get access to buyer details, reviews, and data analytics – the buyer’s interest categories, total number of buyers, confirmed meetings and more.
These stats can be analyzed to assess the success of the Hosted Buyer program.
## **Conclusion**
**Hosted Buyer programs allow buyers to cut through the weeds and network with selected exhibitors handpicked after rigorous research and [AI-powered data crunching](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/).**
It’s all about tactics to convert pre-qualified leads into customers for exhibitors.
The idea of organizing a Hosted Buyer event may sound achievable on paper, but many organizers are still unaware of how digital technology can make the process remarkably simple.
Proper technological solutions should always be the first step, combined with a concierge team (in-house or freelance) who can arrange the meetings.
Imagine a platform where a single click can launch screens of structured data from questionnaires to qualify buyers.
This creates a digital hub where organizers can sift through the complete list of appointments and track remuneration accordingly.
Meanwhile, exhibitors can curate their own profiles so buyers can network with sellers who match their preferences.
**Learn how to boost your sales potential and drive ROI with a [free demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).**
We hope you found this article useful. Thank you for reading.
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [The key elements that define AI-powered events](https://expoplatform.com/ai-in-events/key-elements-of-ai-in-events/)
**Published:** July 7, 2025
**Author:** Matthew Toale
**Content:**
**AI-powered technology is constantly evolving to meet the priorities of event professionals.**
It’s triggered a shift in how events enable businesses to meet their goals – even [impacting the amount of marketing budget](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/event-budgets-chloe-richardson-25/) allocated to live shows.
Production, engagement, data analysis and overall experiences are improving – but what are the key elements of an AI-powered event?
Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:
- [**Capitalizing on AI in Events with AI-recommended content**](#one)
- [**AI-driven product suggestions**](#two)
- [**Customizable attendee preferences**](#three)
- [**AI-powered event matchmaking**](#four)
These are attributes that position AI-powered event platforms as the go-to medium for marketing. Read on for more.
## **Capitalizing on AI in Events with AI-recommended content**
On-demand content recommended to attendees is an important attribute of AI-powered events.
Algorithms record attendees’ behaviors and interests to drive content recommendations that suit them.
This includes interest in specific products, brands, speakers, panels, workshops and more.
The algorithm takes relevant content that aligns with these interests and suggest it to attendees.
Exhibitors are then empowered to showcase high-value content designed to increase lead generation and peak brand interest.
They can optimize AI-recommended content to build the foundations for positive interactions with attendees before engaging with them.
Attendees are then given more opportunities to connect with brands they align with based on content consumed.
**Discover more opportunities for personalized experiences with [the AI Blueprint.](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)**
## **AI-driven product suggestions**
AI-powered algorithms use insights from attendees to recommend relevant products and services.
A vital attribute of these intelligent algorithms is they enable exhibitors to expedite their lead-generation process and prioritize high-value leads to the front of the pipeline.
The tech gives both parties confidence when connecting by picking up on what attendees are interested in.
It means they know in advance which exhibitors have products or services relevant to their needs.
Meanwhile, exhibitors are put in a good position to connect with attendees who will more likely translate to high-value leads.
It also gives them confidence that the attendee is approaching them due to a specific interest in what their brand has to offer.
Most base-level brand awareness is now occurring pre-engagement due to AI and exhibitors can focus on expanding on this.
This streamlines conversations and empowers exhibitors to engage with more attendees.
## **Customizable attendee preferences**
Not all AI-recommended content, products or exhibitor matches will be what the attendee wants.
This is why organizers need to provide a platform where the algorithm gives maximum preference control for the attendee.
Content recommended outside their preferences or interests results in attendees signaling the need to change what the algorithm is suggesting.
Continually learning and adapting to the evolving needs of both exhibitors and attendees is a critical element of AI in events.
It highlights the attendee’s required solutions, prioritizing their individual pain and passion points by removing irrelevant information.
Remember – attendees want their event experience to be specifically personalized to them.
Event organizers are responsible for ensuring they receive the best experience through AI-assisted customization.
This includes the need to have some control over the content they consume, the exhibitors they engage with and the panels, speakers and workshops they attend.
**[Download the Event Tech Forecast 2025](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/) to discover more about how AI is fueling this year’s events.**
## **Connecting via AI-powered matchmaking**
Each of these elements are key parts of AI-powered matchmaking.
Attendees are recommended brands who align with their product and service interests, but also with like-minded exhibitors who share their values.
Meanwhile, exhibitors are capitalizing on knowing visitors they are engaging with are further along the pipeline thanks to the algorithm.
A combination of real-time data, lead scoring and customized preferences enables exhibitors to optimize engagement to capture high-value leads.
AI matchmaking lays the groundwork for more attendee engagements at a faster pace, who are then more likely to convert into valuable opportunities and accelerate follow-up times.
The use of this technology in events is the definition of a win-win – but event organizers need to provide the right platform to bring all these attributes together seamlessly.
**Maximize meaningful connections with AI in events through ExpoPlatform’s [AI Matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/).**
**Categories:** AI in Events
---
### [Tech Partnerships 'Power Personalised Event Experiences'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/partnership/narisa-wild-may25/)
**Published:** May 7, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Deeper tech partnerships are creating more meaningful customer experiences across major US exhibitions, according to an industry leader.**
Narisa Wild, Chief Digital Officer at Clarion Events North America, said her team is pursuing a path of close collaboration with vendors to drive better outcomes for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors.
The organizer aims to form closer ties with a smaller number of key partners – focusing on joint problem-solving, data sharing and building features that truly enhance the customer journey.
Narisa said: “We’re highly focused on how we collaborate with our technology partners. Rather than working with a large number across North America, we aim to build deeper relationships with fewer key players.”
As part of this strategy, Clarion has started providing partners with behavioural data that reveals how tools are being used in real time.
The organizer has brought vendors into collaborative workshops to analyse the experience from the customer’s perspective. These sessions are built around practical questions like: “What are the pain points for exhibitors? Where do attendees get stuck?”
One success story has come from second-screen functionality. The in-app experience allows users to engage with session summaries and live content without being physically present in every room – something that has boosted satisfaction on site.
Narisa said: “Our second-screen experiences have added significant value both during and after the show. At the same time, the vendor behind this tech has seen increased adoption and usability improvements. It’s a win-win.”
She added: “By sharing this data, our partners gain a clearer understanding of their products and how they can improve them.
“It enhances the journey and creates mutual benefits for both sides.”
Narisa set out how Clarion wants its visitors to leave its shows feeling empowered – not just informed.
Today’s events can be inspiring, but also exhausting. She believes organisers have a role to play in shifting that balance.
Narisa said: “How do we make it so it’s not overwhelming? Is it meaningful? Is it efficient? When they go back to the office, do they feel like they’ve actually got what they need to succeed?”
“You leave a show and you might feel happy or inspired, but you can also feel drained.
“We’re trying to transform that feeling with tech that simplifies and supports.”
## **The rise of artificial intelligence**
These platform integrations have become even more important as AI transforms how people discover and engage with information online.
Clarion is now treating AI-powered discovery as a primary traffic source, alongside SEO, social and syndication.
Narisa said: “We’re definitely thinking about the role of AI and how it’s impacting search. It’s reshaping the way advertisers measure success.
“Our content has to be even better – trusted, relevant and consistently reliable.”
It was highlighted how relevance is now central to digital strategy – content must signal authority not just to people, but to machines.
She added: “Now for your authority scores to improve, you have to consider AI search in the same way you do traditional organic or social.”
## **Beyond the click**
Clarion’s metrics for success are evolving to match this shift, turning its focus away from high-volume web traffic or downloads.
The organiser tracks how audiences move across digital touchpoints, analysing the interactions that build trust and signal long-term loyalty. This mirrors a broader trend across the global events sector.
Narisa said: “Traffic isn’t the only measure anymore. We’re looking at how people convert and how they interact with what we give them.
“Are they subscribing? Personalising? Sharing content? That’s what matters.
“Whether it’s AI search, SEO, social or partnerships – they’re all different streams of traffic. We’re asking: which of these actually drive engagement?”
## **Building trust through data**
That same thinking is now being applied to registration with Clarion moving toward a more transparent exchange, where visitors can see how their data improves the experience they get.
Trust is central to this process. According to [Cisco’s 2024 Data Privacy Benchmark Study](https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en_us/about/doing_business/trust-center/docs/cisco-privacy-benchmark-study-2024.pdf), 94% of consumers won’t buy from brands they don’t trust with their data.
Although this is a B2C figure, it shouldn’t be too far away from our B2B industry.
Narisa said: “We’re looking critically at registration. Do we really need to ask all these questions? Or would it be better to understand what the customer actually wants us to know to create a strong experience?”
“If you give us three points of information about yourself,” she said: “we can show you how it helps build your schedule. That might actually convince someone to complete the sign-up.”
She added: “Transparency is becoming very important to us. We’re more open about what we do with the data and how it benefits the attendee.”
## **An app with purpose**
Another area of focus is driving app adoption – but not through promotion alone. The goal is to show clear value.
At many of Clarion’s major exhibitions, app usage is exceeding 80–90%.
That success comes from specific enhancements – such as second-screen tools and AI-driven summaries – that allow participants to engage with more content in less time.
Narisa said: “We’ve worked really hard to move attendees away from thinking of the mobile app as just a schedule. It’s now something that makes the entire show experience better, more efficient and less stressful.”
She added: “We’ve introduced AI tools that summarise sessions they can’t attend.
“That’s helping with both the value proposition and the experience overall.”
## **Looking to the future**
Clarion’s transformation strategy is rooted in personalisation, performance signals and trust. It’s designed to meet people where they are and help them get where they’re going faster.
The next step for Clarion is encouraging more collaboration among vendors themselves.
Narisa said: “I actively encourage our partners to work together. The more aligned they are, the more value they can deliver to the audience.
“We’re still a work in progress. But we’re building experiences that actually serve the individual. That’s where the future is.”
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Partnership
---
### [Event registration data 'is broken' - here's how to fix it](https://expoplatform.com/blog/event-registration-data-is-broken-heres-how-to-fix-it/)
**Published:** April 11, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**“Registration is broken” – that’s the claim which set the tone for the Event Tech Trends 2025 webinar.**
The session – moderated by ExpoPlatform CEO [Tanya Pinchuk](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyapinchuk/) – featured CEO of [Gleanin](https://www.linkedin.com/company/gleanin/) [Tamar Beck](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarbeck/), CTO of [Easyfairs](https://www.linkedin.com/company/easyfairs/) [Stephan Forseilles](https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanforseilles/) as well as [Narisa Wild](https://www.linkedin.com/in/narisawild?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAF2ZPoBwI_l3jYAQKIAJodqkhHMlqDpiWY), CDO of [Clarion Events Inc. – North America.](https://www.linkedin.com/company/clarioneventsna/)
Panellists voiced their frustration with the outdated, inefficient nature of event registration data collected – before setting out how to do it better.
The group also explored how digital revenue models and real-time data could revolutionise event strategy as part of a wide-ranging yet tech-focused discussion.
Their insights – based on the findings of the [**Event Tech Forecast 2025**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=webinar_followup_apr25) – highlighted emerging trends set to shape the future of event technology. Read on to get their insights.
**Download the full** [**Event Tech Forecast 2025**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=webinar_followup_apr25) **to learn more.**
### ‘Registration is broken’
**Registration was chosen as the most important feature in the Event Tech Forecast, with 73% choosing it as a priority.**
Despite its maturity, the panellists found lots of ways this process can be digitally enhanced to improve a range of areas.
Tamar called for a rethink of how organisers collect data during event registration, criticising the current approach as overly burdensome and ultimately ineffective.
**Question: What is your key event tech feature?**
She said: “There’s lots of things broken with registration. First of all, the registration forms are too long.
“They are collecting data that is of no value to the attendee – I still get asked for my home address. I get asked for my mobile number. I get asked whether I’m a Mr. or a Ms.”
It was argued these questions are often justified on the basis of matching or segmentation, but rarely deliver meaningful outcomes for the attendee.
This disconnect is believed to be leading to a systemic issue – attendees are providing false or low-quality data because they don’t see any benefit in being honest.
Her message to organisers is they must ensure there’s a tangible value exchange when collecting personal information.
She said: “If you’re going to ask for data, make sure you’re giving the attendee something back for it.
“If someone’s going to get some value from it, they’ll give you honest answers.
“If I go to an event and you tell me that you’re going to concierge my experience – make sure that I meet the people I’ve told you I want to meet, be in the right places for the networking events – I’m interested. I will happily tell you what it is that I’m interested in seeing.”
Tamar described blanket forms with dozens of standardised questions as “crazy” and also challenged the common assumption that exhibitors value this kind of demographic data.
Narisa also emphasised the need for simplicity in data collection and clear value exchange for the participants.
At the core of Clarion’s strategy is the concept of “golden records” – the essential information that delivers the most value.
She agreed with the concept of “immediate gratification” – whether that’s showing attendees tailored session recommendations or relevant networking matches in real time.
**Panellists covered a wide range of tech-focused topics.**
Narisa said: “We try to run off the premise that as simple as we can be in the creation of a profile of an individual, the better.
“How can we present to them that there’s 250 people that could really be worthwhile connecting with. There’s 65 sessions, or 24 sessions now or we’re tailoring it down as you’re giving us more information.
“That’s what we’re really focused on – how do we provide that immediate gratification?”
Part of this requires a streamlined organisational structure to ensure consistency in how information is collected and used across all events.
Narisa also stressed the importance of deep vendor partnerships, describing a reciprocal model where shared product strategy improves both vendor tools and Clarion’s own data flow into its central warehouse.
It was set out that the combination of culture, structure and strategy is turning Clarion’s data vision into business transformation.
Meanwhile, Stephan set out how it made him “ashamed” that companies still have to ask for the same information from visitors every time they do a show.
This was contrasted with those of B2C giants who have a much more streamlined user experience.
He said: “Registration is broken. We cannot make appropriate identity management. We have to ask all the questions.
“Netflix, never ask me questions. Amazon, never ask me questions.”
### How to improve registration
### ✅ Registration Do’s
1. **Keep forms short and focused:** Collect only essential data that delivers clear value to both organiser and attendee.
2. **Provide immediate value in return for data:** Show attendees why you’re asking for information and how it will benefit them – such as personalised recommendations or relevant networking matches.
3. **Tailor the experience dynamically:** Use the data you collect to offer real-time, personalised suggestions – like sessions to attend or people to meet.
4. **Build trust through transparency and consistency:** A clear and consistent data strategy, supported by internal structure and strong vendor relationships, enables smarter data use and better attendee experiences.
5. **Educate internal teams on data use:** Empower marketing and event teams to make data-informed decisions through accessible dashboards and training.
### ❌ Registration Don’ts
1. **Don’t ask irrelevant or outdated questions:** Avoid pointless information such as the home address and title- are your data points outdated with no attendee value?
2. **Don’t use long, generic forms:** Blanket forms with 40+ standard questions are not only off-putting – they lead to inaccurate or rushed responses.
3. **Don’t assume data is valuable just because it’s demographic:** Exhibitors often care more about meaningful engagement at their booth than abstract job titles or budgets.
4. **Don’t ignore the ‘why’ behind your questions:** Asking for data without a clear purpose or attendee benefit leads to mistrust and poor data quality.
5. **Don’t lag behind B2C expectations:** Events must move toward seamless identity management and personalised experiences, or risk being left behind.
### Real-time data now a must-have
**Event organisers must overhaul their data systems to meet the growing demand for real-time insights or risk falling behind in 2025, according to the panel.**
Higher turnaround times in this information helps to drive better personalisation, problem solving and improving dynamics at your show.
Stephan called for a fundamental shift in how event organisers handle this information, setting out the standard for how fast we need to be in the modern event environment.
He said: “In 2025, if your data is delayed by even an hour, it’s already too slow.”
The expectation for real-time or near real-time insights is being driven by both operational needs and the rise of more advanced services at events – such as live attendee tracking, instant meeting notifications and real-time content recommendations.
> The technology is there. It’s just a matter of how much effort and money you want to put into your real-time data.
He gave the example of exhibitor invite tracking: “When an exhibitor invites people to a show, they can say, I want to get the notification when that person enters the show. If it takes three hours to get the notification, it’s useless.”
At the heart of this capability is a robust data infrastructure – an essential pipeline needed to deliver timely information, from extraction and transformation to warehouse delivery and processing.
Stephan said: “Data is like cars – if you want a fast one, it’s more expensive.”
The importance of differentiating between data flows – recognising which insights are time-sensitive and which are not – was also stressed.
Stephan said: “It doesn’t make sense to refresh your data warehouse every five minutes during the night.
“But during the event – or in the final days leading up to it – speed is essential.”
Major consumer tech platforms were used as an example of how it should work.
He said: “The technology is there. It’s just a matter of how much effort and money you want to put into your real-time data.”
### What are the options for digital revenue?
**Almost two-thirds of eventprofs believe their digital budget will increase, although half say they generate less than 10% of revenue through these channels.**
Findings from the Event Tech Forecast show add-ons to basic exhibitor packages was the most popular option at 31%, with different package levels following at 26%.
It also shows that 47% found it challenging to introduce digital sponsorship options at their events – so how can more be done?
**Question: What are your annual digital revenue expectations?**
Narisa set out a bold vision for diversifying digital revenue, using AI-powered tools to extend the life and value of event content far beyond the show floor.
She said: “Traditionally, you have media – so think about marketing services, lead generation, extending the lead opportunity for sponsors. On site, we obviously have lots of sponsors and we’re garnering leads for them. But we’re capturing that information using AI.”
Clarion is leveraging artificial intelligence to summarise sessions and produce tailored debriefs for sponsors – bite-sized content that can be marketed post-event.
This creates an extension that stretches revenue potential over a longer lifecycle.
Narisa said: “We’ve summarised day one, day two and day three for you in very short synopses, so you can capture all that information – that’s a lead. That’s a lead gen extension, which can drive revenue in different ways over a longer period of time.”
But the strategy goes further than post-show reports. Narisa is focused on building the “next generation of attendees” by repackaging event content into educational tools – offering younger professionals, who may not yet attend in person, access to Clarion’s premium insights.
Narisa said: “We might take a subsection – maybe 10 or 20% – and we’re creating educational content for the next generation of attendees.
“You’re not paying $2,000 to $3,000 for your youngest employees to come, but here’s access to really powerful content that allows them to grow in their roles and prepare for when they’re ready to attend in two, three, four years.”
**How eventprofs are currently generating digital revenue.**
This future-facing strategy is also being tested in Clarion’s emergency services portfolio, where subscription-based learning tools are already in place.
Narisa said: “We’re capturing content at the event. We’re running on-site education, continuing education, but we’re also taking that to the digital environment as a subscription… That diversification of revenue and products – extending the life of the on-site product – is what we’re really now beginning to explore.”
At the heart of this evolution is the same principle driving Clarion’s approach to data collection: build long-term value by thinking beyond the event itself.
Tamar has called for a fundamental rethink of event monetisation – one that shifts the focus away from an over-reliance on exhibitor sales and instead invests in delivering year-round value to attendees.
She said: “I’m a big fan of the subscription model and I think that there’s a big opportunity to change the monetisation of events so that there’s less dependence on coming up with new products to sell to exhibitors.”
It was argued that the industry’s current commercial model – particularly in the for-profit trade sector – too often prioritises short-term revenue from exhibitors at the expense of attendee experience.
She suggested this is what leads to decisions like bloated registration forms that offer little to no benefit for the user.
Instead, a model was put forward where events are just one part of a broader, subscription-based ecosystem – offering consistent, segmented value throughout the year via content, learning and curated networking.
Tamar added: “There’s a huge opportunity in subscription models year-round, where the event is just one moment in time.
“As part of a membership or subscription fee, attendees get access to the event – and much more.”
**Learn more about how a** [**365 Community model**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) **can stretch your event reach and revenue.**
This model not only diversifies revenue but also builds stronger, longer-lasting relationships with participants.
In her view, it enables organisers to “flip the thinking” around who the event is really serving.
She said: “Stop thinking about them as just attendees. This industry has so much value that we can charge a fee to access it – whether it’s training, content, webinars, smaller networking events. All of that can culminate in your trade show.”
While she acknowledged these models would largely operate in the digital realm, her emphasis was less on format and more on mindset.
Tamar added : “I can’t tell you how many meetings we used to have to come up with new products to sell to exhibitors – almost without thinking at all about the impact on the attendee. There’s a real opportunity for a new model.”
> Very few businesses have the opportunity to understand the dynamics of a community or an industry as well as we do.
Meanwhile, Stephan argued that the future of event monetisation lies not in outdated lead-generation tactics, but in the smarter use of data and performance-driven digital tools.
He said: “We have the tools. These people use tools. This is where I’m not a huge fan of things like paper leads, for example, because it has several problems.
“A lot of the lead generation responsibility at trade shows still resides on the shoulders of the exhibitor.
“They have to be active, they have to invite people, they have to have a good profile – and if you ask them to do that and on top, pay for each lead they generate, you’re going to punish the best ones and just reward the lazy ones.”
He warned that systems based on per-lead payments are easy to manipulate and risk incentivising the wrong behaviours.
Stephan added: “It’s so easy to game such a system. If I have to pay for my leads, I’ll just not use the tools. I’ll generate leads my own way – maybe go back to collecting business cards again.”
Instead, he advocated for lead generation to be embedded into the exhibitor’s package, supported by robust tools and clear performance benchmarks.
Stephan said: “We give you the tool to generate the leads. We give you all the help we can to help you be more effective.
“Then we measure very effectively how you perform with these tools – and compare you with other exhibitors.”
This approach creates a transparent, merit-based environment that ultimately aligns with the industry’s core value proposition.
He said: “In the end, we’re still a lead generation business, right? We organise trade shows so that our customers can generate leads.”
But beyond lead capture, it is believed the real growth in digital revenue over the next three to five years lies in unlocking insights from the wealth of data the events industry holds.
Stephan added: “We are very well placed as a platform to collect data about B2B and B2C. Very few businesses have the opportunity to understand the dynamics of a community or an industry as well as we do.
“With the tools we start having now and all the data we’ve collected over the past 10 to 15 years, I think insight will be the biggest area for increasing digital revenue in the next five years.”
### Smart Ways Event Organisers Can Boost Digital Revenue
**1. Move Beyond the One-Off Event Model.** Instead of treating the event as a standalone moment, build an ecosystem of value around it.
**2. Introduce Subscription-Based Access.** Offer attendees a membership or content subscription that includes training, webinars, or exclusive networking, with the event as a benefit.
**3. Use Event Content to Create Ongoing Value.** Repurpose content (like keynotes and sessions) into digestible, on-demand assets to extend the life of your event.
**4. Target the Next Generation of Attendees.** Offer affordable educational content for early-career professionals who may not yet attend in person, building brand loyalty early.
**5. Monetise Industry Insight, Not Just Booth Space.** Your data is an untapped asset. Package and sell it as actionable intelligence to sponsors or partners.
**6. Rethink Lead Generation Models.** Avoid outdated pay-per-lead structures that penalise active exhibitors and are easy to game.
**7. Bundle Smart Lead Tools Into Exhibitor Packages.** Provide the tech, support and benchmarking exhibitors need to succeed – without charging per interaction.
**8. Go Deep, Not Wide, With Vendor Partnerships.** Streamline your tech stack and co-develop solutions with trusted vendors who understand your goals.
**9. Leverage AI to Scale Personalisation.** Use AI to tailor content, recommend sessions and summarise learning for attendees – while feeding richer insight back to your team.
**10. Design with Attendee Value in Mind.** Ultimately, monetisation starts with creating something attendees genuinely want to pay for.
**Thank you for reading this article. There was so much more covered in the webinar, so make sure to watch the video at the top of the article. Please download the** [**free Event Tech Forecast 2025**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=webinar_followup_apr25) **if you’d like to learn more about the findings.**
**Categories:** All
---
### [Shocking pay gap revealed as leaders back DEI in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/dei-apr25/)
**Published:** April 10, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A shocking £3,400 pay gap between white and ethnic minority eventprofs has been laid bare in the UK, as leaders back DEI values amid a wider attack.**
Findings from [Live Recruitment’s Diversity Report 2025](https://www.live-recruitment.co.uk/diversity-report-2025?source=expoplatform.com) paint a damning picture of inequality across pay, seniority and opportunity in a sector that thrives on connection and representation.
The study lands just months after Trump’s return to the White House in January, where he wasted no time ordering the dismantling of federal DEI mandates.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, said: “DEI policies and initiatives are crucial for the international events industry to thrive and deliver positive change. Our sector is renowned for being open and embracing.
“And that strength, depth and global inclusiveness also helps drive economic impact by bringing together the widest possible range of people to meet and share ideas.
“While it’s difficult to predict how the situation will unfold in the months ahead, I’m confident our sector will stay true to its foundation.
“We’re a people business after all, and we should continue to use our events to connect people across boundaries and borders, creating experiences that are inclusive for everyone and – ultimately – helping the world become a better place.”
### New numbers put DEI in focus:
- White professionals earn £3,408 more than their ethnically diverse colleagues in events.
- Men earn £3,531 more than women despite women making up nearly 60% of the workforce.
- Ethnically diverse professionals represent just 25.1% of the industry – underrepresented at leadership level.
### Why DEI matters in events – and why it’s under threat
Events are a mirror of society – bringing people together from different backgrounds, cultures and industries to spark ideas, trade and transformation.
But when the makeup of those events – on stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience – fails to reflect the real world, the entire experience suffers.
This is despite the Trump administration’s actions having emboldened a wider rollback of DEI across US firms – Google, Meta and Amazon have all quietly scaled back diversity teams.
Nicola Kastner, CEO of ELX, has recently [released guidance](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/nicolakastner_moving-past-concern-navigating-dei-programming-activity-7308463594566823936-bnEj?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAme24oBSJ2UR2vrN78YRn4xOG3Aay2CIBs) on how to promote DEI in the current climate – as well as why it really matters.
She said: “The needs of our event attendees have not changed because of the new executive orders. Employees and customers will remember how companies reacted in these times.
“Therefore, it is more important than ever to maintain DEI programming within events – we just need to do it in a way that is compliant. Policies may shift but our values shouldn’t.”
Diverse representation isn’t just ethical – it’s commercially smart. A McKinsey study cited in the 2024 Driving Success Through Diversity report found companies with ethnically diverse leadership are 36% more likely to outperform financially and those with greater gender diversity 25% more likely.
Yet inclusion remains surface-level in too many organisations.
That 2024 report found:
- 59% of event professionals don’t believe their company values DEIBA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, Accessibility).
- 36% don’t feel fully included at work – 15% feel excluded altogether.
- Many DEI training programmes are tick-box efforts – 64% of staff had training, but only 54% found it effective.
- Middle managers – the backbone of delivery – often feel disconnected from decisions and under-resourced.
Gabby Austen Browne, founder of Diversity Alliance, called this the “DEIBA paradox” – where companies promote diversity in words but fall short in practice.
She said in the report: “We are not yet fully recognising or maximising the opportunities related to DEIBA in the workplace.
“If we don’t feel the benefits, it’s easy to stop believing in them.”
### Diversity works
Trump’s campaign to end DEI as we know it has already chilled corporate commitments in the US, with political groups threatening lawsuits and shareholder activism pushing firms to abandon soo-called “identity politics”.
But the need for authentic, inclusive experiences remains critical – especially in a globalised market.
Clients, attendees and partners are demanding more, not less, representation – and younger generations in particular expect brands to reflect their values.
The events sector has long billed itself as progressive, innovative and people-first. But these reports and analysis reveal that values without structure are failing – and silence could cost the sector its future talent.
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [EP Lab: New research and development centre for events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/ep-lab-launch/)
**Published:** March 27, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A collaborative research and development center for the events industry has been launched to spearhead tech innovation.**
[**EP Lab**](https://eplab.ai/newfront/) is dedicated to driving digital transformation, supporting leadership and enhancing capabilities to leverage cutting-edge tools.
The project – established by ExpoPlatform CTO Mykyta Fastovets – will bring together experts across events, universities and other partners to optimize research potential.
Mykyta said: “The launch of EP Lab comes at a transformative time for the events industry.
“By fostering collaboration and driving innovation, we aim to develop cutting-edge solutions that redefine how events are organized and experienced.
“With rapid advances for technology in events, EP Lab will empower industry colleagues with the tools and insights to lead in this digital era.”
The establishment of EP Lab comes as we experience an immeasurable surge in digital advances.
Fast-growing developments in tech such as generative AI have hit many industries, fuelling an increased acknowledgement of their potential.
EP Lab aims to take advantage of the gear change in mindset and become the epicenter of innovation in the events industry.
Its focus is on exploring and developing new technologies, methodologies as well as insights that can revolutionize how shows are organized, managed and experienced.
The initiative will be available to eventprofs through its public website which will include features such as:
- Project showcase: A list of ongoing and completed initiatives. Developments will include summaries, key findings and downloadable reports.
- Education: Resources to help eventprofs better understand how innovation can be implemented in their organizations.
- Collaboration opportunities: Get involved! The center has an open door policy to event organisers and budding digital innovators to work together.
- Expertise services: Detailed information about the technology stack and services utilized by the Lab.
**Thank you for reading this article. Want to see how event tech can help turn these insights into action? [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Event mobile app downloads have doubled - find out why](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/event-mobile-app-downloads/)
**Published:** September 27, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event mobile app downloads have doubled in two years as the digital transformation of our industry continues, according to new research.**
Figures from ExpoPlatform show the number of live show participants using the tool is around two times as many now than it was pre-pandemic.
It comes as exhibitors, attendees and organisers have all witnessed the benefits of Smart Event technology grow since emerging from lockdown.
That is why it is expected this trend will continue throughout the remainder of 2022 and onwards – the North American market value alone set to more than double from $371 million now to more than $830m by 2028.
Havina Sirohia, from Informa Markets, [previously told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/havina-sirohia/) how this sort of technology would soon become “synonymous” with live shows.
The digital operations and event technology project manager said: “I definitely see tech and events becoming more synonymous as one thing.
“To me it would be great if we no longer refer to an event app or to tech, as if it was just already a seamless part of that experience.
“It shouldn’t be something we think of as separate, it should be intrinsic.”
Here we set out some of the top benefits included from using an [**event mobile app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) at your in-person production.
## **Increase exhibitor leads more than 250% at live events**
Participants can use the app to scan, collect and qualify visitors through notes and contact ratings.
The saved data is constantly synchronised with an omnichannel exhibitor dashboard to offer real-time insights.
Its benefits can be seen at Pharmapack Europe 2022, which saw Informa Markets use ExpoPlatform technology to increase exhibitor leads by 258%. Read [**the case study**](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/pharmapack-europe-2022/) for more.
## **Offer access to multiple events with a single download**
Using a container app allows you to can group the events you have in a portfolio under one umbrella – rather than having a separate app for each.
This gives a seamless experience to you attendees and exhibitors who now expect the use of digital tools to be as painless professionally as in their private lives.
## **Customise homepage and theme**
A Smart Event mobile app allows you to design a custom homepage with your branding and important messaging.
The landing site can be customised to include all the information your audience needs to get started – such as login details, profile pages, contact information and links.
## **Generate more digital revenue**
Premium exhibitor profiles, banner ads and interactive splash screens are all options which can generate more digital revenue.
Add these to your event mobile app to create new monetisation options.
This can be taken a step further by adding a year-round option to your Smart Event – which can growing digital revenue by a further 300%.
Find out how to launch your own 365 business model around your lives shows by reading our [**free Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/).
## **Interactive floorplan**
A customisable floorplan layout helps to guide attendees around important venue spaces such as exhibitions stalls, conference rooms and stage areas.
Usual blue-dot wayfinder technologies don’t work in exhibition spaces, which is why those found on a Smart Event app are so valuable.
This will drive interactions between the floorplan mini-profiles and the visitors with elements like meet, message and favourite.
## **AI-powered Product Tinder**
An AI-powered algorithm is used to bring the most suitable people or items to the attention of users.
Users can swipe right or left in the Product Tinder feature to favourite or ignore products, read information and browse the product catalogue.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Mobile Event App
---
### [10 Reasons to Lock in a Multi-Year Event Tech Partnership](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/multi-event-2025/)
**Published:** January 7, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Let’s face it – event planning can be chaos personified. One minute you’re booking a keynote speaker and the next, you’re figuring out why your registration system just ghosted you. Sound familiar? Enter multi-year, multi-event partnerships.**
These long-term agreements with event tech providers are like finding *the One* – they make your life easier, more predictable and way less stressful. Here’s why tying the knot with your tech provider could be your smartest move yet.
---
## 1. **Save Big Bucks (and your sanity)**
Multi-year partnerships mean you get more for less. Long-term deals often include discounts or incentives that can shave serious dollars off your budget. Plus, predictable costs mean no nasty surprises when it’s time to tally up expenses. Who doesn’t love a little financial stability?
---
## 2. **Consistent Service Quality**
With a trusted partner, you get VIP treatment every time. They know your quirks, your preferences and your “please-don’t-ever-do-that-again” moments. Consistency is the name of the game and your events will run smoother than a freshly Zamboni’d rink.
---
## 3. **Streamlined Event Planning: Less Chaos, More Control**
Multi-year partnerships simplify your life. Once your provider understands your workflow, they can help you optimize it. That’s right – fewer late-night panic attacks, more time for coffee (or wine, no judgment).
---
## 4. **All Your Data in One Happy Place**
Attendee and exhibitor data scattered across platforms is like trying to find a sock in the laundry. Not fun. A long-term partnership ensures all your data is centralized and uniform. Translation: less time on tedious admin work and more time looking like a data wizard to your stakeholders.
---
## 5. **Long-Term Analytics: Your Crystal Ball for Events**
Imagine being able to predict attendee trends, exhibitor preferences and even no-show rates. With multi-event analytics, you can. Longitudinal data gives you the power to spot patterns and improve ROI. It’s basically a cheat code for event planning.
---
## 6. **Scalable Solutions for Events of Any Size**
Whether you’re hosting a boutique conference or a mega trade show, a multi-year agreement ensures your tech scales with you. Think of it as the stretchy pants of event planning – always a perfect fit, no matter how much you grow.
---
## 7. **VIP Access to Shiny New Features**
Partner perks include early access to the coolest new tools and features. It’s like being on the VIP list at a tech party – except instead of free drinks, you get products that actually make your life easier. Sometimes, providers even involve you in product development. Congratulations, you’re officially a trendsetter.
---
## 8. **Plug-and-Play Integrations (No Drama)**
We get it – your tech stack is your baby. A long-term partner ensures seamless integration with other tools, saving you hours of hair-pulling and head-desking. The result? A tech ecosystem that plays nice together, so you can focus on the fun stuff (like planning an epic networking party).
---
## 9. **Success Stories: Proof It Works**
Need receipts? Look no further than the three-year partnership between ExpoPlatform and the IMEX Group. This collaboration has helped streamline their processes, boost attendee engagement and improve exhibitor satisfaction. Long-term partnerships don’t just work – they thrive. **[Check out the case study and see for yourself](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2024/).**
---
## 10. **Future-Proof Your Events**
The events industry moves fast – like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast. A solid partnership ensures you’re not just keeping up but staying ahead. Whether it’s adapting to hybrid events, implementing AI tools or whatever the next big thing is – you’ll be ready to roll.
---
## **A Final Thought**
Still on the fence? Let’s talk about the big three: rising costs, inconsistent service and fragmented data. Multi-event agreements tackle all of these – giving you stability, reliability and a one-stop shop for all your tech needs. And no, you won’t have to onboard a new vendor every six months …
Daniel Mortimer, ExpoPlatform regional director for Europe and USA, said: “More frequently, we now speak with potential customers about the benefits of signing longer contracts with us that cover a number of event cycles. Initially the focus can be around the percentage savings that we can offer for a longer contract – and that it protects against yearly inflationary rate card increases.
“However, the major benefit is that as we work together longer with an organiser, we learn more about how their event is delivered. We can help the team to improve the experience for their visitors and exhibitors and reach their goals of engagement and ROI.
“A longer term contract allows us to create a partnership that develops a better working relationship and therefore a better outcome for the project.”
**Ready to take advantage of a multi-year event tech partnership? [Schedule a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with Dan now to see what ExpoPlatform can do for you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Event tech should be 'intrinsic' to exhibition improvement](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/havina-sirohia/)
**Published:** August 25, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event tech should be an “intrinsic” part of improving exhibitions and increasing their value for participants, according to an industry expert.**
Havina Sirohia, from I[nforma Markets](https://www.informamarkets.com/en/home.html), believes these tools can be transformative in developing tradeshows as more information is made available to organisers through them.
The digital operations and event technology project manager told ExpoPlatform that she sees a future where it is no longer a nice-to-have feature, but a central component of exhibitions.
She said: “I definitely see tech and events becoming more synonymous as one thing.
“It would be great if we no longer refer to an event app or to tech, as if it was just already a seamless part of that experience.
“It shouldn’t be something we think of as separate, it should be intrinsic.
“The challenges are going to be keeping up with the ever changing demands of these markets.
“As the market evolves and as the world evolves, tech has to keep up with it.
“I’m really keen to see if that’s something that we’re able to do. It’s something that we’re trying to do right now.”
ExpoPlatform research estimates that around 20 times more information about event participants is now available than in 2019.
This is through features such as omnichannel lead retrieval – which boosts exhibitor ROI by 300% – as well as online touchpoints.
Havina said: “Data is the only way to do a really robust discovery phase – but in order to do that, you need robust data.
“It’s easy to do that with online sessions, but in physical sessions we only really get an overall sense of each activation if there’s a way of really understanding how they move around the event.
“That then becomes really, really interesting. You know whether a category is taking too much valuable space that could be taken up by one that was twice as attended. That is where the value comes in for shows.”
## **Digging deep into the data**
Havina explained an organiser needs to dig deeper into the detail of app use to find out the real story behind the numbers.
This involves looking at more than those who have logged in once, but participants who continuously use the platform throughout the course of the event.
Then it is possible to analyse the activity on the app and uncover what an audience is moving towards, which is where “those data points will become essential” in developing your product.
Havina gave a “hypothetical” idea about organisers assuming that participants at a tradeshow are mostly just looking at an exhibitor list to inform them about the event that they are planning to attend.
This is only a “gut feeling” which is “useless to everybody” because there is no information available to back it up.
However, the event tech may reveal a different pattern of behaviour where users are using the interactive map function more than any other so they could better navigate the show floor.
Havina added: “We could then tailor our marketing, event experience and our messaging towards that.”
She added: “The problem is you only ever hear the problems with the event, you never hear the benefits.
“So it’s really easy to kind of walk in perception and that’s where data comes in.”
It was explained that teams should analyse any assumptions they have made before a show and use data to measure whether they were correct so that better business decisions can be made in future, this data will in turn, help customers find new value.
## **Digitisation in exhibitions**
A recent study from UFI found that digitisation is the second-biggest issue facing exhibitions worldwide.
The association’s latest Global Barometer ranked the challenge only behind internal management issues.
A total of 17% put it as a top hurdle, up from 16% in January – while it was ahead of media competition which was picked by 15%.
**Download our [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) for a free guide on how to digitise your business with data science.**
Havina said: “It’s a natural shift in the market – everybody expects it now.
“They definitely expect something that is tailored a bit more to them that allows them to make connections easier.
“That’s really what the aim of the game is – to help them do what they need to do on site.”
Figures from McKinsey & Co show ecommerce grew by a decade’s worth during the first three months of lockdown.
It means consumers are now much more used to the tailored transactional experiences offered by online retailers in their personal lives, which they want to see in their professional roles.
Havina added: “Outside of events, we expect it. The world moved towards that so we had to adapt.
“There’s been some resistance because of the old trade show model people are familiar with, but that’s just natural human nature.
“That’s the way that we would go and we just want to help you, otherwise you get left behind.
## **Event tech does not replace the event**
The return of live events has been met with some expectations that the need for technology would disappear.
This comes as headlines shout about the demise of virtual platforms who saw a boom in business during lockdown.
However, Havina wanted to make clear there is a distinction between those online events and the in-person exhibitions which are enhanced by technology.
She said: “They want to be in the real world talking to real people, but this can often seem a little contrived when done through virtual.
“That really hindered people’s opinion of event tech early on in the pandemic, but it’s come on leaps and bounds now.
Havina added: “The only way that you win people over is by explaining that event tech is not here to replace any aspect of a live event – it is here to enhance it.
“That human nature has to be taken into account, but also what the function of event tech is – it’s an enablement piece, not a replacement.”
Havina believes that one of the biggest bonuses of event technology is how it can expand an exhibitor’s audience.
It was put forward as key to convincing markets to get on board with this digital transformation, regardless of what stage of uptake that industry may be in.
Findings from an ExpoPlatform survey show this is one of the top opportunities brought through data science.
She said: “What really helps the markets get it is when you say that you can expand your reach – that’s a really big part of it.
“We’ve already been focused on making sure that we’re the events that people want to come to spend their money in the year.
“If you’re at the end of the budget season, you’ve only got one event you can go to, hopefully it’s one of our events because that value proposition is so high.
“But why is that value proposition so high? Now, you need to be able to connect people in a way that is easy, but also fairly robust.”
Havina explained that it is about making sure you have qualified the people that are on your platform, such as industry experts.
Then you also have to try and extend your reach to new geographies, new markets, new areas of interest where you are able to give a bit more value.
This can include adding education sessions on top of a tradeshow where you meet exhibitors.
It could also mean more networking sessions where peers can meet inside a more “festival atmosphere” around the event.
Havina said: “People are intimidated by event tech because they hear it and they understand it as Big Tech or they think about a digital app that they could never understand.
“But if we lay it out to them and show how easy it is to use, people are often more willing to change than we give them credit for.”
She added: “It’s got to be absolutely imperative that tech not only enhances face-to-face interaction but it makes it ultimately boundless and limitless.
“Whether that means falling into a seven-year long view or just the simple idea of making a festivalised experience around an event, the tech should really enable and enhance the physical.
“The value will always be in those physical face-to-face connections and creative business in that way and actually facilitating more face-to-face connections.”
## **Building relationships is key to success**
Delivering a successful event requires lots of different departments working together towards one goal.
However that can be different when you have technical and creative teams coming up against each other when developing digital features.
Havina highlighted how it is “essential” to build strong bonds that allow you overcome these hurdles.
She said: “You don’t get anything done without relationships. Ultimately, everybody just wants to feel as though what they do is understood.
“It’s about creating a level playing field. If you’re speaking to development it may feel very binary – we can do this, we can’t do this, we can create this, we can’t create this.
“When you’re working with creative teams in the markets they’re saying something more multidimensional and multifaceted.
“It’s about translating those requirements across and if you can’t do that, then that really becomes a friction.
“You need to be able to have someone in the middle who is able to be creative around the solution and translate requirements here.
“It’s a tough job, but it’s a very necessary one because you ultimately know that what these people are trying to achieve is the same thing – they’re just not speaking the same language.”
Havina added this is where the question of value comes into play again – highlighting the problem that needs to be solved so that a compromised solution can be reached which suits both teams.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [AI will push in-person events into a 'luxury' experience](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/enrico-gallorini-jan25/)
**Published:** January 16, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The rise of artificial intelligence will make the role of in-person events more important – to the point it becomes a luxury, according to an industry leader.**
Enrico Gallorini, CEO of GRS Research, set out how live shows are essential for trust, collaboration and personal development.
In this Transformation Story, he further explores the significance of events in human history and how cultural changes can help predict their future role.
He said: “Events are not just about trade – it’s much more about growing as a person.
“We are living in a hyper, isolated world where we are spending hours in front of a machine.
“We need to physically and mentally gather together.
“Events can be the office of the future – I’m CEO of a company and I know how important it is for my team to gather together, but we are not in the same place anymore.
“We’re in different countries, different time zones and we don’t have the budget to meet together in one place – but we do have the budget to participate in events.
“Many companies are bringing more and more people to events, because there they can bond together – they can meet together, they can have a good experience together – this is an opportunity for our industry.”
He set out how it was important to look at how different forms of luxuries have existed throughout time, before becoming commonplace.
For instance, being able to own a car was originally only possible for wealthy people, while another example could be how overseas travel was only possible for a relatively small amount.
Enrico used the example of retreats where people disconnect from technology as being among the high-end experiences of today.
He said: “AI will make it even more important and add more to the responsibility of the in-person experience.
“It will be a luxury, where we exit from our hyper isolation and the way we create trust between one and the other.
“Those moments – at least once per year, when we meet together – are very important.”
Enrico added: “When people gather together, they are the best version of themselves – even if it’s B2B.
“But also in a concert – when you go to see your favorite artist – you dress in the right way, you feel in the right way, you are the best version of yourself.
“We are creating those moments. I call it a bubble, because then they disappear and explode and just vanish. But their legacy lasts a long time and we grow through this lens.”
The interview comes after the publication of his book, In-Person: A Journey Through the Unstoppable Evolution of Events.
Enrico takes the reader on an exploration into the future of human gatherings, revealing why the key to understanding the future lies in learning from our past and fully comprehending the present.
He said: “As an industry, we have never realized how important we are.
“This book is not only for developing industry professionals, but for all people that somehow are part of what we call the in-person industry.
“That includes conferences, but also visitor attractions or places with specific niches of people gathering to meet each other for their needs.
“For me, it was very important to understand more about why some events can really change your life and how they work today.
“I start with the main question – what do events of the future look like?
“But to understand events of the future, you have to have a clear picture of the event today.
“The event today is just the trajectory of the event of the past. So I went back and I started this journey that became a book.”
Enrico highlighted the idea that at the core of the human condition is the ability to communicate complicated ideas.
This involved the development of a “cognitive revolution”, which was a “new way to use our brain” in terms of communication.
Humans were then able to share stories and help each other and collaborate with people that are not part of our family, in our community.
But to share these stories, there was a need to gather together.
Enrico said: “Events are the tool that, from the beginning, allowed humanity to grow.
“The events that we see today are obviously very different from our events of the beginning, but some of the pillars are really the same.
“For example, the elements of rituality were so important in the past – but are still very important today.
“After Covid-19, the calendar of the year of the exhibition industry was a complete mess.
“Some organizers tried to change the dates of events, but it’s not that easy.
“Because it’s part of the cycle of that niche that participates in that specific moment that we call an exhibition.
“What is interesting is that most people in that niche when outside of that space and moment compete for the client, for the innovation.
“Everything inside of the space we call an exhibition, they collaborate because they can share, they can see, they can learn, they can touch.
“This is really amazing. This is why I always say that events are a door into the future to see the future and co-create the future.
He added: “In the B2B experience, there is this need of belonging to something that is bigger than ourselves.
“For example, the badge is not about the name of the person in front of you. It is so that you feel part of a community – obviously it’s also useful because you have the name and the other things.
“We as a species want to share, but we need to understand with whom – so those elements of spirituality, something that we feel when we feel that we are similar to some other, or that we can fulfil the same needs in the same way.”
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Build or Buy? The Truth About Event Tech Solutions](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/build-or-buy-tech/)
**Published:** February 12, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event organizers face a crucial decision: should they build a custom event tech solution or invest in an existing platform?**
While both options have their merits, making the right choice depends on factors like budget, expertise, scalability and long-term strategic goals.
Here, we explore the realities of both paths to help you determine the best approach for your organization.
### **The Case for Buying Event Tech**
#### **1. Proven Expertise and Reliability**
Established event tech providers have spent years refining their platforms, incorporating feedback from real-world events and troubleshooting complex challenges. By purchasing a solution, you benefit from:
- **Battle-tested reliability:** Providers have refined their platforms through numerous large-scale events.
- **Robust security measures:** Regular security audits and compliance certifications ensure data protection.
- **Crisis management experience:** Years of handling last-minute changes and emergencies mean fewer surprises on event day.
Building in-house means starting from scratch, often without the deep experience required to anticipate and mitigate potential failures.
For instance, **[Mobile World Congress](https://www.mwcbarcelona.com/post-event-report)**‘s successful management of 101,000+ attendees in 2024 wasn’t achieved through novice technology – it required sophisticated platforms built and trialled on numerous real-world scenarios and failures.
#### **2. Scalability Without the Headaches**
Scaling a custom-built platform requires significant investment in architecture, cloud infrastructure and ongoing performance optimization. Established providers, on the other hand, offer:
- **Microservices architecture:** Optimized for handling thousands of users without performance dips.
- **Flexible templates and workflows:** Built-in features that adapt to varying event needs.
- **Load-tested infrastructure:** Pre-configured to handle peak demand without unexpected downtime.
Unless your organization has deep technical expertise, achieving enterprise-level scalability in-house can be a costly and time-consuming challenge.
#### **3. Cost-Effectiveness and Long-Term Sustainability**
Developing event tech in-house is not just about the initial build; it requires continuous investment in maintenance, upgrades and compliance. Hidden costs include:
- **Development expenses:** Hiring engineers, UX designers and cybersecurity experts.
- **Infrastructure costs:** Cloud hosting, server management and data storage.
- **Ongoing updates:** Security patches, new feature rollouts and integration maintenance.
- **Opportunity cost:** Delayed time-to-market while competitors use ready-made solutions.
Many organizations underestimate these costs, leading to budget overruns and project abandonment.
#### **4. Dedicated Support and Innovation**
Event tech providers offer specialized support that most in-house teams struggle to match, including:
- **24/7 technical assistance** for critical issues.
- **Multi-language, global support** to cater to international attendees.
- **Proactive issue detection** through advanced monitoring systems.
- **Continuous innovation** with AI-powered analytics, networking tools and interactive experiences.
Building your own means dedicating a significant portion of your team to ongoing support, diverting resources from your core event operations.
### **When Building Event Tech Might Make Sense**
While buying a solution is often the most practical choice, some organizations may find a custom-built solution more aligned with their needs.
#### **1. Unique Event Needs**
If your event requires highly specialized features that no existing platform supports, building in-house may be the only way to achieve full customization.
#### **2. Long-Term Investment in Proprietary Technology**
If your organization has the resources and expertise to maintain and evolve an event tech platform over time, building in-house could lead to a competitive advantage.
#### **3. Complete Data Control and Compliance**
For organizations dealing with highly sensitive data or strict compliance requirements, owning the entire tech stack can provide greater control over security and data privacy.
*NOTE: Providers like ExpoPlatform give organizers complete control of user data.*
### **Conclusion: Making the Right Choice**
The decision to build or buy event tech ultimately comes down to your organization’s goals, technical capabilities and budget. Before deciding, ask yourself:
- Do we have the expertise to build and maintain a scalable, secure platform?
- Can we afford the long-term costs of internal development?
- Are existing solutions flexible enough to meet our needs?
- How critical is control over data and compliance?
- Do we have the bandwidth to provide 24/7 support?
For most organizations, buying is the most efficient and effective way to deliver seamless event experiences while staying focused on their core mission. However, for those with unique needs and the resources to invest, building might be a viable strategic move.
By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can choose a solution that best supports your event goals now and in the future.
Ready to make the next step? **[Talk to an event technology consultant](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to see what would work best for you.**
**Also download** ➡️ Navigate the digital landscape of events in 2025 with our latest [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/)
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [10 tips to select event tech for in-person shows in 2024](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/10-tips-to-select-event-tech/)
**Published:** May 9, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event management platforms have become essential to the success of MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) shows. It’s hard to envision a conference or exhibition without technology enhancing the audience experience.**
Live shows are now supercharged by digital tools – online registration, badge scans, lead gen insights and data collection all happen seamlessly.
Choosing the right tech platform sets up immersive activations and personalized journeys to prompt attendees, exhibitors and sponsors to keep returning.
Before finalizing your purchase, it’s important to do your research and ask important questions.
**This article outlines 10 tips you should keep in mind before buying event technology in 2024. Here is a quick look:**
- [**Tip #1 Select scalable, modular solutions**](#one)
- [**Tip #2 Is the platform easy to use and have a friendly UI?**](#two)
- [**Tip #3 Do the core features meet your event needs?**](#three)
- [**Tip #4 Check for third-party tools integration**](#four)
- [**Tip #5 Are customizations and branding options available?**](#five)
- [**Tip #6 Analytics and reporting to assess event performance**](#six)
- [**Tip #7 Go for tech that encourages sustainability**](#seven)
- [**Tip #8 Check data security and compliance policies**](#eight)
- [**Tip #9 Access to training resources and onsite support**](#nine)
- [**Tip #10 Evaluate past customer feedback and industry experience**](#ten)
Read more ? **[Event Tech Forecast 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)** – How event tech will influence the 2024 meetings landscape
## **How event tech improves the in-person show experience ??**
According to Freeman’s 2024 Exhibitor Trends report, leads from an in-person event have a higher lifetime value than those from a blog or an ebook download. Event tech makes the consumption and management of these shows easier. Here’s how:
- Digitize and automate internal event processes
- Save crucial man-hours, leaving organizers to focus on improving the human experience
- Create more engaging touchpoints and experiences for greater lead conversion
- Drive digital revenue options through online sponsorships to boost ROI
- Advanced data analytics for a deep dive into audience behavioural patterns and identify areas of improvement
Also read ? **[Firms are being selective about who attends events – which is a good thing, says industry leader](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/kinsey-fabrizio-mar24/)**
Let’s take a look at the key factors – in the form of questions and tips – when choosing an event tech platform for your shows:
## **Tip #1 Select scalable, modular solutions ?**
A scalable and modular event tech platform should support your current needs and adapt to future demands.
This ensures you are well-equipped to deliver successful event experiences consistently, irrespective of size or complexity. Here are the advantages:
- **Flexibility for diverse event sizes:** Effective event technology should scale seamlessly from small meetings to large conferences, maintaining performance as attendance rises without requiring a different system.
- **Adaptability to event complexities:** Events come in varying levels of complexity. Some might already have in-house tools or third-party providers for functions like registration and payment – and may require a dedicated event tech provider for networking and lead generation. A modular platform allows you to add or remove features as needed, customizing the tech stack to suit each event’s unique requirements.
- **Long-term viability:** As your events evolve, so should your event tech. A scalable solution helps adjust the platform’s capabilities in line with your event’s growth trajectory – saving you the hassle of investing in a new platform when your needs change.
- **Cost-efficiency:** Investing in a scalable and modular event platform is economically prudent. It negates the need for frequent reinvestment in new technologies, as the same platform can expand and adapt to your changing needs over time.
- **Agile response to industry trends:** The event industry is dynamic, with trends and attendee expectations shifting regularly. An agile event tech platform can quickly adapt to these changes, ensuring your events remain current and competitive.
➡️ Learn more about ExpoPlatform’s modular solutions. [**Ask for a free demo**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
## **Tip #2 Is the platform easy to use and have a friendly UI? ?**
Imagine your show is buzzing with activity, but attendees struggle to navigate the event app – frustration sets in and engagement goes down.
This is why prioritizing ease of use and an aesthetically pleasing UI is crucial when choosing an event tech platform. This ensures:
- **Frictionless interaction:** A user-friendly platform with intuitive navigation allows attendees of all tech skill levels to find information, register and participate seamlessly. No more tech hurdles hindering their experience!
- **Positive first impression:** A visually appealing interface with clear layouts and consistent branding sets a professional tone. It creates a sense of polish and reflects well on your event’s organization.
- **Effortless registration:** A clear and concise registration process with minimal steps encourages participation. No one wants to spend ages filling out forms before joining the fun!
- **Intuitive features:** Easy-to-use functionalities like booking sessions, networking or accessing resources minimize confusion and maximize engagement. Attendees can dive right in and enjoy the event’s offerings.
- **Mobile optimization:** Ensure the platform is mobile-optimized for a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets, allowing attendees to manage their event participation on-the-go.
- **Accessibility:** Prioritize features that cater to a diverse audience – like screen reader compatibility or language options. An inclusive platform ensures everyone can participate comfortably.
Read ? How ExpoPlatform maximized engagement through intuitive web and mobile solutions at leading tradeshows like **[IMEX](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2023/)** and **[GITEX Global](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/gitex-global-2023/)**.
## **Tip #3 Do the core features meet your event needs? ⚙️**
Freeman’s 2024 Exhibitor Trends report shows **64% of respondents rate immersive experiences as key for live events**, while 45% considered tailored agenda plans crucial.
An event tech platform should be equipped with a comprehensive suite of features to cater to all facets of event management. This helps greatly simplify logistics and makes it easy to level up whenever you want to. Here are some core features you should look for:
- **[Registration management](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/):** Seamless online registration with customizable forms, badge printing and attendee tracking to ensure a smooth onboarding process.
- **[Hosted Buyer Program](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/):** Connect pre-qualified buyers with exhibitors through personalized concierge services, maximizing exhibitor ROI.
- **[Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/):** A comprehensive exhibitor manual provides crucial information, guidelines and resources to ensure a successful exhibition experience for all participants.
- **[Lead Capture and Retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/):** Capture leads through badge scans, collect contact information, score leads and integrate with CRM systems for seamless lead management and qualification.
- **[Interactive 3D Floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/):** Interactive floor plans offer venue visibility and assist attendees in navigating the event space.
- **[Networking & Matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/):** AI-powered matchmaking tools facilitate attendee networking and appointment scheduling, while built-in messaging tools foster communication and engagement.
- **[Mobile Event App](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/):** A mobile app empowers attendees to connect, network, generate leads, receive updates and access and share content – all on the go.
- **[Online 365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/):** An online community platform fosters year-round interaction between buyers and exhibitors, facilitating business deals irrespective of location or time zone.
## **Tip #4 Check for third-party tools integration ?**
A siloed approach doesn’t cut it in event tech anymore. Third-party integration capabilities are a must – here’s why:
- **Enhanced functionality:** Integrating with specialized third-party tools compensates for any features unavailable in the core platform. These tools are also used when they are more efficient and developed than the platform feature.
- **Streamlined workflows:** Native integrations or open API access enable seamless data exchange between your event platform and other tools you use. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and ensures consistency across different systems.
- **Improved efficiency:** Integrating tools like identity management systems or exhibitor management software helps you automate tasks and minimize manual work – freeing up your team to focus on strategic initiatives.
- **Data-driven decisions:** Integration with analytics and insights tools provides a holistic view of event performance. This allows you to make data-driven decisions and optimize future events.
Here are some key integrations to consider:
- **Identity management systems:** Streamline attendee registration and access control by integrating with existing login systems used by your organization or partners.
- **Exhibitor management systems:** Simplify exhibitor booth management, lead retrieval and communication by integrating with dedicated exhibitor software.
- **Payments:** Offer attendees a secure and convenient way to register, purchase add-ons or pay for services through integrated payment gateways.
- **Analytics and insights:** Gain valuable insights into attendee behavior, session engagement and overall event performance by integrating with analytics tools.
- **Conference management:** Integrate with conference management software to streamline speaker scheduling, abstract submission and session management.
**Open API vs. Native Integrations:**
- **Native integrations:** These are pre-built connections between the event platform and specific third-party tools. They offer a smoother setup process but might limit your options.
- **Open API access:** This allows developers to build custom integrations with virtually any tool. It offers greater flexibility but requires technical expertise for implementation.
?ExpoPlatform offers integration with various popular tech tools. **[Read about them here](https://expoplatform.com/integration/).**
## **Tip #5 Are customizations and branding options offered? ?**
Customization options let you integrate your event with your brand identity. Here’s what you should look for:
- **Event app branding:** Ability to customize the app’s interface with your brand colors, logos and fonts to create a seamless brand experience for attendees.
- **Branded communication:** Personalize email templates, notifications and push messages within the platform to reflect your brand voice and messaging.
- **Branded content and gamification:** Create branded quizzes, polls or interactive elements within the app to increase attendee participation and brand recall.
- **Personalized agendas and recommendations:** Offer attendees the ability to personalize their event schedule or receive recommendations based on their interests, all within a branded experience.
- **Event website integration:** Match the platform’s visual elements to your event website, creating a unified brand experience for attendees.
- **Social media integration:** Maintain brand consistency by using the platform to generate branded social media posts and encourage event promotion.
- **Building brand affinity:** A well-branded event experience fosters a stronger connection with your target audience. Showcasing your brand’s personality and values during the event promotes brand affinity and fosters positive perceptions.
**Also read ➡️ [Top tips to improve your brand presence at a tradeshow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/top-tips-to-improve-your-brand-presence-at-a-tradeshow/)**
## **Tip #6 Analytics and reporting to assess event performance ?**
Advanced analytics and reporting tools are no longer an afterthought – they’re a non-negotiable feature when selecting an event management platform. Here are the various ways :
- **Measuring success:** Robust analytics tools go beyond basic metrics like attendance numbers. They delve deeper to reveal key performance indicators (KPIs) like session popularity, attendee engagement levels, lead generation and exhibitor satisfaction.
- **Identifying areas for improvement:** Analyzing attendee behavior and engagement data helps pinpoint areas for improvement. This could be anything from optimizing session scheduling to tailoring content to better address attendee interests.
- **Demonstrating value and ROI:** Event stakeholders -like sponsors and executives – want to see the value proposition of your event. Advanced analytics provide concrete data on event performance and return on investment (ROI), justifying the budget allocated to the event and the technology used to manage it.
- **Data-driven decision making:** Advanced analytics offer real-time insights into attendee behavior during the event. This allows you to make data-driven decisions on the fly. For example, analyzing traffic flow can help adjust staffing levels at booths or adapt content based on audience engagement levels.
- **Personalized attendee experience:** Advanced analytics can reveal attendee preferences. This allows for personalization through targeted communications or recommendations within the event app, enhancing the overall attendee experience.
- **Benchmarking and trend analysis:** By comparing historical data and analyzing trends, you can identify what worked well and what needs improvement for future events. This data-driven approach allows for continuous improvement and optimization of your event strategy.
- **Targeted marketing and content creation:** Insights from attendee demographics and behavior can inform future marketing campaigns and content creation. You can tailor your messaging and content to better resonate with your target audience.
- **Quantifiable results:** Advanced analytics provide quantifiable results that showcase the effectiveness of your chosen event tech platform. This data validates your investment and strengthens your case for continued use of the platform.
Read more ➡️ [**Five ways to drive tradeshow ROI with data analytics**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/drive-tradeshow-roi-data-analytics/https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/drive-tradeshow-roi-data-analytics/)
## **Tip #7 Go for tech that encourages sustainability ?**
Events that prioritize sustainability have an ethical value attached to them. This makes them more attractive to exhibitors, participants and sponsors. Here’s a quick read on how event tech contributes to a greener future and the goal of **[Net Zero Carbon Events](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/)**.
- **Reduced paper waste:** Digital check-ins, e-tickets and paperless information booths significantly reduce paper consumption, minimizing your event’s environmental footprint.
- **Lower energy use:** Event tech solutions can promote energy efficiency. For example, some platforms use cloud-based storage, reducing the need for physical servers and their associated energy demands.
- **Carbon footprint reduction:** Sustainable event tech can help minimize your event’s carbon footprint. This could include features like carpooling incentives within the event app or promoting virtual attendance options to reduce travel emissions.
- **Alignment with green values:** Consumers are increasingly environmentally conscious. Using sustainable event tech solutions demonstrates your commitment to green practices and resonates with a growing eco-conscious audience.
- **Positive public perception:** Promoting eco-friendly initiatives like tree planting through partnerships with sustainability groups can generate positive media coverage and enhance your event’s public image.
- **Reduced printing costs:** Embracing paperless systems eliminates printing costs for tickets, brochures, and signage, leading to potential cost savings for your event.
- **Streamlined operations:** Digital tools can streamline event operations like registration and data management, potentially reducing manpower needs and associated costs.
Explore now **?** ExpoPlatform’s **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** program helps you plant a tree for every meeting confirmed **?**
## **Tip #8 Check data security and compliance policies ?**
Protecting exhibitor and attendee information is paramount when you select an event tech provider. It helps in data security, risk management and compliance with local and international laws. Here’s how:
- **Protecting sensitive information:** Event platforms often collect personal details like names, emails and even payment information. Strong security measures safeguard this sensitive data from unauthorized access, cyber threats or accidental leaks.
- **Minimizing risk and maintaining control:** Robust security protocols like end-to-end encryption minimize the risk of data breaches. Regular security audits further ensure the platform’s defenses are up-to-date and potential vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.
- **Data usage policy:** A clear data usage policy outlines what data is collected, how it’s used and for what duration. This transparency builds trust with attendees and ensures they understand how their information is handled.
- **Maintaining control over data:** Ideally, the platform should allow some level of control for attendees over their data. This could include options to opt out of certain communications or request data deletion upon request.
- **Data privacy regulations:** Many regions have strict data privacy regulations like GDPR (Europe) or CCPA (California) that govern data collection, storage, and usage. Choosing a platform that adheres to these regulations ensures your event complies with legal requirements and avoids hefty fines.
- **Building trust with stakeholders:** Data breaches can erode trust with attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. A secure platform demonstrates your commitment to protecting their information and builds credibility for your show.
**NOTE ↪️** ExpoPlatform follows a data-control policy where the organizer is the sole controller of the user data. **[Read our Data Manifesto](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/).**
## **Tip #9 Access to training resources and onsite support ??**
- **Platform mastery:** Event technology platforms can be complex. Comprehensive training resources – like tutorials, webinars or knowledge bases – help your team fully understand the platform’s functionalities.
- **Troubleshooting and problem-solving:** Even with training, technical glitches can arise. Robust support resources with FAQs, troubleshooting guides or even a dedicated support line empower your team to address basic issues independently.
- **Maximizing platform potential:** Effective aftersales support goes beyond troubleshooting. It can include resources on maximizing the platform’s features to enhance your event experience.
- **Swift issue resolution:** Technical hiccups during a live event can disrupt the flow and attendee experience. Onsite support personnel can quickly diagnose and resolve technical issues, minimizing downtime and ensuring a smooth event execution.
- **Addressing audience queries:** Even with a user-friendly platform, attendees might have questions. Having on-site support allows for immediate resolution and prevents minor issues from escalating.
- **Peace of mind and confidence:** The presence of onsite support acts as a safety net. Knowing that technical expertise is readily available reduces stress for the event organizer and instils confidence in a successful show.
Read now ➡️ **[Integrated registration onsite service like badge printing kiosks](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/keith-findlay-2307/)** boosts revenue and insights, says industry leader
## **Tip #10 Evaluate past customer feedback and industry experience**
- **Domain expertise:** A platform with experience within your specific industry understands the unique challenges and needs of your event type. They can offer features and functionalities tailored to your audience and event goals.
- **Proven track record:** Companies with a strong track record in your industry have likely tackled similar events before. This experience translates into a smoother execution for your show, as they anticipate potential issues and have solutions readily available.
- **Industry trends and regulations:** Experienced platforms stay updated on the latest trends and regulations within your industry. They can ensure your event technology adheres to relevant data privacy or security standards, giving you peace of mind.
- **Independent validation:** Reviews from past customers offer unbiased insights into the platform’s performance. Positive reviews from similar events boost your confidence in the provider’s ability to deliver a successful show.
- **Identifying potential issues:** Reviews can also highlight areas where the platform might fall short. Look for recurring themes in negative reviews to identify potential drawbacks and ask the vendor how they address them.
- **Realistic expectations:** Customer reviews provide a realistic picture of the platform’s capabilities and limitations. This helps you manage your expectations and ensures the platform aligns with your needs.
**➡️** Case studies and customer testimonials are testament to an event tech’s success. Read how **[ExpoPlatform delivered tech ](https://expoplatform.com/use-cases/)**for leading shows like **IMEX**, **Cosmoprof**, **GITEX Global** and more.
## **Bonus tip ➡️ Understand pricing, licensing and add-ons**
Pricing and licensing go beyond just the headline cost. Here’s why they’re crucial:
- **Budget management:** Event tech can range from free basic versions to comprehensive, feature-rich platforms with hefty price tags. Understanding the cost structure upfront ensures you stay within budget and don’t get surprised by hidden fees later.
- **Scalability:** Will your event size fluctuate? Consider if the pricing scales with your needs. Per-user fees can become expensive with a large audience, while tiered plans might offer a better fit.
- **Features vs. value:** Don’t be swayed by the flashiest features. Analyze which functionalities directly benefit your event and attendees. Prioritize features that align with your goals and avoid paying for functionalities you won’t use.
- **Licensing restrictions:** Some platforms restrict features based on licensing tiers. Be clear on what functions are included in the base price and what requires additional purchases.
**?**ExpoPlatform provides different pricing packages for small, mid-size and large events **– [explore them here](https://expoplatform.com/pricing/).**
### **Upsells and add-ons: making informed decisions**
Understanding upsells and add-ons can make a big difference in your purchase decision:
- **Identify core needs vs. extras:** Many platforms offer core features in the base package and then upsell additional functionalities. Carefully analyze if these add-ons are truly necessary or simply bells and whistles.
- **Evaluate true value:** Don’t be pressured into upsells. Research alternative solutions that might offer the same functionality for a lower price.
- **Negotiation leverage:** Knowing about upsells empowers you to negotiate with the vendor. If a crucial feature comes as an add-on, see if you can bundle it into the base price during negotiations.
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article. At ExpoPlatform, we want to help you build better events and communities. Please get in touch and** [**ask for a demo**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Shock as 'under 25% of eventprofs' exploring generative AI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/mark-parsons-generative-ai/)
**Published:** November 2, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Less than a quarter of event organisers are “actively exploring” the potential of generative AI, according to an industry expert.**
ChatGPT-like tools made a splash this year having rapidly developed capabilities to quickly create quality content in text, image and video.
But Mark Parsons, director at Events Intelligence, told how he had been left “alarmed” after teaching a course to around 120 eventprofs about how to use these tools for exhibition planning.
He told ExpoPlatform: “What I discovered was both encouraging and alarming.
“Among these self-selected people, between 50 and 60 had never used ChatGPT or a similar large language model, only 25% had used an image generator such as DALL-E 3 or MidJourney – and fewer than five were doing more advanced things with video, code or other mediums.
“Given these event professionals self-selected to take a course on generative AI – and the feedback – this alarmed me.
“It’s an easy extrapolation of the above statistics to be confident that less than 25% of our industry are actively exploring what generative AI can do.”
ChatGPT allows users to refine and steer a conversation towards a desired length, format, style, level of detail and language used.
It became the fastest-growing consumer application in history at the start of this year when it hit an average of about 13 million unique daily visitors – it was later over taken by social media platform Threads.
Eventprofs can use tools like this to assist them by generating content, personalising messaging and even helping to curate a show’s schedule.
The potential is so interesting that AI-powered features also came out as the most popular opportunity for technology to develop in the latest [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/).
Mark said: “Why does this matter? Why does the event industry need to do anything different to what it’s done for decades?
“It would be easy to argue that generative AI is just another fad, but I strongly disagree with this.
“We’re at a stage where the business use cases haven’t caught up with the available tools, but the pace of change in LLM development is astounding.
“At the EN Indie awards in September I shared with the audience how increasing levels of compute and improving algorithms had been leading to a 10x improvement in machine learning models each year since 2012.
“Four years ago GPT-2 couldn’t count to 10, now GPT-4 can write a passable college admission essay.
“The pace of change is profound, and it will really impact those businesses which are unprepared.”
The 31st edition of the UFI Global Barometer also found 62% believe this technology will directly impact event sales, marketing and customer relations – while 22% say it already does.
Algorithm-fuelled features through event tech providers like ExpoPlatform already allow for email automation, matchmaking possibilities and more.
**Download the [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) ebook to learn how data science can help your events.**
But Mark believes the digital transformation our industry has witnessed since 2020 will see a new chapter emerge using these generative AI features.
He said: “Generative AI technologies will, with time, enable organisers to market to a segment of one.
“We’ll be able to address our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees with content which matters to them in a style which works for them via a channel which is best.
“Gone will be the drip campaigns of generic copy to mass audiences – they just won’t work as mass marketing will be increasingly filtered out from social and messaging platforms.
“We’re not there yet, but it’s important for us to to start to experiment and discover what may be possible.
“As I’m sure those organisers who start to build tech stacks which support LLM solutions will be those who gain scale and are disruptive launchers in our industry.
“In the same way that organisers realised that they needed a robust technology platform for managing the interplay of online and offline elements of their events to compete – such as ExpoPlatform – they will realise that they need to build new skills and capabilities to use generative AI in their businesses to compete.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [How to make more money with Smart Events: a complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/)
**Published:** April 14, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**There’s one way forward for making more money in our industry – and that’s through building Smart Events.**
We’ve seen an explosion in the amount of data available to organisers since the digital transformation of our industry. ExpoPlatform estimates there is 20 times as much information there to take advantage of compared with 2020.
Now, this tech-fuelled Smart Event format makes use of all that we have learned to combine advanced tools with data analytics to significantly enhance the value of your in-person offerings. There are five ways it does this:
1. **Pre-event planning and scheduling:** Visitors can discover new products and suppliers pre-event. Connect buyers and sellers with AI matchmaking and hosted buying tools.
2. **Lead retrieval and ROI:** Exhibitors and visitors scanning QR Codes. Give exhibitors a real-time lead scoring dashboard.
3. ****Digital revenue:**** Create new revenue streams, providing new ways to experience products, services or locations.
4. **Extend reach:** Stream content to global audiences, improving ease-of access to participants. Extend you event’s life year-round with marketplaces and content.
5. ****Increase data and insights:**** Analyse what your visitors really want, how they navigate the event as well as understanding supply and demand dynamics.
This article will be focus on the the third of the benefits we’ve listed: how to significantly boost your opportunities to make money.
It comes as ExpoPlatform has just launched its Smart Event Showcase Series to explain how our solutions can improve your business with this model. The first session was How Smart Events Make You Money. **[Watch it here](https://expoplatform.com/events/).**
[](https://expoplatform.com/events/)
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s Chief Growth Officer, started the presentation by setting out one of the most important features of Smart Events in this area: lead retrieval.
He said: “Lead retrieval is absolutely central to delivering a [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) experience. Every time a visitor interacts online with an exhibitor’s profile ahead of the events that would all get tracked within the exhibitor’s ROI dashboard.
“Exhibitors can scan badges using the Smart Event app and then they can add notes and lead score them as they go. Another way of doing lead retrieval is from the visitor site. Enable visitors to scan QR codes themselves – scanning content, QR codes or products and exhibitors.”
He added: “All of this should be pulling into one unified dashboard so that an exhibitor is able to see all of these different touch points – from how people have interacted with me and make it very easy to follow up, arrange meetings and get in touch.”
Now let’s go into how Smart Events can drive up your revenue.
# **Smart Event segmentation**
**The first step in being able to drive revenue is through segmenting your client base.**
Organisers should package their inventory into a series of easy-to-buy bundles with pricing to reflect the value your customers will receive at each tier.
This is because not all exhibitors are equal, with a wide range of budgets and expectations. An important consideration when drawing up your digital packages is to have solutions which will suit companies of all sizes.
Luke said: “You can you can create premium packages for key accounts, then there’s the middle tier who often have budgets available for interesting opportunities and they might be interested in talking to your sales team about exploring different options.
“The most important part of it is that really large long-tail of of exhibitors who are buying stands. The best way you can make an impact is by having something which can be scaled out in a standardised way across that long-tail of customers.”
The “long-tail” segment of clients account for around 70% of customers and targeting them is crucial to raising digital revenue to 25%.
# **Tiered packages for Smart Events**
**Organisers can now begin to think about how they package their offerings for each segment and then price them accordingly.**
We’ve used the example of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum clients. Major and mid-tier accounts should be offered higher-value sponsorship of new products which have been developed.
Higher-range packages can then be sold to mid-tier and “bellwether” key accounts, with each priced relatively and with potential to be paid for annually.
**See here for an example of what each level of package might include:**
Luke highlighted an AMR study which predicts digital revenue for an organiser is due to go from 2% of their total in 2019 to 25% moving forward. But this change means an organiser’s customers are getting more from an event and pricing should reflect what’s now being offered.
He said: “That’s a real shift and I certainly believe that all teams in all industries need to find a way to make this digital transition. There’s been so much disruption – everything has had to chop and change.
“If you’re relaunching your in-person events as a Smart Events with new bells and whistles – not just booking a stand anymore, you’re also going to get leads retrieval, ROI dashboarding, a year-round marketplace -present all of that as a complete step-change in what came before and make a break from from those legacy price points.”
Luke added: “I would think of it in the same light as launching a new show – completely revamping your sales collateral, revamping the value proposition and making sure that the value proposition is tied into what the key pain points and challenges are.”
# **Three types of upselling solutions**
**There are three main types of sponsored digital solutions for Smart Event monetisation: thought leadership, branding and lead generation services.**
This format can give an organiser a large amount of inventory before, during and after an event. Remember: most customers will want a blend of all three.
## **Branding**
This is all around advertising, sponsorship and brand awareness. Often it will be the higher end of your customer base.
A mobile app splash screen is one example of a premium position which would be typically would just be used one or two customers. An organiser can also include sponsorship of the the QR codes and the badges.
There are various different advertising positions on the web app. Events which stream a lot of video online can include pre-roll advertising. These could be same ads for all or more targeted through an AI matchmaking algorithm.
## **Thought Leadership**
Content is king in this sphere. This is where exhibitors share material to position themselves as a thought leader.
An organiser can offer a blend of what’s happening before, during and after events. Commonly used tools include virtual roundtables or meetups in the build up to the show or afterwards. This can be really effective for targeting special interest groups with sponsored editorial.
It’s important to remember that this can be customised for your industry. It may be video interviews with executives for one audience, whereas another might prefer a product demonstration.
## **Lead Generation**
This involves which are going to create leads a team can follow up on, download put into a CRM and and use. Most of the examples already given capture leads in one way or another – but there’s more. An organiser can create on-demand webinars, sponsored white papers and ebooks. You could as far as having a year-round library of resources which ca built up and used accordingly.
[](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks/)
# **Smart Event revenue modelling**
**For this section we are going to imagine a typical event of 1,000 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors.**
You start with your basic listing for all sellers – they will also get a basic profile on the event app and the web app because you want everybody to be part of your exhibitor list. The next job is about upselling everybody into different types of solutions.
Luke said: “Because you’re not charging for the basic listings, that means the company profile part of this represents about a third of the overall revenue opportunity from the event.
“What makes a big difference though is if you extend this post-event – it can be either extending the current events platform and keeping it open for 12 months, or an entire separate 365 Community platform that comes with real incremental revenue opportunities.”
The difference is that an exhibitor can almost expect to be put on the listing because they are participating in the event, however providing them with a year’s worth of exposure through a year-round marketplace has much higher value.
It also creates new opportunities for advertising, sponsorship and lead generation year-round – as well as webinars, virtual roundtables, hosted buyer events or other different ways to maintain engagement.
[**Online marketplaces**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) come with some specific advantages for event organisers as part of this extended engagement:
- **Audience growth.** A brand can become embedded into the workflows of buyers year-round by providing an essential tool for [finding and comparing products and services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), which can significantly grow your audiences.
- **Revenue growth.** Bundling recurring revenue subscriptions to a marketplace alongside exhibiting at an event is an opportunity to increase the value of exhibiting, gives suppliers more leads and ROI.
- **Brand protection**. Most importantly, having a marketplace in your portfolio presents the opportunity for forward-thinking organisers to embed themselves in the transactions between our visitors and exhibitor audiences outside the confines of an exhibition.
Marketplaces should be viewed as an essential part of the new omnichannel event model, creating seamless customer experiences across live and digital channels.
A McKinsey & Co study found that 94% of B2B customers now find this sales approach at least as effective as the more traditional model, compared with 65% in April 2020.
ExpoPlatform’s example shows how a relatively small amount of money – £600 for a 12-month listing in a marketplace – makes a huge impact on the revenue when done at scale.
Luke added: “That really does ramp everything up. Just that bit alone accounts for around about two-thirds of the whole revenue. If you can charge everybody in that longtail a relatively small amount, that makes makes a massive impact overall.
“Keeping the platform open post-event is a core part of the value proposition. It does make a 300% increase in revenue – two-thirds of that is the marketplace listing.”
# **Conclusion**
**Smart Events are about adding value to the experience of all participants. But there is another element – they offer flexibility, security and diversity.**
This format helps an organiser to futureproof their business by widening the scope of their revenue potential. In-person is back and coming back strong, however things have changed and the smart planner will recognise that.
Luke said: “The overall context for why revenue diversification is important should be familiar to everyone after the last couple of years that we’ve had. AMR’s top 20 list over from from 2019 to 2020 shows the top organisers lost around 70% of of revenues in that first year of the pandemic.
“Covid-19 levels in the UK right now are as high as they’ve ever been, but it’s a fairly mild version of it and restrictions have all been lifted. That’s not the case in other parts of the world like China. [Sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) is going to increasingly be an issue – and there is a awful awful war happening 1,000 miles to my east.
“There’s all sorts of reasons why in-person events are going to have to be able to stay agile, have to diversify their revenue stream. The move to digital revenues and the importance of digital revenues is not going anywhere.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Integrated onsite registration 'boosts revenue and insights'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/keith-findlay-2307/)
**Published:** July 14, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Organizers can create new revenue streams and uncover data-driven insights using an integrated registration onsite service, according to an industry leader.**
Keith Findlay, CEO of Klay, has set out how badge-printing kiosks offer a seamless experience for participants as well as offering branding solutions.
The company, which specializes in a range of contactless [**registration**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/event-registration-guide/) tools, embarked on a partnership with ExpoPlatform to make this process possible and add more value.
He said: “There’s a growing expectation from attendees to be able to arrive onsite and do things efficiently and moreover, autonomously.
“They don’t want to line up at counters waiting to be greeted by someone who is essentially doing what they can do for themselves.
“For some, there’s a perception that using a premium kiosk solution will increase your registration costs but that’s often not the case, you’re also creating a new revenue stream through all the branding possibilities which you don’t have when you have a traditional check in counter.
“Costs need to be reviewed holistically so that you factor in all of the savings and [**additional revenue streams**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/), even if you arrive at the same place but have improved your attendee experience, that’s a huge win.
“You can brand a kiosk front of house – most if not all of our clients offset all of the costs of the registration now through improved branding revenue opportunities.”
The native integration of the service alongside other digital solutions offered in partnership means an organizer can remove pain points and costs – as well as reduce environmental impact. Here’s how:
- Streamlined and efficient processing of attendees upon arrival resulting in faster badge collection and no long queues.
- Self-serve badge printing reduces the number of attendees requiring hosted registration assistance, resulting in cost savings.
- Fully customisable badge and kiosk design. Limitless profiles, badge types and designs can be printed on demand from the same kiosk using eco-friendly badges.
- **[Sustainable solution](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/)** with no wasted badges. On demand full color printing removes the requirement for any pre-printing ahead of the event.
- Seamless integration with lead capture and session tracking functionality as well as a full event app suite.
- On-site support. Highly trained staff support the solution, available internationally
Event participants can sign up to the event ahead of arrival and then turn up to the show with a [**QR code**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/qr-codes-live-events/?utm_source=linkedin&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=qr_codes_events) which they can scan at a kiosk to have their badge printed.
It has been argued that attendees have become much more comfortable with this technology since the pandemic and has set new expectations for this sort of process.
Keith said the number of machines needed is typically lower than planners expect, while the number of staff needed to assist is dramatically lower than more traditional methods.
Klay – which works with ExpoPlatform to offer a fully integrated solution – can also cut out headaches for organizers as the registration process is already set up with the event software.
He said: “Having this partnership just removes that risk completely – which is a huge advantage – if their registration, lead capture and onsite badge printing can all be running off the same platform.
“All the data is shared in real time, which is a massive benefit for them.”
Keith added: “There is a solution for onsite printing that organizers can activate globally that doesn’t require integration.
“We’ve spoken to a lot of clients over the last 12 to 18 months and there have been horror stories that we’ve heard from events where an integration was required and it simply wasn’t managed correctly resulting in worst case scenarios onsite.
“When we take our hardware on site, we’re actually working directly on the client’s project and it’s running natively on our hardware, no integration.
“The client’s project is literally live and interacted with onsite, which just takes all of the risk and excess work out of it.
“That solution is there – a native partnership that allows people to deploy the onsite registration piece without having to work with a series of different companies and processes and databases.”
This also helps with data and analytics, which have respectively been described as the oil and combustion engine of a digital economy.
Keith believes having this registration information seamlessly integrated with the partnership tech provider ExpoPlatform allows organizers to uncover trends and profit from them.
He said: “The organizer is able to jump on a tablet, access a dashboard and see how many badges are printed at a certain time.
“Or know when someone has arrived by checking a profile showing they have timestamps that they checked in.
“This then all falls into the event analytics, which then helps you create revenue the following year.
“You can see what the historic arrival data looks like and exactly just how much investment you need to make on the registration.
“The reporting sits on the AP side, but the registration page actually sits within it and that’s shared across everything – it’s a lot more harmonious and easy for the end user.”
Meanwhile, the onsite badge printing service also has another important quality – cutting waste.
Sustainability has increasingly become an important issue for organizers for ethical, optical and promotional reasons.
A total of 29% of marketers in our industry rate this as a good opportunity for them, according to findings in our [**Events Amplified**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/) ebook.
There were also 21% who said it was a great opportunity and 36% who said it was an average one.
Keith set out how this onsite approach helps planners to reduce their impact on the environment by reducing the number of unused badges.
He said: “No one wants to pre-print badges or badge stock that ends up in the bin, it’s just an outdated process for various reasons.
“We don’t supply plastic pouches anymore -we have a custom made badge stock that we have developed that is durable enough to last very well for multiple day events.
“**[Klay](https://www.klayeventtechnology.com/)** takes the footprint from its business practices very seriously and we encourage all of our clients to work with the current solutions in the marketplace.
“It’s very sobering to see 20,000 plastic pouches arrive on site on a pallet, you’re looking at a huge volume of single use wasted plastic. When you multiply that in your mind by the number of events happening simultaneously across the world on any given day, you have to adapt.
“Once upon a time, there weren’t great solutions out there. But now there’s really great eco-stock and alternatives that you can use.”
He added: “There are multiple areas where the whole attendee check-in process is really being reinvented – increased analytics, printing live on demand, sustainability, revenue opportunities in branding, a reduction of staff onsite, reduction of shell schemes for registration counters and an overall improvement in attendee experience.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Event market consolidation 'creates room' for innovators](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/ashley-roberts-mna/)
**Published:** December 6, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Market consolidation may create “unhealthy competition” but leaves opportunities for smaller planners, according to an industry leader.**
Ashley Roberts, managing director for CONNECT, highlighted how a growth in acquisitions over recent years can stifle innovation because many are unable to compete with the “large tool chest” of major groups.
But he believes it opens doors for smaller, more flexible organisers to flourish in areas which don’t offer such obvious incentives to these industry giants.
He said: “A lot of the larger global organisers are acquiring and growing. That’s a key growth strategy for them – to grow through acquisition.
“The problem is, there’s a big negative to that. It is creating unhealthy competition with large organisers.
“They’ve got a big tool chest with huge amounts of capital, so they can go out there and acquire – and small to medium organisers really can’t compete.”
However, Ashley set out how the ability for them to quickly move into new spaces makes it easier for them to make gains from areas which are overlooked.
He added: “We are a small organiser. We don’t have the rigid process that often larger businesses have – we’re more agile and we move to market faster.
“The downside is we don’t always have the capitals or the network the larger organisations do.
“How we navigate that is we also look at the markets that the larger organisers might not deem as attractive.
“They’ve got higher overheads for them to launch an event that is profitable, it has to have longevity and be scalable etc.
“They’re often going to be looking at markets that represent larger returns in the long-term.
“For smaller organisers, it’s relative to the size of our business so we can look at markets that yield smaller returns for a larger organiser – but to us, they are relatively large returns.”
Ashley gave an example of how large planners in the Middle East are concentrating their efforts on the Saudi Arabian market.
This leaves room for Oman-based organiser CONNECT to focus on other demand across the region such as Oman, Qatar and Bahrain as well.
Meanwhile, Ashley also set out how seamless experiences and customisation for digital platforms will be crucial for the success of events.
He claimed there is sometimes an “old school” mentality which is holding back traditional exhibition organisers.
However, he believes technology will be key to bringing better value to customers and planners in future.
Ashley said: “Unfortunately, there is a very old school mentality – predominantly in the exhibition industry – of looking at technology as a threat.
“Yes, it can be seen that way when we look at where our customers are spending huge amounts of money with technology.
“I personally view technology as an enabler for our industry to be better at what we’re doing, to offer our customers and our audiences more, to better bridge that gap of in-person to then digital.
“There are massive opportunities. I think AI is a really exciting space – to see what AI is going to do with technology in the events industry as well.
“We are at the early stages of AI. It’s been around for a long while – you interact with any retail brand and they have embedded AI, pop-ups and chat bots etc. Things like that have been around for a very, very long time.
“But we’re not particularly an early adopter and I think we need to look to a lot of industries outside our immediate industry for inspiration.
“Fast-moving sectors have been pioneering and embracing technology such as this. We should never be afraid to look outside our industry and seek some inspiration.”
**Download your free copy of the [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to learn to make the most of data science in events.**
One of the key challenges for making the technology a solid part of an event’s offerings was said to be the need for a seamless experience.
Ashley called on planners to make sure integration of digital tools across the show was as smooth as possible.
This would lead to these online solutions becoming as much a part of the onsite show as the event itself.
He said: “There’s got to be better integration of technology within our events and a whole 365 engagement. It’s just going to be there, it’s all one of the same.
“Technology platforms should be part of the overall mix of what we’re delivering, with the in-person aspect of events as well.
“The overarching aspect for us as an industry is for technology to become more important, which it is starting to do. There is significant progress required within our industry.
“Within providers to our industry, there is development that still needs to be done and that’s a constant evolution.
“That is about working hand-in-hand with organisers, but also the wider ecosystem in our industry.
“We don’t define it as just technology providers and organisers, we look at the wider ecosystem – how can we work with one another?
“Because there are certain platforms that really need to work hand-in-hand.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [10 ways online marketplaces are a bonus for eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-advantages/)
**Published:** October 21, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The rise of online marketplaces has been a boon for B2B events – allowing organisers to widen their connections beyond the limits of in-person shows.**
Always online ecommerce sites help buyers explore new products around the year, compare prices and get the best deals for their purchase.
Exhibitors can use these platforms as a convenient way to connect with potential customers and boost sales.
**Want to know more about online marketplaces for events? [Download our Marketplace Blueprint now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/). Watch the video below for more info ?**
Here are 10 reasons why online marketplaces can boost your events business:
## **1. Adjacent growth ?**
An [**online marketplace**](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/) can be used alongside a physical event to boost two-sided growth in the following ways:
- Upcoming exhibitions and tradeshows can be promoted on the marketplace
- New buyers and exhibitors can be onboarded to the marketplace
- Build and nurture a dedicated audience on the marketplace to get more participants for the in-person show
## **2. Increased product value ⬆**
The networking effect in online marketplaces makes products and services more valuable. Impartial reviews from a large audience as well as suggestions and feedback lend credibility to your offerings and make them more cost-effective.
## **3. No inventory ?**
It’s easier to set up and operate online marketplaces as they don’t hold any stock – like Airbnb vs hotels. They are also easier to scale – similar to Rover vs dog boarding hotels – and quicker to pivot, think Uber X to Uber Black.
## **4. No geographical boundaries ?**
Online marketplaces allow opportunities for overseas sales and purchase. One can easily compare services and prices from suppliers across the globe and establish new trading partnerships and sales channels.
## **5. Barrier to entry ?**
A well-knit ecosystem of marketplace users provides a new source of competitive advantage and market dominance. The strong networking effect makes it tough to enter or replicate the market.
## **6. Operate round-the-clock ?**
Time constraints and differences in international time zones vanish with online marketplaces. Buyers and sellers can network, converse and strike deals 365 days in a year.
## **7. Audience growth ?**
Online marketplaces are excellent product discovery tools. Organisers can leverage this feature to embed their brand into the workflows of buyers throughout the year. This audience grows bigger over time as more users recognise its utility.
## **8. Get more revenue ?**
Organisers can offer exhibitors subscription options on the marketplace and bundle it with exhibiting opportunities at in-person shows. Having a year-round online profile increases the chances of getting quality leads and higher ROI.
## **9. Greater transparency and trust ?**
A more open environment is available at online marketplaces – from prices, competitor products to verified reviews. This improves transparency and trust among buyers and sellers in the platform for business transactions.
## **10. Brand protection ?️**
An online marketplace in the event management portfolio allows organisers to mitigate the risk of cancellations and postponements. Your brand is protected from any disruptions and exhibitors gain more confidence in entering into business transactions.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Asia-Pacific leads way in online retail spending](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220701/)
**Published:** July 1, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Asia-Pacific has emerged as the leading market for online retail spending, new research shows.**
The [Wunderman Thompson Commerce’s Future Shopper Report 2022](https://www.wundermanthompson.com/insight/the-future-shopper-2022) said shows 57% of global spending is now done through digital channels. However, the study found the most significant shift has been witnessed in the Asia-Pacific region.
Figures show online spending in China at 66%, followed by Indonesia and India (64% each), Thailand (60%), Australia (55%) and Japan (48%).
Delivery has also become a priority with 48% of the respondents demanding quicker orders. Meanwhile, 68% said they wanted brands and retailers to offer better environmental practices.
The report surveyed 31,000+ consumers across 18 international markets to get insights into customer behavioural patterns in online commerce and consumer shopping.
## **What’s behind the figures**
**Growing investment in e-commerce, rise of remote work and customer preferences for digital retail tech has made online marketplaces the preferred shopping mode.**
For example, 58% showed inclination towards cashless payments while another 64% preferred checkout-less services like Amazon Go.
Around 60% of the consumers said they plan to use digital shopping channels more, with 62% attributing remote work as a key factor in helping them discover new brands.
Aadit Bimbhet, regional commerce director at Wunderman Thompson APAC, said: “Covid-19 has accelerated digital adoption globally and in south-east Asia nearly 70 million new shoppers are estimated to have come online for the first time.”
“While marketplaces remain the dominant force online, consumer loyalty and preferences in APAC are evolving in the face of fragmented online journeys.”
## **What does it mean for organisers**
**B2B events spending mirrors a similar trend. The past two years have seen the rise of an online marketplace model to engage buyers and boost business growth.**
A [survey by McKinsey](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220107/) showed 94% of B2B customers across different industries found the multi-option omnichannel format to be more or as effective before Covid-19.
Meanwhile, [another report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220225/) found that buyers are using as many as 10 channels in their purchase journey, nearly double from that in 2016.
For organisers, the omnichannel online marketplace model has become a critical tool in engaging the modern audience. Adapting to online spending habits has created the need to connect more data sources through e-commerce, social media and other digital channels.
There is also a growing demand for more personalised and immersive buyer experiences that is achieved through features like [AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/), [product discovery platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/) and [exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/).
Adding these capabilities makes the online marketplace a powerful omnichannel format for audience engagement and business growth.
Learn how you can create a successful online marketplace with our blueprint. **[Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [New tech features to fuel a more seamless IMEX Frankfurt](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/new-tech-imex-fr-2024/)
**Published:** April 18, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A new and improved suite of digital features will be introduced at IMEX Frankfurt to turbocharge a seamless experience for attendees.**
Work has been going on behind the scenes to optimize and improve tools – provided by official tech partner ExpoPlatform – for the show taking place May 14 – 16.
[](#)
***Download the IMEX Events app on Google Play or the App Store to see the features for yourself.***
Here’s a look at what’s new for 2024:
- **Template for meeting request messages –** Removes the need to repeatedly write a brand new message to each person or company.
- **Better business leads export –** Including exhibitor events, meeting ratings and meeting notes.
- **Clickable interactive floorplan –** Easier for attendees to navigate the Messe Frankfurt venue and IMEX show floor.
- **Automatic refresh in mobile app –** The mobile app will now automatically refresh every two minutes so all new meetings are synchronized and visible.
- **See My Schedule **–**** This is designed to improved visibility of your schedule to make the whole experience more flexible. Find out more about this exciting development below!
[](#)
***VIEW: Improved scheduling feature to make the process more flexible for buyers.***
## More on ***See My Schedule***
We’re proud to introduce the ***See My Schedule*** feature – a new tool that enhances scheduling flexibility for buyers.
?**What’s New:** With our *See My Schedule* feature, buyers can now view, modify, and confirm meetings directly within the scheduling interface. No need to switch screens – even when adjusting already booked sessions/meetings!
?**For Teams:** Exhibitors with team members can enjoy shared schedule visibility, simplifying coordination.
?**Why you’ll love it:** This is designed to optimize time management and streamline connections at events. Our intuitive interface includes a date selector, team member filter and a calendar view of schedules.
## Previous results from the IMEX and ExpoPlatform partnership
The IMEX Group partnered with ExpoPlatform for IMEX Frankfurt 2023 and launched an all-new online platform with enhanced capabilities to drive buyer-exhibitor connections.
A wide range of custom tools and features were developed to enhance the platform’s value and boost business growth for participants.
Over the course of three days, IMEX Frankfurt 2023 saw more than 11,000 event participants from over 90 countries gather at Messe Frankfurt.
The show witnessed record numbers in terms of buyer-exhibitor engagement. Over 57,000 confirmed meetings were made, of which nearly 48,000 were pre-booked one-on-one meetings.
More than 285,000 unique messages were sent via the platform, while over 74,000 business lead scans were made by exhibitors and buyers on the new IMEX app.
The free QR scanning feature in the app – previously a paid service – was a big hit as it helped generate quick connections and ensured detailed reports of all business leads that were captured.
Meanwhile, the 12th edition of IMEX America in October 2023 included an upgrade of the event management platform with a range of advanced, powerful tools.
Connections were optimized using meeting and calendar management as well as allowing exhibitors to host group meetings and event spaces.
The interactive floor plan and blue-dot navigation aided a seamless experience around the Mandalay Bay venue for participants, thanks to ExpoPlatform integration with ExpoFP and CrowdConnected.
IMEX America 2023 created new records for participation and engagement at an IMEX event, with CEO Carina Bauer calling it the group’s “biggest ever show”.
**IMEX Frankfurt 2024 takes place from May 14 to 16 – register for free** [**here**](https://imex-frankfurt.com/register?utm_source=group_web&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=if24)**. ExpoPlatform is exhibiting at Stand G485.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Firms being 'conscious' about who attends events is positive](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/kinsey-fabrizio-mar24/)
**Published:** March 28, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Firms being more “conscious” about who they send to tradeshows is a benefit for the events industry, according to an association leader.**
Kinsey Fabrizio, new president of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), highlighted how companies selecting key decision-makers and senior leaders to send to tradeshows means they can get the most out of their participation.
CTA’s flagship event CES saw more than 138,000 people attend in January – up from 118,000 in 2023 but not quite pre-pandemic levels.
Kinsey told ExpoPlatform: “Companies are more conscious about who they send and they’re more intentional about who they send.
“We had 138,000 attendees at CES 2024 and we know that there were a lot of decision-makers in that group of attendees.
“Companies are just being very intentional about who they send and why those individuals are coming.
“That’s good – companies should make those decisions about who to send and why they send them.”
She added: “Of course we want to continue to grow and bring meaningful people from across the world for our exhibitors – and for our content and for our keynoters – but we’ve definitely seen growth from 2023 to 2024.”
CTA provides research and advocacy across North America for industries which utilize technological innovation.
It has organized CES since 1967 and is now an event which brings brands together from all over the globe to unveil their latest releases and breakthroughs.
One thing that separates CES from almost all other major tradeshows is that it carries out an attendee audit, something it has been doing since 1996.
The association follows UFI guidelines for auditing its annual event.
Using a third-party auditor means the association can confidently report numbers and apply to become a UFI Approved International Event.
Kinsey believes this significantly helps in providing evidence for its exhibitors about what value they get from attending CES.
She said: “As an organization that produces live events, we’re always competing for marketing dollars.
“We’re competing to get exhibitors to invest in the show, to get attendees to come to the show.
“We are always working hard to create value – create value as a business event, create value as a world-renowned media event.
“We do that in many ways. We’re about to release our attendee audit. CTA and CES is very unique, because we are one of the only major trade shows that actually audits our attendees.
“What that means is if you come to CES, we count you as one person. We don’t count you every day that you’re at the show. We will just count you one time.
“So we have a really true number of attendees and that’s very valuable to exhibitors, because the data that they get from trade shows is really instrumental to their success and their business plans throughout the rest of the year.
“CES happening in January allows them to make a lot of great connections and then focus on that all year round.”
Kinsey joined the association in 2008 in the membership department.
She quickly grew in the position and led successful efforts to expand CTA into several new areas including disruptive innovation, content and digital health.
In 2019 she was promoted to vice president of membership, leading a major restructure in 2021.
She became senior vice president in 2022 and soon added responsibility overseeing CES sales, which expanded dramatically under her leadership.
Her new role as president – which she took on in February – involves responsibility for CES, CTA membership, CTA conferences as well as marketing and communications.
Kinsey believes having the right segmentation for participant data is crucial to CTA’s success in engaging with its members and event participants.
The association does this by looking at positions, influence, type of organization, any previous attendance and more so they can personalize campaigns to increase the chance of registration for CES.
She said: “It’s really important to communicate by segment – and because CES is so big and so broad, we have to be very segmented about our marketing.
“So when we put out communication, we want to make sure it goes to the right people so that they understand what it means for them and what the value is for them.
“Then they can take action, whether that’s to attend or to exhibit or to sponsor or if you’re the media.”
The CTA’s membership is North America-based and includes more than 1,300 companies, with its advocacy work focusing on the United States.
Efforts are made to represent the tech industry and industries utilizing technology.
It also creates market research and industry forecasting in the tech segments.
The association side is also an accredited standards organization, putting forward rules that make technology function in a way that enhances the consumer experience.
Kinsey said: “We don’t just have technology companies as members – we have companies in every industry as members.
“Think of John Deere, that’s an agriculture company. They are a member of CTA because they’re using technology in a meaningful way.
“We just have the most unique and diverse set of members because of our core mission, which is technology and innovation.
“That is always going to create growth and we’re always looking to expand into these different areas, as AI technologies and solutions become more prominent.
“Those companies are joining CTA. I think quantum is going to be a category of promise in the future where we’ll see some growth.“
Meanwhile, the CES event is global – with 161 different countries represented at the show in January.
At CES 2024, more than 50,000 of the attendees were from outside of the US and exhibitors were from many different nations.
Kinsey highlighted how the association takes guidance from its members and key participants to shape the content at the event in Las Vegas.
She said: “When you come to CES you’re going to see so many amazing technologies that you never even dreamed of – so it is definitely a look into the future.
“But it comes from the direction of the current and who’s participating, who’s involved with our organization.
“We take a lot of guidance from them – we have an advisory group that helps with our conference content development and curation.
“Even though sometimes you’ll have a core group of exhibitors who are amazing but are not members, it’s the same industry – so it does all work very harmoniously.” CTA counts only technology companies with a business presence in North America among its members, though CES exhibitors span the globe.
Meanwhile, Kinsey told how AI-powered tools helped with many areas of marketing and engagement with the show.
The association has now developed a “roadmap” for how it will continue to grow its use of this fast-growing evolving technology at CES.
She said: “AI is going to create a lot of really great opportunities in the live event space.
“It’s going to give event organizers the ability to have better business intelligence on who’s coming to their show – who their exhibitors are, who their customers are – so that they can then tailor and curate a better value proposition to those groups of customers.
“On the attendee side, I think it’s going to make attendees have a more personalized, really focused experience.
“It’s going to help them be more efficient at the shows – especially at a show like ours.
“You can’t possibly see everything at CES, but you probably want to see 75% of it.
“AI can help you create your plan to do that, so I think there’s great promise there.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Are you taking these precautions while planning hybrid events?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/precautions-while-planning-hybrid-events/)
**Published:** June 17, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Just when you thought things were finally looking up for large-scale physical events, onto the scene arrives a new variant of Covid-19, dubbed ‘delta’. Initially identified in India, this latest mutation of the coronavirus has again cast doubt on the date for live events to open their doors for attendees.
With the **[lockdown easing delayed for another four weeks](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-57464097)**, such developments indicate the foreseeable future of in-person events is likely to come with a degree of uncertainty. Add to this the fact that digital event channels are now mainstream, and the physical component may never return to pre-Covid levels.
*Read our [complete guide to hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) here.*
But let’s look at the brighter side. All the investment, skill and knowledge upgrades made in virtual events over the past 18 months will reap gains for years to come. With the future of events predicted to be hybrid for quite some time, you can devise a solid strategy that integrates this newfound digital expertise with in-person events.
A virtual and physical event do not have to take place simultaneously. The bigger transformational goal is a **[hybrid business model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/designing-hybrid-event-models-for-2021-and-beyond/)** that offers a community value wherever and whenever they choose, with live moments as highlights.
But when considering that live hybrid component, a new format that organisers and other stakeholders are still experimenting with, there are certain precautions you should take.
Some of them are mentioned below:
## **Plan bookings as per Covid measures at the venue
**
The lure of live can compel organisers to take irrational decisions, like overbooking an event in the hope of maximising the chances of creating a praiseworthy and successful experience. This could result in long queues and overcrowding, and create confusion and chaos at the venue, where your physical attendees would expect all safety measures in place.
With the world still dealing with the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and preparing to face new waves of the virus, you need to take the utmost precaution in making sure the venue is equipped to host a large crowd. This includes using signages highlighting the dos and don’ts for attendees, hand sanitisation stations, temperature checks, onsite vaccination status check, individually packaged meals, and a medical task force to deal with any emergency cases.
## **Pay equal attention to both formats
**
Hybrid events are a fairly new concept in the world of B2B events and exhibitions, so planning one for both your physical and virtual attendees can be tricky. As an organiser, you need to dive deep into the hybrid mindset, which means working out the event production, content delivery, and meetings and networking options in the most efficient way for both mediums.
It’s also important to constantly engage your remote attendees so they don’t feel left in the lurch. Some ways to do this is by having online chat and breakout room moderators who can facilitate and steer conversations as well as attend to queries and comments, use gamification to conduct quizzes, contests and giveaways, and offer language translation support for attendees who might not be comfortable with English.
## **Hire MCs and moderators
**
According to a **[report by B2B growth marketing blog Markletic](https://www.markletic.com/blog/hybrid-event-statistics/)**, 46 per cent of organisers said speakers find it difficult to engage with physical and virtual attendees simultaneously. This is a challenge unique to the hybrid event format, where talking to a live audience and at the same time trying to connect effectively with remote attendees can be an uphill task. More often than not, the speakers tend to interact more with the in-person audience, leaving the remote attendees feeling unconnected.
You can mitigate this problem by hiring a well-known MC and picking moderators among the participants to maintain a smooth flow of conversation between the audiences.
## **Invest in the right hybrid event platform
**
Organising a hybrid event is a complex task where you need to run both onsite and online components in tandem, without error. To successfully execute a hybrid event, it is essential to be in control of both aspects, and implausible through manual solutions or one-size-fits-all software.
It is essential to invest in a [**hybrid event platform**](https://expoplatform.com/) that offers the right blend of functionality, features, flexibility and support service. For example, the platform should be able to optimise both in-person and virtual experiences, synchronise onsite and virtual leads, and allow seamless changes to be made across mobile apps and livestreams. Check for the platform provider’s history of hosting live, virtual and hybrid events, how frequently they innovate and update their tech, their data control policy and recent customer reviews.
## **Charge less for virtual attendance
While establishing the online component comes at a cost to the organiser, the experience is limited to a different kind of value for remote attendees. They aren’t seeking serendipitous moments and experiential joy but knowledge, training, insights, and networking opportunities in a cost-effective way. So find a pricing strategy that encourages potential attendees to participate and pitch the value accordingly.
## **Conclusion
Now is the time to show your audience what you can do with a hybrid event, so take all precautionary steps to ensure it runs smoothly. Take a deeper look at how hybrid events work and what industry leaders can teach you about organising one with our free Hybrid Blueprint ebook. [**Download it now.** ](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Hybrid Booths: how to convert leads without attending events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-booths-donna-shaw/)
**Published:** September 1, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Exhibitors can convert around 40% of leads at exhibitions they don’t even attend in person, an industry leader has explained.
Donna Shaw, chief operating officer of Rego, is part of a team which was forced to rethink how it helps its clients amid an ever changing landscape.
The ongoing uncertainty caused by coronavirus variants has left many organisers concerned about potential restrictions on travel and events.
However, Rego has introduced a service to allow exhibitors to continue to source buyers and make good connections at events – even if they can’t attend.
The company now offers them a hybrid booth service – known as Rego Smartstands – which sees trained managers work on the seller’s behalf.
Donna estimates 19 hybrid booths at one of their four-day shows brought in around 2,000 new leads – with 40% of them converting.
She said: “Part of the Smartstands service is the virtual meetings that we facilitate while we’re live on site.
“We’re absorbing that data and sharing it with exhibitors, post-show.
“If you’re on a stand for four days, you often don’t act on the leads straight away.
“You wait until you get back home and then you have a weekend off because you are tired from the show.
“Then you act on them two weeks later and by then – they’ve gone cold!
“With this model, you are reacting to these leads more immediately and I think that’s why they’re converting and why that return on investment (ROI) is coming in.”
The hybrid booth team can conduct tech demos, arrange appointments, distribute collateral and manage the build-up and break-down of the stand.
There is also a virtual hub which is how the companies are able to act on new leads quickly, rather than following up some time after the event.
Donna added: “The inquiries we’re getting now are showing it’s a genuine alternative, so that’s one way of monetising.”
## ‘The whole culture of exhibitions remains quite old school’
It comes when exhibitors face potential pandemic-related challenges preventing them from physically attending shows, such as travel restrictions or business operational budgets.
This can be seen in how some air carriers have warned that the spread of the Delta variant is causing a surge in business travel cancellations.
American Airlines is just one among a number of US operators predicting a delay in the return of corporate passengers.
This is on top of the findings of a McKinsey & Company study which found [corporate travel could be cut by 20%](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/) in future when compared to 2019 levels.
The digital transformation of events was long overdue but was sparked out of necessity when in-person shows were put on hold.
This began with organisers scrambling to replace their physical offerings with lacklustre solutions, however Donna believes the future is bright for innovators who have “embraced” the virtual future.
*Download ExpoPlatform’s [Hybrid Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) and learn how to make a success of a live and digital mix.*
She said: “The whole culture of exhibitions remains quite old school. It’s getting better, but it has been a very traditional ethos.
“But it’s that gap between them, getting that mentality to buy in and to understand that we can work together here and we can evolve.
“I think the people that have embraced that are the ones that are going to come out the other side and make this work.”
Now, many leading event producers have seen the benefits which can be brought through digital offerings.
An Event MB [State of the Event Industry Survey](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-update/) shows 38% of event professionals said they had experienced an increase in reach through digital and 9% said it gave them “long-term community engagement” – as well as the 10% who said they had found new revenue sources.
However, 9% of event producers still said there were no positives from the switch to virtual.
The survey also found 68% of event professionals claimed future exhibitions would follow a hybrid model and 51% said their in-person events would be smaller.
Only 16% said their shows would be the same size when they return, with 12% saying they would remain virtual.
Donna is among those who believes a hybrid format for our industry is going to continue for the foreseeable future.
She said: “People are getting on board with the whole hybrid thing, there’s no questions around it anymore – I think it’s actually normalising.
“Exhibitions in the next year will be scaled back and will be live, but there’ll be smaller versions with a lot more virtual and hybrid elements.
“I think there’ll be an acceptance that this is the way to go now and it will be hybrid for the foreseeable future.
“People that have evolved and embraced the concept will be better for it.
She added: “You can bring in external skill sets to support your own – you can make your event stand out by doing that as well – there is never a one size fits all in regards to skill and joining of service and suppliers means a streamlined approach to events.”
*For more information, here is our complete guide to [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/).*
This shift does not mean that physical shows will become a thing of the past – rather they will remain the highlight, but can be enhanced through virtual events and engagement.
Those who have been willing to remodel their businesses are now shaping their budgets to be made up of around 25% digital – whereas it is reported to have been closer to 2% in 2020.
Donna gave a number of examples of how virtual formats can be used for monetisation.
This includes having a tiered system of sponsorship packages, with higher levels being offered, more marketing opportunities or a “concierge” service.
[Digital’s monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) can be heightened through analysing the information collected from physical and virtual attendees.
It can be used to target specific profiles, make connections or suggestions as well study their behaviour to improve shows in future.
B2C marketers have so far been more advanced in using data to understand the importance of behaviour and emotion which can influence buyer decisions.
Those in the top 100 – such as Amazon and eBay – took in £1.92 trillion ($2.67 trillion) over 2020 and a 62% share of worldwide digital sales, according to research from [ComprarAcciones.com](https://compraracciones.com/blog/2021/04/06/top-three-global-online-marketplaces-accounted-for-nearly-two-thirds-of-2-67-trillion-2020-gmv/).
That is an increase of 29% year-over-year in gross merchandise sales, while those for non-marketplace sites grew by 25% over the same period.
Meanwhile, the subscription economy has grown by 437% over nine years, according to Zuora research.
Millennials and those in Gen Z – who are predicted to make up more than 55% of the workforce by 2025 – are more likely to be subscription-based consumers.
For instance, they are more used to watching new blockbusters through a streaming service like Netflix than at a cinema.
## ‘Organisers are going to have to do much better and have had to learn’
However, Donna warns that an organiser must be “clear” about what a subscription would include as it risks a cancellation if the client realises it is not what they were interested in.
Part of this development is rethinking how teams are built – and the skillsets they have.
Rego has tackled these challenges by operating on a freelance model, however some organisers are building more of a digital-first approach with staffing.
Donna said: “To make it worthwhile, organisers are going to have to do much better and have had to learn.
“There’s a lack of education around what you need for a digital event.
“The way we operate is a freelancer model.
“You may have an organising business that wants to do a virtual exhibition, so they’re going to bring in a specialist agency to do that part of it.
“Then off they go and they carry on with their live bit of the exhibition.
“That’s where you’re seeing production companies and studios popping up within exhibition centres.
“But that capability and skillset isn’t within the traditional organising business, so they’re having to bring it in – it’s an education piece.”
She added: “Now I suppose the question is about when you’re hiring.
“You have to hire someone who’s got tech skills to go through that model and bring them in.
“We have this flexible resource model, because we use sales teams to fill gaps in companies.
“We will use event managers to help support an event, but they’re not on the payroll because we don’t need them all year round.”
The Event MB survey – which had 401 responses from event professionals – found 24% of the respondents raised engagement as the biggest challenge to switching to virtual.
This is important as however the show takes place – physically, virtually or a blend of the two – an organiser’s role is to create experiences.
Donna believes an event producer needs to be more creative when dealing with the traditional model, as our industry has progressed so much in a short time.
For her, it is crucial that the audience is made to feel special.
She said: “People shouldn’t lose sight of the VIP element – people want to feel valued.
“In this industry – events and exhibitions – people still want to be there in person.
“So you have got to make that in-person element really valuable, really important and make people want to attend.
“People need to start thinking a little bit outside the box and make braver choices, put some new ideas in place to encourage the stakeholders.
“It’s not traditional anymore, I think it’s got to be a bit different.
“The organisers that become a bit more creative I think are also the ones that will win.”
***Transformation Stories gives organisers exclusive insights from industry leaders about the future of events.* *For more in the series so far, read here******:***
- *[Association events ‘will reinvent’ to meet digital expectations](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/)*
- *[Organisers ‘missing out’ on hybrid event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/)*
- [*Events ‘must adapt to generational shift’ – that means FOMO*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/heather-holst-knudsen-event-marketing/)
- [*How an online community can nurture ‘next great global thinkers’*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-charlie-cracknell/)
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Chart of the week: what do planners want from hybrid events?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-marketers-hybrid/)
**Published:** September 6, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The event industry is changing rapidly. Each week we illustrate how this is happening and what it means for your business.***
Event technology connection and real-time attendee data are the priorities for boosting hybrid event marketing, according to a survey.
Findings from a new [report](https://www.on24.com/resources/asset/how-marketers-maximize-return-on-engagement-with-virtual-and-hybrid-events/) show 64% of marketers say the top element they hope to incorporate into these business-to-business (B2B) shows are technology integrations.
Meanwhile, 57% said they wanted to interact simultaneously with attendees and 54% said they wanted the data to be made available to them.
Only 15% of respondents said they wanted gamification to be a feature of future hybrid events.
*Read ExpoPlatform’s [full guide on hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) here.*
## **Behind the figures**
The world has gone digital over the last 18 months, so with the return to in-person much has been talked about how to keep hold of those advantages.
Part of this comes from incorporating the benefits brought through online events in to the physical world.
Figures from the ON24 report reveals that most marketers believe hybrid B2B events will become more common in the coming future – with 95% of respondents saying so.
Benefits highlighted by the respondents include significant boosts to the pipeline and more data compared with physical events.
The findings show many marketers are already well aware of how digital elements can help their events, meaning those who are not considering them could be left behind.
ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer Luke Bilton told an International Confex panel discussion that to ignore the benefits brought through this information would be like “going back to the Stone Age”.
He added: “The problem for large-scale exhibitions is you push attendees through a door and let them do the rest themselves.
“Digital has brought all of this data, for me you would be going back to the Stone Age if you were to turn off all off that insight and go back to a concrete box you aren’t measuring.”
## **What does this mean for organisers?**
The return of in-person events is great for the industry, but the digital transformation has laid the foundation for a successful comeback.
Producers who don’t incorporate hybrid into their business model risk being left behind. Here’s why.
**Monetisation:** Potential for [monetisation through virtual](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) has been historically under-valued by exhibition organisers, who now need to re-balance the pricing of digital and in-person in their budgets. This can ensure that even when people are unable or unwilling to travel, a healthy amount of revenue can still be brought in.
**Pricing:** Digital has been historically under-valued by exhibition organisers, who now need to re-balance the pricing of digital and in-person in their budgets. This can ensure that in the event of a show being cancelled, a healthy amount of revenue can still remain.
**Measuring success:** A hybrid event’s success can be measured by analysing post-event data, using technology such as ExpoPlatform. All [virtual event metrics](https://expoplatform.com/how-to-effectively-measure-engagement-at-virtual-events/) can be captured such as profile views, engagement or directory searches. Physical event scans and in-person meeting data can also be stored for analysis and reporting purposes.
*For more on this download [ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook.*
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Transforming tradeshows: hosted buyer solutions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/transforming-tradeshows-hosted-buyer/)
**Published:** October 27, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Hosted buyer programmes are curated meeting schedules that provide a premium networking experience to buyers and exhibitors.**
They are a massive boost for largescale tradeshows, helping to forge key connections and improve business opportunities.
This article explains the value generated by these programmes using real-life examples of world-renowned tradeshows like IMEX and GITEX.
Here’s what you will find out:
- **Key advantages of a hosted buyer programme**
- **How hosted buyer solutions work**
- **Case studies where such solutions have significantly improved the tradeshow’s value**
**Get your free practical guide to this high-value event format** ? **[Download the Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)**.
## **Benefits of a hosted buyer programme for tradeshows ?**
A hosted buyer solution can boost the value proposition of a tradeshow in several ways. Here are some key positives:
**Benefits to Exhibitors ✔️**
**1. Increased ROI:** Exhibitors can engage with pre-qualified buyers who actively seek their products or services. This increases the chances of generating leads, making sales and forming partnerships, boosting ROI.
**2. Access to a targeted audience:** Hosting qualified buyers ensures exhibitors can connect with their ideal target audience. This saves them time and resources by allowing them to focus on potential customers who are more likely to be interested in their offerings. This leads to more meaningful interactions and potential business opportunities.
**3. Networking opportunities:** Apart from pre-scheduled meetings, hosted buyer meetings also include additional networking events like cocktail receptions, gala dinners and dedicated networking sessions. Exhibitors can interact with their peers, share experiences and exchange ideas for collaboration.
**Benefits to buyers ✔️**
**1. Access to qualified suppliers**: Buyers also gain access to pre-screened suppliers who participate in the programme based on their products, services and industry relevance. This streamlines the sourcing process and ensures buyers can connect with suppliers that specifically meet their needs.
**2. Cost savings:** Participating buyers have their travel, accommodation and registration costs covered by the tradeshow organisers. This helps reduce their expenses and they can focus on quality table conversations and closing deals with interested exhibitors.
**3. Efficient scheduling:** Pre-scheduled appointments allow buyers to maximise their time at the tradeshow by ensuring they have dedicated meetings with relevant suppliers, facilitating focused discussions and efficient sourcing.
**Benefits to tradeshow organisers ✔️**
**1. Higher exhibitor satisfaction:** Hosted buyer events are proven to increase exhibitor satisfaction and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) beyond that of traditional tradeshows.
**2. Enhanced event reputation:** A hosted buyer programme creates a sense of exclusivity and prestige for the tradeshow. It demonstrates their ability to attract high-value buyers and deliver a valuable experience for exhibitors. This leads to increased trust from both attendees and exhibitors, driving higher participation in future events.
**3. Competitive differentiation:** In the crowded events market, a hosted buyer programme can set a show apart from competitors. It offers a unique value proposition, making it more compelling for potential attendees and exhibitors to choose that particular trade show over others.
**4. Brand loyalty and new revenue streams:** Helping your audience improve their decision-making can turn them into brand advocates. This leads to positive word-of-mouth and increases demand for your offerings – resulting in potential new revenue streams through fees and sponsorships.
**Also read:** **[15 hosted buyer best practices for eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-best-practices-event-profs/)**
## **How ExpoPlatform’s Hosted Buyer Management solutions work ?**
Here’s a walkthrough of ExpoPlatform’s **[AI-powered hosted buyer management platform:](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)**
**Buyer registration and approval**
Organisers can use an intuitive dashboard to send e-invitations with registration forms to buyers.
After registration, approved buyers are quickly selected by reviewing the form data.
They receive automated personalised confirmations and can customise profiles.
The networking section opens when the desired number of buyers is reached.
**Benefits setup**
Set up buyer categories and input remuneration and allowance details in the portal.
Buyers can simply download, upload, and submit signed documents via the integrated dashboard to expedite the process.
**Setting up networking for buyers**
Organisers send recommended exhibitor profiles to buyers for their ‘yes’ or ‘no’ votes, creating scores from both groups.
Matching scores are based on chosen product categories.
Networking begins 6-8 weeks before the event for productive interactions and expectations.
**Creating the meeting plan**
****
Organizers can manually arrange meetings or use the algorithm for optimised seating.
Adjust meetings, reshuffle tables, and finalise the schedule.
Once locked, the schedule is unchangeable, ensuring a streamlined process.
**Setting up networking for exhibitors**
Exhibitors receive the final meeting schedule via email to assign team members.
If names aren’t assigned, the company name is mentioned.
Additional meetings can be added through check-ins and reviews.
**Meetings happen in-person or online**
****
Meetings between Hosted Buyers and exhibitors are in-person, online, or both, based on the event format (live, virtual, or hybrid).
For face-to-face meetings, designated areas and rooms are pre-booked at the event venue.
**Meeting ratings and success analysis**
Hosted Buyers receive email reminders to review and rate meetings via the dashboard.
Organisers access buyer details, reviews, and data analytics to evaluate the programme’s success
**Read more ? [How to find the ideal buyer for your hosted buyer programme]()**
Let’s take a look at some major events where ExpoPlatform’s hosted buyer solutions greatly contributed to their success.
## **IMEX Frankfurt 2023**
***The event:*** IMEX Frankfurt is a premier global trade show for the events industry that offers exhibitors a platform to present their offerings to a global audience of event professionals and buyers. Held annually in Frankfurt, Germany, it draws participants worldwide.
***The challenge:*** The IMEX group wanted a new tech-driven experience for its 2023 edition to supercharge networking between attendees and exhibitors. ExpoPlatform worked with the IMEX team to onboard an all-new online platform featuring advanced tools like hosted buyer software and Exhibitor Events to fire up meetings.
***Results and stats:*** The show experienced record-breaking engagement with over **57,000 confirmed meetings**, including nearly **48,000 pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings**.
## **GITEX Africa 2023**
***The event:*** GITEX Africa 2023 was the first GITEX GLOBAL exhibition outside the UAE, expanding the tech showcase and bolstering the African tech ecosystem with investments and initiatives.
***The challenge:*** ExpoPlatform had delivered GITEX GLOBAL successfully for two consecutive years (with a third one underway in 2023). The organiser Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) wanted a similar success for the Africa edition. For this, they wanted to make the maximum number of buyers and suppliers connect at the show.
Our team implemented a customised, feature-rich online platform to increase connections and drive leads – this included a hosted buyer concierge programme powered by a **Meeting Wizard tool** developed specially for DWTC.
***Results and stats:*** The event tech platform was instrumental in boosting connections with more than **14,500 meeting requests** made.
## **GITEX GLOBAL 2022**
***The event:*** GITEX Global (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) stands as the world’s largest tech showcase, spotlighting cutting-edge advancements across metaverse, AI, web3, blockchain, and cloud computing sectors.
***The challenge:*** The priority for the event was to improve the quality of interactions and get more startups, tech-preneurs and investors to connect with each other.
For this, ExpoPlatform worked with DWTC to create a Smart Event app with advanced hosted buyer meeting capabilities.
***Results and stats:*** The meeting management programme for hosted buyers was a huge success. More than **7,000 meetings** happened during the show – of these, **concierge-arranged meetings totalled more than 3,700 with a 72.1% confirmation rate**.
## **WeCosmoprof International 2021**
***The event:*** WeCosmoprof International was the inaugural virtual event by Cosmoprof that brought together beauty industry stakeholders worldwide. Key participants included Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna, Cosmoprof Asia, Cosmoprof North America, Cosmoprof India and Cosmoprof CBE ASEAN.
***The challenge:*** The event aimed to connect audiences and operators from key markets in Europe, APAC and the US to foster business opportunities and facilitate supply-demand interactions. Its success depended on securing a robust digital platform with tools like hosted buyer management in order to enhance networking and drive more value-driven business conversations.
***Results and stats:*** The hosted buyer solutions and networking tools were crucial in maximising connections between stakeholders and distributors with **6,600+ planned meetings**.
Want to learn how you can create your own curated meeting programmes? **[Download the Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)** to get the details.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [How event tech can give tradeshows a hosted buyer experience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/paul-miller/)
**Published:** November 3, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs should bring a hosted buyer experience to tradeshows using technology “as much as possible”, according to an industry leader.**
Paul Miller, CEO of [Questex](https://questex.com/), told ExpoPlatform how a VIP concierge program of meetings often has triple the NPS of their exhibitions.
Now he believes organisers can learn lessons to bring that type of experience to the showfloor by using digital insights, particularly content consumption habits.
He said: “We’re finding NPS scores are triple the tradeshow scores and they’re also ahead of the conference scores.
“The experience at a tradeshow at its worst is you shack up to an airport and a hotel. You’re probably a little annoyed by some bad travel experience right now because it ain’t fun traveling.
“Then you may have to line up for a badge to get into a show and then you have to navigate to find relevant connections.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)
He added: “The NPS score is about what they think about that experience. Hosted buying is the exact opposite to that experience.
“Everything is curated, every meeting is set, you get a personal agenda, the networking is normally intimate.
“It’s not abnormal for us to see these NPS scores – but if we’re seeing such good scores, why not try to bring that experience back into the tradeshow as much as possible?”
## **Content consumption**
Questex is concentrating on what can be learnt from digital content consumption to curate better meeting programs based on user behaviour.
This is because what participants describe as their interests can sometimes miss key points out, or even just be rushed to get through a registration process quickly.
Paul believes what they are actually reading can point out some areas of interest that are not obvious from a registration form.
An example could include if a gym owner is using the website to look at yoga-related content – such as products, webinars and stories on companies in that area – a picture emerges where an organizer can match them with sellers.
Paul argues this sort of experience will be attractive to buyers even when they aren’t being hosted in a more traditional way – hotels, transport or meals.
He said: “People are willing to pay for efficiency and time and if you can guarantee that they’ll come – you don’t have to host them.
“Certain people obviously are used to being hosted – they like being hosted.
“They probably bring their significant other and they make a vacation of it.
“As long as the business interaction is professional and there’s work being done, I think it’s fine either way. However, these costs clearly impact margins.
“I do think over time content consumption habits are going to make it much more efficient for organisers to curate and make suggestions for meetings.”
The timeframe which is most important to be considering content consumption was between six and 12 weeks before the event, depending on the industry.
Those habits become the real pointers because it shows there is potential willingness to buy if their digital footprint shows consistent interest in certain products.
Paul added: “The beauty of a hosted buyer is that they’re really further down the funnel.
“If you can tell them about four other meetings you think they might like based on interests.
“They normally turn around and go ‘wow this was a really efficient meeting for me’.
“At its best, it’s Amazon-style consumer prediction. At its worst, it’s just throwing people in a room who said they’re interested in something so have a meeting – that doesn’t last very long, value wise.”
## **Hosted Buyer 2.0**
A hosted buyer program has always been an exclusive experience where efficiency and productivity are key to its success.
That means matching the right people together over a few days to do business which would normally take at least six months.
Questex and other organisers could also pay for travel, accommodation and other expensive meals as part of the package.
Paul believes this is “the traditional model” but there is now room to depart from that in some circumstances.
Being the best “party planner” or focusing on the “best resort” is a low barrier to entry and not a sustainable competitive advantage.
He said: “In my mind, what’s really happening is that the idea of a hosted buyer event and a separate conference or separate trade show are now merging.
“People are seeing value in seeing great high qualified buyers who might sign up to attend the meetings.
“But then they’ll go on to the show floor and in some cases, they’ll attend the conference.
“The traditional hosted buyer model didn’t really explore any more value for the attendee than putting buyers and sellers together – which, of course, is high value.
“But you start to think that we have all of these people in a really nice resort, why don’t we offer them education or offer them the opportunity to look for some serendipitous moments?”
Paul sets out that mass personalization can be “onerous” because eventprofs can be fully focused on the operations side, rather the experience side.
But inspiration can be taken from musical festivals where revellers don’t have the whole show tailored to their taste, but are able to go to genre-specific stages with groups similar to those they already enjoy.
He said: “It’s not completely personalized, but it’s personalized enough to say there are areas of interest here that you might be more attracted to than others.
“The reason why it’s onerous to do mass personalization is because we were primarily focused on the exhibitor at the tradeshow – I think we were focused on putting on a “tradeshow.”
“We were focused on the exhibition hall and the electricity and the union and the carpeting, all of which are important.
“But what’s it like if you live the day in the life of an attendee, what’s it like to attend the show?”
## **Focus on experience**
Event technology can be used to improve the experience of participants in a similar way to hosted buyer programs, according to Paul.
He believes industry professionals can sometimes forget about how it feels for someone to be at their show because they focus too much on the numbers.
**Questex places a major focus on experience for buyers and sellers as part of its Hotec offerings.**
Paul gave an example of a show manager who saw long lines of people waiting to register describing it as “great” – because that showed there were lots of attendees.
This ignores how those visitors were feeling while queuing just to get into the venue, lowering morale before they have even been given a chance to take part.
Paul said: “It’s not really the experience that you’d want your customers – who have paid for the privilege in a lot of cases – to go through.
“As an industry, we sort of forgot the attendee customer. We spent more time on the logistics, the operations, the planning and the execution.
“We’ve got to use technology – we’ve got to use apps, we’ve got to use software, we’ve got to use pre-event behaviours to just enhance the experience.
“It’s not going to be perfect – you cannot make the experience perfect for 20,000 people over three days, you just can’t.
“But can we make it better? I think we were already doing it with hosted buyers, so why not bring some of those elements over to the larger tradeshow.”
## **Three steps to a successful HBP**
Paul set out his three main components to a successful curated meetings program, while highlighting how event tech can make them even better.
He said: “What makes them successful is number one, they’re extremely efficient. So there’s not a lot of wasted time.
“Number two – If you do them well, you get some terrific networking and the networking happens normally in the evenings or the breakfasts that are around the meetings.
“Number three – to be honest with you – if the buyer’s or seller’s don’t get new ideas or new solutions they let you know very quickly that this was the wrong audience.
“It was either the wrong buyers or the wrong sellers. So there’s no hiding in a hosted buyer event – they either work or they don’t.
“What’s happening now is software is starting to help make those connections even more valid – and that’s where it gets quite exciting.”
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. At ExpoPlatform, we want to help you build better hosted buyer programmes. Please get in touch and** [**ask for a demo**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [Hosted Buyer Programme: how to find the ideal buyer](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/find-ideal-buyer/)
**Published:** May 4, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Attracting the ideal target for your Hosted Buyer Programme requires a strategic approach.**
You want to bring in those who are interested, engaged and committed to making a purchase.
This means that you must speak directly to the needs and desires of your target audience.
This article outlines the different factors you should consider to hone your buyer acquisition efforts.
**Also check** ? [**How to create a personalised concierge experience for your event**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program-new/)
## **Getting the right buyers for your Hosted Buyer Programme – why is it important? ?**
Buyers are not just numbers on a spreadsheet – they are real people with different needs and challenges.
Getting the right ones to your event helps maximise the value proposition of your Hosted Buyer Programme.
Here are some reasons why it’s crucial to find the ideal buyer:
**1. Increased sales:** Hosted Buyer Programmes are designed to facilitate business transactions between buyers and sellers. Attracting the ideal buyer increases the chances of closing sales and generating revenue for the exhibitors.
**2. Improved ROI:** Exhibitors usually invest a hefty sum to participate in tradeshows and exhibitions. It’s crucial to ensure the investment is worthwhile and leads to a positive ROI.
**3. Higher customer satisfaction:** An ideal buyer is more likely to be satisfied with the products and services offered in the programme. This leads to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
**4. Enhanced networking opportunities:** The ideal buyer is likely to be well-connected in their industry and can provide valuable networking opportunities for exhibitors. This creates more partnerships, collaborations and long-term business opportunities.
**?️ Also read:** [**15 hosted buyer best practices for event organisers**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-best-practices-event-profs/)
Let’s take a look at the key factors to attract the best buyers for your programme:
## **1. First party firmographic data ?**
Firmographic data helps identify the right buyer fit for your programme. It includes:
- **Industry size** – determines the number of potential buyers that can be targeted. For example, if the programme is aimed at the healthcare industry, it is important to look at the major players in the market who you can reach out to.
- **Job function –** helps identify the specific roles and responsibilities of potential buyers. Different job functions may require different types of products or services, so it is important to tailor the programme to address various needs.
- **Title/seniority** is another key factor as it helps determine the level of decision-making power of potential buyers e.g. a senior executive would be more likely to make purchasing decisions than a junior staff member.
- **Location** helps organisers target buyers who are more likely to attend the event or the products and services on offer.
- Finally, **tech used by potential buyers** provides insights on how the programme can be customised to meet the needs of potential buyers and ensure the features on offer are aligned with their tech needs and infrastructure.
**Read more** ? Learn why Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, wants organisers to **[bring more hosted buyer experiences to tradeshows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/paul-miller/)**
## **2. First party segmentation data ?**
The buyer profile can be further segmented to find the best fit for the programme.
This data includes:
- **Role in the buying process:** Knowing the role of the buyer in the purchasing process allows you to better understand their decision-making power. You can then come up with personalised solutions that will address their pain points.
- **Company size:** Small businesses have different needs compared to medium or large enterprises. Understanding the specific pains and challenges these companies face helps you create the most effective solutions that lead to successful outcomes.
- **Manufacturing type:** Discrete and process manufacturing involve different products and services. Companies in these categories have distinct preferences when it comes to attending events. Segmenting buyers based on manufacturing type helps organisers tailor their marketing campaigns for the unique needs of each category.
## **3. First party intent data ?**
Intent data is another crucial factor in buyer acquisition.
Collecting data on the buyer’s intent helps organisers gain a solid understanding of the specific interests, budget and key areas of investment.
This information helps identify high-value targets and prioritises efforts to create more personalised solutions.
Here are the factors you should consider under this:
- **Budget:** Knowing the project budget allows organisers to tailor their offerings to the buyer’s financial capabilities. They can provide buyers with options that are within their budget range to attract them to the event. This information helps identify high-value opportunities and pursue them with relevant marketing information.
- **Key areas of investment:** Details about investments areas help organisers come up with relevant exhibitions or conferences that appeal more to the buyer. If the buyer is investing in a particular tech, organisers can attract exhibitors specialising in that technology to increase the chances of getting business deals.
- **Infrastructure requirements** such as integrations, data security and compliance are essential for buyers’ businesses. Organisers can ensure a secure and productive environment by providing a secure and compliant platform for buyers and vendors to network. Providing these requirements upfront attracts buyers who put security and compliance as top priority.
**Additional reading** ➡️ An in-depth **[Hosted Guyer guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/)** to create more ROI-driven events
## **4. First party behavioural data ?**
Understanding behavioural data provides useful insights into the preferences and interests of potential buyers.
Data can be collected and analysed from multiple sources, including owned media, content engagement, repeat visits, referrals, product views, subscriptions, communication engagement, comments, likes and shares .
This helps gain a better understanding of what matters to the buyers and how to best engage with them.
- **Owned media** such as your website or social media channels can provide valuable data on how visitors interact with your brand and content. By analysing metrics such as pageviews, bounce rates, and time spent on site, you can gain insights into what content is most popular and what areas of your site may need improvement.
- **Content engagement metrics** such as click-through rates, shares, and comments can help you understand how your audience is engaging with your content. This can help you create more effective marketing campaigns that better resonate with your target audience.
- **Repeat visits and referrals** are important indicators of the success of your Hosted Buyer Programme. By tracking the number of repeat visitors to your website or the number of referrals you receive from satisfied customers, you can gain valuable insights into the effectiveness of your programme and make adjustments to improve it.
- **Product views and subscription**s are important metrics that can help you understand which products or services are most popular with your audience. By tracking these metrics, you can better tailor your programme to meet the needs of your target audience.
- Finally, **communication engagement metrics** such as likes, shares, and comments on social media can provide valuable insights into how your audience is responding to your messaging. By analysing these metrics, you can make adjustments to your communication strategy and better engage with your audience.
**Case study** ?**[How ExpoPlatform helped facilitate hosted buyer connections at GITEX Global 2022](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/gitex-global-2022/)**
## **5. Desirability data ?**
Desirability data is yet another key detail that can help you get the best buyers for your programme.
When using desirability data, it’s vital to focus on the number of **sponsors who prioritise your program**. The more sponsors that see your programme as an opportunity for growth, the higher the chances of attracting quality buyers.
Another crucial factor is **lead score**. By evaluating the lead score of potential buyers, you can better understand which prospects are most likely to convert. This information is valuable since it enables you to segment your audience and tailor your messaging to better meet their specific needs.
**Conversion likelihood** is an essential element of desirability data. By measuring the chances of converting a buyer, you can identify which prospects are worth pursuing and which may need further nurturing. This knowledge is critical to ensure you’re focusing on those buyers who are most likely to generate revenue for your organisation.
## **Example: Selection criteria of IMEX Frankfurt 2023**
**Download ?** The complete **[Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)** to create next-gen curated meeting programmes.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [Event tech helps 'every step' of hosted buyer programs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/david-hidalgo/)
**Published:** November 10, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The right event tech platform can help with “every step” of creating high value hosted buyer programs, according to an industry leader.**
David Hidalgo, show director at [IBTM Americas](https://www.ibtmamericas.com/), places proof of value and data analysis as central to building good connections and convincing exhibitors to take part in tradeshows.
Using event technology can streamline these processes and help give proof of return on the investment participants are putting in.
**David was one of the expert contributors to our Hosted Buyer Playbook. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/) for a practical guide to RO-driven curate meeting programs.**
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)
He said: “People decide to attend an event if it offers good, profitable return on investment, not just in terms of money – but in terms of inspiration, connections, networking, educational opportunities and time.
“Today, people are more strategic in everything – investments, selecting a provider, which events they want to attend.
“One of the most important things for event planners today is to show the reasons why they have to invest their time in an event.”
David set out how he believes event technology can help with many processes in creating a hosted buyer program, including:
1. The prospection to reach buyers from all regions
2. The registration form to get worthy information
3. To send the hosted buyers relevant information about their participation
1. He highlighted how the right event tech platform can help with “every step” of the program by cutting out wasted time using different devices.
Having all of this data in one place also helps for AI-powered curation of meetings.
He added: “The matchmaking algorithm helps to make agreed targeted business appointments only – with exhibitors who have a mutual interest.”
IBTM Americas 2022 involved 520 hosted buyers with 9,720 one-to-one meetings taking place.
The show is described as the “connection bridge” for the events industry across the two continents.
David believes the ability to present clear information about what the benefits involved are is increasingly important to convince decision makers to take part.
He said: “Today, analytics of the data that we’re providing to our clients is very important.
“Maybe the decision maker today is not the same person from in the past.
“They understand numbers. They understand return on investment, they understand profitability.
“We need to convince people who are not connected to the centre of this industry that investing in your event is the most important investment of the year.
“It’s a different way to explain our business value, because we’re not selling shoes, we’re selling ideas.
“It’s a different negotiation, so for that reason it is very important to share the right information, the specific information and the metrics that they need to make a decision.”
## **Hosted buyer program is ‘like a marriage’**
Hosted buyer programmes are “like a marriage” where an organiser’s role is to make the right connections where high-value business can be done, according to David.
He claims up to 80% of meetings that are accepted will result in trade going forward between the supplier and buying.
It means two days of participation in a curated meeting programme could advance business by at least “six months”.
David said: “The main benefit of a hosted buyer meeting is to ensure that they will have a very high quality connection during the show.
“Of course it is not the only person they will connect with, but it’s how tradeshow planners can ensure that they have high quality business connections.
“This is maybe the most important element, because when you use the matchmaking platform, you can make connections with different people who have an interest.
“But of course, this action doesn’t show that you really have a connection with him because at the end of the day, it is like a marriage.
“There are two people – the provider is the submitter and the other side is the buyer.
“If the buyer doesn’t want to accept the connection or the meeting appointment, it’s impossible that I can force an appointment between them.
“But if they accept the invitation with the provider, 80% have an interest in doing business with these exhibitors.”
David set out his three main components for the perfect buyer-seller match:
1. The solution – exhibitor´s services – should match with the event and buyer´s needs to generate mutual interest.
2. The appointment should be taken in an adequate space to get a comfortable conversation that allows them to have an introduction and the presentation of specific projects.
3. The exhibitor should do a follow up of the offer every specific period and the buyers should give them feedback, even if they don’t hire the exhibitor´s services.
He added: “In one shot of two or three days, you can advance six months of business for your company – six months in only two days.”
## **Tinder for business**
Participants in hosted buyer programmes need to think of it as “Tinder for business” when seeking out good connections, according to David.
He believes exhibitors who manage their profile clearly and strategically are a lot more likely to secure meetings with people they can do business with.
This involves providing as much information as possible to the organiser’s platform – and being realistic.
David said: “Sometimes the client doesn’t understand very well how to manage their profile on a matchmaking platform.
“Of course you can aspire to connect with them, but frankly speaking everybody has to understand their potential – what is their possibility of getting any feedback?
“To get that client you need to be more strategic. Try to connect with clients that you really have a possibility to get business with, connect and get feedback – and of course set an appointment.
He added: “We ask for a lot of information to understand what they want. When we know what they are looking for, we are ready to recommend them and help them connect or make business.
“This is very demanding because an event planner today has to manage a lot of information, a lot of data and we need to be very smart to understand the data.
“What is their preference, what is their profile, what region, services, quality and in terms of timing.
“When we are planning the hosted buyer programme, we are not just planning to attract high-end buyers – the super buyers, the kind who have millions of dollars to invest in events.
“We need to be strategic in order to balance the hosted buyer programme with buyers who are very high quality but at different levels.
“This is the reason to measure the profile of an exhibitor – what is the business they are looking for, what is the perfect plan for those kinds of companies?
“Because the perfect plan is not perfect for everybody – it is perfect for a specific kind of service or provider.
“We need to balance the hosted buyer product in terms of identifying the buyers which can connect with the suppliers we have in the platform.”
David believes event technology can make this process “easier”, with digital platforms able to deliver good analysis about connections from the profiles.
But he claims human involvement is necessary to weed out those who are not giving the right information.
He said: “Platforms make things easier, because they deliver a lot of metrics and information about connections from the profile of the people.
“But when we’re talking about a physical event, it is different because people sometimes declare something that is not always real.
“The reality is sometimes different to the expectation that the client has, but my commitment and the commitment of my team is to always qualify in order to understand if they are really the right buyers.
“We are delivering business – I’m trying to deliver a real buyer and not a fake buyer.”
**We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it useful. At ExpoPlatform, we want to help you build better hosted buyer programs. Please get in touch and** [**ask for a demo**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [Next gen event tech will 'reveal the VIP buyers' in the room](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/bilal-al-rais/)
**Published:** November 17, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The next stage of event technology will allow participants to know which VIP attendees are in the room at an exhibition, according to a DWTC leader.**
Bilal Al-Rais, vice president of technology and digital cluster, told ExpoPlatform helping people understand who else is at the venue is one of the most important features they seek to develop.
This would allow exhibitors where their key targets are when trying to make connections around the showfloor, significantly increasing the value of participation.
He said: “One thing we’ll be looking to develop further is when you’re in a social networking event, how do you use technology to help people understand who’s in the room?
“A lot of the events industry has not figured that out – but we’re looking to identify and work with start-ups to actually deliver that.
“Because that’s one of the most important pieces of feedback we’re getting.
“It’s hard to know who’s here in front of me, without necessarily having to look at the badge.”
Dubai World Trade Centre has a feature which allows them to understand when a major player has entered the building, allowing them to take special action.
However, the venue now wants to take this to the next stage so it can be personalised for participants across a grand scale.
Bilal added: “We already have a system in place where we get notified when any VIP or top CEO comes into the show – the team members get notified what registration point they came in so that we can engage with them.
“They get an automated response from WhatsApp and by notification to make sure they know where they need to go.
“But we’re trying to take things to another level of customization.
“For us to be able to make sure we have more visibility and awareness and make the customers know who’s around you, that is actually the direction that we’re going with technology in the event space.”
## **High-value meetings are key to exhibition survival**
**The interview comes after GITEX Global which saw thousands of meetings taking place using a hosted buyer feature utilising ExpoPlatform modules as technology provider.**
This curated meetings program element is of key importance to the success of DWTC events, making business connections which are high value.
Bilal set out his belief that this approach is crucial to the survival of tradeshows today when the market is becoming more focussed on efficiency.
> [\#GITEXGLOBAL](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GITEXGLOBAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 2022 has come to an end marking another memorable year for the tech world! An extraordinary 5 days with revolutionary developments, a futuristic mindset, and passionate teams.
>
> What's next for the tech world? Stay tuned for GITEX GLOBAL's next edition to find out. [pic.twitter.com/AnBsLZL7X1](https://t.co/AnBsLZL7X1)
>
> — GITEX GLOBAL (@GITEX\_GLOBAL) [October 14, 2022](https://twitter.com/GITEX_GLOBAL/status/1580892993703141376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He said: “If you don’t do meetings, if you don’t facilitate and really take care to step forward beyond the space allowing and facilitating connections, you are just another exhibition that will die.
“The only reason that we’re constantly growing is because we’re never satisfied with the number of meetings that we’re actually setting up for customers.
“At GITEX, we were setting up meetings with our customers on a one-on-one basis – and that’s something that doesn’t stop.
“That’s the reason why we are where we are – because the ease of connecting is actually there, the interest in actually allowing someone to grow is there.
“It all starts with people – as much as we’re using technology.
“If we don’t have the leadership in place to drive customization, facilitate engagements, allow people to understand the content we’re generating is very rich and there’s something they can learn and be inspired by, there’s no reason to come to GITEX.
“That’s something we’ve changed over the years, over many years, to develop where we are right now so that this is an event that people feel they have to attend to learn, to be motivated and to network with their peers and buyers.”
## **Forging connections so fortunes can flourish**
**The DWTC sets itself apart by giving laser focus determination to building the right connections for their participants, Bilal said.**
He set out how some companies do not have the same spending power as others so it is their role to help build an environment where they can grow.
That means pursuing an online marketplace model where they aim to facilitate purchases is not their goal.
Bilal said: “The transaction is always something which is very difficult to be involved in the last conversation, to close the deal.
“What we’ve been able to do is understand that we as a company are not so involved in maximising on profit as much as maximising on value.
“As a result of that, we’ve made investments in areas that have not necessarily been immediate revenue generators and profit makers.
“That is resulting in an incredible amount of success rates in terms of the value that we’re creating for companies that don’t have money to spend.”
Bilal gave an example of the thousands of start-ups who attend GITEX this year, many who were without big budgets.
They may also be low on time and people resources meaning they can’t afford to waste a moment at an exhibition.
The DWTC works to make it easier for these companies to take part in shows rather than facilitate a transaction because of the success they have seen in helping them flourish through relationships.
Bilal said: “We’ve taken it upon ourselves to make sure that we don’t actually charge them a lot of money, that some of them are actually subsidised to come here.
“We work with governments to actually make sure that we consider the economic situation of different countries as well.
“For us, it’s not as much as looking at how do I actually help transact a deal, but how do I help a government to allow their companies to come in directly with us where we are actually a part of that delivery of facilitation – to get them here.
“That could mean just giving hotels subsidised accommodation, or just allowing them to fly over here on a deal with Emirates airline.
“We would rather get involved in that kind of facilitation than on the transaction because at the end of the day, we’ve seen so many startups grow into excellent success rates based on the relationships that we were able to forge and they’ve taken forward.
“The Trade Centre takes its role in understanding every single company – who do they want to work with, what is their strategy, how do they want to grow?
“That’s why we work tireless hours – because there’s so many companies, we have to ask those questions to then do something about.
“We don’t just actually leave it to chance – and that’s why the Trade Centre is different.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [Exhibitions revenue projected to grow 18% in 2025 - UFI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2025-02-17/)
**Published:** February 17, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Exhibition industry revenues are poised to jump 18% in 2025 and outpace last year’s growth, according to UFI’s latest Barometer.**
The forecast – based on UFI’s global survey of 390 companies – points to a strong recovery trajectory. Scroll down to read the details.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Exhibitions revenue projected to grow 18% in 2025 – UFI**](#one)
- [**Stax names new managing director to drive Americas growth**](#two)
- [**ESSA appoints new chair and vice chair**](#three)
## **Exhibitions revenue projected to grow 18% in 2025 – UFI**
**Global exhibition industry revenues are set to grow 18% in 2025, following a 16% increase in 2024, according to UFI’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer report.**
The report, which surveyed 390 companies across 56 countries, reveals strong recovery signals across major markets.
> The 34th UFI Global Exhibition Barometer report is AVAILABLE NOW! 🆕
>
> 🌎 This bi-annual report provides global, regional and topical survey data from 390 companies in 56 countries and regions.
>
> 🔗 DOWNLOAD NOW:
>
> [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/cQ3pJImbsU](https://t.co/cQ3pJImbsU)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [February 11, 2025](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1889238601025614175?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Exhibition space sold globally in 2024 increased 9% compared to 2019 levels, with India leading growth at 40% and Germany showing a 12% decline.
UFI CEO Chris Skeith said: “UFI’s Barometer research has provided like-for-like benchmarking on key metrics for 18 years, and this new edition shows positive indicators for the year ahead across all markets, which is heartening to see.
“However, at the same time, it shows some uncertainty around economic environments and geopolitical challenges, demonstrating we operate in an ever-changing world.”
Operating profits remain robust, with 82% of companies reporting increases above 10% in 2024.
The industry outlook for 2025 maintains this momentum, with 77% of companies expecting profit growth above 10%.
The survey highlights significant regional variations in space sold:
- North America leads with 71% of companies reporting increased activity
- Central and South America shows 62% growth
- Europe registers 60% growth
- Asia-Pacific reports 42% growth
The report also indicates strong employment prospects, with 46% of companies planning to increase their workforce and 51% maintaining current staffing levels.
AI adoption has accelerated, with 92% of companies now using the technology, primarily in sales, marketing, and customer relations. The adoption rate in these functions has increased by 17% compared to the previous year.
## **Stax names new managing director to drive Americas growth**
**Stax LLC has appointed Brad Kuntz as senior managing director in its New York office to expand the firm’s presence in the Americas market.**
Brad brings 25 years of experience in strategy consulting and investment management, having most recently served as founder and managing partner of New Amsterdam Capital Group.
Previously, he held leadership positions at EY and EY-Parthenon, where he led the global industrials practice and served as Americas innovation leader for EY’s transactions advisory services.
Stax CEO Jayson Traxler said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Brad to the Stax team. His decision to join us is a testament to the strength of our platform and our ability to attract top talent.
“Brad’s expertise aligns perfectly with Stax’s growth strategy, enabling us to scale the platform further and deliver high-impact solutions to private equity firms and their portfolio companies.
“His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reach and create meaningful value for our clients.”
At Stax, Brad will focus on supporting private equity firms, PE-backed companies, hedge funds, and investment banks with commercial due diligence, value creation and exit planning services.
During his tenure at EY-Parthenon, he helped expand the global strategy consulting practice and managed the integration of Parthenon Group into EY.
## **ESSA appoints new chair and vice chair**
**The Event Supplier and Services Association (ESSA) has named Rob Brackstone as chair and Alexandra Bailey as vice chair of the UK trade organization.**
Rob, managing director of ESM Ltd, succeeds Marija Erzen who served during a period of membership growth.
He said: “I’m honoured to step into the role of Chair and build on the great strides we have made in strengthening our accreditations, professional standards and collective voice.
“Collaboration will be key as we navigate shared challenges, particularly in sustainability and in creating an even more unified approach across organisers, venues and contractors.”
Rob joined ESSA’s board in 2021 and brings 20 years of experience in designing and building solutions for live events.
Alexandra, who co-founded exhibition stand company Creative8, will serve as vice chair.
She said: “I take immense pride in being part of this vibrant and creative industry and, in my role as Vice Chair, I am dedicated to supporting our members and ensuring that ESSA remains a leading force in the sector.
“Our membership includes many individuals, sole traders and small businesses very like myself, and I’m passionate about increasing ESSA’s value to their voices and harnessing the power of our collective strength.”
Alexandra’s appointment brings expertise in small business operations and stand contracting to the leadership team.
ESSA director Andrew Harrison said: “Through their time on the ESSA board to date, Rob and Alex have already demonstrated unwavering commitment to ESSA and the greater good of our industry.
“I’ve no doubt that their combined skillsets will play a pivotal role in advancing the association’s mission to create a more cohesive, collaborative and thriving community of event suppliers and service providers. I’m excited to see where they’ll take us.”
**Get in-depth insights into the digital landscape of events this year – download the [Event Tech Forecast 2025](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/)**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Event budgets 'remain stagnant as ROI proof falls short'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/event-budgets-chloe-richardson-25/)
**Published:** February 19, 2025
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs are missing out on budget increases despite rising business revenues because they struggle to prove ROI as well as other departments, according to an industry expert.**
Chloe Richardson, event consultant and coach, set out that better collaboration between organizers and exhibitors is key to gathering meaningful data – and demonstrating value to stakeholders.
Now, she has urged event teams to adopt a more strategic and results-backed approach to securing financial support.
Chloe said: “We’re not seeing budgets increase because our stakeholders and budget holders don’t see the value in what we’re doing. That’s it.
“The reason they don’t see the value in what we’re doing is because we don’t present the value back to them in the same way that other business units do.
“You will not see a digital marketing campaign leader go back to the business and say ‘give me more money, because I *feel* like our investments are being well-spent and if I had more money I could do more’ – that would never happen.
“So when businesses are increasing in revenue YoY, why on earth are we not seeing increased event budgets? It’s because it’s going elsewhere to other departments that can prove the ROI. So for me, it’s all interconnected – ROI, budgets and measurement are all part of the same conversation.”
Setting clear, quantifiable event objectives – such as meeting a specific number of customers or generating a defined pipeline – was highlighted as essential for measuring event success.
That’s because assessing ROI is impossible without pre-approved goals, making post-event analysis ineffective.
She added: “Once you can apply a quantifiable goal you can then look back after the event and say ‘did we meet that goal or not?’ That allows you to assess how successful that objective was.
“If you don’t establish your objectives ahead of time and get this signed off by the business, then when it comes to measuring whether it was a success or not, it’s not only impossible, but it’s pointless – because what are you measuring?”
Chloe, who is also head of content at event leaders community ELX, argued that event professionals must work collaboratively to showcase the value of trade shows.
It was emphasized that organizers can support exhibitors by guiding them on data collection or forming collaborative groups to align on stakeholder expectations.
Beyond revenue, events offer brand visibility, industry engagement and competitive advantage – benefits often overlooked due to poor communication with budget decision-makers.
Chloe added: “Everyone has a role in coming together as part of the event ecosystem to be able to demonstrate the impact and value of an exhibitor exhibiting at that trade show.
“It could be a simple case of a trade show organizer running a session on the data they should be collecting as part of exhibiting – data an exhibitor would take back to their stakeholders to justify the investment.
“It could be more of a collaborative piece, where trade organizers bring exhibitors in as part of a working group to understand the questions their stakeholders are asking and how they can help them demonstrate the value of events.
“It’s such a huge revenue-generative channel. But not only that, it’s all about brand presence. It’s about exposing your employees to your industry. It’s about thought leadership. It’s about maintaining a competitive edge.
“All of these things get forgotten because people aren’t communicating back to the people who, at the end, hold the budgets.”
Trade show participation can span multiple events annually, so a lack of standardized data collection can leave exhibitors without a clear picture of their performance.
Many businesses may continue to invest in shows year after year without concrete insights into their returns, relying more on habit than hard evidence.
Chloe argued that comparing event success – and making informed decisions about future investments – becomes a challenge without a consistent framework for measurement.
She said: “If you are an exhibitor and you’re exhibiting at 20-plus trade shows a year, you want to make sure that you’re standardizing your processes, but also your measurements too.
“This could be a great opportunity for you to use one tool or spreadsheet where you are able to not only standardize the process, but compare how you perform at this show versus that one.
“Then you can really start to see whether you are spending money intelligently or just doing it because you’ve always done it that way.”
Meanwhile, Chloe was one of the expert contributors to the Event Tech Forecast 2025 and gave her insights on its findings about the digital landscape of our industry.
**Download your [free copy of the Event Tech Forecast 2025](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/) for more insights.**
Two of her key predictions around the path ahead for this year centred around better implementation of AI and a prioritization of personalization at events.
She argued AI in events has shifted from theory to practice – with organizers now leveraging it to streamline processes, enhance attendee experiences and personalize engagement.
Chloe said: “We were talking about AI being a trend last year – and it feels like we spent the majority of 2024 just talking about it. But now we’ve started implementing it.
“So actually it is a different trend, because it’s less of the talking and more of the implementation. We’re starting to see that across the board, which is really interesting.
“It’s not just implementation of using AI to speed up processes, it’s actually to also enhance the exhibitor or attendee experience
“Whether that’s through personalization, visuals, crafting presentations or improving feedback. There’s loads of things that AI is really useful for.”
She added: “Events are starting to prioritize meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences. The idea of building an event around how your audience feels and what’s going to resonate with them emotionally is really powerful.
“Sometimes when people hear that, they think the future is all about tech – tech supports that narrative.
“For me, it’s always been about connecting the trifecta – technology, process and people. This particular trend really speaks to that – personalization and attendee-centric approaches.”
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Eventprofs can't "get away with what feels good" when measuring success](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/may24-webinar/)
**Published:** May 8, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs can no longer “get away with what feels good” when trying to measure the success of their live shows, according to an expert panel.**
The top team of contributors – including Paul Miller from Questex, Duncan Reid of Reset Connect and Explori’s Chloe Richardson – took on topics such as how to measure the success of a show, implementing findings and more.
Paul, CEO of Questex, set out how data gathered using technology was now much more important to executives due to the actionable insights they provide – with a warning for eventprofs to get up to speed.
He said: “Digital marketing has taken off, because it produces measurable results – that is in the C suite.
“It is coming to the event world, if it’s not here already. We’re not going to get away with what feels good and ‘see you next year’.
“What we’re really talking about here underneath everything is that data is about providing return on objectives, investment and time – it’s here.
“It’s here now, so we’ve got to get with it.”
The [**Event Metrics that Matter**](https://www.linkedin.com/events/eventmetricsthatmatter-howtomea7187051724006645760/theater/) webinar – chaired by ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk – was streamed live and joined by dozens of eventprofs from around the world.
Members of the audience were asked to choose their top measurements for judging how successful their shows were, with NPS coming out on top with 67% of votes.
NPS – or net promoter score – is a market research metric based on how respondents rate the likelihood they would recommend a company, product or a service to a friend or colleague.
Chloe, SVP of growth and communications at Explori, agreed this was an important measurement – but it was even more crucial to provide it some context.
She said: “NPS is a metric we should absolutely be measuring, but it should not be done in isolation.
“It helps you determine – looking forward – how likely you are to grow based on advocacy.
“But it does not determine how satisfied your audience was and it certainly does not determine how that tradeshow impacted their likelihood to spend more money or the way they see a brand.”
Chloe added: “NPS celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, which is mindblowing to me.
“The consensus is very much that it’s important, but it’s not the be all and end all.
“If you don’t look at NPS in context, you’re actually doing your event a disservice.”
Duncan, CEO of Reset Connect, agreed that NPS was an important measure, but he highlighted how rebook rates gave a clearer idea of how valuable your event has been for participants.
He said: “Rebooks are a very, very good indicator – if you’re getting 35% rebooks you have not got a good show.
“If you’re getting 70% to 80%, you’ve got a great show that you can build on.”
Duncan also highlighted that around only half of registrants to a free event will usually turn up, raising questions about how you can better interact with the no-shows and take advantage of potential business.
Tanya set out how pre-show activities can play an important role in increasing the share of those who turn up to the event.
She said: “The conversion rate depends on the engagement before the show. The average in the industry is that 50% of registrants turn into actual attendees, a rate which is quite low.
“If we’re increasing engagement before the show, maybe we can increase this number – there is a direct connection between the two.”
Tanya added: “The show starts much, much longer before – people should anticipate that the show is coming and be engaged before as well as during the show.”
Duncan argued that being able to maintain this engagement was one of the biggest challenges facing event organizers.
Limits on time and attention were some of the key areas he saw as making it difficult to maintain meaningful interactions.
He said: “Everyone is so busy these days. They’re probably watching webinars and doing their emails at the same time and catching up on their WhatsApp messages and clients.
“So people are very, very, very busy and how you keep that mindshare and get people to engage anytime before the event is very, very hard.”
Paul set out how every Questex event now has a dedicated website which publishes content to engage that audience.
This allows the organizer to learn what topics, speakers and formats are interesting potential show participants.
He said: “Why would you only engage with your customers three days a year? Why not engage with them every day a year?
“Listen to them, learn from them what content they’re engaging with both on your website and also across the web.
“Look at who they’re reading, what guest contributors they might be engaged with invite those guest contributors to speak at your event.
“Invite the people that are reading those columns to come and see the person live.”
Paul added: “You’re kind of signalling to them – we know who you are, we know what you’re interested in and we are making our event much more relevant in terms of the time you invested our event.
“Because it’s based on what you’re telling us – not what we are telling you or what we’re guessing you might be interested in. That’s a pretty deep data play.”
Duncan went on set out four areas which make up an event – content, networking, business and experience.
This combination of offerings is what he believes gives live shows the upper hand in an increasingly tech-powered landscape.
He said: “You need to be measuring what content visitors want to know and what experience exhibitors are looking to give and then just try and match them up.
“That’s the great thing about events, which is why we’ve got a very strong product even in a digital world.
“We offer connections that sometimes you don’t get in the digital world.”
Paul added: “You’ve really got to have a thorough view of how you measure your event – what data is important? What data is not important?
“Leading with square feet is not going to get me excited as a buyer, because I’m not sure what that means – you have a lot of real estate you’re selling, but I’m more interested in what does that mean to the customer?
“So any kind of customer data – repeat customers, resign customers, happy customers – I’d really like to see that kind of data if I’m going to buy your business.”
Chloe also added an important note about how event organizers also need to be informed about how exhibitors are rating the success of taking part in a show.
This helps to build a better picture of what is making those customers happy or unhappy, impacting their likelihood of coming back.
She said: “What exhibitors are trying to do now is establish the right metrics for them – so that they can demonstrate the impact, the value and continue to justify exhibit spend to their stakeholders.
“It’s a really important time for exhibitors and organisers to work together to make sure we’re making it as easy as possible for these exhibitors to be able to collect this data so that they can present it back to their businesses.”
Chloe added: “For a very long time the only metric that exhibitors tended to collect was how many leads are collected on site. Now, obviously, that is sustainable for a variety of reasons.
“But first and foremost, leads are not the only reason why people exhibit at trade shows – they are one of the reasons but there’s so many others.”
She highlighted goals such as brand awareness or changing its perception in ways such asserting themselves as thought leaders or allowing teams to network in new markets.
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Five ways to drive tradeshow ROI with data analytics](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/drive-tradeshow-roi-data-analytics/)
**Published:** April 20, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Tradeshows are more digital than ever – with tech layers and advanced algorithms involved at almost every touchpoint.**
We are seeing this in pre-event activities to registration, onsite engagement, lead generation, post-event surveys and more.
That’s why it’s critical to exploit the data from these touchpoints and convert them into successful business outcomes.
This article delves into the key ways to unlock the potential of event data to drive tradeshow ROI ⤵️
**Also read ? [The AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/): How data is going to redefine the events landscape**
## **Scope of event analytics**
There are different ways data analytics can be used to improve events. Here’s a lowdown:
➡️ **Through strategy:** Analytics is often used to crack a tough strategic question at the planning level. For example – better understanding the audience and their objectives, needs and behaviour.
➡️ **Through customer journey:** Understand the audience on an individual level. As the customer journey progresses – from awareness to advocacy – each interaction can be monitored to create more effective messaging in the next stage.
➡️ **Through product development:** Spot the trends in the tradeshow to evolve the product offering. Any topic that gains enough traction and interest from the audience can be used to create a more tailored offering.
➡️ **Through embedded analytics:** Use proprietary insights to improve exhibitor ROI. For example, benchmark the performance of individual exhibitors against various metrics. If the score is below its peers, offer support such as better booth location and sponsorship options to improve in the next edition.
➡️ **Through prescriptive analytics:** Use analytical insights across the tradeshow to create a richer experience for all participants. For instance, leverage the data collected before, during and after the event to drive the right conversations and connections.
**Additional reading ▶️ [Five top benefits of event data and analytics](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/benefits-of-event-data-analytics/)**
Here are some ways data analytics creates real value for tradeshow ROI:
## **1. Targeted marketing ?**
Get key insights into attendee demographics, interests and behaviour using data analytics.
This info helps organisers develop targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with specific attendee segments, leading to higher registration and attendance rates.
You can also measure the effectiveness of marketing campaigns in real-time and make adjustments as needed to improve ROI.
## **2. Improved attendee engagement ?️**
Track, measure and improve attendee engagement at tradeshows with real-time data insights.
Analyse booth traffic patterns and heatmaps to identify which areas of the event are most popular and make adjustments to increase engagement in others.
This leads to higher attendee satisfaction and retention rates, resulting in higher ROI for the show.
## **3. Optimised exhibit spaces ?**
Analysing attendee traffic patterns and behaviours can help identify areas of the exhibit hall that are under-utilised or overcrowded.
You can make adjustments to create a more efficient and effective layout.
This results in higher exhibitor satisfaction rates and more productive interactions between exhibitors and attendees.
## **4. Improved lead capture and follow-up ?**
Data analytics can also be used to improve lead capture and follow-up after the event.
By tracking attendee behaviour and engagement, organizers can identify potential leads and provide exhibitors with more targeted and qualified leads.
Additionally, organisers can use data analytics to track exhibitor follow-up efforts after the event, which can help improve conversion rates and overall ROI.
## **5. Post-event evaluation and planning ?**
Data analytics can be used to evaluate the success of the trade show and plan for future events.
Organisers and exhibitors can use the analytics dashboard to assess which parts of the event were successful and where improvements could be made.
This help organisers make strategic decisions about future events and work toward higher attendance rates and exhibitor satisfaction rates.
## **Conclusion**
**Data analytics is a critical tool to measure the success of tradeshows – it helps you put actual numbers to what worked and what didn’t.**
You can track which areas of your show were a runaway success and what are the gaps you need to fill – from the before it even starts until its final conclusion
This allows you to make data-driven decisions to improve your future offerings – optimising booth design, tailoring content to attendees and getting the necessary feedback to ensure the exhibitor’s investment pays off in the long run.
? Get a bird’s eye view of your event and communities with ExpoPlatform’s data analytics tools. **[Find out more here](https://expoplatform.com/analytics/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [It's lonely at the top for event leaders - CEO of ELX](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/nicola-kastner-elx/)
**Published:** May 9, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**It can be “lonely at the top” for event leaders – making it crucial for senior roles to share and develop best practices, according to the new CEO of an exclusive industry community.**
Nicola Kastner was recently announced as chief executive officer of Event Leaders Exchange (ELX), holding extensive experience such as Global Vice President of Event Marketing Strategy for SAP and founding the strategy advisory firm the Event Strategist in 2022.
In this exclusive interview, Nicola unveils her plans to help its membership take advantage of AI, use data to develop strategy as well as grow in numbers to improve problem solving and innovation.
She told ExpoPlatform: “There are about 100 members, but it’s time to take it to the next level.
“It is lonely at the top for leaders in the events industry, and ELX fills that gap by fostering an environment where senior leaders can exchange ideas and best practices with peers in similar roles.”
“There are a few things that I want to focus on. Certainly membership growth and membership value – the two have to go hand in hand.
“I also believe as senior leaders we have an obligation to give back and leave this industry better than it was when we joined.
“I’ve walked a mile in our members’ shoes, so the opportunity to be able to impact our community and the industry as a whole is a really exciting opportunity.”
**The Community Blueprint is your guide to building a year-round platform for your events. [Download your free copy here](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/).**
ELX is an invitation-only group for senior leaders in events from the world’s largest corporations.
It has a cap of 250 of members as well as a minimum revenue or event portfolio size requirement for the organization they are heading up.
Nicola believes part of increasing the value of the ELX community involves making sure the right people are joining – those who want to contribute as much as benefit from the teachings of others.
She said: “We want to grow smart. We want to grow with like-minded people and people who are going to contribute to the community as well.
“I don’t want somebody as a member just for a logo, that’s not what this is.
“Once we reach that cap, we’re capped unless something changes – but I don’t see that happening.”
One key area Nicola has identified as a challenge and opportunity for the community to work in is through the growth of AI in events.
She believes ELX can provide a good space for leaders to share ideas and best practices for implementing the technology in their organizations.
Crucial to this is that the advice is practical, rather than theoretical – a problem she has identified with much of the conversation in our industry so far.
Nicola said: “People are just sick to death of hearing about AI in theory. What we need to do is get to practical applications.
“From a personal perspective, that’s where I want to help our members get to as well as helping accelerate their journey as a community.”
She added: “Everybody claims to be an expert, but we’re all still figuring it out.
“One of the things that I’m also hearing from our community – and it’s something I personally struggle with even though I use AI every single day – is prompting. How do you ask for the right things?
“That’s one of the things I’m going to dig into with our members and find ourselves a prompting expert to teach us how to do that.”
The arrival of ChatGPT 18 months ago marked a major milestone in exposure to AI tools.
This new wave of disruption in the digital space saw machine learning models start to interact with the public like never before, with the tool becoming a household name.
It also greatly reduced the distance between AI and the end user, providing a platform for a wide range of custom-made applications and innovations.
But with these advancements also came renewed concerns over potential job losses.
A study from the International Labour Organization downplayed these risks, saying generative AI is “neither inherently good nor bad” for job security and that it all depends on how it is managed.
Nicola’s belief in how AI will impact professionals in the events industry follows a similar argument.
She said: **“**I think roles will become redundant if you don’t leverage AI. I don’t think you’re going to lose your job to AI, but you could lose your job to somebody that knows how to use it.
“I see AI as an efficiency creator – not a job replacer – I use it all the time.”
Nicola added: “Organizations are constantly evolving as the business is changing. So how do we evolve ELX? How do we evolve and help our people grow as well as the industry changes?
“As AI is coming into this space, what does that do to the current roles that are in our teams and what do we have new roles that we need?
“How do we make sure that we enable people to use these tools?”
Meanwhile, another area Nicola highlighted as being crucial for industry development is through thorough measurement of the performance of an event.
This involves utilizing data in new ways to shine a light on where shows are succeeding or failing.
She gave an example of how analysis of internet use spikes during major presentations at an event can be an indicator of engagement levels.
Nicola said: **“**Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion. I believe that so much.
“By monitoring your WiFi usage during your keynote you can identify when people have lost interest.
“You correlate it to social – if there’s a lot of people uploading photos, that’s a major moment, that’s an interesting moment.
“But if there’s a big WiFi peak and there’s no social activity, then you marry it up with your timestamp in your scripts, you can see where people have lost interest.
“Your executives may or may not listen to you, but at least you have the data to manage the conversation.”
She added: “I’m very passionate about measurement – that’s something I’ve built my career on.
“We’ve not necessarily done as good of a job as we could holistically as an industry in measuring and then articulating the value of the discipline.
“There are lots of opportunities for us there.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Community
---
### [CloserStill Media acquires German HR trade fair](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2025-02-10/)
**Published:** February 10, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**CloserStill Media has bought Munich-based HR trade fair Personalmesse München from AFAG Messen.**
The acquisition expands the organizer’s German events portfolio while growing its Zukunft Personal brand of HR industry events. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**CloserStill Media acquires German HR trade fair**](#one)
- [**ECA to hold Legislative Action Day on May 29**](#two)
- [**Coventry Building Society Arena steps up sustainability efforts**](#three)
- [**DECHEMA partners with Gulf Energy for US process tech event** ](#four)
**[Download the Event Tech Forecast 2025](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2025/)** – your guide to the digital landscape of the events industry.
## **CloserStill Media acquires German HR trade fair**
**CloserStill Media has acquired Personalmesse München, a human resources trade fair in Germany, from previous organizer AFAG.**
The event will continue under its established name while integrating with CloserStill’s Zukunft Personal brand.
This acquisition expands CloserStill Media’s presence in Munich and adds another event to its Zukunft Personal portfolio of HR industry shows.
Henning and Thilo Könicke, managing directors of AFAG Messen und Ausstellungen GmbH, said: “We are very pleased to leave the Personalmesse München in good hands.
“We have no doubt that the event will thrive under its new ownership and continue to evolve successfully in the coming years.”
Astird Jager, managing director of CloserstillMedia Germany, added: “We are very excited to add this long-standing event to our ZP portfolio.
“Together with the Zukunft Personal brand, we aim to further develop Munich as a leading hub for HR topics and create a platform for inspiration, innovation and networking.”
Personalmesse München features exhibitions and forums focused on HR technology, workplace transformation, talent management and employee well-being.
The event provides a platform for HR professionals to network and explore solutions through exhibition spaces and two program stages.
## **ECA to hold Legislative Action Day on May 29**
**The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) will host its 2025 Legislative Action Day in Washington, D.C., bringing industry leaders to Capitol Hill to advocate for business events policy priorities.**
The event on May 29 will come after the Exhibition and Convention Executives Forum on May 28 and the mdg Executive Roundtable on May 27.
ECA vice president Tommy Goodwin said: “From tax reform to workforce development, 2025 is already shaping up to be a pivotal year for the industry in our nation’s capital.
“That’s why it’s critical that everyone in the industry makes plans to be part of ECA Legislative Action Day this May.”
> 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗖𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗘𝗖𝗔 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱! 🗣
>
> ECA's 2025 Legislative Action Day will take place in Washington, DC on Thursday, May 29th.
>
> Register for free at 𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗗𝗮𝘆.𝗰𝗼𝗺. [pic.twitter.com/P6aXzJRS8R](https://t.co/P6aXzJRS8R)
>
> — Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (@ECAadvocacy) [February 6, 2025](https://twitter.com/ECAadvocacy/status/1887493836689084428?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Lippman Connects, organizer of the executives forum, will serve as a platinum sponsor for the Legislative Action Day.
Kimberly Hardcastle, mdg president, added: “We’re excited to kick off such an important week with a facilitated conversation on the essential role vision plays in guiding long-range event and portfolio planning.
“Legislative Advocacy Day will then serve as a perfect complement to this conversation, as industry professionals will be much more likely to realize their vision if their elected officials are working to enhance the business environment in which we operate.”
Graduate students from the George Washington University School of Business will participate through a partnership with the school’s business-government relations course.
## **Coventry Building Society Arena steps up sustainability efforts**
**Coventry Building Society Arena has announced a partnership with energy provider E.ON to reduce its carbon emissions.**
The three-year sustainability plan builds on E.ON’s 15-year strategic energy partnership with Coventry City Council established in 2023 to transform the city’s carbon reduction initiatives.
The initial phase will evaluate options for carbon reduction at the venue, including potential rooftop solar panel installations and electric vehicle charging stations for visitors.
Paul Michael, managing director at Coventry Building Society Arena, said: “This is a major milestone for our business and we are proud to be partnering with E.ON to drive the next stage of our sustainability strategy.
“E.ON is headquartered in Coventry and already has a strategic partnership in place with Coventry City Council, so this was a natural fit when we were identifying a partner as it will enable us to contribute effectively to the city’s wider strategy.
“Our partnership with E.ON isn’t only about making our own venue as sustainable as possible, it’s about making a real difference in Coventry too and inspiring communities and other businesses to think critically about their use of energy.”
Future phases may include upgrading the arena’s heating and cooling systems to eliminate gas usage and enable renewable energy alternatives.
The partnership aims to improve the venue’s energy efficiency while supporting Coventry City Council’s climate change strategy and encouraging similar initiatives from local businesses.
Vijay Tank, chief commercial officer at E.ON Energy Infrastructure Solutions UK, added:
“The Coventry Building Society Arena is an iconic venue in our home city and we’re proud to be working in partnership with the team to develop its sustainability plan, supporting the Arena’s commitment to a greener future.
“Via our Strategic Energy Partnership with Coventry City Council, it will also act as a cornerstone to the city-wide approach which is helping to give people and businesses more opportunities to shape a more sustainable future together.
“We’re also demonstrating in Coventry and across the whole country, that by taking on a key playmaker role and acting together to make new energy work, we can develop not just a more sustainable future, but also more job opportunities and growth for communities and whole cities.”
## **DECHEMA partners with Gulf Energy for US process tech event**
**DECHEMA and Gulf Energy Information have partnered to launch ChemE Show – a process technology event scheduled for June 2026 in Houston.**
The annual event will focus on chemical engineering, biotechnology and downstream processing developments in North America’s chemical and pharmaceutical sectors.
John Royall, CEO of Gulf Energy Information, said: “This partnership brings together two powerhouse organizations committed to advancing innovation in the chemical and energy industry operations.
“By combining ACHEMA’s legacy with Gulf’s expertise in media and events, we’re creating a unique space for professionals to connect, collaborate, and drive the industry forward.”
Dr Björn Mathes, CEO of DECHEMA Exhibitions, added: “For more than a century, ACHEMA has been the central hub for innovation in chemical and pharmaceutical engineering and technology, and we are excited to expand this impact to North America.
“The ChemE Show will serve as a vital bridge between global markets, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among engineers and industry professionals.”
ChemE Show will operate in conjunction with DECHEMA’s ACHEMA trade show in Frankfurt, with standalone U.S. events planned for 2026 and 2028. The program will include a dedicated track at ACHEMA 2027 in Germany.
The event will feature keynote presentations, technical sessions on topics including sustainability and digital transformation, and an exhibition floor for industry technology.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [New retail and specialty exec at Clarion Events North America](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20250127/)
**Published:** January 27, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Clarion Events North America has hired a new executive to take charge of its retail and specialty division as it aims to bolster its presence in the sector**
In his new role, Jeff Davis will lead several event portfolios, association partnerships and a media brand for the group.
Jeff is a seasoned events and media industry veteran and has spent 14 years at Emerald and Informa. Read the full story below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Clarion Events North America appoints new executive for retail and specialty**](#one)
- [**Omani organizer CONNECT posts 152% jump in net profits**](#two)
- [**NürnbergMesse hits new sales record of €360 million in 2024**](#three)
- [**WTTC issues warning over potential decline in UK travel and tourism**](#four)
## **Clarion Events North America appoints new executive for retail and specialty**
**Clarion Events North America has named Jeff Davis as executive vice president of retail and specialty as the group seeks to expand its presence in the sector.**
Jeff joins Clarion with 14 years of combined experience at Emerald and Informa.
He will report to CEO Liz Irving and manage several events including the Airport Experience Conference, Coffee Fest, Halloween & Party Expo and WWIN.
Liz said: “Jeff is a dynamic leader whose deep industry expertise, relationships and ability to create innovative strategies are matched only by his talent for building strong, cohesive teams.
“His vision and energy will undoubtedly strengthen our executive leadership team as we continue to elevate our impact in North America.
“I am thrilled to have him on board as we advance our commitment to delivering on our focus of customer obsession to deliver world-class events and solutions to our partners and customers.”
The appointment puts Jeff in charge of Clarion’s retail and specialty division, which includes trade shows, association partnerships and media properties.
Jeff’s portfolio includes the Indian Gaming Tradeshow & Convention, The NGA Show and Gift & Souvenir events.
## **Omani organizer CONNECT posts 152% jump in net profits**
**Oman-based exhibition organizer CONNECT reported a 152% increase in net profits for 2024, driven by strong performance across its portfolio of trade shows and events in Oman.**
The company posted a 37% rise in domestic revenue and a 190% surge in international earnings, exceeding the global industry average of 17% according to UFI data.
CONNECT’s flagship Oman Petroleum & Energy Show drew 22,160 visitors, up 42% from its previous edition, while exhibitor participation grew 26% to 316 companies. The Oman Sustainability Week and Oman Design & Build Week saw attendance increases of 63% and 107% respectively.
Visitor satisfaction metrics for the company’s events surpassed industry benchmarks, with the petroleum show and sustainability week recording Net Promoter Scores of +43 and +33 compared to the industry average of +18.
CONNECT, which marks its 38th year of operations, projects revenue growth of 77% and an 81% increase in net profits by 2029.
The strong performance reflects broader growth in the Middle East events sector as the region continues to expand its conference and exhibition capabilities.
## **NürnbergMesse hits new sales record of €360 million in 2024**
**NürnbergMesse Group posted record sales of EUR 360m in 2024, surpassing its previous high of EUR 315m set in 2018 and marking a significant increase from EUR 257m in 2022.**
The organizer’s 140 events worldwide drew 33,900 exhibitors and 1.56m visitors across 1.18m square meters of space, with international exhibitors accounting for 51% of participation at its home venue.
The company’s Brazilian and Chinese subsidiaries reported their strongest results to date, while flagship events in Nuremberg showed growth with FACHPACK increasing exhibitors by 26% and seeing visitor numbers rise by 33%.
NürnbergMesse expanded its portfolio through two acquisitions effective January 2025: WEKA Fachmedien GmbH, a trade publications provider and ALTENPFLEGE, Europe’s largest trade fair for the care sector.
The company expects sales of EUR 350m in 2025, with 140 events scheduled globally including new launches in Mexico and Brazil.
The calendar includes 76 events at its Nuremberg headquarters, where the company employs 590 people as part of its 1,181-strong global workforce.
## **WTTC issues warning over potential decline in UK travel and tourism**
**The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has warned the UK tourism industry risks losing £60 billion in revenue over the next decade due to declining competitiveness.**
The global tourism body released data showing the UK will have one of Europe’s lowest growth rates in international visitor arrivals over the next five years, falling behind Spain, Germany and Italy.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president & CEO said “The UK is at a critical juncture. The Government is looking for growth and its Travel & Tourism sector offers just that. As one of the country’s largest employers alongside the NHS, contributing £280bn to the UK economy last year, the sector has been misunderstood and poorly treated by successive governments.
“The Government cannot tax its way out of debt, it needs to invest to grow. UK taxes are higher than many of its competitors – VAT, no tax-free shopping, employers National Insurance, APD and now a potential new hotel tax, making the UK expensive to operate in and expensive to visit.”
She added: “Tourism promotion in the UK is chronically underinvested and it is arrogant to think tourists will always come to the UK.
“I applaud the initiative by the new Minister for Media, Tourism, & Creative Industries, Rt Hon Sir Chris Bryant MP, to get leaders round the table at the Visitor Economy Advisory Council to tackle this and ensure Travel & Tourism can continue to be a major engine to economic growth.
“The new government has a unique opportunity to change the trajectory of Travel & Tourism in the UK. Despite the industry’s resilience, years of government inertia are taking their toll. We welcome the new government’s commitment to surpassing 50 million visitors by 2030, but this can only be achieved with the right policies in place.”
Despite contributing £280bn to the UK economy in 2024 and supporting 4.1 million jobs, the sector faces challenges including increased air passenger duty, new visa requirements and the removal of tax-free shopping in 2021.
The WTTC cited underfunding of VisitBritain compared to international counterparts and potential hotel taxes as barriers to growth. The organization also highlighted the UK’s dependence on U.S. visitors as a vulnerability.
The warning comes ahead of the UK government’s first Visitor Economy Advisory Council meeting. While global tourism is projected to grow 3.7% annually over the next decade, the WTTC says the UK risks missing this growth without policy changes.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [UFI names Chris Skeith new CEO](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-01-07/)
**Published:** October 7, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**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**](#one)
- [**Stage set for IMEX America 2024**](#two)
- [**The Clarion Events Collaborative launched for associations**](#three)
- [**Excel London unveils new brand identity**](#four)
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**](https://expoplatform.com/publications/how-to-play-with-llms/)
## **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: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiteam](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiteam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#welcome](https://twitter.com/hashtag/welcome?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ceo](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ceo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#leadership](https://twitter.com/hashtag/leadership?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/4t7yavREPB](https://t.co/4t7yavREPB)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [October 1, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1841056740046946615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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](https://imexamerica.com/the-imex-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.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [IMEX America hits record 15,500+ attendees](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-10-14/)
**Published:** October 14, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**IMEX America has hit a new record with more than 15,500 attendees at its 2024 edition, signalling growing confidence in the business events sector.**
The prestigious tradeshow saw the participation of over 5,500 buyers – including 4,300 hosted buyers – with more than 86,000 pre-scheduled meetings with exhibitors. Read all about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**IMEX America clocks new attendance record with 15,500+ participants**](#one)
- [**Informa forms festivals division following Ascential acquisition**](#two)
- [**Koelnmesse cancels 2025 Cologne furniture tradeshow** ](#three)
- [**GES strengthens Middle East presence with Qatar division**](#four)
Unlock insights on navigating the LLM landscape and discover essential tools for real-world event applications. **[Read chapter two of our LLMs playbook for events](https://expoplatform.com/publications/how-to-play-with-llms/)**.
## **IMEX America clocks new attendance record with 15,500+ participants**
**IMEX America shattered attendance records as it welcomed more than 15,500 participants to its 13th edition.**
The surge of participants over the three-day event underscored the prevailing optimism and confidence in the business events industry.
The 2024 edition was held during October 8-10 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Centre in Las Vegas, Nevada.
It saw over 5,500 buyers – including 4,300 hosted buyers, engage in more than 86,000 pre-scheduled meetings with exhibitors.
IMEX CEO Carina Bauer said: “We’re delighted that the global business events community has reconvened in such strong numbers here this week, bringing with them a desire to meet with purpose and forge connections for mutual long-term gain.
“The broader catalytic effect of the show has shone through in the many fringe events, activities and celebrations on and off the show floor – it’s exciting to see how people have used the platform of the show to elevate their own impact and experience.
“The sheer number of attendees and meetings at IMEX America this week is further evidence of how our sector continues to prosper and power ahead.”
Key highlights include:
- A 7% expansion in show floor space compared to 2023
- Over 150 education sessions, with more than 1,600 attendees at the Inspiration Hub
- Significant growth reported in the incentive travel industry
- A new Brand Experience Summit at Allegiant Stadium for senior marketers
## **Informa forms festivals division following Ascential acquisition**
**Informa Group has announced the creation of Informa Festivals following its acquisition of Ascential plc. The new division will launch January 1, 2025.**
> Who said business isn’t fun?
>
> We’re expanding our business-to-business events with the launch of Informa Festivals from 2025.
>
> And welcoming [@Cannes\_Lions](https://twitter.com/Cannes_Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@money2020](https://twitter.com/money2020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and all the [@Ascential\_](https://twitter.com/Ascential_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) businesses to Informa today.
> [pic.twitter.com/KFbZKPu0r2](https://t.co/KFbZKPu0r2)
>
> — Informa Plc (@InformaPLC) [October 9, 2024](https://twitter.com/InformaPLC/status/1843939624814862774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Informa Festivals will focus on experience-led B2B events featuring immersive content and community connections. Key brands include Lions for marketing, Money20/20 for fintech and Black Hat for cybersecurity.
The company is updating its B2B operating model with three focused divisions:
- Informa Markets: Transaction-led B2B events
- Informa Connect: Content-led B2B events
- Informa Festivals: Experience-led events
Informa reaffirmed its 2024 guidance, projecting group revenue of £3.5 billion+ and adjusted operating profit of £970 million to £1bn.
The company expects to enter 2025 with revenues exceeding £4bn and consistent 5%+ underlying growth.
## **Koelnmesse cancels 2025 Cologne furniture tradeshow**
**Koelnmesse, along with key German furniture industry associations, has cancelled the January 2025 edition of imm cologne, the international furniture trade show.**
Koelnmesse, the Association of the German Furniture Industry (VDM), and the German Furniture and Kitchen Retailers Association (BVDM) reached this decision after extensive deliberations, prioritizing the industry’s long-term viability over short-term commitments.
Gerald Böse, chairman of the Koelnmesse management board, said: “Pausing the imm cologne at this point in time is a logical decision, in view of the situation the industry currently finds itself in.
“It was an extremely difficult decision to make, but it was also unavoidable in order to show our international customers some consideration.
“Due to its January date, the imm cologne did not take place three years in a row during the pandemic.
This lack of continuity, coupled with the current economic environment, makes it impossible for us as event organisers to guarantee an attractive range of exhibitors for the retailers in Cologne in January 2025.
“We still intend to offer the furniture industry an international stage in Germany in future.
“We are already jointly developing very promising concepts that meet the changed requirements of all stakeholders as best as can be.”
Recent figures from VDM reveal a sharp decline in market turnover, with a 9.7% drop across all furniture categories and an 11.2% fall in upholstered furniture sales during 2023 and the first half of 2024.
Koelnmesse cited dwindling domestic demand and industry-wide financial constraints as primary factors behind the cancellation.
The move aims to provide stakeholders an opportunity to collaborate on developing a more sustainable trade fair format for the future.
The cancellation also reflects broader concerns within the German furniture sector, including declining employee numbers and company closures.
## **GES strengthens Middle East presence with Qatar division**
**Global Experience Specialists (GES) has launched a new division in Qatar to expand its localized support for clients in the Middle East.**
The move offers regional organizers faster and more personalized service for events and exhibitions including GES’s event management platform Visit.
Donna Hyland, general manager of GES Middle East, said: “We’re excited to bring our expertise to Qatar at a time of huge growth across the events industry in the region.
“With our strong presence already established in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, this new location allows us to be more agile and responsive to our clients’ requirements across the region, and continue to deliver high quality and reliable services with the local knowledge to drive industry success.”
Qatar has emerged as a global event destination highlighted by the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Venues like Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, Qatar National Convention Centre and Aspire Zone offer versatile event spaces.
GES has operated in the UAE exhibitions market for over 15 years and the Qatar launch follows the 2021 opening of its Saudi Arabia office as part of ongoing regional growth.
Recent GES projects in the Middle East include COP28, Dubai Airshow, Arab Health and ADIPEC. The company has also worked on Big5 Construct, Seamless and Intersec in Saudi Arabia.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Event spend thrives despite UK firms' budget cuts](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-2024-10-28/)
**Published:** October 28, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**UK companies are spending more on events despite overall marketing budget cuts, according to a new report.**
Research from IPA Bellwether Q3 2024 shows event investments grew 9.9% in the third quarter. Public relations, direct marketing and media advertising were other areas that saw significant budget growth. Read more details below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Event spend thrives despite UK firms’ budget cuts**](#one)
- [**UFI names EP official matchmaking partner for 2024 congress**](#two)
- [**GES to go private after acquisition by Truelink**](#three)
- [**70% of exhibitors keen to adopt digital tools: CEIR**](#four)
Help shape the vision of event tech. Take part in the**[ Event Tech Survey 2025](https://form.jotform.com/242593700250349)** now!
## **Event spend thrives despite UK firms’ budget cuts**
**Event spending continues to grow despite UK companies pulling back on overall marketing spend in the third quarter, according to the Q3 2024 IPA Bellwether Report.**
Event marketing recorded a net balance of +9.9% in Q3, ranking second among all marketing categories as companies maintain investment in face-to-face customer interactions.
The growth in event spending comes as total marketing budget revisions reached a standstill, with 21.6% of companies reporting increases matched by an equal percentage reporting decreases.
This ends 13 consecutive quarters of growth, during which marketing budgets expanded by an average net balance of +8.8%.
IPA director general Paul Bainsfair said: “The data indicates companies are prioritizing direct customer engagement despite broader economic caution.
“Events remain a crucial channel for building relationships with customers and prospects.”
Public relations led all categories with a record-high net balance of +11.0%, while direct marketing showed continued strength at +9.7%.
The report reveals growing pessimism about financial prospects, with companies reporting a negative outlook (-2.2%) for the first time in seven quarters. Nearly 24% of surveyed marketing executives expressed concern about their company’s financial future.
Despite current challenges, S&P Global Market Intelligence projects advertising spend to grow 0.6% in 2024 and 1.3% in 2025, supported by expected GDP growth of 1.2% and 1.3% respectively.
## **UFI names EP official matchmaking partner for 2024 congress**
**UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has selected ExpoPlatform to provide speed matchmaking services for its 91st Global Congress in Cologne this November.**
The partnership follows the successful implementation of ExpoPlatform’s networking technology at UFI’s European and Americas conferences earlier this year, where participants conducted more than 600 one-to-one meetings.
The congress, hosted by Koelnmesse from November 20-23, will utilize ExpoPlatform’s AI-driven matchmaking system to connect attendees based on their professional profiles.
Ana Maria Arango, partnerships & sponsorships director at UFI, said: “Their speed matchmaking technology turns changes in event tech into chances for our members to make new and valuable connections.
“We’re looking forward to offering a quality networking experience in Cologne thanks to this partnership.”
At the UFI Americas Conference in Monterrey, the platform facilitated 357 meetings among 102 participants during a 68-minute session. The European Conference in Zurich saw 82 delegates participate in 287 meetings.
The system requires no downloads or prior registration, using algorithms to organize meeting schedules and match participants based on shared interests and objectives.
Mykyta Fastovets, CTO of ExpoPlatform, said: “We are thrilled to be the official speed matchmaking partner for UFI’s Global Congress, the flagship event for the exhibition industry.
“Following the success of our collaboration at UFI’s Americas and European conferences, we are excited to bring our advanced networking technology to facilitate meaningful connections for participants.
“Our platform is designed to enhance engagement and foster valuable partnerships – so we look forward to supporting UFI in creating a dynamic and impactful experience for its members.”
The UFI Global Congress is the exhibition industry’s largest international gathering, bringing together hundreds of industry professionals from around the world.
## **GES to go private after acquisition by Truelink**
**Global exhibition services provider GES will become a private company following its acquisition by Truelink Capital from Viad Corp, with the deal expected to close by year-end.**
The transaction includes GES Exhibitions, Spiro agency, onPeak, SHOWTECH and Visit, which provide services ranging from exhibition logistics to event accommodation and registration.
GES President Derek Linde will become President and CEO of the standalone company, which employs 2,600 people and partners with thousands of union workers globally.
He said: “This is an exciting time for GES. The business has tremendous momentum, and our team is driving strong revenue growth, margin expansion, and client service.
“The publicly traded Viad conglomerate has been a great home to GES for decades and we are excited to start a new chapter as a private company with Truelink, who believes in our ability to continue delivering industry leadership, innovation and growth.”
Truelink’s co-Founder Luke Myers added: “GES is a trusted brand with a proven track record of delivering best-in-class services to the global exhibitions and experiential marketing verticals.
“We look forward to collaborating with this talented team to help the company realize its full potential.”
GES serves clients across healthcare, aerospace and defense, financial services, manufacturing, technology and retail sectors.
The leadership team will retain Jeff Quade as GES NA Exhibitions President, Jason Stead as GES EMEA Exhibitions President and Jeff Stelmach as Spiro President.
The acquisition remains subject to customary closing conditions.
## **70% of exhibitors keen to adopt digital tools: CEIR**
**More than 70% of exhibitors are adopting digital tactics at trade shows, according to a new report from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).**
The report, part of CEIR’s series on exhibition floor engagement, reveals that 84% of exhibitors invest in booth staff training while over 81% evaluate attendee engagement efforts.
CEIR vice president of research Nancy Drapeau said: “The findings in this report highlight a highly engaged and committed exhibitor base, promising a bright future for face-to-face marketing at trade shows.”
The study shows three-quarters of exhibitors plan to improve their approaches through new attendee engagement tactics, marketing strategies and digital methods to capture sales leads.
Half of the exhibitors are requesting organizers to enhance their offerings, indicating a push toward modernization in the exhibition industry.
The report examines exhibitor practices across four areas: in-booth tactics, digital and marketing strategies, outcome evaluation and future outlook.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Hyve makes major foray into healthcare with HLTH acquisition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-11-04/)
**Published:** November 4, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Hyve Group has marked its entry into the global healthcare sector with the purchase of platform HLTH.**
The deal includes the acquisition of HLTH USA, ViVE and HLTH Europe as well as HLTH’s year-round membership community. Read all about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Hyve makes major foray into healthcare with HLTH acquisition**](#one)
- [**UFI unveils brand refresh as it approaches centennial**](#two)
- [**Excel London expands ADNEC’s London venue portfolio with new acquisition**](#three)
- [**Clarion acquires Infocast to strengthen energy portfolio**](#four)
Communities have become essential to the success of next-gen events, whether in the healthcare, finance or manufacturing sectors. Learn how you can build one with our **[Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/)**.
## **Hyve makes major foray into healthcare with HLTH acquisition**
**Hyve Group has entered the $12 trillion global healthcare sector with a major acquisition.**
The purchase of innovation platform HLTH includes three major events along with its year-round membership community.
HLTH maintains a strategic partnership with the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives for the ViVE event, which focuses on healthcare technology.
Mark Shashoua, Hyve CEO, said: “HLTH has long been admired by all of us at Hyve. It’s an incredible brand with an established reputation and this is thanks to its commitment to shaping the future of healthcare.
“HLTH’s dedication to driving positive change within healthcare strongly aligns with our own purpose of creating game-changing impact for the industries we support.
“By applying Hyve’s tried and tested centralised best practice model, and using our expertise in scaling meetings programmes, we can support the continued creation of return on investment for HLTH customers.”
HLTH USA will become Hyve’s largest event by revenue. The company’s client base includes technology and healthcare leaders such as Johnson & Johnson, Google, Microsoft and Meta.
The deal adds more than 80 employees across offices in New York, London and Dublin. HLTH founder and CEO Jon Weiner will continue to lead the organization.
Jonathan Weiner, founder and CEO of HLTH, said: “In Hyve, we have found an ideal partner to elevate our vision and unlock even greater opportunities for our community.
“We are incredibly proud that HLTH has become a catalyst for positive change, championing equitable, affordable, and accessible health for all.
“With Hyve’s expertise, centralised best practices, and commitment to innovation, we will enhance the experiences we deliver and reach an even broader audience of healthcare professionals and innovators.
“Hyve shares our vision and is deeply committed to our long-term success. I’m excited about the future of our events as we scale and ultimately play an even more significant role in advancing healthcare globally.”
## **UFI unveils brand refresh as it approaches centennial**
**UFI has unveiled a new brand identity as it nears its 100th anniversary.**
The revamp features a wing symbol derived from the helmet of Hermes – the Greek god of trade – replacing the organization’s previous logo that depicted an abstract head of Hermes used since 2003.
> 🆕 Introducing the new UFI logo—a symbol that bridges our heritage and our future ✨
>
> 🔗 Discover the story behind our refreshed brand: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#newufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/newufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#evolution](https://twitter.com/hashtag/evolution?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#heritage](https://twitter.com/hashtag/heritage?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#legacy](https://twitter.com/hashtag/legacy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/e8sI32EUCu](https://t.co/e8sI32EUCu)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [October 30, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1851594970416734276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Geoff Dickinson, UFI president, said: “Our industry has changed a lot since the beginning of this century, and UFI has changed with that.
“As the relevant global organisation for our sector, the new logo and appearance showcase how much UFI has grown and matured.
“We have a different role, a bigger responsibility now, and UFI’s new identity reflects this. It suits our organisation well.”
The wing design incorporates four strands representing UFI’s core functions: events, research, education and advocacy.
The green color scheme symbolizes the exhibition industry’s sustainable impact on business and society.
The organization will implement the new branding across its platforms ahead of the UFI Global Congress in Cologne, Germany, from November 20-23, 2024.
***ExpoPlatform has been announced as the official speed matchmaking partner for [UFI Global Congress. Find out more here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/partnership/ufi-congress-matchmaking-2024/).***
UFI, founded in 1925, adopted its first logo in 1947 following World War II. It serves as the global association for the exhibition industry.
CEO Kai Hattendorf added: “It is a testament to the great work done almost 25 years ago that the previous UFI appearance stood the test of time for this long and could be stretched far into this much more digital presence.
“But on the eve of UFI’s 100th birthday, it was time to re-think and reimagine what UFI looks like to ensure future success in an ever more digital environment.”
## **Excel London expands ADNEC’s London venue portfolio with new acquisition**
**Excel London has taken over a new venue, expanding ADNEC Group’s presence in the UK events industry.**
Business Design Centre (BDC) has been acquired by the subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi company, becoming its third premises in the nation’s capital.
The historic North London venue originally opened as the Royal Agricultural Hall in 1862 and now hosts more than 130 events annually, attracting over 900,000 visitors.
> Breaking news: [@TheBDC](https://twitter.com/TheBDC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) has been acquired by [@ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> Read the full story: [pic.twitter.com/8jw3oJ7mle](https://t.co/8jw3oJ7mle)
>
> — Business Design Centre (@TheBDC) [October 30, 2024](https://twitter.com/TheBDC/status/1851560827888783416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel, said: “Since acquiring Excel more than 15 years ago, ADNEC has demonstrated unwavering support for London’s event and business tourism industry.
“The acquisition of the prestigious BDC further underscores this commitment.
“We look forward to integrating BDC into the ADNEC ecosystem and will continue to invest significantly to ensure both Excel and BDC offer the highest-quality platforms for the events industry, reinforcing London’s status as a leading global events destination.”
BDC is a Grade II listed property which spans 4.5 acres and includes 6,000 square meters of event space.
The acquisition adds a third London property to ADNEC’s portfolio, while the deal also includes ownership of the Hilton Hotel land in Islington.
BDC, the current Exhibition News Venue of the Year, is home to established events including the London Art Fair and Surface Design Show.
The venue also features 12,500 square meters of showroom and office space.
Excel London, acquired by ADNEC in 2008, recently completed an expansion making it Europe’s largest integrated conference venue with 125,000 square meters of space.
Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.
## **Clarion acquires Infocast to strengthen energy portfolio**
**Clarion Events has acquired Information Forecast, strengthening its position in the renewable energy events sector.**
The takeover adds Infocast’s renewable energy conferences to Clarion Events Energy’s portfolio – which includes DISTRIBUTECH International, POWERGEN International and the Enlit series of events across Europe and Asia.
Liz Irving, president of Clarion Events North America, said: “The acquisition of Infocast is a substantial move which strategically aligns both businesses’ strengths and cultures while fortifying our market presence.
“By combining our resources and expertise, we are poised to unlock significant growth opportunities and deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the industries we serve.”
Cindy Kim, president of Infocast, added: “We are excited to join the Clarion Events North America portfolio.
“Their dedication to the customers and industries they serve, alongside their culture of customer centricity and innovation, align with our business focus.
“We look forward to the opportunities this acquisition will bring.”
Infocast has for the past 30 years organized conferences focused on deal-making in the renewable energy sector across the United States. The company specializes in events that connect senior executives and industry leaders.
Desiree Hanson, Clarion Events North America Chief Commercial Officer, will oversee the integration of Infocast into Clarion’s existing energy portfolio.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Raccoon launches Europe's first B2B running expo](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tradeshows/week-in-events-2024-11-11/)
**Published:** November 11, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Raccoon Media Group is on track to launch Europe’s first running B2B expo.**
It has been announced that International Running Expo will be held next year between November 4 and 5, bringing together key stakeholders in the sport’s industry. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Raccoon Media Group on track to launch Europe’s first B2B running expo**](#one)
- [**Europe’s largest property trade fair expands to Asia**](#two)
- [**Messe Frankfurt strengthens logistics partnership for sustainable tradeshows**](#three)
Want to know how LLMs work in events? **[Listen to Chapter 1 of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to LLMs for Events](https://expoplatform.com/publications/a-primer-on-llms/)**.
## **Raccoon Media Group on track to launch Europe’s first B2B running expo**
**Raccoon Media Group has announced plans to launch Europe’s first business-to-business running expo.**
The International Running Expo (IRX 2025) will be held at RAI Amsterdam between November 4 and 5 – targeting retailers, brands and industry professionals in the sector.
The event organizer, known for UK’s National Running Show and Boston Run Show, expects to host more than 300 exhibitors and 6,000 delegates from across Europe.
The expo will feature a hosted buyer program connecting senior buyers with brands, alongside product demonstrations and networking events.
Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Media Group, said: “The running industry has expanded massively in recent years, now representing a global market worth billions and impacting every facet of health, lifestyle, and community.
“Despite this tremendous growth, there hasn’t been a dedicated B2B event in Europe to bring together the innovators, brands, and leaders driving the industry forward—that’s where the International Running Expo comes in.
“This event is absolutely essential for fostering meaningful connections, exchanging ideas, and igniting business opportunities that fuel both the industry and the running community.
“We’re creating a space where brands can make a real impact, industry professionals can gain insights that will push their businesses forward, and we can all work together to shape the future of running.”
Raccoon unveiled the initiative at a launch event on Nov 6 in Amsterdam, which included a trail run led by Yoshi Groen and a track session with ultra-runner Susie Chan.
Ultra-running competitor Dean Karnazes headlined the evening reception.
Meanwhile, the group also expanded its portfolio with the acquisition of two major trade shows and the creation of a new Animal Health Division.
It acquired Pets & Aquatics Trade Show (PATS) – the UK’s leading trade show for the pets and aquatics industry – and BETA International, adding to its existing National Equine Show operations.
Nicole Cooper brings 30 years of events sector experience and will lead the new division as CEO.
Gordon Thomas will continue as PATS director, working alongside Cooper to develop the three-day event.
BETA International, a 40-year-old equestrian and country trade fair, will hold its first Raccoon-managed event at the NEC, Birmingham in September 2025.
The acquisitions build upon Raccoon’s National Equine Show, launched three years ago, strengthening the company’s position in both business-to-business and consumer equestrian markets.
## **Europe’s largest property trade fair expands to Asia**
**Europe’s largest property trade fair EXPO REAL will expand to Asia with its first Singapore event.**
The new EXPO REAL Asia Pacific will run between June 15 and 17 2026 alongside the World Cities Summit, a gathering of government leaders and urban development experts.
**Pic courtesy: EXPO REAL**
Stefan Rummel and Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer, CEOs of Messe München, said: “With EXPO REAL Asia Pacific, we are expanding our international network and creating a platform for the growing real estate market in the Asia Pacific region in Singapore from 2026.
“In an environment characterized by new urban development projects and growth, we offer relevant players an ideal opportunity to exchange ideas about markets and projects in the region.
“Our aim is to tap into an exciting market and promote long-term partnerships.”
The expansion targets the Asia Pacific real estate market – projected to grow at 7.6% annually through 2030.
The event will focus on real estate, infrastructure and investment opportunities across the region.
EXPO REAL Asia Pacific will coincide with the World Cities Summit, which is organized by the Centre for Liveable Cities and the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
It will showcase urban development plans from cities and national pavilions, featuring opportunities for global investment and public-private partnerships.
## **Messe Frankfurt strengthens logistics partnership for sustainable tradeshows**
**Messe Frankfurt and DSV have announced an expanded logistics partnership aimed at reducing carbon emissions and improving efficiency at one of Europe’s largest trade show venues.**
Starting next year, DSV will become the exclusive logistics partner for the Frankfurt exhibition grounds and handle approximately 3,600 orders and 8,000 packages annually through Messe Frankfurt’s Cargo Center.
**Pic courtesy: Messe Frankfurt**
Messe Frankfurt CEO Wolfgang Marzin said: “Together with our long-standing partner DSV, we are continuing to work on making trade fair logistics sustainable.
“We are very happy to take this successful cooperation to the next level and to optimise the complex processes on our site – which will benefit our customers, local people and our environment.”
Bart Peeters, vice president of DSV Solutions Deutschland, added: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to further expand our long-standing partnership with Messe Frankfurt and to be its sole official logistics service provider for the next five years, beginning on 1 January 2025.
“Together, we will look at a wide range of innovative and sustainable ways of meeting the logistics requirements on the Frankfurt exhibition grounds and will find new ways forward in the future as well.”
The Danish logistics company plans to replace gas and diesel-powered forklifts with electric models to reduce carbon emissions and noise pollution.
During peak periods, DSV operates up to 200 forklifts and employs 240 workers on-site.
The partnership includes plans for an Advanced Warehouse project in 2026-27, which will consolidate shipments at an external DSV facility before transport to the exhibition grounds using carbon-neutral trucks.
DSV employs 5,300 workers across Germany and has provided logistics services to Messe Frankfurt since 1976.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Tradeshows
---
### [AEO names Anna Golden of Olympia Events as new CEO](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/week-in-events-2024-11-18/)
**Published:** November 18, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The Association of Event Organizers (AEO) has named industry veteran Anna Golden as its new CEO from January 2025.**
Anna joins AEO after more than two decades at Olympia Events, where she most recently served as commercial director. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**AEO names former Olympia Events commercial director Anna Golden as new CEO**](#one)
- [**DWTC launches first phase of AED 10 billion DEC expansion plan**](#two)
- [**Net Zero Carbon Events to integrate methodology with UN’s green measurement tool**](#three)
- [**IEG revenue ending Sep 30 jumps 19.8% to €179.4 million**](#four)
- [**Diversified Communications strengthens clean energy portfolio with acquisition**](#five)
Wondering which event tech will benefit your shows in 2025? **[Read our case studies](https://expoplatform.com/use-cases/)** to understand better how these tools improve your event ROI.
## **AEO names former Olympia Events commercial director Anna Golden as new CEO**
**AEO has appointed Olympia London’s former commercial director Anna Golden as its new CEO, effective January 2025.**
Anna joins AEO after serving as a consultant and previously leading commercial operations at Olympia London, where she achieved record-breaking revenue growth and managed the venue’s £1.3bn redevelopment initiative.
At Olympia London, she secured major contracts with the Ideal Home Show and London Book Fair while overseeing the venue’s rebranding campaign.
AEO chair Rachel Swann said: “After a thorough selection process, we are excited to welcome Anna as our new CEO.
“With her extensive industry expertise and excellent reputation, she is the ideal choice.
“We’re confident she will bring fresh ideas and a strong strategic vision to the AEO, driving continued growth and delivering greater value for our members.”
Anna said: “I’ve known the AEO and its community for many years, so the opportunity to lead this important organisation is very exciting.
“I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and collaborating closely with the chair, executive committee, team, and members to drive growth and ensure continued relevance.
“With a handover period planned for December, I’m eager to hit the ground running in 2025.”
Anna also co-founded ‘The Grand Plan’ – the venue’s environmental, social and governance program.
She brings more than 20 years of events industry experience to AEO, where she will focus on advocacy and membership growth for UK event organizers.
## **DWTC launches first phase of AED 10bn DEC expansion plan**
**Dubai World Trade Centre has launched the first phase of an AED 10bn expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.**
The project was approved by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in September and aims to create the region’s largest indoor events venue.
The new space will double Dubai’s annual large-scale events capacity to 600 by 2033.
Mahir Julfar, executive vice president at DWTC, said: “The Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion marks a transformative era for Dubai’s MICE sector, solidifying our city’s standing as a global powerhouse for mega events.
“The expanded venue will enable us to double the number of events from 300 to 600 by 2033, setting new international benchmarks for exhibitions and conferences.
“With this state-of-the-art facility, we are building a next-generation venue to meet the evolving demands of the global events industry, reinforcing Dubai’s leadership as the destination of choice for world-class mega events and exhibitions.”
Phase one construction includes 515 foundation piles, 14,000 tonnes of structural steel and 48,000 cubic meters of concrete.
The expansion will add 64,000 square meters (sq m) of permanent exhibition space and 30,000 sq m of temporary halls to the existing 46,000-sq-m facility.
Amer Al Farsi, acting vice president of real estate development at DWTC, said: “The DEC expansion is a pivotal step towards the future of Dubai’s flagship mega exhibitions and events.
“The first phase alone will increase our purpose-built indoor event hosting capacity to 140,000 sq m.
“The venue is designed to elevate both the exhibitor and visitor experience while embedding sustainability into every aspect of its design and operations.
“Beyond its physical footprint, this development serves as a catalyst to redefine the global events industry, with Dubai leading the way.”
The development aligns with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, connecting Expo City Dubai with Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport.
DWTC expects the expanded venue to triple the MICE sector’s economic contribution to AED 54bn annually by 2033.
The facility will pursue LEED certification from the US Green Building Council.
## **Net Zero Carbon Events to integrate methodology with UN’s green measurement tool**
**Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) has announced the integration of its measurement methodology with the UN’s Green Events Tool at COP29 in Baku.**
The tool, managed by the Gulf Organisation for Research and Development, measures carbon footprint for UN conferences.
The integration follows NZCE’s Industry Roadmap release at COP27 and its Measurement Methodology launch in December 2023.
This collaboration aims to enhance the tool’s capabilities for business events industry measurements.
James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, said: “This is a very exciting development for Net Zero Carbon Events and for the industry.
“It takes our cooperation and integration with the United Nations’ standards on measurement a significant step forward.
“The joint Launch Event at COP29 and the signing of an MoU between both institutions marks a commitment to substantive discussions, paving a pathway to future collaboration.
“Since its inception at COP26 in Glasgow, the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative has made remarkable progress in advancing sustainability practices within the business events industry.
“Thanks to the collective efforts of our community, we have achieved significant clarity on environmental aspects relevant to our sector, clearing the way towards a more sustainable future.”
## **IEG revenue ending Sep 30 jumps 19.8% to €179.4m**
Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) reported revenue of €179.4m for the period ending September 30 2024, marking a 19.8% increase from €149.7m in the previous year.
Key financial highlights:
- Adjusted EBITDA: €42.8m, up 32.5% from €32.3m
- Adjusted EBIT: €30.0m, a 49.4% increase
- Net profit: €21.0m, more than double from €9.6m
- Net financial position: €79.6m, improved by €7.9m year-over-year
The company’s organized events division, representing 57.8% of total revenue, reached €103.6m. Growth was driven by:
- Widespread expansion across all events
- Strong performance of key exhibitions
- Biennial events including Tecna in Italy and Fesqua in Brazil
IEG’s conference business hosted 86 events at venues in Rimini and Vicenza, generating €14.7m in revenue compared to €14.3m from 88 events in the previous year.
The services division showed significant growth with:
- Exhibition services up 31%
- Digital services increasing 29%
Group CEO Corrado Arturo Peraboni said: “The robustness of our business model and our growth are evidenced by a simple fact: in the first nine months of 2024 alone, the company has exceeded all of its pre covid financial results for the entire last year.
“The last quarter will only add value to our result. The performance of the third quarter are higher than expected in our Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
“The period benefited from a more favourable calendar that included the Tecna – International Exhibition of Technologies and Supplies for Surfaces in Italy and Fesqua – Feira Internacional da Industria de Esquadrias in Brazil, events that added to the excellent results achieved in the first part of the year by our core products in the segment of organised events such as VicenzaOro, Sigep and RiminiWellness.”
He added: “The related services segment also performed well in terms of both turnover and margins.
“The investment plan to support the growth of the Strategic Plan is proceeding on schedule, and during the quarter work was completed for the installation of the three temporary pavilions in Vicenza, while in October the two pavilions that will enrich the Rimini exhibition centre up to the construction of the large dome on the west side were completed and will make a further 8,300 square metres available for future events.”
## **Diversified Communications strengthens clean energy portfolio with acquisition**
**Diversified Communications has acquired Midwest Solar Expo to expand its clean energy portfolio of trade shows and conferences.**
The family-owned media company will integrate Midwest Solar Expo into its Intersolar & Energy Storage North America division, which focuses on solar technology, energy storage and EV charging infrastructure.
The acquisition marks Diversified’s latest move in the renewable energy sector since purchasing Intersolar North America in 2019 and Energy Storage North America in 2020.
Oakley Dyer, corporate VP, strategy & corporate development at Diversified Communications, said: “The addition of Midwest Solar Expo to our Clean Energy portfolio further strengthens our commitment as a company to the renewable energy sector.
“This acquisition was a perfect fit, both strategically and culturally. We are always looking for acquisitions that align not only with the industries that we serve but also our values as a business.
“Diversified is a unique acquirer in the B2B media landscape, as one of the few family-owned companies of scale.
“I think this makes us a great home for sellers looking to find someone to carry on and grow what they have built.”
The company’s clean energy portfolio includes multiple industry events and digital networks: Energy Storage North America, Smart Energy Decisions, Net Zero Forum, Renewable Energy Forum and Intersolar & Energy Storage North America Texas.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [Informa B2B events report 11.1% revenue surge in Jan-Oct](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-11-25/)
**Published:** November 25, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa’s business events division has posted double-digit revenue growth of more than 11% from January to October 2024, riding strong global demand for in-person experiences.**
Informa Markets led the surge with a 13.5% increase, followed by Informa Tech (+11.2%) and Informa Connect (+4.9%). Get the complete details below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Informa B2B events report 11.1% revenue surge in Jan-Oct 2024**](#one)
- [**Business events drive €5bn+ value for destinations in 2024: report**](#two)
- [**Excel London accelerates towards net zero with major sustainability investment**](#three)
- [**Easyfairs acquires gaming event to strengthen pop culture portfolio**](#four)
- [**CloserStill Media launches new AI-focused Cloud Expo**](#five)
Read: How ExpoPlatform’s sustainability program helped Informa plant 1,000 trees at **[MRO Americas 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/mro-americas-2024/).**
## **Informa B2B events report 11.1% revenue surge in Jan-Oct 2024**
**Informa Plc reported an 11.1% revenue increase in its B2B events division for the first 10 months of 2024.**
The growth was driven by strong performance across global markets and continued demand for face-to-face business experiences.
> We’ve just released our Ten-Month Trading Update showing our consistent strong performance so far this year with growth in all major regions, plus updates on the creation of Informa Festivals and Informa TechTarget.
>
> Find out more here: [pic.twitter.com/Dpo8v1OJmp](https://t.co/Dpo8v1OJmp)
>
> — Informa Plc (@InformaPLC) [November 19, 2024](https://twitter.com/InformaPLC/status/1858803775269388498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Group CEO Stephen A. Carter said: “Informa continues to deliver a strong performance in 2024, with forward bookings providing momentum into 2025.
“This year sees us complete our four-year GAP2 programme, where our performance has demonstrated the structural growth in our chosen markets, our geographic strength in the US and IMEA in particular, and the power of our market-leading specialist B2B Brands and proprietary first-party data.”
Key performance indicators:
- Transaction-led live events (Informa Markets): up 13.5%
- Tech-focused B2B events (Informa Tech): up 11.2%
- Content-led events (Informa Connect): up 4.9%
- Overall group revenue growth: 10.7%
- Academic Markets division: up 10%
Revenue distribution by region:
- Americas: 45%
- Asia/ASEAN: 25%
- India, Middle East and Africa: 10%
- UK/Europe: 10%
The company reported particular strength in emerging markets, with its Cityscape Global event in Riyadh generating more than $61 billion in transactions and sales while attracting over 170,000 participants.
Financial outlook and projections:
- Projected group revenue: £3.5bn
- Adjusted operating profit: exceeding £975 million
- Free cash flow: more than £750m
- Expected year-end leverage: 2.5x Net Debt to EBITDA
- Secured €1.75bn in bonds at an average cost of 3.33% to support long-term growth.
Looking ahead, Informa plans to integrate its three live B2B events businesses (Informa Markets, Informa Connect, and the forthcoming Informa Festivals) in 2025.
The ‘One Informa’ program for 2025-2028 will target 5% annual revenue growth through closer alignment of its business operations, brand, technology and data analytics.
The company also announced the appointment of Catherine Levene as a non-executive director, bringing additional expertise in US markets and digital media.
## **Business events drive €5bn+ value for destinations in 2024 – report**
**Business events generated more than €5bn across major global destinations in 2024, according to a new industry report.**
The Global Destination Report 2024 – produced by The Business of Events (TBOE) and ICC Belfast – found that Western Europe, Central Europe and North America each reported event-driven contributions exceeding €5bn.
> We joined [@TheBizofEvents](https://twitter.com/TheBizofEvents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@IBTMevents](https://twitter.com/IBTMevents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to unveil the 2024 Global Destination Report 📝
>
> ICC Belfast Sales Director, Ross Moffett, helped launch this report offering insights from leading business event destinations globally.
>
> Download your copy here: [pic.twitter.com/nEKpVQwFq4](https://t.co/nEKpVQwFq4)
>
> — ICC Belfast | International Convention Centre (@BelfastICC) [November 19, 2024](https://twitter.com/BelfastICC/status/1858911925880385674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Over 50% of surveyed regions reported annual event-driven contributions above €100m.
However, smaller cities and developing regions lag behind in capturing economic benefits from business events.
Martin Fullard, TBOE director, said: “The 2024 Global Destination Report serves as an essential tool for industry stakeholders to understand the real-time challenges and opportunities in the business events sector.
“Our findings reveal that while many regions benefit economically, the sector still faces an advocacy gap with policymakers.
“We’re proud to provide data that destinations can leverage to secure funding and make the case for the essential role business events play in economic and social development.”
The report – released at IBTM World – highlighted persistent staffing shortages across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
While most developed regions maintained stable or increasing budgets, Central and South American destinations faced budget cuts.
Government support remains a challenge, with most respondents citing insufficient recognition of the sector’s economic value.
The study found that over-tourism does not significantly impact business events, with 82% of respondents reporting no adverse effects.
The report recommends implementing tax incentives and strengthening industry-academic partnerships to address talent shortages.
## **Excel London accelerates towards net zero with sustainability investment**
**Excel London has invested in hybrid machinery and alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions at its convention center, taking another step toward its net zero goals.**
The venue acquired hybrid scissor and boom lifts while switching to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel, which saves 75 tonnes of CO2 annually compared to diesel.
> LATEST: [\#ExcelLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExcelLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) has moved a step closer to its net zero commitments by investing in a new fleet of hybrid plant machinery.
>
> In addition to the six-figure investment, the team has also switched to electric equipment where possible and using HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil)… [pic.twitter.com/t7Yg4vQ8xH](https://t.co/t7Yg4vQ8xH)
>
> — Excel London (@ExCeLLondon) [November 18, 2024](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1858531156938899839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Natalie Sykes, the venue’s sustainability manager, said: “As a signatory for the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, Excel remains committed to measuring and reducing its carbon footprint, as well as helping to shape the future of events into one that is net zero, resource efficient and equitable.
“Such measures are fully supported by ADNEC, the Excel Board and the wider Excel team, and allows us to prioritise decarbonisation by investing in schemes such as our new hybrid fleet of scissor lifts.”
Excel London aims to cut emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050. The facility operates on renewable electricity and maintains a zero-waste-to-landfill policy.
The convention center is owned by ADNEC Group and houses a wormery where 300,000 worms convert food waste into compost for the venue’s grounds.
The investment follows Excel’s transition from diesel to biofuel in May 2023.
## **Easyfairs acquires gaming event to strengthen pop culture portfolio**
**Easyfairs has taken over GameForce to strengthen its pop culture portfolio that includes FACTS, Heroes Comic Con and Made in Asia.**
The noted event will join the company’s HEROES umbrella brand, which has hosted events across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Easyfairs Belgium CEO Kenneth Verheyden said: “Thanks to this acquisition, we have become the only relevant gaming event player in Belgium.
“The addition of the gaming segment to our current pop culture events also offers great opportunities for advertisers in Belgium and the Netherlands.”
Steven Leunens, co-CEO of Unlocked, added: “We are convinced that Easyfairs is the right partner to continue GameForce’s growth.
“Easyfairs’ community-focused approach aligns perfectly with GameForce’s values.”
The next combined GameForce, Made in Asia, and Heroes Comic Con event is scheduled at Brussels Expo on October 18 and 19. Made in Asia will run separately from March 7 to 9.
Easyfairs’ portfolio includes the 30-year-running FACTS at Flanders Expo, Brussels-based Made in Asia and Heroes Comic Con as well as Heroes Dutch Comic Con in the Netherlands.
In a separate development, Easyfairs Belgium announced its transition to 100% green electricity across its four venues starting January 2025.
Energy supplier NieuweStroom will provide power to Antwerp Expo, Flanders Expo, Namur Expo, and Mechelen-Brussels North.
Alain D’Haese, COO & head of venues at Easyfairs Belgium, said: “By choosing NieuweStroom we’re taking a major step towards a greener future and contributing to the broader energy transition in Belgium.
“It’s one of many initiatives here in Belgium and across the entire Easyfairs group, which we described in detail in our first annual sustainability report, published earlier in the year.”
The company signed the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge in October 2021, committing to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.
Solar panels currently supply 80% of Antwerp Expo’s and 45% of Flanders Expo’s electricity needs. The venues feature LED lighting systems and 120 electric vehicle charging stations.
## **CloserStill Media launches new AI-focused Cloud Expo**
**CloserStill Media has refreshed its Cloud Expo series to include artificial intelligence infrastructure, launching globally in 2025.**
The rebranded Cloud & AI Infrastructure expo will debut at Tech Show London on March 12 and 13 at ExCeL London, before rolling out across Singapore, Frankfurt, Paris and Madrid.
The expansion follows record growth in the existing Cloud Expo series, which saw attendance increase 75% over two years across five territories.
The new focus addresses the increasing demands on IT infrastructure driven by AI adoption.
Alice MacGregor, head of marketing and content at CloserStill Media, said: “As the tech landscape transforms, we must also adapt our event offering to remain at the forefront of innovation.
“This refresh represents a strategic reset of our vision, showcasing our dedication to delivering events that reflect the latest industry advancements and change for good.
“We are excited to revamp this platform, empowering our global audiences to thrive in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.”
CloserStill developed the new format following market research and industry consultation. The expo will showcase compute, storage and networking solutions for AI deployment, while facilitating collaboration between hyperscalers, colocation providers, telecommunications companies and cloud-managed service providers.
The event series operates as part of CloserStill Media’s technology portfolio, which hosts business technology events across global markets.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [New UFI President: Silence has hurt exhibitions, it's time for action](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20241209/)
**Published:** December 9, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The global exhibition industry needs to step out of the shadows and assert its economic importance, according to UFI’s new president Hugh Jones.**
Taking charge of the industry’s leading association, Hugh set out that years of poor communication have left governments conflating trade shows with concert tours and tourism – undermining the sector’s strategic value.
That’s why he has chosen advocacy as one of the global association of the exhibition industry’s top three priorities moving forward. Read all about it in his inaugural letter to UFI members.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**New UFI President: Silence has hurt us, it’s time for action**](#one)
- [**RX expands into Saudi Arabia’s fitness industry with new event**](#two)
- [**Koelnmesse veteran to lead Messe Dusseldorf’s new corporate division**](#three)
- [**Messe Munchen posts record €530 million revenue in 2024** ](#four)
- [**Liz Irving becomes new CEO of Clarion Events North America**](#five)
- [**Informa Tech merges digital operations with TechTarget**](#six)
## **New UFI President: Silence has hurt us, it’s time for action**
**UF’s new president has called for stronger industry advocacy, saying years of insufficient engagement with governments has resulted in the sector being overlooked and misunderstood.**
Hugh Jones said governments often mistake the exhibition industry for concert tours or tourism – largely due to the industry’s failure to communicate its economic impact effectively.
In his inaugural address to UFI members, Hugh outlined advocacy as being among three priorities for his term – with sustainability and talent also making the final cut
> 🆕 Hugh Jones's inaugural 'Letter from the UFI President' is here! ✍️
>
> 📌 Dive in to learn about the top three priorities for his presidency: Talent, Sustainability, and Advocacy.
>
> 🔗 [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufipresident](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufipresident?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#talent](https://twitter.com/hashtag/talent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#sustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/sustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#advocacy](https://twitter.com/hashtag/advocacy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/pLgW4RZd2q](https://t.co/pLgW4RZd2q)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [December 6, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1864958649879101791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He said: “It’s fairly simple, we want our fair share of respect.
“National and local governments are not aware of our industry, and it pains me to say that most of them think about Taylor Swift’s ERAs tour or ‘heads in beds’ and tourism when they talk about our industry.
“This is mainly OUR OWN fault, as we have not really engaged properly for too long.
“We can achieve a lot by arguing our case of economic impact and relevance, but we also need to engage and drive the positioning of the whole sector.”
Hugh urged exhibition organizers, venues and partners to consistently communicate their economic contributions to host cities and countries.
He also emphasized the need to attract diverse talent to the industry, noting that while many professionals have “stumbled into” the events sector, a more proactive approach to recruitment is necessary.
Hugh said: “We need to share skills development across the industry to ensure that our teams are diverse, inclusive and ready for the next challenges in business, including AI.
“We need to look at sectors outside of the exhibitions industry who do this exceptionally well, and we need to learn from them.”
He highlighted UFI’s Next Generation Leaders Initiative, launched in 2016, which has already produced several industry leaders.
On sustainability, Hugh called it “possibly the most significant challenge” facing the sector.
He stressed that the industry must position itself as part of the solution to the climate crisis, pointing to UFI’s leadership in the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative since 2021.
Hugh said: “UFI’s working group for sustainable development is one of the oldest, most experienced, and most successful groups that UFI has ever created.
“But we need to do more and we need to do more, together.
“One issue where not all the major players in our industry are aligned in their respective strategies, is offsetting projects that invest in our industry specifically, creating a funding mechanism that drives our sector’s decarbonisation.
“Some UFI members have begun work on this, and I am eager to see this evolve into a scenario where UFI can act as the trusted party that connects and perhaps behaves as an arms-length auditor of these interests.”
## **RX expands into Saudi Arabia’s fitness industry with new event**
**RX is expanding into Saudi Arabia’s fitness sector with FIBO Saudi, a health and fitness exhibition scheduled for October.**
The event marks RX’s first venture into the country’s growing fitness industry, which has experienced rising demand for wellness facilities.
The event at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center will showcase fitness equipment, sports nutrition, technology and wellness products.
Vasyl Zhygalo, managing director for RX Middle East, said: “The launch of FIBO Saudi will help further bolster and expand the burgeoning health and wellness sector in Saudi Arabia, offering opportunities for industry professionals and enthusiasts to network, showcase innovations, and drive advancements in health and wellness.
“FIBO Saudi will offer a platform for regional and international players in the fitness industry to connect with potential clients, partners, and distributors in the Kingdom, as well as attract consumers and sports enthusiasts alike.
“The FIBO brand enjoys a high reputation in the fitness industry worldwide.
“With FIBO Saudi, we are delighted to carry the spirit of the brand and a healthy lifestyle into one of the fastest-growing markets in the world and offer excellent new opportunities for the industry with the support of the key industry stakeholders.”
The three-day event will include business networking sessions, educational programs and product demonstrations targeting gym operators, fitness clubs and wellness professionals.
It aims to connect international brands with Saudi Arabia’s growing fitness market.
## **Koelnmesse veteran to lead Messe Dusseldorf’s new corporate division**
**Messe Dusseldorf has appointed Claire Steinbrück to lead its new Global Corporate Development and Strategy division, marking her transition from competitor Koelnmesse GmbH.**
Claire will join the management board in mid-2025 to oversee the company’s international expansion initiatives.
She becomes the second female executive director at Messe Dusseldorf, alongside Petra Cullmann.
The appointment comes as Messe Dusseldorf seeks to strengthen its position in global markets.
The company reported that 78% of its exhibitors and 39% of visitors in 2023 came from outside Germany.
Claire brings over a decade of trade fair industry experience, including roles at Messe Frankfurt in Latin America and Germany.
She served until November 2024 at Koelnmesse, where she managed the company’s global food technology portfolio as divisional director.
Her previous experience includes serving as deputy director of the German Pavilion at EXPO Milano 2015 and working as a project manager for innovation at Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH from 2008 to 2012.
## **Messe Munchen posts record €530m revenue in 2024**
**Messe Munchen reported €530 million in consolidated revenue for 2024, marking the highest earnings in the German tradeshow’s history.**
The company achieved an EBITDA of €130m and a net income of €60m worldwide, driven largely by strong international operations. At its Munich headquarters, the company generated €330m in revenue and €8 million in profit.
Co-CEOs Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel said: “The strength of our portfolio of twelve leading international trade fairs and a robust core business is evident in this difficult economic environment in Germany.
“Our events continue to be as popular as ever—something that people are least willing to miss.
“By organizing events in Munich with a high proportion of foreign participation and holding trade fairs abroad, we offer small and medium-sized companies an international platform.
“This is how we can make Bavarian and German innovations visible internationally.”
The results position the company for 2025, when Munich will host eight major international trade fairs.
Messe Munchen projects revenues of €500m from its Munich operations alone next year, with an estimated €4 billion in indirect economic benefits for the region.
The anticipated economic impact is expected to benefit local businesses including hotels, restaurants, retailers, and exhibition service providers, with 80% of these effects concentrated in Munich and Bavaria.
## **Liz Irving becomes new CEO of Clarion Events North America**
**Clarion Events North America has named [Liz Irving](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/liz-irving-smart-events/) as new CEO, promoting her from president.**
She has pledged to press forward with the organizer’s efforts to utilize technology to improve experiences, praising her team for progress made.
During her presidency, Liz led initiatives to develop new revenue streams and implemented a customer-focused business model.
She said: “The foundation we’ve built as a team has positioned us for even greater success.
“By embracing innovation, leveraging data and insights and creating connected experiences, we will continue to unlock opportunities that deliver exceptional value to our customers and partners.”
Liz will continue reporting to company chairman [Greg Topalian](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/greg-topalian/) and oversee all divisions except Clarion Connect.
He said: “Liz has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify new opportunities, navigate complex challenges, and drive exceptional result.
“Her leadership as President opened doors to meaningful partnerships, expanded our market reach, and laid the foundation for a thriving future.
“I have no doubt her vision as CEO will continue to transform our business.”
Lisa Hannant, global CEO of Clarion Events, added: “Liz’s promotion reflects our commitment to recognizing exceptional talent and leadership.
“Her work as President has been instrumental in driving new business opportunities and fostering a culture of delivering at the highest level.
“I am excited to see how Liz will build on this momentum as CEO to take our North American business to new heights.”
## **Informa Tech merges digital operations with TechTarget**
**Informa has confirmed the completion of its agreement to combine Informa Tech’s digital operations with US-listed TechTarget, forming a new entity called Informa TechTarget.**
The deal gives Informa around 57% ownership of the combined company, which will continue to trade on Nasdaq under TechTarget’s ticker symbol TTGT.
The merger brings together more than 220 technology media brands and a first-party audience exceeding 50m users.
Mary McDowell will lead Informa TechTarget as chair. She stepped down from her position as non-executive director at Informa Plc on November 30.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [London voted top European meeting destination - Amex GBT](https://expoplatform.com/blog/corporate-events/week-in-events-2024-12-16/)
**Published:** December 16, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**London has retained its position as Europe’s top destination for business meetings in American Express Global Business Travel’s annual survey.**
The poll saw event professionals rate destinations on six key metrics: accessibility, cost, safety, facilities, amenities and environmental practices. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**London voted top destination for meeting profs in Europe – Amex GBT**](#one)
- [**Pet Fair South China reports record-breaking edition**](#two)
- [**APAC leads global venue capacity – UFI report**](#three)
- [**IEG breaks ground on new 22,000 sqm hall at Vicenza Expo Centre**](#four)
- [**ILTM Cannes marks largest edition with 85,000+ meetings**](#five)
Event tech is evolving – through eventprofs like you. Share your thoughts where the industry is headed with our **[Event Tech Survey 2025](https://form.jotform.com/242593700250349)** (you will be among the first to get a free copy if you do so)
## **London voted top European meeting destination – Amex GBT**
**London has once again been voted the top European destination for meetings, according to American Express (Amex) Global Business Travel’s annual survey.**
The city claimed the top spot as the leading destination for the second year running.
The survey polled 170 meetings professionals with destinations based on travel accessibility, cost, safety, facilities, amenities and environmental commitments.
Key findings from the top five destinations:
- London leads with six major airports, extensive public transport and venues accommodating up to 3,000 people
- Madrid ranked second, offering competitive rates and year-round moderate temperatures, with July peaks of 76°F
- Barcelona placed third, highlighted by its Biosphere Certification for sustainable travel
- Paris secured fourth place with over 1,600 hotels and three international airports
- Berlin entered the top five, replacing Amsterdam, due to its cost-effective venues and accommodations
The survey is part of the company’s Meetings and Events Forecast and aims to guide meeting planners in destination selection.
## **Pet Fair South China reports record-breaking edition**
**Pet Fair South China drew more than 89,000 visitors to its December 2024 show in Shenzhen, setting an attendance record.**
The three-day exhibition featured over 350 exhibitors representing 2,000-plus brands across 50,000 square meters of space at the eighth edition held Dec 6-8.
The event was part of GLOBUS Events’ Pet Fair Network’s 2024 calendar, which saw a record 89,278 attendance across all its major events including Pet Fair Shanghai, Pet Fair Southeast Asia and Pet Fair Beijing.
David Zhong, founder and president of Globus Events / Pet Fair Asia, said: “The growth of Pet Fair Asia and its expansion, not only in China but also in other Asian markets, is a testament to the continuous growth of the pet industry in this region.
“These markets, and in particular, China, remain resilient and dynamic, and bring to the industry fascinating innovations and trends.
“The vast range of products and solutions presented at our shows make them unique for pet industry players worldwide.”
Pet Fair South China serves China’s Greater Bay Area market. Its parent company GLOBUS Events recently acquired China Pet Expo and will merge it with Pet Fair Beijing to create China’s second-largest pet industry show.
The next Pet Fair South China is scheduled for December 2025 in Shenzhen.
## **APAC leads global venue capacity – UFI report**
**APAC has reported the greatest global exhibition venue capacity and surpassed Europe for the first time, according to the UFI World Map of Exhibition Venues 2024.**
The global census, conducted in collaboration with jwc GmbH, analyzed venues with at least 5,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space as of December 2023.
Key findings from the report:
- APAC came out on top for global exhibition venue capacity with 38.5%, surpassing Europe’s 36.7% share
- China dominates the global market with 31.3% of total venue capacity, followed by the United States at 14.2% and Germany at 7.3%
- The top five markets – China, USA, Germany, Italy, and France – now control 63.5% of global exhibition space, an increase of 1.1 percentage points
- Europe maintains a narrow lead in mega venues (facilities exceeding 100,000 sq m) with 39 locations, compared to Asia-Pacific’s 38
- North America ranks third globally at 17.1% of total venue capacity
The report includes detailed profiles of 22 markets with over 300,000 sqm of gross indoor exhibition space, adding Ethiopia and Ivory Coast for the first time.
UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf said: “Exhibition venues are key drivers of the development of our industry globally.
“The 2024 World Map of Exhibition Venues offers unparalleled insight into the scale and distribution of this vital resource.
“This is helping industry professionals make informed decisions in an ever-changing global landscape.
“As a forward-looking indicator, venue developments are investments into future exhibition business.
“With this in mind, one key development is that Asia-Pacific now offers more total venue space than Europe – for the first time since UFI began tracking venue sizes.”
## **IEG breaks ground on new 22,000 sqm hall at Vicenza Expo Centre**
**Italian Exhibition Group has started construction on a 22,000 sqm hall at the Vicenza Expo Centre, expanding the venue’s total space to more than 100,000 sqm.**
The expansion is designed by Hamburg-based Studio GMP and will replace Pavilion 2 – a structure built in 1971.
The €60 million project aims to improve visitor flow at the exhibition center, which hosts major jewelry trade shows including Vicenzaoro and T.gold.
IEG President Maurizio Ermeti and architect Volkwin Marg led a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Vicenza Mayor Giacomo Possamai and local officials.
Maurizio said: “More than fifty years ago, visionaries laid the foundation stone of the ´snail´ with the hope of improving their lives, businesses and the territory.
“Today, with this symbolic gesture, we are renewing that intention by building a larger, more technological and powerful structure to maintain Vicenzaoro´s status as a European and international leader in the jewellery sector.
“Not only that, this new infrastructure will also allow us to expand our calendar of events and that of our congress centre, making us even more attractive.
“Our thanks go to the city, the territory and the stakeholders who have supported our vision».
IEG CEO Corrado Peraboni added: “Making the Vicenza Expo more competitive in infrastructural terms means maintaining Vicenzaoro´s leadership position in Europe and its specificity in the international context.
“But it also means strengthening the internationalisation strategy that IEG has put into action for its jewellery shows with the hubs in Dubai and Singapore: creating platforms for markets that then have a positive impact on foreign operators visiting Italy.”
The Vicenza Expo Centre currently spans 80,000 sqm and competes with Veronafiere as one of Northern Italy’s largest exhibition venues.
## **ILTM Cannes marks largest edition with 85,000+ meetings**
**ILTM Cannes reported its largest edition till date with over 85,000 scheduled meetings, marking a 12% year-over-year growth.**
The event was held on December 2-5 2024 and connected 2,350 buyers from 84 countries with an equal number of brands from 105 countries – with 30% of buyers attending for the first time.
Key highlights include:
- New dedicated areas featured Accor’s Grand Pavilion on the Palais beach and Leading Hotels of the World’s hospitality terrace
- Tourism boards from Australia, Egypt and Mauritius joined as first-time exhibitors
- California, Brazil, Oman, Japan and Croatia expanded their presence at the show
- Major hotel groups including Hilton Luxury, Hyatt Hotels and Marriott International Luxury increased their exhibition space
The event hosted more than 100 travel editors from luxury publications for speed networking sessions, press conferences and one-on-one meetings with exhibitors.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Corporate Events
---
### [Messe Munchen appoints new IMEA head](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20250120/)
**Published:** January 20, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Messe München has appointed Bhupinder Singh to head its newly consolidated India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) region, marking a strategic shift in its global operations.**
He has led the company’s India business since 2016 and will spearhead the expansion into Middle Eastern markets as part of the reorganization. Scroll down to read the full story.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Messe Munchen appoints new IMEA head to strengthen regional footprint**](#one)
- [**Hyve partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Office to launch luxury retail event**](#two)
- [**Easyfairs annual revenue jumps 21% to €229.3 million**](#three)
- [**Women in Exhibitions UK Chapter names new president**](#four)
## **Messe Munchen appoints new IMEA head to strengthen regional footprint**
**Messe München has appointed Bhupinder Singh as president of its IMEA region, effective January 1 2025.**
Bhupinder, who has served as CEO of Messe München India since 2016, will lead company efforts to broaden its footprints into Middle Eastern markets while maintaining his leadership of operations in India and Africa.
He will also join the Board of Directors of MMI Asia Singapore, which manages the company’s activities across China, India, Africa and the Middle East.
CEOs Stefan Rummel and Reinhard Pfeiffer said in a joint statement: “Bhupinder Singh is characterized by his strategic vision, his in-depth understanding of the dynamics of the trade fair industry and his exceptional leadership.
“He has already led our Indian subsidiary to extraordinary success and will now also establish our trade fairs in the Middle East.”
Bhupinder said: “Leading the IMEA region is an opportunity to shape the future of trade fairs in some of the world’s most dynamic markets.
“By fostering innovation and building platforms for meaningful partnerships, we aim to drive transformative growth across India, Africa, and the Middle East.”
Under his leadership, Messe München India grew from seven to more than 20 events and increased sales revenue by nearly 300%.
The subsidiary became the second largest international operation within the Messe München Group.
## **Hyve partners with Abu Dhabi Investment Office to launch luxury retail event**
**Hyve Group has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to launch Shoptalk Luxe – the first luxury-focused edition in the global Shoptalk series.**
The three-day event will be held in January 2026 at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and will feature more than 180 speakers from luxury retail, premium customer experience and retail technology sectors.
Hyve Group CEO Mark Shashoua said: “Abu Dhabi is the leading destination for global luxury retail in the Middle East and it was therefore a clear destination for the expansion of Shoptalk.
“Our partnership with ADIO will enable us to maximise the launch to create a truly unmissable event.”
Noura Alfoulathi, head of Abu Dhabi Retail, ADIO, said: “The retail sector is a key pillar of a resilient, diverse economy, both locally and globally.
“As consumer habits and expectations continue to evolve, this sector is witnessing a profound transformation in business models, product offerings, and consumer experiences, requiring retailers to adapt and innovate.
“By hosting this important event, Abu Dhabi stands at the forefront of these developments, poised to lead the dialogue among global industry leaders, innovators, and luxury brands.”
Chalhoub Group, a Middle East luxury retail company, has joined as Launch Partner.
Shoptalk Luxe aims to attract over 2,500 attendees from the $1.5 trillion global luxury market.
The event expands Hyve’s Shoptalk portfolio, which currently includes events in Las Vegas, Barcelona and Chicago.
The partnership reflects Abu Dhabi’s growing role in global luxury retail with ADIO working with retailers and technology firms to develop the emirate’s retail infrastructure.
## **Easyfairs annual revenue jumps 21% to €229.3 million**
**Easyfairs increased its annual revenue to €229.3m in fiscal year 2023-24, up 21% from €189.8m in the previous year.**
The exhibition organizer reported recurring EBITDA of €52.3m, a 47% increase from €35.5m in the prior year. The company’s EBITDA margin improved to 22.8% from 18.7%.
The growth in revenue coincided with improvements in cost management across operations.
Easyfairs’ Chief Financial Officer Marc Hellemans said: “Our previous financial year 2022-23 showed significant growth largely thanks to the post-Covid rebound.
“So it is especially gratifying that our figures for 2023-24 are even better.
“Revenues are up, thanks mainly to strong organic growth, by 22.9%, which has been characterised by significant growth in the volume of events – close to 9%.
“We also launched 15 new shows, contributing 4.5% to our total sales. In addition two acquisitions in the financial year, Coiltech and Southern Manufacturing, contributed almost 5% to total sales.”
Easyfairs’ group CEO Anne Lafère added: “With the recently announced new investment from Cobepa and Inflexion, prospects for growth are greater than ever.
“The investment will fund both organic growth through new events and product launches and what we call geo-cloning – transplanting proven event concepts in new cities and regions – as well as sizeable acquisitions.”
## **Women in Exhibitions UK Chapter names new president**
**Women in Exhibitions UK Chapter has appointed Excel London’s head of B2B exhibition sales Caroline Gourlay as its new president.**
Caroline will spearhead the chapter’s membership expansion efforts and target venues and suppliers across the UK.
She said: “It is a great honour to step into the role of President of the Women in Exhibition’s UK Chapter given the strength and breadth of female talent across our industry.
“With the backing of the brilliant and highly engaged board, I hope to continue extending the reach of this network across the UK and welcome new companies into membership.”
She plans to develop partnerships with industry events and organizations to promote gender diversity in leadership positions.
The Women in Exhibitions network connects professionals in the exhibition and events industry. The UK Chapter operates as part of the global Women in Exhibitions organization.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Engagement Simplified: Your AI-powered attendee journey](https://expoplatform.com/ai-in-events/ai-powered-engagement-at-events/)
**Published:** January 17, 2025
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Event and exhibition companies are betting big on artificial intelligence to solve their most pressing challenge: keeping attendees engaged in an era of digital distraction.
The shift comes as the industry faces increasing pressure to demonstrate value to both exhibitors and attendees and AI tools unlock new possibilities through personalized experiences and enhanced networking opportunities.
Industry projections support this technological pivot – the **[Amex GBT Meetings & Events 2025 Global Forecast](https://experience.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/me-forecast/2025/technology-is-the-enabler)** indicates that 50% of meeting planners globally will adopt AI technology by 2025.
Our AI in Event series explores the different use cases of AI in event planning and management – and the various AI tools to help organizers to automate, scale and optimize their events.
In this article, we will discuss eight ways AI can help boost attendee engagement at exhibitions and tradeshows and the specific tools and solutions you can explore. Let’s dive in:
## **\#1 Pre-event engagement**
AI transforms the pre-event experience through sophisticated data analysis and personalization.
The system processes comprehensive attendee data – including professional backgrounds, historical event participation and digital interaction patterns.
Through advanced predictive analytics, AI matches attendees with relevant sessions, exhibitors, and networking opportunities that align with their interests and objectives.
For example, when a product development director from the beauty and cosmetics industry registers, the AI recognizes their recent engagement with sustainable packaging innovations.
Based on this analysis, it automatically recommends relevant sustainability workshops and connects them with eco-friendly packaging suppliers exhibiting at the event.
**Tools to consider: Azure Cognitive Services, Salesforce’s Einstein AI, Google’s Vertex AI**
## **\#2 Customized event agenda**
An AI-powered customized agenda delivers a personalized schedule based on each attendee’s profile, industry focus and stated objectives.
The system evaluates thousands of possible session combinations, considering factors like session capacity, speaker expertise and business relevance.
As attendees build their schedules, the AI dynamically updates recommendations and offers alternatives for filled sessions and proactively identifying scheduling conflicts.
It also optimizes the practical aspects of attendance, including transit time between venues and designated networking periods.
**Tools to consider: Microsoft Graph + AI, Recommendations AI (Google), Azure Event Grid**
## **\#3 People and product matchmaking**
AI matchmaking at B2B events operates on two key levels: attendee-to-attendee connections and attendee-to-content alignment.
For business networking, the system analyzes company profiles, purchase patterns and strategic objectives to suggest relevant peer connections.
For product discovery, it matches attendees with exhibitors, products and content based on their industry needs and interests.
For example, a medical device manufacturer would receive recommendations for relevant peer connections (hospital procurement teams, other manufacturers), along with tailored suggestions for products, demonstrations and technical sessions aligned with their specific focus areas.
**Tools to consider: IBM’s Watson Discovery, Amazon Personalize**
## **\#4 Smart chatbots for real-time support**
Modern AI chatbots are like omnipresent event assistants that can handle a huge number of increasingly complex queries.
Unlike their simple predecessors, these tools understand context and can manage multi-step problems.
For example, if an attendee asks about a specific product demonstration, the chatbot not only provides the schedule but also checks real-time crowd levels, suggests optimal viewing times and can immediately facilitate a meeting with the product expert.
These systems can simultaneously handle thousands of queries across multiple languages, learning from each interaction to improve future responses.
**Tools to consider: Dialogflow (Google Cloud), Amazon Lex, IBM Watson Assistant**
## **\#5 Content personalization**
Event platforms are deploying AI systems that analyze attendee behavior—from session attendance to exhibit interactions—to deliver targeted content streams.
The technology monitors engagement patterns in real time, automatically adjusting recommendations based on demonstrated interests.
When attendees explore sustainability exhibits, for example, related sessions are flagged and connected with relevant exhibitors.
By incorporating data from professionals with similar profiles, the AI surfaces valuable opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed – helping maximize event ROI.
**Tools to consider: Adobe Target, Optimizely, Dynamic Yield, AWS Personalize, Microsoft’s Azure Cognitive Services**
## **\#6 Multilingual engagement and translation services**
AI-powered translation platforms are expanding event accessibility across language divides.
These tools master industry-specific terminology, enabling accurate real-time translation of technical presentations into multiple languages simultaneously.
Cross-language networking is then facilitated seamlessly through mobile devices, eliminating traditional interpretation delays and costs.
By removing language constraints, events can drive global connections and knowledge exchange.
**Tools to consider: Google Translate API, Microsoft Translator API, DeepL API, Amazon Translate**
## **\#7 Sentiment analysis and feedback**
Sentiment analysis software can scan attendees reactions across social media, mobile apps, exhibitor booths as well as meeting rooms.
The tech alerts organizers when multiple guests voice frustration about specific issues – from crowded walkways and space constraints to missing directional signages and uncomfortable room temperatures.
This prompts staff to address problems in real-time before complaints escalate.
Beyond flagging concerns, the AI analysis also identifies which features and activities generate the most enthusiasm, helping planners amplify successful elements at future events.
**Tools to consider: Microsoft Azure Cognitive Services, Oracle Cloud, Amazon Rekognition, IBM Event Automation**
## **\#8 Conversational AI**
Advanced conversational AI serves as a hybrid between a personal assistant and a business consultant at events.
These tools can engage in sophisticated, context-aware discussions about products, services and industry trends.
Unlike basic chatbots, they can maintain complex conversations, remember previous interactions and provide nuanced recommendations based on the attendee’s specific business context.
For example, when discussing manufacturing solutions, the AI can factor in the attendee’s company size, current technology stack and budget constraints to provide relevant advice.
**Tools to consider: Microsoft Bot Framework, Vertex AI, Meta AI, Einstein Conversation Insights, Oracle Digital Assistant, IBM Watson Assistant**
## **Conclusion**
The events industry stands on the brink of an AI revolution that goes far beyond mere technological upgrades.
While current tools are already reshaping how business professionals interact at gatherings, the real transformation lies ahead – promising to democratize engagement and networking to reimagine how the business world connects.
For industry players, the strategic imperative is clear: embrace AI’s potential to reimagine professional gatherings or risk losing relevance in an evolving market.
**Interested in specialized AI event tools that make exhibitions and tradeshows more engaging?** **[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to know more.**
**Categories:** AI in Events
---
### [Resilience is a Plan, not a State of Mind - Insights from the UFI Congress 2020](https://expoplatform.com/blog/resilience-is-a-plan-not-a-state-of-mind-insights-from-the-ufi-congress-2020/)
**Published:** December 4, 2020
**Author:** Mykyta Fastovets
**Content:**
Now the virtual dust has settled on [this year’s inaugural online UFI Annual Congress](https://www.ufi.org/ufievent/87th-ufi-global-congress/), we’ve all had a little time to contemplate where the event was pointing us for the year ahead.
The need to focus on Resilience – the theme of the congress – may well have been thrust upon us by the coronavirus, but few would say it was a deviation for our industry. Several speakers used their time in the spotlight to point out it had simply accelerated down the current paths towards an increasingly digital, more connected future for events.
In his speech on scenario planning, Global Exec VP Corporate at MCI Group Oscar Cerezales painted three outcomes that we could prepare for:
1. After a year of craziness, we’re back to normal.
2. The opposite. The recovery takes longer and we move towards a “low-touch e-planet” in which we consume everything digitally.
3. The “omni-future”. Marketing takes the lead, we go full omni-channel with an overspend in terms of marketing.
The intersection of all these futures is where the magic will happen, he suggests, adding that our personal bias and preference must be set aside when it comes to planning.
*“We are all biased, we tend to stereotype, we tend to pay attention to what we want to pay attention to. Are you thinking ‘I don’t like the first one, I like the second’? We’re putting up plausible, feasible scenarios of the future so be neutral, and then test, prototype and go fast to market.”*
General Director at GL Events Milena Palumbo said the likely outcome is one that was already being shaped before most of us had even heard of a coronavirus.
Without the pandemic, we were going to spend “maybe 10 years” arriving at a place where we would register the degree of digitalisation we are seeing today.
The crux of the digital issue, she claimed, lies in [how we retain the benefits that digital brings](https://expoplatform.com/carry-true-value-events-online/) while returning to our physical events.
“*For the present, digital is really good. Our book show is every two years, and the digital provides a good presence for our clients when they don’t have the physical show … But I believe that digital is always in our lives, that it is going to increase a lot and that we need to take the benefit of this.”*
*“Companies may not have enough money to send their sales staff or employees to events, or maybe they don’t have enough money to promote their brands at these shows,*” she explained.
President and CEO at the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Gloria Guevara Manzo, made the point in her keynote that true resilience lies in her industry’s ability to take matters into our own hands.
“*We need to learn from the past. We can’t wait for a vaccine to be widely spread around the world; we need to be able to resume international travel before,*” she said.
Gloria’s industry feeds our own of course, and we are certainly dependent on its recovery in order for our own fortunes to improve, as UFI MD and CEO Kai Hattendorf pointed out throughout the congress.
But the tools exist to help us build resilience into our industry’s future, to progress our offering and ensure some degree of independence from global events beyond our control.
**Categories:** All, Community, Conferences, Exhibitions, Virtual Events
---
### [Top Lead Generation Ideas for Virtual Trade Shows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-lead-generation-ideas-for-virtual-trade-shows/)
**Published:** December 18, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
The event industry looks significantly different from the picture just a year ago. Meetings and interactions take place behind screens, organisers can reach out to a more global audience and innovative event technology has found greater traction among businesses.
While [experts ponder over the value provided by virtual events](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/), the goals for stakeholders remain the same. Exhibitors and sponsors are still looking to increase their brand awareness, retain customers, generate leads and increase sales.
At online events like virtual trade shows, capturing high-quality leads is a key indicator of a successful event for exhibitors. The more qualified the leads, the better the chances of converting them.
Beyond the conventional suggestions of one-to-one meetings and post-event follow-ups, there are other effective lead-generation strategies for virtual trade shows. Here is a selection a handful of them below:
## **\#1 Creating an AI-powered marketplace**
Thousands of products are showcased at virtual trade shows. An online marketplace using AI-powered matchmaking to connect users to relevant products (similar to Amazon) can help drive more targeted buyers towards a business. By creating an environment that serves the transactional and distribution needs of the community, exhibitors can get e-referrals that can be nurtured into potential leads e.g. buyers who liked or purchased a particular set of products. This can be extended to communities at similar events you may run, building leads across brands.
## **\#2 Customised exhibitor profiles and booths**
A virtual 3D booth designed to recreate an actual, physical exhibit makes your brand stand out to the attendee. You can include pre-recorded videos, presentations, brochures and features like live chat and product demos to [engage attendees](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/), providing enough data to capture and track potential leads. As part of certain exhibitor packages, you can make your exhibit visible to attendees even before the event begins, attracting more business.
## **\#3 Pre-event engagement in community groups**
Many event organisers employ a community-driven approach to increase awareness around their virtual events. These communities, created on social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook or on dedicated event portals, provide pre- and post-event access to participants. You can [keep the community engaged in different ways](https://expoplatform.com/5-tips-to-build-an-engaged-online-community-for-b2b-events/) and if your content interests enough people, you will already have a list of pre-qualified leads before the event is underway.
## **\#4 Sponsorship options with analytics**
Data-driven sponsorship at virtual trade shows helps you measure the performance of digital ads, banners and videos, enabling you to analyse engagement statistics. The business intelligence you gather through various sponsorship strategies ultimately enables you to plan your post-event follow-up, and drives highly qualified leads.
## **\#5 Remarketing**
Attendees who show some meaningful interest in the virtual booths, products or content but get distracted and aren’t able to engage further can be retargeted through paid remarketing services. This allows exhibitors to reach out to more pre-qualified prospects, nurture these leads and push them to sales.
## **Conclusion**
Virtual trade shows were initially met with skepticism from exhibitors and sponsors, who were doubtful of the value they could provide. While the immersive experience of an in-person trade show remains unmatched, the low-cost high-return proposition of virtual trade shows has made them acceptable alternatives for those looking for quality leads with a moderate investment.
**Categories:** All, Exhibitions, Virtual Events
---
### [Why is Networking at Virtual Events More Effective than Live Events?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/why-is-networking-at-virtual-events-more-effective-than-live-events/)
**Published:** December 3, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
If you ask for feedback from any attendee, exhibitor or sponsor about their virtual event experience, especially online exhibitions and trade shows, you will likely get a mixed bag of responses.
Many of them will stress on the power of live events as compared to a virtual one, touting the benefits of tangible interactions, the ability to create better connections due to face-to-face networking and their eagerness to get back to meeting people in person again.
While a live event certainly provides a more immersive experience for participants, there are several ways in which [networking is easier](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) and more advantageous at virtual events.
Here are some of these benefits:
## **Easier to connect with participants**
If you want to connect with like-minded professionals at online exhibitions, you can do so with just a click of the button. Drop them a message through the chatbox, set up a 1:1 appointment, or visit their virtual profiles. If the event uses software like AI matchmaking, you can get a list of recommendations based on your preferences and connect with a diverse pool of participants. You won’t have to scour through endless bios of speakers, industry professionals or browse lists of company profiles to network.
## 
## **Easier lead generation**
All contact details of participants – from email addresses to LinkedIn and Twitter IDs – are readily available at the tip of your fingers at virtual events. You no longer have to chase people for their business cards or depend on lead scanning software to capture their information. This is especially helpful when you want to build a business relationship with an industry leader who may be quite inaccessible at physical events.
## 
## **Greater engagement at Q&A sessions**
Compared to an in-person event, it’s easier to participate in Q&A sessions at virtual events. You don’t have to keep waiting for your chance to speak, the experts are easily accessible, and attendees of a more reticent nature can also ask questions. The level of participation is considerably higher at virtual events and this can translate to greater opportunities.
## 
## **Easy to Measure**
At virtual events, [**attendee engagement with sponsors and exhibitors**](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/) can be measured to the smallest detail. With the power of data-driven analysis, one can conclude which parts of the event (sessions, virtual booths, content hub) received the maximum interest from attendees, and which required improvement. The entire attendee journey can be mapped and evaluated against different **[virtual event KPIs](https://expoplatform.com/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/)** to accelerate the sales pipeline.
## 
## **Comfort in interaction**
*Common Sense*, a children’s and media advocacy organisation, conducted a **[study in 2018](https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/news/press-releases/common-sense-research-reveals-everything-you-need-to-know-about-teens)** in which (compared to 2012) in which less than one-third of teenagers said they prefer chatting with friends face-to-face.
Many of the people attending events today are digital natives; they grew up in a world connected by the internet. They are used to making and maintaining relationships online – and may even give a better account of themselves.
## 
## **Conclusion**
Covid-related safety protocols have a tendency to hinder free communication among attendees at physical events, reducing the chances of striking productive conversations and building business relationships. And with pandemic-led restrictions expected to remain in place for the foreseeable future, virtual events will remain a safe medium for networking among industry professionals.
**Categories:** All, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [ExpoPlatform named matchmaking partner for UFI Global Congress](https://expoplatform.com/blog/partnership/ufi-congress-matchmaking-2024/)
**Published:** October 25, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has named ExpoPlatform as its official speed matchmaking partner for its upcoming Global Congress.**
The 91st edition of the event will be hosted by Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany, between November 20 and 23, bringing together hundreds of colleagues from across the world.
Event technology provider ExpoPlatform will power a [**speed networking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-speed-networking/) session to turbocharge connections, an exclusive format which was successfully launched at [**UFI’s European and Americas conferences**](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/ufi-european-and-americas-conferences-2024/) this year.
Ana Maria Arango, Partnerships & Sponsorships Director at [**UFI**](https://www.ufi.org/?utm_source=expoplatform&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=congress_matchmaking), said: “Partnering with ExpoPlatform supports us as we bring this year’s UFI Global Congress theme, ‘Changes to Chances,’ to life.
“Their speed matchmaking technology turns changes in event tech into chances for our members to make new and valuable connections.
“We’re looking forward to offering a quality networking experience in Cologne thanks to this partnership.”
Mykyta Fastovets, CTO of ExpoPlatform, said: “We are thrilled to be the official speed matchmaking partner for UFI’s Global Congress, the flagship event for the exhibition industry.
“Following the success of our collaboration at UFI’s Americas and European conferences, we are excited to bring our advanced networking technology to facilitate meaningful connections for participants.
“Our platform is designed to enhance engagement and foster valuable partnerships – so we look forward to supporting UFI in creating a dynamic and impactful experience for its members.”
The UFI Global Congress is the exhibition industry’s largest and most international gathering, holding importance as a platform for connecting leaders from around the world.
ExpoPlatform’s speed networking format uses advanced algorithms to match attendees based on their profiles, ensuring that each meeting is a valuable networking opportunity.
The UFI Americas Conference saw a total of 102 participants take part in 357 one-to-one meetings during the 68-minute session in Monterrey, Mexico, meaning each delegate averaged over seven meetings during that time.
Meanwhile, 287 meetings took place during the UFI European Conference in Zurich, Switzerland, with 82 delegates taking part in the session.
Here’s how it works:
- **Ease of use**: No downloads or prior registrations are required so participants can connect intuitively and quickly.
- **Efficiency**: The system organizes the entire meeting schedule, allowing participants to make the most of their event time.
- **Artificial intelligence**: The advanced algorithm ensures each meeting is relevant and personalized for each participant.
The format results in a value-packed session of meetings, where meetings are curated to match the specific needs and interests of each person taking part – less wasted time, more connections made.
This partnership between ExpoPlatform and UFI highlights how both are committed to providing innovative solutions for the events sector.
ExpoPlatform is an event technology provider specialized in technology for the B2B exhibition and trade show industry with a focus on constant innovation.
UFI is the leading global association of the world’s trade show organizers and exhibition center operators, as well as the major national and international exhibition associations and selected partners of the exhibition industry.
Its main goal is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry.
**Categories:** Partnership
---
### [Who is incoming UFI CEO Chris Skeith?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/new-ufi-ceo-chris-skeith/)
**Published:** October 3, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, has announced Chris Skeith as its next CEO.**
Chris takes on the post from January after incumbent Kai Hattendorf revealed he would be stepping down.
Throughout his career, Chris has been actively involved with UFI, chairing the Associations Committee and serving on UFI’s Executive Committee.
He 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.”
UFI president Geoff Dickinson added: “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.”
## **A career rooted in events**
Chris’ journey in the events sector began at the Audit Bureau of Circulations, where he honed his skills in media auditing and later spearheaded the development of auditing products.
He joined the Events Industry Alliance (EIA) in 2006, where he orchestrated the merger of AEC & BECA to form ESSA (Event Supplier & Services Association).
His role progressed when he became director of ESSA’s sister association, AEV (Association of Event Venues), in 2010.
Chris used his tenure to drive venue engagement through numerous special interest groups, showcasing his ability to foster collaboration and innovation within the industry.
He has been CEO of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the leading association for organisers of events in the UK and internationally, since 2014.
His tenure at AEO has been marked by significant growth and development, cementing his reputation as a visionary leader in the events sector.
He was formally recognized in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2021, where he was awarded an OBE for services to the events industry.
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Top three positions unchanged in Stax exhibitions ranking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-09-23/)
**Published:** September 23, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa, RX and Clarion continue to lead the global exhibition industry, respectively holding onto the top three positions in Stax’s annual ranking of organizers.**
The figures also show exhibitions exposed to Chinese markets making a strong return. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Informa, RX, Clarion retain top spots in Stax exhibitions ranking**](#one)
- [**Nineteen Group receives new funding from Phoenix Group**](#two)
- [**IAEE partners to boost events industry job access** ](#three)
- [**Easyfairs names new group CMO**](#four)
- [**IFES appoints new executive director**](#five)
- [**AEV announces changes to board at AGM**](#six)
We have launched the Event Tech Survey 2025 to investigate the digital landscape of events. **[Participate here](https://form.jotform.com/242593700250349)** (it takes just two minutes!) and we will send you a free copy on its launch ?
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Informa, RX, Clarion retain top spots in Stax exhibitions ranking**
**Informa, RX and Clarion have held onto the top three positions in Stax’s annual ranking of exhibition organizer revenues.**
The Top 20 Ranking of Exhibition Organizers **–** based on 2023 statistics – saw the top three spots remain unchanged from the previous year.
Source: Stax Consulting
The report highlighted a strong recovery in the exhibition industry, with the combined 2023 revenue of the top 20 organizers increasing by 47% year-on-year.
This growth was driven by most organizers achieving double-digit revenue increases, with the exception of some biennial events.
While the top three remained stable, the remainder of the top 20 rankings saw significant shifts – indicating a dynamic and evolving industry landscape.
Notably, organizers with significant exposure to the Chinese market climbed back to earlier positions, fuelled by the strong recovery of the Chinese exhibition market.
CloserStill also made notable gains, moving up six spots to 14th, while dmg events re-entered the list after a two-year absence.
## **Nineteen Group receives new funding from Phoenix Group**
**Nineteen Group has raised new funding from Phoenix Group through a £200 million continuation fund.**
The fund was led by Kline Hill Partners and co-led by Ares Management.
This new funding round sees Nineteen Group transition to a larger fund managed by Phoenix, providing increased capital for organic growth, new launches and mergers and acquisitions.
Peter Jones, CEO of the group, said: “We are immensely proud to be able to further scale our business in partnership with Phoenix.
“With Phoenix’s backing the Nineteen team has ambitious plans to drive the next phase of growth, through building organically, launching new exhibitions, and further acquisitions.”
David Burns, managing partner at Phoenix, added: “We are excited to continue the journey with Nineteen and Envisage, two fabulous businesses that represent the best of what we do.
“We are delighted to be reaffirming our support for them with this transaction. Each company has consistently delivered on its ambitious plans, and we believe there is significant opportunity for further growth.”
A significantly larger acquisition facility has also been agreed upon through Ares Direct Lending.
Since Phoenix’s initial investment, Nineteen Group has expanded from 7 shows and 28 employees to 21 shows and a team of 174 across three continents.
This period saw the company achieve an average of 30% year-on-year organic growth, launch nine new shows, acquire seven businesses and establish new offices internationally.
The continuation fund will also support the continued growth of Envisage Dental, a dental company that’s also part of Phoenix’s portfolio.
## **IAEE partners to boost events industry job access**
**IAEE has partnered with two associations to streamline career opportunities in the exhibitions and events industry.**
> ? Exciting news! IAEE Partners w/ ESCA and EDPA have joined forces to enhance our industry's job board. Now, finding your dream job in event management, design, logistics & more is easier than ever. Employers & job seekers, connect on our united platform! [pic.twitter.com/6w1EbWct54](https://t.co/6w1EbWct54)
>
> — IAEE Headquarters (@IAEE\_HQ) [September 17, 2024](https://twitter.com/IAEE_HQ/status/1836042466459324527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The partnership integrates IAEE’s existing job board with the Exhibition Services & Contractors Association (ESCA) and the Experiential Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) resources.
It aims to create a unified platform for job listings across various sectors including event management, design, logistics and production.
Key features of the enhanced job board include:
- A user-friendly interface for employers and job seekers
- Targeted listings for various industry roles
- Access for both members and non-members of the partnering associations
- Free browsing and application for job seekers
- Competitive rates for job postings, with discounts for association members
IAEE president and CEO Marsha Flanagan said: “Our goal with this collaboration is to ensure that all industry professionals have access to a comprehensive resource for career opportunities.
“By partnering with ESCA and EDPA, we are providing unparalleled value to our collective memberships and the industry at large.”
This collaboration aims to streamline the hiring process and improve access to career opportunities within the exhibitions and events industry.
The integrated job board is now live and available for use by professionals and employers in the sector.
## **Easyfairs names new group CMO**
**Easyfairs has appointed Alison Church as its new group chief marketing officer.**
Alison, who previously held the position of regional CMO for Easyfairs UK & Global and more recently the Nordic region, will now be based at the company’s headquarters in Brussels.
In her new role, she will report to Group CEO Anne Lafère and Group CTO Stephan Forseilles.
Anne said: “Alison’s remarkable contributions to the UKG region, her strategic leadership and her drive for excellence make her the ideal candidate for this crucial group role as Easyfairs enters its next phase of growth.
“Her work has been pivotal to the success of the UKG region, and she has also been instrumental in developing our Marketing, Intelligence & Technology function in the Nordic region over the last year; and so we look forward to seeing her expertise shape our global strategies.”
Alison’s responsibilities now include overseeing group marketing programs, corporate marketing, global brand strategies and contributing to the company’s digital transformation.
Stephan added: “It’s an exciting new chapter for Easyfairs and we’re delighted that Alison will be a central part of this future.
“Her commitment to excellence and innovation will be invaluable as we continue to drive forward our digital and technological initiatives on a global scale.”
Alison brings over 25 years of experience in the events industry, having worked with companies such as Centaur and Venture Marketing Group.
She joined Easyfairs 13 years ago and has held senior roles within the organization.
Alison said: “I am incredibly excited to take on this new role at Easyfairs.
“The event industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and I look forward to working with our talented teams globally to harness the power of technology and innovation to deliver even greater value for our customers.”
## **IFES appoints new executive director**
**The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services has named Gregor Bischkopf as its new executive director.**
He will succeed outgoing executive director Uta Goretzky by the year-end.
Gregor brings extensive trade show industry experience and is expected to enhance IFES’s strategy and bring fresh perspectives to the association.
The Executive Board praised Goretzky’s decade-long leadership, which brought financial stability and strong management to IFES.
## **AEV announces changes to board at AGM**
**The Association of Event Venues has announced changes to its board following the organization’s annual general meeting.**
While chair Ian Taylor (managing director, NEC), vice chair Kerry Villa (COO, ACC Liverpool) and treasurer Jeremy Rees (CEO, ExCeL London) remain in their positions, the AEV welcomes several new members.
Steve Sayer, vice president and general manager of the O2, was re-elected to the board. Formally elected after filling casual vacancies earlier in the year are:
- Rob Wicks, managing director, P&J Live
- Andy O’Sullivan, CEO, Olympia Events
- Sarah Marshall, venue director, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
- Lori Hoinkes, chief executive, Manchester Central
Ian expressed gratitude to outgoing Chair Shaun Hinds, acknowledging his contributions and the strong position of the AEV.
He said: “Membership, engagement, interaction, and financial standing are all strong.
“Shaun left the AEV in excellent shape, and I look forward to continuing the work we have set ahead of us.”
He added: “We have taken time to review our strategy and recognise our key factors in achieving our goals to continue advocating for the industry and ensuring we have the finance and resources to support and serve our members.
“We now have 48 members, nine academic associate members and offer 16 working groups hosting 52 meetings over the past year. As always, we are extremely grateful to all our members for their contributions.”
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [AI adoption in events leaps 60% - report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/week-in-events-2024-09-16/)
**Published:** September 16, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**AI adoption in events has surged 60% since 2023, according to a new report.**
The rise and rise of this technology comes amid a growing eagerness among organizers to take advantage of its benefits.
Global DMC Partners found 48% are now using AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, Midjourney, Fathom and Descript to streamline their event workflows. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**AI adoption in events leaps 60% – survey**](#one)
- [**Tributes paid after sudden death of a Hyve leader**](#three)
- [**New RX UK appointment to drive event engagement**](#three)
AI use is expected to further jump in events, as new tools give organizers more legroom to improve their efficiency. Keep ahead by reading our free ebook on understanding **[Large Language Models for events](https://expoplatform.com/publications/a-primer-on-llms/)**.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **AI adoption in events leaps 60% – survey**
**AI adoption among organizers has jumped 60% in less than a year, according to a new study.**
The report by Global DMC Partners’ Q3 2024 Meetings & Events Pulse Survey shows 46% of the respondents now use tools like ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini and more – compared to 30% at the end of 2023.
This 60% increase can be seen mainly in content improvement, venue selection and marketing support.
Top tools include chatbots, grammar and rewording tools, content creation tools, image generation tools and note-takers.
Source: Global DMC Partners Meetings & Events Pulse Survey
Other highlights of the report included:
- **Budget trends:**
- 44% of US/Canadian planners reported budget increases
- Only 27% of international planners saw increases
- **Top cost challenges:**
- Rising hotel rates (affecting ~80% of planners)
- Increased food & beverage costs
- Higher audiovisual service prices (impacting >70% of planners)
- **Budget increases often insufficient:**
- 57% of those with increased budgets saw only 10-20% growth
- This often fails to cover inflation
- Limits ability to add creative or experiential elements to events
- **Venue-related issues:**
- Higher accommodation, F&B and A/V costs are the main challenges when working with hotels and venues
Get the full report **[here](https://globaldmcpartners.com/2024-q3-meetings-events-pulse-navigating-rising-costs-ai-adoption-and-sustainability-trends).**
## **Tributes paid after sudden death of a Hyve leader**
**Tributes have been paid after the sudden death of a “passionate” and “friendly” leader in the Hyve Group.**
The organizer issued a statement to mark the sad passing of 31-year-old Max Oliver, having suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this month.
He had been head of growth for the group´s Bett series, in which he had played a “pivotal” role in shaping its development.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve, said: “Words can hardly put into context our depth of sadness at the news that Max passed away so suddenly.
“He was ambitious, passionate about doing great work, intelligent, friendly, a team player and an all-round positive energy.
“I – along with the rest of the Hyve team – have been devastated by the news, however he leaves an enormous legacy here and we feel lucky to have shared some memorable moments with him.
“My deepest condolences go out to Max’s fiancée, family, friends, and all who knew him.”
## **New RX UK appointment to drive event engagement**
**RX UK has created the new role of head of visitor strategy in a bid to drive engagement.**
The organizer has appointed Rosi Viljoen to the position to oversee development of strategies as part of efforts attract high-value visitors across its events.
She will initially focus on RX’s [hosted buyer program](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/) before expanding her efforts to encompass all show portfolios.
Rosi said: “I am thrilled to join RX and to work collaboratively with such a talented team.
“My passion lies in creating exceptional visitor experiences, and I look forward to bringing innovative strategies to life that will not only attract high-value visitors but also elevate the overall RX event experience and build our customers’ businesses.”
Kerry Prince, managing director at RX UK, added: “We are excited to welcome Rosi to our team.
“Her extensive background in premium products and customer loyalty is invaluable as we strive to enhance our visitor strategy.
“I have no doubt that her leadership will drive remarkable growth and engagement across all our events.”
Rosi brings over 20 years of experience in premium product development and customer loyalty to RX.
She previously held various roles at American Express, where she developed luxury travel and lifestyle programs.
Most recently, she worked as a freelance consultant, leading projects for clients such as The University of Kingston and ILTM.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking
---
### [AI in event management: powerful but in 'a bit of a mess'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/fatima-barbero-aug24/)
**Published:** September 3, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence has emerged as both a challenge and an opportunity for event professionals. This Transformation Stories interview with Fatima Barbero delves deep into its current landscape to uncover the way forward.*
**The role of AI in event management is in “a bit of a mess” but a strategic approach by organizers is the key to unlocking its potential.**
That’s the view of Fatima Barbero, vice president of the Event Managers Association Spain, who shared her insights on how to navigate this complex terrain and leverage it to enhance performances.
She set out how the utilization of AI in events is currently in a “bit of a mess”, largely due to misinformation about what it can strategically do for businesses.
## **Current challenges with AI in events**
Fatima, who is also team lead customer lifecycle marketing at Forto, highlighted how dynamic advances in the technology have created a sense of fear among some organizers – leading to confusion and hesitation in its adoption.
She told ExpoPlatform: “Every time you try to pick it up, something new comes up – so you always feel that you are one step behind the markets.
“There’s a lot of misinformation, and people are speculating about the topic without a thorough understanding of how AI will impact our businesses.
“This isn’t just limited to event management but spans across all industries. However, it’s improving, but it takes time.”
The challenge is intensified by the varying levels of understanding and adoption within the industry.
Fatima added: “It’s really hard to judge because – depending on the audience – there may be zero knowledge on AI, both in practice and theory.”
## **Opportunities with AI: transforming event management**
Despite these challenges, AI can still present an opportunity when approached strategically.
Fatima emphasized the importance of having a concrete plan tailored to specific needs.
She said: “Setting out a clear plan can turn the challenge of AI into a significant opportunity.”
Several areas were highlighted where AI can significantly impact events:
- **Improving attendee experiences:** AI can enhance personalization, allowing event content and interactions to evolve in real-time based on attendee behavior and preferences. This ensures a more engaging and tailored experience.
- **Networking optimization:** In environments where networking is key, AI technologies can streamline processes, reduce errors and enhance the effectiveness of networking formats. These technologies help reduce the amount of time and chances for error when creating networking formats.
- **Data-driven decisions:** AI can assist in pre-event analysis, helping organizers make more informed decisions regarding formats and structures. Post-event analysis is equally crucial, as it can provide valuable insights into return on investment and areas for improvement.
## **Practical steps for implementing AI in event management**
To effectively leverage AI, Fatima highlights the need for a strategic approach.
Fatima said: “If you start implementing AI without knowing what you want to achieve or without a strategic approach, it becomes really complicated.”
**The AI Blueprint is a free and practical guide on building your own AI strategy. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/).**She offered the following practical steps for integrating AI into event management:
- **Identify your needs:** Determine the areas where AI can provide the most value, particularly in tasks that are repetitive or operationally intensive. This can free up staff time for more strategic activities.
- **Continuous learning:** Stay updated on the latest developments in AI technology and its applications in your field. A mindset of continuous learning is crucial, as the landscape is rapidly evolving.
- **Start small and scale gradually:** Begin with small, manageable AI applications and gradually scale as you gain more understanding and confidence in the technology.
Fatima said: “It’s a learning process -. something new always comes up, so you need to stay informed and be ready to adapt.”
## **Overcoming fear and resistance**
There remains a degree of fear and resistance towards AI, particularly regarding job security.
Fatima said: “There’s still a sentiment of fear when it comes to AI, with concerns that it might replace jobs.
“However, it’s essential to see AI as a tool that can handle monotonous tasks, allowing humans to focus on more creative and strategic roles.”
She also pointed out the importance of empowerment and education in overcoming these fears
“It’s crucial to empower employees by providing training and resources to understand AI’s potential and how it can be integrated into their roles effectively.”
## **Conclusion: the path forward with AI**
Fatima set out how AI holds immense potential to transform event management, but its adoption requires a well-thought-out strategy, continuous education – but it needs a willingness to embrace change.
She said: “If you have a mindset open to continuous learning, things will go much easier.”
**We hope you enjoyed this article, which was conducted earlier this year. [Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform now to learn how AI-powered tech can help you and your events.**
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking
---
### [UFI's CEO steps down after decade-long tenure](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-09-02/)
**Published:** September 2, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**It’s the end of an era in exhibitions as Kai Hattendorf announced his departure as UFI’s CEO after 10 years.**
Kai assumed the role of chief executive for the association in 2015 and is set to conclude his tenure at the end of 2024. Read below for more details.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**End of an era: UFI CEO bids adieu after 10 years**](#one)
- [**IAEE and TSNN join forces for multi-year partnership**](#two)
- [**IEG completes 100% acquisition of exhibition stand designer** ](#three)
- [**HKCEC hosts 7.3 million attendees across 823 events in FY23/24**](#four)
- [**AEV launches new framework to endorse event management degrees**](#five)
**Associations like UFI thrive on a vibrant community – learn how to build one for your own with our [Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)**
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **End of an era: UFI CEO bids adieu after 10 years**
**UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf will bid farewell to the group after a decade-long tenure.**
Kai has been heading up the global association of exhibition organizers since 2015, but has now announced he will leave at the end of this year.
> UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, announces that Kai Hattendorf will leave UFI at the end of 2024, having been the CEO since 2015.
>
> ? Read the media release:
>
> ?️ Watch Kai's video: [pic.twitter.com/Gu9Yi9OMne](https://t.co/Gu9Yi9OMne)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [August 27, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1828418446461182065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Kai said: “I joined UFI in 2015, and these past ten years as the association’s CEO have been an amazing journey, serving the global exhibitions and business events industry.
“A role like this is a stewardship for every person in office, and part of that stewardship is to find the right time to pass on the baton to a new leader.
“I could think of no better time to do this than the coming months, and as part of UFI’s centennial where we recognize the achievement of the past while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.”
UFI president Geoff Dickinson added: “UFI has an extremely strong team in place in Paris and the offices around the world, thanks to the amazing work Kai is doing, together with our COO Adeline Vancauwelaert in recent years.
“On behalf of the UFI leadership, I cannot highlight enough how Kai’s tireless work over the past ten years has driven UFI’s growth and development through good times as well as the pandemic – the worst crisis we all had to face in our lifetime.
“Kai’s commitment to our industry is unparalleled, and we will make sure to see him off in style towards the end of the year.”
## **IAEE and TSNN join forces for multi-year partnership**
**A leading industry association has have announced a multi-year partnership with a media company to influence and shape the next era in exhibitions.**
> ? Exciting News! [\#IAEE](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IAEE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) & [\#TSNN](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TSNN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Forge Multi-Year Partnership! ? Stay tuned as we celebrate industry excellence at the co-located awards programs during [\#ExpoExpo](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExpoExpo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in LA on 16 December! [\#breakingnews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/breakingnews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#theshowforshows](https://twitter.com/hashtag/theshowforshows?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#theplacetobe](https://twitter.com/hashtag/theplacetobe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitionsmeansbusiness](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitionsmeansbusiness?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/a3UmPdTPVY](https://t.co/a3UmPdTPVY)
>
> — IAEE Headquarters (@IAEE\_HQ) [August 28, 2024](https://twitter.com/IAEE_HQ/status/1828892008405954595?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
International Association of Exhibitions (IAEE) and Events and Trade Show News Network (TSNN) will now co-locate and present their prestigious awards programs together for the first time.
The event will take place on December 16 at The Novo in Los Angeles, coinciding with IAEE’s Annual Meeting and Exhibition Expo! Expo!
IAEE president and CEO Marsha Flanagan said: “IAEE is pleased to partner with TSNN in this initiative that will benefit all members of our industry.
“Not only is collaboration among IAEE’s core values, but it capitalizes on organizations’ greatest strengths in ways that allow us to collectively advance our industry more efficiently.
“Undoubtedly, this results in a win-win for all. And what better way of launching this program than at a shared awards ceremony where we celebrate the achievements of those we serve?
“It is a wonderful expression of the mutual respect we hold for our industry, and our appreciation for the professionals who strive every day to make it better.”
This strategic alliance will leverage the combined reach and expertise of IAEE, which represents over 20,000 exhibitions worldwide with TSNN’s media expertise.
Informa Connect VP of group content Danica Tormohlen added: “This collaboration showcases the best of what TSNN and IAEE have to offer—innovation, influence, and an unwavering commitment to driving the industry forward.
“We can’t wait to debut a reimagined, star-studded awards program together with IAEE at one of the hottest venues in the world in the heart of downtown Los Angeles.
“Imagine a red carpet full of the industry’s leaders and rising stars, all gathering to celebrate excellence in the heart of L.A.’s entertainment district.”
## **IEG completes 100% acquisition of exhibition stand designer**
**Italian Exhibition Group has completed its acquisition of a leading US exhibition stand designer and fitter.**
The move comes as IEG USA exercises its full purchase option of FB International, following its initial 51% stake acquisition in 2018.
It marks a significant expansion of IEG’s presence in the US exhibition market, solidifying its position in the global events industry.
**Highlights:**
- IEG acquired the remaining 49% stake in FB International, gaining full control of the company.
- New leadership appointments have been made:
?Tommaso Cancellara assumes the role of president & CEO
? Carlo Costa – also CCO of the IEG Group – will be chairman of the board of directors.
Tommaso said: “In 2023, FB International was involved in 130 events and its turnover amounted to 27 million dollars, acting as general contractor or appointed contractor.”
FB International was established in 1988 and has been a prominent events stand contractor across the United States.
The company’s strategic locations include its headquarters in New Jersey and its operational hub in Las Vegas.
Carlo added: “The locations of its offices allow FB International to accompany its 400 clients from all over the world at their trade show and event appearances throughout the US.”
These locations also enable the stand designers to cover major US trade show venues, particularly in New York and Las Vegas.
## **HKCEC hosts 7.3m attendees across 823 events in 12 months**
**The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre hosted more than 7.3m attendees across 823 events over a year.**
The events – across financial year 2023/24 – included 122 exhibitions, 81 international and local conferences and numerous corporate meetings, banquets and entertainment functions.
A wide variety of sectors were covered such as innovation and technology, fintech, Web3, sustainability, art, food and beverage, tourism and medical sciences.
HKCEC managing director Monica Lee-Müller said: “We are encouraged to see these results, and to note that the number of events which have returned to the HKCEC is now over 80% of the number pre-Covid (FY2018/19), on a par with our expectations.
“Indeed, 100% of recurrent trade exhibitions have now returned to our venue.
“I’m proud that the efficiency and professionalism of our operation workforce, combined with our strenuous business development efforts, have enabled us to secure several new exhibitions as well as retaining many long-established ones.
“These results reflect that Hong Kong’s unique advantages for hosting international events remain, and reaffirm the HKCEC’s position as an ideal choice for exhibition and event organisers looking for a world-class venue, professional services and comprehensive solutions.”
Fourteen new exhibitions and 20 new conferences debuted at the HKCEC during this period, including Hong Kong Cat Expo 2023, the Asian Sporting and Outdoor Products Show, Hong Kong Holiday & Travel Expo 2024, Greentech Summit 2024, the International Council for Commercial Arbitration Congress 2024 and the Asia Pacific Spine Society (APSS) Congress 2024.
The HKCEC is scheduled to host several new events in FY24/25 – including Consensus 2025 in February 2025 and the International Society for Stem Cell Research (ISSCR) 2025 Annual Meeting in June 2025.
## **AEV launches new framework to endorse event management degrees**
**The Association of Event Venues has unveiled a new academic endorsement framework for event management degrees.**
This new framework represents a significant step in standardizing and recognizing quality event management education in the UK.
The initiative has been developed over nearly two years by the AEV academic working group and focuses on four key attributes:
**⭐ Technical skills**
**⭐ Professional attributes**
**⭐ Core values**
**⭐ Events and venues expertise**
Alden Arnold, head of projects and commercial at AEV, said: “We are excited to share the endorsement framework, it is a positive step for the future workforce of the events industry and its employers.
“Students will know that any university carrying the AEV endorsed logo has worked directly with the industry to ensure they finish their studies with the requisite tuition, readying them for suitable post graduate employment in the events industry, in turn employers will know graduates from those universities have the necessary skills and knowledge.”
The AEV’s academic associate membership now includes eight universities:
- University of Greenwich (founding partner)
- Manchester Metropolitan University
- University of East London
- Leeds Beckett University
- University of West London
- Birmingham City University
- University College Birmingham
- Coventry University
Endorsement opportunities will be available to all AEV academic associate members.
The University of Greenwich became the first institution to receive endorsement for its MA International Events Management degree programme, having applied in June 2024.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [ETT Club bids farewell after almost four years](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/ett-club-closes/)
**Published:** February 1, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The Exhibition Think Tank Club has bid a fond farewell to events industry colleagues after almost four years of collaboration.**
A special session was held with members from around the world who wanted to give their feedback on how the project had impacted them and their approach to business.
ETT Club, as it is known, was borne out of crisis in 2020 when the global coronavirus pandemic put a hold to our industry being able to meet.
It went on to become a community with more than 200 online sessions, 1,300 members from 72 countries including a diverse mix of industry professionals from different sectors and regions.
Matthias Tesi Baur, CEO of MBB Consulting Group, said: “ETT Club as a project will end, but I think it will continue with many initiatives in the associations and other groups as well.
“Associations do a great job bringing people together as well through many different formats – through the congresses, through their online webinars.
“These are actually the two things where I hope they will continue and I hope will come out of the ETT Club.
“One of the things we have done for the first time in our industry was creating this atmosphere of being really hierarchy free.
“It really didn’t matter if you are C-level or a student, it only mattered if you had a good idea, a good question, or if you were challenging something we’ve done for hundreds and hundreds of years.
“You had your place and you had the right to speak and everybody listened to you.
“I hope this element of hierarchy-free collaboration, somehow finds its way into other formats.”
He added further work could blossom from the ETT Club in the form of an “alumni group”.
Tesi had started a think tank during the first lockdown in Europe, which invited industry friends to come together to discuss new challenges and how to move business forward under the tough circumstances.
This created a strong interest in meeting and collaborating again – meaning the ETT Club was born.
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)
**Learn how to make your own community association with your free Community Blueprint. [Download it here](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/).**
It soon became a worldwide e-platform for eventprofs to network, debate and continue helping the industry to move forward.
An important part of the community is that it operates with the ethos of “no hierarchy, only good ideas”.
This has allowed it to bring together senior professionals, young talents, students and mid-management in the same sessions.
The openness of the club led to insightful debates, workshops and panels.
Sandrine Pittaway, senior community manager at MBB Consulting Group, presented some survey research about the impact of the ETT Club.
It found 47% believe the project had been effective in fostering collaboration and innovation, while another question revealed 45% believed there was still need for a similar digital platform for eventprofs to work together on.
The project was available for industry professionals around the world to take part in, thanks to sponsorship from supporters such as ExpoPlatform.
Mark Parsons, director at Events Intelligence, was one of the group leaders and explained how the club had helped him.
He said: “I built my confidence using the ETT Club – and my interest in teaching.
“I’ve now taught a couple of universities, quite a lot of teaching with organisers about how to use data, how to think about data and also more recently generative AI.
“I don’t think I’d been able to do that without ETT Club – it helped me find my voice, it inspired me to write about this stuff and teach as my way of giving back.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity.”
The digital transformation our industry witnessed during lockdown meant the club was crucial in getting eventprofs up to speed with this new landscape.
Berislav Čižmek, founder of CBBS, gave his appreciation to the project for helping so many make the most of this new opportunity.
He said: “The industry has shown that it’s very much open to share with each other – everybody was able to share their knowledge, ideas and experience.
“It was amazing to share all this and to learn from the others, the industry can thank you with this.
“We were able to learn about event tech – when the crisis started, people in our industry had very low level knowledge about event tech.
“We learned a lot about what is possible, how we can use it, how we can improve it.
“Event tech is here to stay, we believe that in the future so event tech will also play a part of this industry – because the new generation will expect it from the industry as well.
“It’s nice to be a part of this amazing industry. Thank you everybody.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Associations should 'be warned' if avoiding 365 communities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/damian-hutt-community/)
**Published:** October 19, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Associations who avoid creating an online community for its members should “be warned”, according to an industry leader.**
Damian Hutt, executive director of the Association of Association Executives (AAE), told how some organisations with up to 30,000 people signed up could lose out to Big Tech players on gaining insights.
This exclusive Transformation Stories interview also details how “every association ought to have a community” – with personalisation being a key feature of event tech to innovate with.
He told ExpoPlatform: “If you’re not having an online community in your association, be warned – because a commercial organisation will come and create one in your field.
“Every association ought to have an online community. You need an online community and you need multiple sub-communities.
“We have communities of associations in Africa, in India, in Hong Kong. We have them from the UK, we have just European associations. We have communities of trade association CEOs.
“These are subgroups – not specialist groups per se – but they do have so much in common that make them sub-communities.”
Damian added: “There are examples of associations with over 30,000 members saying they didn’t need to create a LinkedIn group, for instance. “Then when it grew to about 15,000, they changed their mind.”
A 365 community allows associations to engage with members year-round, adding value to its offering and helping with things such as career professional development (CPD).
Part of building this year-round model is to create a sense of belonging around a common interest or common purpose – something these membership organisations already have.
Events remain a powerful tool to bring people together, but they are not the whole picture.
Members also need to keep those relationships alive all year long and digital platforms offer a way to do that.
A 365 approach can be a major source of competitive advantage, building trust around your association.
That is one reason Damian believes these should not be built on social media platforms, with another being the ability to gain real insights into your membership.
Damian, who is an expert contributor to the latest [**Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/), said: “It’s unwise to grow such a community on something like LinkedIn or Facebook.
“You need to have your own online community where you can analyse what’s happening – where you can get a real understanding of what your members are talking about and what their challenges are so you can then provide the solutions to that.
“This needs to be all year round. You’ll see when you link it in with your events – your supplier directory and your exhibitors – they’re really pretty much the same. It’s going to be quite normal.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)
AAE supports association executives to increase the value and effectiveness of membership, events, products and services.
It also works to boost the strength and influence of their organisation, as well as their personal and professional skills and competencies.
Members include executive heads, CEOs, senior Executives and managers from professional, scientific, learned and business associations, societies, federations, councils, chambers and other membership organisations.
Meanwhile, Damian believes event tech will see strong innovation around personalisation of online activities for individual members.
That includes tailoring content around interests, positions, locations and more.
Content is the lifeblood of any community as it is where an association makes its value proposition real every day – with new useful content to engage its membership.
This is what keeps social media channels active and engaging, it’s what makes email newsletters get opened and it’s what starts to pull in new members through search engines.
Damian said: “A really important part of technology is personalisation. This means that for example, the website – everything from the homepage to other pages could be personalised.
“That mustn’t exclude other content that you find in a serendipitous way, but you need to have personalised and certain context of international associations.
“You may have a lot of members who want to see things that are local to them or relevant to them – especially when you’ve got segmented groups.
“We as an organisation have what we call business member organisations or trade associations.
“We have individual member associations, we have federations and associations, we have European and international and other groups.
“So we need to personalise content that is specific to those different groups of our members and of course, also their job function and job level.
“This is something where personalisation is important – if you’ve got these different groups, these different segments, these different personas – it enables you to grow more to provide more relevant content.”
He added: “This is going to be a very, very big thing.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Associations, Community
---
### [Chart of the week: Organisers turning to 365 communities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/chart-of-week-20220225/)
**Published:** February 25, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Almost 70% of organisers are using or planning to use digital communities to engage their audiences throughout the year, according to a new study.**
Findings from EventMB’s [Future of the Event’s Industry: 2022 Outlook Summit](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/trends-for-event-professionals-2022) show nearly a majority of event professionals were using or planned to use this 365 model as an engagement tool.
Around 17% already had flourishing event communities while 23% were in the process of building one. Furthermore, nearly 30% were planning to develop such a community for their attendees.
The EventMB summit brought together event organisers from different fields to discuss the lessons learnt from the pandemic and what it meant for events in 2022.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
People and businesses have become more connected than before over the last two years. Restrictions on face-to-face meetings opened new digital avenues for attendees to connect and interact with each other – such as online communities.
Groups and channels on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter quickly became a hub for industry buzz. Meanwhile, advancements in event technology were happening at a rapid pace.
Organisers recognised the need to create similar, niche community platforms having the desired functionality to engage their members. This meant providing tools to enhance networking, helping buyers and sellers connect and sharing content and industry updates around the year.
Audiences now want to continue exploring opportunities beyond the limited timeframe of physical shows as they begin to return in a digitally enhance format – [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
They are also eager for more educational content and engagement opportunities around the year, as our [last week’s chart analysis](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/chart-of-week-20220218/) showed. This has encouraged organisers to create focused communities that allow people to “connect anytime, anywhere”.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Year-round communities are a great source of content and social interactions. They offer ample opportunities to nurture quality leads, generate revenue and increase audience satisfaction.
For most organisers, this model has become a part of their roadmap for future engagement strategies. It’s crucial to equip these communities with powerful tools that will create value-driven outcomes for attendees and exhibitors. These tools include:
**1)** **AI matchmaking:** Intelligent AI algorithms to connect users with relevant people, products and content.
**2) 365 marketplace:** Year-round product discovery platform where buyers and sellers can connect, explore products and conduct business deals.
**3) Content hub:** Share educational resources and industry updates to help users make a more informed decision about different brands and products.
**4) Sponsorship opportunities:** Increase revenue through digital advertising, lead generation programmes etc and boost exhibitor ROI.
Wondering where to begin? Learn how to [**create a 365 community**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) for your events. Need a quick overview of the tech requirements to set up an online community? [**Download our 365 Community Technology checklist now**](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [UFI makes ExpoPlatform its official matchmaking partner](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/ufi-matchmaking-may24/)
**Published:** May 23, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**UFI connections will be turbocharged through a new official partnership with ExpoPlatform at its upcoming European Conference.**
The global association of the exhibition industry will utilize the leading event tech provider’s **Speed Networking solution** at the gathering in Zurich in June.
Professionals from across the region will use the tool to benefit from more seamless and streamlined connections, with AI-powered matchmaking enabling more focused meetings.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “ExpoPlatform is delighted to be working with UFI as the official technology partner for speed networking.
“We are determined to heighten the event experience through this feature, which will empower delegates to forge meaningful connections effortlessly.
“Team ExpoPlatform is looking forward to a successful partnership with UFI.”
Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI Regional Director Europe, said: “Matchmaking sessions are hard to perfect. Even with quality delegates, a great setting, good organization – late cancellations and other eventualities often put a spanner in the works.
“So we are trying a new approach this year, and I’m very excited to see it in action – I’m hoping it will be our best matchmaking yet.”
The Speed Networking feature facilitates quick, sequential one-to-one meetings for attendees.
It is organized and managed through a backend system which doesn’t require participants to use an app.
This includes check-in functionality, participant management, meeting scheduling through a matchmaking algorithm as well as notifications about scheduled meetings.
UFI’s European Conference will be in Zurich, Switzerland between June 11 and 13, and will bring together around 300 senior exhibition industry professionals from across Europe and beyond.
It is open to all exhibition professionals and is the most important annual gathering of industry leaders in the region. Registration is still open at [www.ufieurope,org](about:blank)
ExpoPlatform is an event technology provider which operates globally and is trusted by world-leading exhibition organizers for its innovative and reliable solutions.
Some of its key digital features include a smart mobile app, AI-powered matchmaking, messaging, meeting scheduling, interactive floorplan and a lead retrieval solution which increases exhibitor ROI by more than triple.
These can all be offered in 12 languages – including German, French, English and more – with high levels of accessibility across the globe.
Other ExpoPlatform solutions include registration, 365 Community, hosted buyer management and more.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [ExpoPlatform joins ICCA as association growth continues](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/expoplatform-joins-icca-as-association-growth-continues/)
**Published:** April 25, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has become an official member of ICCA as it continues to grow its presence in association events.**
Joining the organization gives the leading event technology provider exclusive insights and access to the issues facing top executives and their business.
ICCA – [**International Congress and Convention Association**](https://www.iccaworld.org/) – is the largest community for these membership-based bodies in the global meetings industry.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “We are delighted to join this amazing community and to participate in such important industry discussion, contributing our expertise as much as possible.
“Membership of ICCA marks another milestone in the recent development of ExpoPlatform.
“This move shows our commitment to engaging and growing with association events so we can offer the best possible technology for these organizations.
“We can’t wait to get started engaging with this global community and finding solutions to the things that matter most to the members.”
Membership will allow ExpoPlatform to better tailor its offerings to the issues impacting associations, using in-depth data and analysis produced by ICCA’s expert industry research team.
It also gives the technology provider better opportunities to network and connect with leaders across the sector.
ICCA has regional offices around the world including Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and Caribbean, the Middle East as well as North America.
This will help the leading technology provider to have a truly global view of the issues affecting organizations like these.
ExpoPlatform is an event technology provider which operates around the world and is already trusted by associations for its innovative and reliable solutions.
It also regularly produces in-depth reports and guides to give forward-thinking professionals a route towards making the most of digital solutions at their events.
A recent example of this can be found in the [**Community Blueprint – Associations Edition**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/), which provides a deep dive into how to build a year-round engagement and revenue model.
Key technology features from the provider include a smart mobile app, AI-powered matchmaking, messaging, meeting scheduling, interactive floor plan as well as a lead retrieval solution.
Other ExpoPlatform solutions include registration, 365 Community and more.
These digital offerings can be translated into 12 languages with high levels of accessibility across the globe.
ICCA is a global community and knowledge hub for the international association – and governmental – meetings industry.
Founded in 1963, ICCA specialises in the international association meetings sector, offering data, education, communication channels, as well as business development and networking opportunities. Today, ICCA continues to advocate for the world of international meetings.
The ICCA Association Community offers associations across the world education, connections, tools, and resources to help them organise more effective and successful meetings.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [How ChatGPT-like tools can help eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/mykyta-fastovets-chatgpt/)
**Published:** September 14, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The future of ChatGPT-like tools for event organizers could bring alternatives for data analysis to help improve experiences, according to an ExpoPlatform leader.**
Mykyta Fastovets, CTO, told how our industry should expect generative AI solutions to be able to help participants and planners in a range of ways.
It comes as AI-powered features came out as the most popular opportunity for technology to develop in our Event Tech Forecast. [Download you copy here](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/) for full insights.
He said: “So far, there are two directions we’d like to explore. One is how can we assist our users to better use our platform – that’s organizers and their customers, visitors and exhibitors.
“It’s about offering assistance in a way where they don’t need to speak to a real person.
“We’ve trained an algorithm on documentation which explains how to use the platform, then you can ask questions and it will give you responses in a natural way.
“It could give you a link to where it got the reference for that response.”
Generative AI projects – such as ChatGPT – made a splash this year, across the world and in the events industry.
The artificial intelligence chatbot allows users to refine and steer a conversation towards a desired length, format, style, level of detail and language used.
It became the fastest-growing consumer application in history at the start of this year when it hit an average of about 13 million unique daily visitors – it was later over taken by social media platform Threads.
Eventprofs can use tools like this to assist them by generating content, personalizing messaging and even helping to curate a show’s schedule.
The 31st edition of the UFI Global Barometer also found 62% believe they will directly impact event sales, marketing and customer relations – while 22% say it already does.
Algorithm-fuelled features through event tech providers like ExpoPlatform already allow for email automation, matchmaking possibilities and more.
Mykyta set out how another route for this technology is to offer a simple way to generate easy-to-understand data analysis for organizers.
He said: “The other direction is creating an alternative to data analysis to what exists now.
“One of the challenges in the event industry specifically is the teams working with platforms like ours are not statisticians.
“Any piece of event tech needs people who are really data savvy, being able to build graphs and explain why they’re answering the question the person is asking.
“So what you can do instead is build a chatbot that will allow you to iteratively explore the data and go deep.
“This is one of the directions we’re working on. The idea is to be able to build something generic enough where you can work on any kind of data.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking
---
### [IMEX and isla launch free events carbon tracking tool](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-2024-08-26/)
**Published:** August 26, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event sustainable practices are set to get a massive boost with IMEX announcing the release of a new carbon tracking tool.**
The Event Carbon Measurement Starter Pack – a free resource developed in partnership with TRACE by isla – is expected to help event organizers quantify and reduce their environmental impact. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**IMEX teams up with isla to launch free events carbon tracking tool**](#one)
- [**Clarion Events North America promotes Narisa Wild to Chief Digital Officer** ](#two)
- [**Emerald’s online marketplace launches Shopify app**](#three)
- [**AEO elevates internal talent**](#four)
- [**eMerge Americas onboards Greg Topalian as Partner and Advisor**](#five)
Want a real-life example of how you can create sustainable events without incurring any extra cost? ↪️ Watch how ExpoPlatform’s **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** initiative planted a 1000 trees for MRO Americas 2024 ?
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **IMEX teams up with isla to launch free events carbon tracking tool**
**IMEX has announced a free Event Carbon Measurement Starter Pack developed in collaboration with TRACE by isla.**
Set for release in September 2024, this tool is expected to address the need for environmental accountability in the events industry.
> ? We’ve partnered with [@IMEX\_Group](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to offer a
> FREE Event Carbon Measurement Starter Pack, a resource for event professionals who want to reduce their event's carbon footprint. Join the waitlist: [\#SustainableEvents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SustainableEvents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#EventCarbonMeasurement](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventCarbonMeasurement?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/NWtXlOjgB8](https://t.co/NWtXlOjgB8)
>
> — isla (@weareisla\_uk) [August 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/weareisla_uk/status/1826242853904728494?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It will equip event organizers with the knowledge and tools to implement effective carbon measurement strategies.
Key features include:
1. **Clear guidance:** The pack offers simplified instructions on the why, what, and how of measuring carbon emissions, making the process accessible to organizers of all experience levels.
2. **Actionable advice:** Users will find practical tips for reducing the carbon footprint of their events, promoting the feasibility of sustainable event planning.
3. **Empowerment tools:** The pack provides resources to help event planners navigate the path to net zero, aligning with global sustainability goals.
IMEX and isla’s partnership comes as response to the growing concerns about the substantial environmental impact of events.
**[Register here](https://traceyour.events/event-carbon-measurement-starter-pack/)** to receive the free tool in your email on September 4.
## **Clarion Events North America promotes Narisa Wild to Chief Digital Officer**
**Clarion Events North America has announced the promotion of Narisa Wild to the position of Chief Digital Officer.**
The appointment comes after Narisa’s one-year tenure with the company as senior vice president of digital strategy and products, during which she significantly advanced Clarion’s digital initiatives.
Narisa has been recognized for her outstanding leadership skills, focus on customer needs and innovative approach to digital strategy.
Her efforts have been crucial in driving Clarion Events North America’s digital transformation forward.
## **Emerald’s online marketplace launches Shopify app**
**Bulletin, the online wholesale marketplace owned by Emerald Holding, Inc., has unveiled a new Shopify sales channel app.**
This integration aims to simplify product management and order processing for brands using both platforms.
Syd Alperowicz, VP & GM at Bulletin, said: “Founded by former retailers, Bulletin understands the challenges of running a small business.
“We champion and support these entrepreneurs by offering buyers credit terms to ease cash flow, and a marketplace that delivers leads and sales with the most brand-friendly commission rates.
“This integration builds on that by simplifying operations and supporting growth.
“It’s pivotal to our mission, and both brands and buyers can anticipate ongoing improvements that will streamline their workload and empower them to focus on what they love most.”
The app’s launch marks a significant step in connecting omnichannel brands and retailers, offering a suite of features designed to enhance efficiency and reduce manual workload. Key functionalities include:
1. Automated product importing from Shopify to Bulletin, including bulk uploads and automatic syncing of updates and new items.
2. Real-time inventory synchronization to prevent overselling and maintain accurate stock levels across both platforms.
3. Seamless order transfer from Bulletin to Shopify, centralizing fulfillment processes.
This integration is expected to save time for vendors and improve their ability to manage multi-channel sales effectively. By automating previously manual tasks, the app allows businesses to focus more on growth and customer service.
## **AEO elevates internal talent**
**The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has announced two key internal promotions in its projects and marketing divisions.**
Lauren Petchell will now be the head of projects, while Emily Weall steps up to marketing manager.
Lauren will continue leading sustainability initiatives, managing working groups and supporting AEO’s event portfolio in her new role.
CEO Chris Skeith said: “Lauren has truly excelled in her role here at AEO. Her leadership and dedication have been nothing short of outstanding.
“She’s built fantastic relationships with our members, and it’s clear by the way our working groups have thrived since she joined.
“Lauren is handling more groups than we’ve ever had, which has led to a noticeable boost in member engagement.
“Her efforts in advancing our sustainability initiatives have been remarkable, and she absolutely deserves this new role.”
Meanwhile, Weall will develop and execute marketing plans for AEO initiatives, lead event marketing, manage multi-channel content and analyze data for growth opportunities.
Carmen Searle, head of marketing at AEO, said: “Emily has been a vital part of our team, consistently pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation in our marketing efforts.
“She’s has become a central point of contact to the events team, takes ownership of any given project and is incredibly passionate about serving the members.
“Her promotion is a testament to her talent and dedication, and I have no doubt she will continue to excel in this new role.”
## **eMerge Americas onboards Greg Topalian as Partner and Advisor**
**Leading tech conference eMerge Americas have welcomed Greg Topalian, chairman of Clarion Events North America, as their new Partner and Advisor.**
In his new role, Greg will work with eMerge Americas to expand their global footprint, elevate the attendee experience and foster partnerships.
His expertise will guide the organization’s strategy to ensure it remains a leader in tech innovation and fuels economic growth.
> ? Big News! ? We’re thrilled to welcome Greg Topalian (and Daniel ?), Chairman of [@ClarionEventsNA](https://twitter.com/ClarionEventsNA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [\#founder](https://twitter.com/hashtag/founder?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) of On Deck Ventures LLC, as a new Partner and Strategic Advisor! ? His expertise and leadership mark a key moment in the growth of [\#eMergeAmericas](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eMergeAmericas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as we continue… [pic.twitter.com/IkeBFRecrd](https://t.co/IkeBFRecrd)
>
> — eMerge Americas (@eMergeAmericas) [August 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/eMergeAmericas/status/1826299414589108716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
CEO Melissa Medina said: “Greg’s extensive experience in the events industry, coupled with his deep understanding of market dynamics, will be invaluable as we aim to elevate eMerge Americas to new heights.
“His involvement is a testament to our commitment to driving innovation and fostering connections that will shape the future of technology and entrepreneurship.”
Greg said: “This expo and conference has established itself as a leading platform for innovation and entrepreneurship, and I am excited to contribute to its continued success.
“I look forward to working with the eMerge team to create an even more dynamic and impactful event that fosters meaningful connections and drives the tech industry forward.”
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Exhibition revenues to soar 17% and hit record high - UFI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-08-12/)
**Published:** August 12, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Global exhibition revenues are expected to increase 17% in 2024 to a record high, according to UFI’s latest research.**
The **Exhibition Barometer** report indicates the industry is set for solid growth this year after a 20% year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in 2023. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Exhibitions revenue to soar 17% and hit record high: UFI**](#one)
- [**IEG revenue grows 13% to hit €131.9 million in H1**](#two)
- [**ICCA to advance business events in China**](#three)
Understanding large language models (LLMs) is crucial to planning successful modern events. Read our **[Hitchhiker’s Guide to LLMs for Events](https://expoplatform.com/publications/a-primer-on-llms/)** to get started.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Exhibitions revenue to soar 17% and hit record high: UFI**
**Global exhibition industry revenues are projected to jump 17% and hit a record high in 2024, according to UFI.**
The industry group’s 33rd Global Exhibition Barometer confirms a second consecutive year of revenue growth, after rising an expected 20% y-o-y in 2023.
> ?NEW RESEARCH: The 33rd edition of the UFI Global Exhibition Barometer is available now with data from 453 companies in 68 countries.?
>
> ?Download the full report for free here: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#globalbarometer](https://twitter.com/hashtag/globalbarometer?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#tradeshows](https://twitter.com/hashtag/tradeshows?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/I1xs8Tvwwf](https://t.co/I1xs8Tvwwf)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [August 8, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1821456370836685242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf said: “This edition of UFI’s flagship Barometer research confirms our early data from January that 2024 will be a record year for industry revenues globally.
“This edition shows how this growth translates into new jobs in our sector as well as in expansion plans from the majority of businesses – aiming both at new business activities as well as new geographies.
“Against a complex global backdrop, the global exhibition industry is bullish about its short and mid-term prospects.”
Here are the other highlights from the report:
**Workforce plans:**
- 48% of companies plan to increase staff in the next 6 months.
- 48% plan to maintain current staffing levels.
**Top concerns:**
- State of the home economy is the primary concern (22%).
- Global economic developments are the second biggest worry (15%).
**AI impact:**
- 90% of companies believe AI will affect the industry.
- Increasing number of companies are using AI.
UFI’s latest bi-annual industry report, released in July 2024, analyzed data from 453 companies across 68 countries and regions.
The study offers in-depth insights into 19 key markets, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and China, as well as aggregated data for five regional zones.
## **IEG revenue grows 13% to hit €131.9m in H1**
**The Italian Exhibitions Group reported a strong first half of 2024, with revenue soaring to €131.9 million compared to the same period last year.**
The company attributed the 13.2% growth to the robust performance of its domestic and international events business.
CEO Corrado Arturo Peraboni said: “We are particularly pleased with the results of the first half of the year, which show signs of stronger growth than expected, thanks to the actions taken in the execution of the 2023-2028 Strategic Plan.
“The record results of the first part of the year are due not only to the growth of our core products in the organized events segment, such as VicenzaOro, Sigep, and RiminiWellness, but also to the development of our product portfolio both in Italy, with K.EY, and abroad with Sigep Asia in Singapore and DroneShow Robotics, MundoGeo Connect, Space BR, and eVTOL in Brazil.
“The related services segment also performed well in terms of revenue and margins.”
**Key highlights**
- **Revenue:** Jumped 15.3% to €131.9m from €116.6m in H1 2023.
- **Adjusted EBITDA:** Increased by 8.2% to €36.0m, with a margin of 27.3%, up 3.4 percentage points.
- **Adjusted EBIT:** Rose by €8.2m to €27.8m, with a margin of 21.1%.
- **Net Profit:** Climbed 9.5% to €20.1m from €10.6m in H1 2023.
- **Monetary Net Financial Position:** Stood at €43.5m.
**Business performance**
The organized events segment contributed 57% to total revenue and witnessed a 15.3% growth to €75.6m.
Key drivers included strong performance across events, notably K.E.Y., and the inclusion of A&T Torino. However, the absence of biennial events like Koinè and Fieravicola impacted the topline.
Services revenue, accounting for 9.3% of the total, surged by 29% to €40.8m, primarily driven by catering services.
Corradu Arturo added: “The investment plan supporting the growth of the Strategic Plan is proceeding on schedule, with the aim of creating temporary spaces as high-quality as the existing ones, to accommodate our exhibitors at VicenzaOro September and Ecomondo in the second half of the year.
“In the second half of the year, we expect to see the growth trends confirmed for the main events, for which we are already recording bookings higher than expected, allowing us to raise the guidance on the economic and financial results forecast for 2024.”
**Outlook**
IEG has raised its full-year guidance, encouraged by the robust H1 performance and positive booking trends.
The company now expects revenue between €240m and €244m, with adjusted EBITDA ranging from €60m to €63m.
## **ICCA to advance business events in China**
**The International Congress and Convention Association has officially opened its office in Beijing – marking a significant step in strengthening ties between China and the global business events industry.**
> Beijing Welcomes ICCA for Advancement of Business Events in China and Beyond. Association conferences play a key role in advancing communities and destinations. ICCA opens office in [\#Beijing](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Beijing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), driving global business opportunities. [\#ICCAWorld](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ICCAWorld?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@ICCAasiaPacific](https://twitter.com/ICCAAsiaPacific?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/zQe8v2lyrX](https://t.co/zQe8v2lyrX)
>
> — ICCA (@ICCAWorld) [August 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/ICCAWorld/status/1820371723985793305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The Beijing Municipal Commerce Bureau and Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism invited ICCA to establish a presence in the city.
The step was taken after the municipalities acknowledged the impact of association conferences in driving economic growth and community development.
ICCA’s new office will serve as a platform to connect ICCA members with Chinese businesses, facilitate knowledge exchange, and promote Beijing as a leading destination for international conferences and events.
By collaborating closely with local stakeholders, ICCA aims to contribute to the sustainable growth of China’s meetings industry.
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Informa boosts festivals brand with Cannes Lions purchase](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-07-29/)
**Published:** July 29, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa Group is set to acquire Cannes Lions organizer Ascential and bolster its new initiative for festival-led experiences.**
The £1.2 billion deal aims to combine its expertise and global presence to grow and accelerate Ascential’s flagships shows such as the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and Money 20/20. Read more about it below:
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Informa strengthens festivals brand with Cannes Lions purchase**](#one)
- [**Easyfairs to boost big data and AI with acquisition deal**](#two)
- [**Questex hires new VP to head wellness division**](#three)
- [**Hyve acquires leading marketing event**](#four)
- [**UFI scales up education programs globally**](#five)
The events industry is consolidating, creating bigger, more competitive entities. But you can still make your show stand out – get the insider tips with our **[Events Amplified ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)**.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Informa strengthens festivals brand with Cannes Lions purchase**
**Informa has moved to prop up its new festivals division with the acquisition of Ascential, owner of premier conferences such as Cannes Lions.**
The deal – valued at £1.2bn and also including Money 20/20 – was disclosed alongside the exhibition group’s half-year results and involves a cash offer of 568p per Ascential share.
Under the move, Informa will focus on creating experience-led festival brands under its Informa Festivals divisions, keeping Cannes Lions as the centrestage.
Stephen Carter, Informa CEO, said: “Informa is in the business of creating, nurturing and growing world-class B2B brands.
“Lions and Money20/20 are outstanding examples of such brands.
“Combined, we can expand them into more sectors, accelerate growth and take advantage of new opportunities.”
Cannes Lions will serve as the flagship brand alongside Informa’s existing portfolio, including Monaco Yacht Show, London Tech Week and Black Hat.
Both companies are reportedly performing well, with Informa raising its full-year financial guidance.
Here are the key highlights of the deal:
- **Complementary strengths:** Informa brings a global platform, strong event portfolio and data analytics capabilities. Ascential contributes high-growth brands like Money20/20 and Cannes Lions.
- **Accelerated growth:** The combined entity aims to drive faster growth by leveraging cross-selling opportunities, expanding into new markets, and optimizing operational efficiencies.
- **Cultural alignment:** Both companies emphasize a strong focus on employees and industry relationships, forming a solid foundation for a successful integration.
- **Portfolio expansion:** Informa’s existing portfolio of events, coupled with Ascential’s flagship brands, creates a powerful offering across diverse sectors.
- **Geographic reach:** Informa’s global presence will accelerate Money20/20’s expansion into high-growth markets like the Middle East and Africa.
- **Data-driven insights:** Informa’s data platform, IIRIS, will enhance Ascential’s data capabilities, enabling deeper customer insights and more effective marketing strategies.
- **Operational efficiencies:** Combining resources will lead to cost savings and allow for reinvestment in growth initiatives.
Ascential revealed the deal followed multiple approaches from Informa in recent months.
The company’s recent streamlining to focus primarily on events, with complementary subscription and advisory services, has made it an attractive acquisition target for Informa.
Stephen added: “Informa has the operating platform and capacity. We have international reach into growth sectors.
“We have IIRIS, our First Party Data Platform, and we have an understanding of both the FinTech and Marketing sectors.
“These strengths make us ideally placed to capture the growth and acceleration opportunities available to both Lions and Money20/20.”
Philip Thomas, CEO of Ascential, said: “I am extremely proud of all of Ascential’s brands, and the people who work so hard to deliver for them every day.
“Our two divisions, Lions and Money20/20, have transformed how our customers around the world experience events, and benefit from both digital intelligence and advisory services.
“The value our businesses bring to their respective industries is clear as is the regard in which they are held by Informa.”
## **Easyfairs to boost big data and AI with acquisition deal**
**Easyfairs has secured investments from Cobepa and Inflexion to bolster its AI and big data technologies.**
The new partnership brings together Cobepa, Inflexion and Easyfairs group chairman Eric Everard.
It is hoped it will open doors to strategic M&A opportunities, strengthening its position in the global events landscape.
Eric said: “I am delighted and confident that this partnership will usher in a new era of development for Easyfairs, benefiting our exhibitors, visitors, team members and partners.
“With Cobepa and Inflexion’s backing, we are now in a prime position to enhance our technological capabilities and expand our global footprint, ensuring continued success and innovation in the events industry.”
The acquisition is expected to solidify Easyfair’s growth strategy by:
- Launching fresh, cutting-edge events
- Expanding successful event brands into new territories
- Broadening Easyfairs’ footprint across geographies and sectors
- Turbocharging the company’s big data and AI capabilities
Aurélien Delavallée, managing director Cobepa, said: “We are very pleased to accompany Easyfairs in its next phase of growth.
“The company has established itself as a clear leader in its industry and is ideally positioned to continue and accelerate its growth through organic and inorganic initiatives.”
Tom Green, partner at Inflexion, added: “We are thrilled to officially begin our partnership.
“With the deal now finalised, we look forward to working closely with Eric and the management team to support and achieve Easyfairs’ ambitious growth plans.”
## **Questex hires new VP to head wellness division**
**Questex has appointed a new vice president to lead its wellness division.**
Jess Tyler will assume responsibilities in the new role and oversee key events within the Wellness Group.
These include the International Beauty Show and International Esthetics, Cosmetics, & Spa Conferences.
The appointment comes after Questex’s strategic restructuring into four main communities: Hospitality, Life Sciences, Technology and Wellness.
Jess Tyler brings 15 years of industry experience and has previously served as senior vice president at Emerald and chief revenue and experience officer at MJBiz.
## **Hyve acquires leading marketing event**
**Hyve Group has announced the acquisition of POSSIBLE, a leading marketing ecosystem event.**
POSSIBLE, powered by MMA Global, connects industry leaders to explore disruptive ideas shaping the future of marketing.
This deal strengthens Hyve’s position in the marketing events sector and aligns with its commitment to delivering high-value networking and learning opportunities.
Mark Shashoua, Hyve CEO, said: “At Hyve, we are motivated by our purpose, which is to create game-changing impact for our customers, their businesses and industries, through our unmissable in-person events.
“It is crystal clear that POSSIBLE has become the go-to event for its community and is a fantastic fit for our business.”
Key highlights include:
- Hyve will collaborate with MMA Global and POSSIBLE to create the foremost platform for inspiration, networking and business opportunities in the marketing industry.
- The partnership leverages MMA Global’s extensive network of over 800 member companies across the marketing ecosystem.
- POSSIBLE will continue to benefit from MMA Global’s strategic partnership, ensuring access to cutting-edge industry insights and trends.
Greg Stuart, MMA Global CEO, added: “We are incredibly excited about the acquisition of POSSIBLE by Hyve, as it provides an even more powerful platform for MMA to share transformative insights with the marketing community, helping marketers to embrace the possibilities of the new future of marketing.
“There is no better partner for the MMA than Hyve with their track record in innovating and transforming the event attendee experience.”
## **UFI scales up education programs globally**
**UFI has widened its educational offerings to strengthen the exhibition industry landscape.**
The move affirms UFI’s commitment to education as a cornerstone of industry growth and empower eventprofs with critical skills.
Under the initiative, UFI and the Macau Fair & Trade Association (MFTA) have signed a two-year Greater Bay Area Education Partnership.
> ? UFI and the Macau Fair & Trade Association (MFTA) have signed the first-ever Greater Bay Area Education Partnership!
>
> ? This two-year partnership will bring multiple onsite UFI education programmes to Macau, taught in English and Mandarin.[\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#MFTA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MFTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#education](https://twitter.com/hashtag/education?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/QhPdz7BUVZ](https://t.co/QhPdz7BUVZ)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [July 25, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1816392219189768461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
UFI COO Adeline Vancauwelaert said: “In response to the growing demand for professional development opportunities, UFI is committed to expanding our educational offerings globally.
“Education is one of UFI’s core pillars, and we aim to ensure that industry professionals worldwide have access to the highest quality training and resources, empowering them to drive the future of the exhibition industry.”
Anna Lawrence, UFI education programme manager, added: “We are thrilled to see UFI’s educational programmes expand significantly over the past year, with continued growth on the horizon thanks to dedicated education patrons like MFTA.
“UFI remains committed to providing continuous learning and professional development to the entire industry, and we extend our gratitude to the lecturers, partners, and hosts who help us make this possible.”
**[Book a free consultation](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) with ExpoPlatform to understand how tech can help you nurture your event leads and accelerate the sales pipeline.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Informa delivers 10% growth over five months](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-06-24/)
**Published:** June 24, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa has struck double digital growth in the first five months of 2024, reporting a 10% rise in revenue as it focuses on niche markets, unique content and global expansion.**
The company also maintained its full-year adjusted operating profit to reach the higher end of the £950 million (m) to £970m range. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Informa delivers 10%+ growth in Jan-May 2024**](#one)
- [**IMEX Group appoints Gary Coombs as COO**](#two)
- [**AEV adds Sarah Marshall and Lori Hoinkes as new board members**](#three)
**Planning successful tradeshows means getting your budget strategy right. [Read our tradeshow cost guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/tradeshow-budget-guide/) to create a smart budget for your events.**
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Informa delivers 10%+ growth in Jan-May 2024**
**Informa Plc has posted more than 10% revenue rise in the first five months of 2024, affirming its strong growth and full-year guidance.**
> Our AGM is today and we've published a trading update for the first five months of 2024. Read the full update here: [pic.twitter.com/e5ZIlScumv](https://t.co/e5ZIlScumv)
>
> — Informa Plc (@InformaPLC) [June 21, 2024](https://twitter.com/InformaPLC/status/1804082226264432905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Stephen Carter, Group Chief Executive at Informa Plc, said: “The Informa Group has changed gears and we are now delivering 10%+ growth.
“Our strategy to focus on specialist markets, unique content and internationalisation is delivering double-digit underlying revenue growth, margin expansion and increasing profits and cash flows.”
Here are the highlights from the company’s latest trading update:
- **Strong performance:** 10.1% revenue growth year-to-date at £1.4 billion (bn), strong bookings for 2024 and 2025, credit rating upgrades, £720m+ free cash flow expected in 2024.
- **Profit forecast:** Confirms full-year profit forecast – aiming the top of the £950m to £970m range.
- **Growth across markets:** B2B Markets and Academic Markets seeing strong growth, driven by digital investments and content focus.
- **AI advancement:** Continued AI integration delivering product benefits and operational efficiencies
- **TechTarget creation:** On track to merge Informa Tech’s digital businesses with NASDAQ-listed TechTarget by Q4 2024, forming a leading B2B Digital Services entity.
- **Increased shareholder returns:** Strong business momentum and cash flow supporting an expanded 2024 share buyback program, increased by 50% to £0.5bn, with over £0.3bn already repurchased.
- **Partnerships and expansion:** Strategic partnerships fueling growth in key regions (Saudi Arabia, China) and markets (Retail Banking Intelligence, Beauty)
- **Guidance reaffirmed:** On track to meet or exceed 2024 guidance range.
## **IMEX Group appoints Gary Coombs as COO**
**The IMEX Group has named its incumbent Chief Information Officer (CIO) Gary Coombs the new COO.**
In his new role, he will collaborate with various teams to ensure the implementation of IMEX’s initiatives and the vision of fostering a prosperous global business events industry committed to positive change.
Additionally, he will align the IMEX group’s efforts with its newly established values: ‘Put People First,’ ‘Achieve Together,’ and ‘Lead the Way.’
Gary said: “Achieve together’ is one of our company values and we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver our shows without the best in class structures, culture and processes in place to support the hard work our team puts in every day.
“I’m excited to help our talented and passionate team continue to drive forward the business and lead the way.”
Gary joined IMEX as CIO in 2021 and spearheaded initiatives to leverage technology for improved and more efficient community services.
## **AEV adds Sarah Marshall and Lori Hoinkes as new board members**
**The Association of Event Venues (AEV) has welcomed event industry veterans Sarah Marshall and Lori Hoinkes as its new board members.**
> We are delighted to welcome Sarah Marshall, venue director, [@Farnborough\_Int](https://twitter.com/Farnborough_Int?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and Lori Hoinkes, chief executive [@mcr\_central](https://twitter.com/mcr_central?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as our newest board members. We are looking forward to working together.
>
> Read the full release: [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#venues](https://twitter.com/hashtag/venues?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/EpNymdKJKk](https://t.co/EpNymdKJKk)
>
> — AEV (@AEVnews) [June 17, 2024](https://twitter.com/AEVnews/status/1802626176013238593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Sarah recently joined Farnborough International Exhibitions & Conference Centre as venue director while Lori Hoinkes was appointed CEO at Manchester Central. Both will join the AEV board after the summer meeting at Central Hall Westminster on June 14.
AEV director Rachel Parker said: “We are delighted Sarah and Lori are joining the board.
“They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience with them and offer valuable customer insight.
“Both have come from the organiser community and will therefore bring another viewpoint to the table which will greatly benefit our members.”
Sarah said: “I am passionate about the inherent value and impact of live events and believe in the transformative power of shared experiences to drive meaningful connections that inspire, educate and empower attendees.
“The AEV brings together the best in their field and I look forward to being part of that leadership team.”
Lori added: “I am very much looking forward to working with colleagues from other venues to collectively showcase our capabilities in hosting world-class events and, importantly, the value that drives for our communities at a regional and national level.
“The AEV provides a fantastic forum for us to do that collaboratively and I’m excited to join such an esteemed group of industry leaders.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Exhibitions give £10.9bn boost to UK economy](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-06-17/)
**Published:** June 17, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Exhibitions generated £10.9 billion in business for the UK in 2023 – £1.5bn higher than last year – underscoring their crucial role in driving economic growth.**
These stats were revealed in the Event Industry Alliance’s (EIA) latest Economic Impact Study of exhibitions. Read more about it below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Exhibitions pump £10.9bn into UK economy: report**](#one)
- [**UFI elects new president for 2025-26**](#two)
- [**Easyfairs appoints new CEO for UK & Global region**](#three)
**As we approach mid-2024, make your shows shine by refining your marketing strategies with our [Events Amplified ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/).**
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Exhibitions pump £10.9bn into UK economy: report**
**Exhibitions contributed £10.9bn to the UK economy in 2023, according to EIA’s latest economic impact report.**
The figures represent a £1.5bn increase from 2022, primarily due to a 12% jump in the total number of exhibitions – **1016 in 2023** vs **969 in 2022**.
*Here are the key takeaways from the report ⤵️*
UK exhibitions in 2023 attracted nearly 7 million visitors and over 130,000 exhibitors.
**↪️ Economic powerhouse:** Exhibitions generated a significant economic impact, supporting £10.9bn in output. Here’s a lowdown?
- **Direct Spending:** £4.8 billion from visitors, exhibitors and related expenses.
- **Job Creation:** Supported 114,000 direct and indirect jobs.
- **GDP Contribution:** £2.6 billion directly contributed to the UK’s GDP.
**↪️ Exhibitor Spending:** On average, each exhibitor spent approximately £37,000.
**↪️ Venue capacity & output:** Based on total exhibition space of 0.6 million square meter (sq m), the output per sq m was around £18,000.
EIA chair Marija Erzen said: “We are delighted with the results of our latest economic impact report.
“A 17% growth in the events industry between 2022 and 2023, demonstrates that, whilst other areas of the economy are struggling, the events industry is growing exponentially in a challenging economic environment and with little help from the Government.”
Marija added: “These figures bring us just shy of our pre-pandemic levels of economic impact (£11bn) and the events industry’s strong growth really demonstrates our potential and resilience as an industry during an economically challenging year for many.
“We hope that these positive figures encourages the next Government to really notice and pay attention to our industry.”
Rachel Parker, director EIA, added: “The number of exhibitions over the last year is really promising, including both new and long standing repeat exhibitions.
“The dynamism of the sector to move with new trends and trades when they emerge in the economy is a particular strength and one that we hope to see more of in the future.
“The positive growth in the industry feeds into other areas of the economy and helps explain the dynamic and far reaching potential of the industry, so it is not only the events industry that benefits from the growth of the sector.”
## **UFI elects new president for 2025-26**
**UFI has elected Panittha Buri, vice-chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group, as its president for 2025-26.**
> ✨? We're thrilled to announce the 2025-26 UFI President: Panittha Buri!
>
> ? Read the official media release: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufipresident](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufipresident?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/9dsDtdhpcp](https://t.co/9dsDtdhpcp)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 11, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1800528969529282675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
She will become the incoming President in November and assume responsibilities at the 92nd UFI Global Congress in Hong Kong in November 2025.
UFI’s outgoing president Geoff Dickinson said: “I am incredibly happy that Panittha Buri will take on the Presidency of UFI in 2026.
“She has served the events industry passionately and committed for many years in various roles.
“As a board member of UFI for many years, as the Chapter Chair for Asia Pacific, and as President of the Thai Exhibition Association, she brings a high level of experience and excellent relationships with her industry peers, and as Vice Chair of the Bhiraj Buri Group, she has extensive leadership experience.”
Panittha added: “I am excited about the journey ahead and am grateful for the opportunity to serve alongside each of you.
“Let’s embark on this journey with passion, integrity and a shared vision for the next generations to come. Together, we can achieve great things.”
Since October 2022, Panittha has been the vice-chairperson of Bhiraj Buri Group. Prior to this, she held several roles at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC), including managing director and director of marketing and sales.
## **Easyfairs appoints new CEO for UK & Global region**
**Easyfairs has promoted Alison Willis as its new CEO for the UK & Global region.**
She takes over from outgoing regional CEO Matt Benyon, who will focus on his group CEOs role alongside Anne Lafère.
In her new position, she will manage the UK & Global business, covering events and media in Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Belgium and the UK.
Matt Benyon, Group CEO for Easyfairs, said: “It gives me great delight and pride to hand the baton of the UK & Global region after 15 years to Ali.
“She is the perfect choice to continue the next phase of the region’s growth and innovation, with her extensive experience and knowledge of the exhibition sector, collaborative leadership and proven track record of running successful and ‘visit the future’ events.
“This appointment allows me to focus exclusively on my Group CEO responsibilities, which include driving our overall growth and accelerating our M&A strategy.”
Alison added: “I am truly honoured and thrilled to step into Matt’s shoes as CEO for Easyfairs UK & Global.
“The past seven years at Easyfairs have been fantastic, and I am proud to have contributed to the company’s incredible growth story.
“In this next phase of my career, I am grateful for the trust and support from Matt, Anne and the entire Easyfairs management team.
“Together we have achieved great things and I am confident that – with the continued support of our talented team – we can drive even more growth and innovation.
“Change is always exciting as it brings fresh perspective, new ideas and opportunity for growth. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey.”
Alison joined Easyfairs as Divisional Director in 2017 and was promoted to divisional managing director in 2022.
Since then, she has led a diverse portfolio of events in construction, logistics, manufacturing, engineering and aesthetics.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Known tech users are 'rich for event sponsors and planners'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/narisa-wild-june24/)
**Published:** June 12, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A “known user is rich” for advertisers, sponsors and planners when it comes to building an event’s digital strategy, according to an industry leader.**
Narisa Wild joined Clarion Events North America in August tasked with spearheading the evolution of events, technology, media and data.
The senior vice president of digital strategy set about a transformation with a key goal to grow the newsletter database – which has since surged by 50% – to help develop a deeper understanding of its online audience.
She told ExpoPlatform: “We’re generating revenue through display advertising as well as marketing services solutions, which are lead generation primarily.
“We need to continue to grow our impression base, but I don’t want to grow our impression base by just plopping more ads on a page – we’re going to grow engagement so they’re consuming more content.
“If they’re subscribing to newsletters, then we can start to create personalized and customised journeys for them, where we’re actually driving content based on their need and their preference and what they want.
“There’s a myriad of ways to drive that engagement back to our known users.
“Known users are rich – they’re rich for advertisers, they’re rich for our sponsors, they are rich for you – and we can do more with them both on the event and the media side.”
Narisa set out how the digital strategy mirrors that of putting on a live show, drawing comparisons with how each component works and how they can feed into each other.
This 365 Community model helps to build engagement and revenue, with insights learnt online being used to inform your offerings for an in-person event.
**Find out how to build your own year-round business model using [the Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/).**
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/)
She added: “The booth is your website, the categories in the booth are your categories of content.
“Then the buyers and sellers are your visitors and your advertisers.
“You want to drive leads at an event by scanning people’s badges and you want to drive leads on your website for media by getting people to give you information and download stuff – it is exactly the same, it’s just a lot easier to do digitally.
“Our job at Clarion is to be part of that supply chain of a job – not just the three days at the event, but actually how are we supporting you all the rest of the days in your job?”
The North American chapter is now going through a technological transformation determined to put the customer at the centre of everything.
Its digital strategy for media and events is now more focussed on building “intimate relationships” on an individual basis.
Part of this work has included an increasingly iterative approach with A/B testing and also giving team members “permission to fail”.
Narisa believes this has given the company the chance to really see what works for its customers, which has improved their experience with the organizer.
She said: “They’ll feel like they’re being listened to – they’re being heard when they give us feedback and actually make changes.
“We’re dynamic, we’re nimble – we’re not stillwater, moving really slowly – the customer can see that things are evolving right now.”
However, it was highlighted how it’s important in the B2B world to be driving the right traffic, not just over enthusiastic consumers that advertisers are not interested in.
That means growing organic traffic which converts and engages once they reach the site.
This feeds more information into the first party data strategy which helps Clarion to build the known user “digital license”.
Clarion can then put them through a “cycle of engagement” based on recommendations of relevant and personalized content.
Narisa claimed this has required a “back to basics” mentality with its technology which means taking ownership of the things they want from its partners.
She said: “Digital transformation means different things to different people. I genuinely believe in Clarion’s mission to be customer obsessed – one of our core values is customer obsession.
“But we’re very much going back to basics around technology, our foundations and what our guiding principles are.
“As an event organizer, you’re very reliant on a myriad of partners. If there was one solution that did absolutely everything, that would be the Holy Grail – but it just doesn’t exist.
“The transformation puts the customer at the centre of what we’re trying to do, then build these relationships from a technology and solution product management standpoint with our partners, so that they want to be a part of revolving in that carousel around the customer.”
The Clarion team carries out the usual work when assessing who to work with, but any final decision is based on “gut instinct”.
Narisa explained how she is driven by “emotional intelligence” when choosing a partner – “If you don’t click, you’re not going to create any magic”.
This then allows the organizer to work with the technology provider side-by-side rather than having a more hierarchical dynamic.
She said: “It’s not ‘I’m the client, you’re the vendor’ – it’s a partnership, which is why it’s really important to me that we don’t talk about them as vendors or ‘them and us’.
“I really try to integrate anyone who’s a partner or a contractor into a team in a very streamlined way. They are part of the team – that’s quite important to me.”
Narisa added: “Event organizers need to own a bit more of what they want from the partners they work with, rather than the partners telling them ‘this is how we’re going to do it’.
“It’s not a bully tactic – at Clarion, we want to have this seamless experience for our customers.
“We want these partners to create that journey – whether that’s our mobile app, our exhibitor experience, our attendee experience, our media platform, personalization capabilities – whatever those solutions are that create that journey.
“We want you guys to be on that carousel of love with the customers in the middle.
“In order to do that, there are certain requirements around capabilities, integration, data and what that means to both parties.
“Those are all the things that are changing within Clarion now and I think we’re on a really good path.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** All
---
### [Dubai Active Industry partners ExpoPlatform to enhance B2B experience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/dubai-active-industry-partnership/)
**Published:** June 11, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**IEG Middle East has partnered with ExpoPlatform to enhance its hosted buyers programme and tradeshow matchmaking at Dubai Active Industry.**
The event is the Middle East’s only international fitness and wellness trade show – with more than 400 exhibitors, 1,000 buyers and 38,000 visitors set to gather at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City, between October 25 and 27.
This new development aims to strengthen its position among the world’s leading fitness exhibitions – facilitating networking, connecting people and elevating the exhibition experience beyond the three-day event.
Tom Reece, Marketing Director of IEG Middle East, said: “We are thrilled to be working with ExpoPlatform to deliver an industry-leading matchmaking service at Dubai Active Industry.
“Their innovative technology will empower our stakeholders to connect more effectively, creating meaningful business relationships and driving growth in the fitness industry.
“We are also pleased to announce our integration with Virgin Tickets, ensuring that trade delegates will have seamless access to the ExpoPlatform app, enabling them to connect effortlessly with exhibitors and sponsors.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “By enhancing the digital experience for exhibitors, sponsors and attendees alike we aim to lift the bar and facilitate meaningful connections.
“Together with Dubai Active Industry, we are working to improve experiences for all participants – proving that strong partnerships are the best form of exercise.”
ExpoPlatform is a UK-based event technology provider which operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers for its innovative and reliable solutions.
The partnership will see buyers, sponsors, exhibitors and trade visitors given access to a state-of-the-art application, with matchmaking capabilities, meeting scheduling, messaging, scanning features and interactive floorplan.
Exhibitors and sponsors can also now expect a wide range of marketing features, to digitalise the event experience and gain further exposure within the application.
**About Dubai Active Industry**
Organised by IEG Middle East, Dubai Active Industry is the Middle East’s only international fitness, wellness and sports trade show taking place annually. The event is a dedicated platform for fitness professionals that facilitates business development, networking as well as education and training opportunities.
**About ExpoPlatform**
ExpoPlatform offers a wide range of market-leading event technology solutions to some of the world’s biggest event organizers globally. Key features include a smart mobile app, AI-powered matchmaking, messaging, meeting scheduling and interactive floorplan. Other solutions include registration, 365 Community, hosted buyer management and more.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Europe hosts major UFI and AAE conferences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/conferences/week-in-events-2024-06-10/)
**Published:** June 10, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**This week sees Europe hosting two major conferences for industry groups UFI and the Association of Association Executives.**
The UFI European Conference begins on Tuesday in Zurich, Switzerland, while the Association World Congress (AWC) 2024 opened its doors on Sunday in Graz, Austria. Get the full details below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**UFI and AAE conferences headline European events week** ](#one)
- [**World’s first reusable zero waste exhibition stand to be unveiled at the Meetings Show**](#two)
- [**Easyfairs outlines key sustainability initiatives in new report**](#three)
- [**Hong Kong exhibition visitors skyrocket 560%: report**](#four)
- [**IEG enters facility management market with new event acquisition**](#five)
ExpoPlatform is delivering speed networking solutions for matchmaking at the UFI European conference – **[read about it here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/ufi-matchmaking-may24/)**. We are also the official technology provider for AWC 2024 – know more with a **[free consultation session](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **UFI and AAE conferences headline European events week**
**Leading event industry associations UFI and AAE are hosting their European conferences this week.**
AWC 2024 is already underway at Messe Congress Graz in Austria while the UFI conference will kick off tomorrow at Messe Zürich in Switzerland.
> ? Introducing the FIVE themes of the UFI European Conference!
>
> ? Join us at Messe Zürich from 11-13 June to explore the trends shaping the exhibition industry, led by global experts at the forefront of the conversation.
>
> ? [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufieurope](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufieurope?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/RAKHxOA45O](https://t.co/RAKHxOA45O)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 6, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1798628705570582966?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The UFI conference delves into five key themes impacting the exhibition landscape: customer focus, industry advocacy, the impact of AI, growing emphasis on sustainability and ongoing industry consolidation.
ExpoPlatform has been chosen as the **[association’s official matchmaking partner](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/ufi-matchmaking-may24/)**, helping to turbocharge connections during the event.
The global association of the exhibition industry will utilize the leading event tech provider’s **Speed Networking solution** at the gathering.
Professionals from across the region will use the tool to benefit from more seamless and streamlined connections, with AI-powered matchmaking enabling more focused meetings.
Meanwhile, AWC 2024 closed the first day with numerous sessions, meetings and conversations.
> Damian Hutt of AAE shares his experience as a host of the Associations World Congress 2024 [\#AWC24](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AWC24?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/r3Y5EmDoj7](https://t.co/r3Y5EmDoj7)
>
> — Association of Association Executives (AAE) (@AssnExecs) [June 10, 2024](https://twitter.com/AssnExecs/status/1800086337619435793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
What attendees can expect from AWC:
- 14 half-day sessions on critical issues, led by experts
- Streams: Association Strategy, Conference and Events Strategy, Membership Strategy and more
- 48 case studies by leading association executives
- 100+ additional case studies
- Interactive discussions: room/table talks, group/individual exercises, Q&A
- Collaborative innovation among delegates
## **World-first reusable zero-waste stand to be unveiled**
**The world’s first zero-waste exhibition stand made entirely from recycled materials will debut at The Meetings Show next week.**
This prototype is a result of a collaboration between Paradigm, isla, The Bulb, Informa and event in ExCel London
It features walls and flooring from Reform—recycled plastic tiles crafted from used exhibition carpet.
Anna Abdelnoor, isla’s founder and CEO, said: “This is an exciting innovation for the events industry, showcasing the power of experimentation and creativity when developing approaches to reducing waste, carbon and impact on the planet.
“We love that the stand was designed with a circularity first mindset and centres around diverting materials from waste and finding new ways to keep them alive and within events.
“We’re proud to be able to support innovation and creativity within the event sector and we hope this stand inspires others to keep creating and experimenting, to ensure industry dialogue remains forward-looking and to help bring solutions into our fantastic industry”.
The substructure uses repurposed metal from old shell schemes, achieving 100% post-consumer material construction.
The stand’s design utilizes click-together Reform tiles, avoiding screws, nails, and toxic glues and eliminating the need for single-use plastic wrap during transport.
Bulb CEO Selina Donald said: “Developing and using sustainable alternatives should become the norm for anyone involved in the exhibition and events world.
“Exhibitions need to evolve, and Paradigm’s innovative solution is proof that sustainability and creativity can go hand in hand and, most importantly, can be People and Planet focused.”
Jack Marczewski, portfolio event director at Northstar Meetings Group, added: “We’re delighted to be working with the partners to provide a platform as well as complimentary stand space to showcase Paradigm’s innovative stand.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to reach Net Zero by 2050 we’re keen to facilitate and champion positive change among our supply chain and exhibitors, while we also continue benchmarking and measuring to implement short and long-term targets to improve our sustainability performance.”
## **Easyfairs outlines key sustainability initiatives in new report**
**Easyfairs has released its first annual sustainability report with an eye on meeting further green goals.**
The paper covers performance up to fiscal year 2023 and future goals under its Act for the Future strategy.
This outline has three central pillars detailed in the report:
- **Act for the Planet:** Reducing the environmental impact of events and venues through emissions reduction, energy efficiency, sustainable travel, waste elimination and eco-friendly food and beverage options.
- **Act for Society:** Supporting local and business communities by aiding decarbonization, boosting innovation and start-ups, and partnering with charities during events.
- **Act for Our People:** Promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) and fostering lifelong learning via the Easyfairs Academy’s blended learning program, “Boost Your Future.”
Easyfairs chief sustainability officer Nil Sönmez said: “Our business model has always leaned towards sustainability.
“We are especially delighted that we have reduced our group carbon footprint by 33% since 2019.
“We’re making real changes and every little bit counts. Of course, there’s much more to do. We’re doing good but aiming for great.”
## **Hong Kong exhibition visitors skyrocket 560%: report**
**Exhibition visitors to Hong Kong surged by nearly 560% to surpass 1.4 million in 2023, according to a new report.**
Figures from the Hong Kong Exhibition & Convention Industry Association (HKECIA) annual survey for 2023 show a strong rebound in exhibition activities post-pandemic.
The survey focused on 73 of the 125 large-scale exhibitions in the Trade and Trade and Consumer categories, up from 40 in late 2022.
HKECIA chairman Stuart Bailey said: “This is a rebound we have been expecting, and which our exhibition venues and organisers in Hong Kong have worked hard to make happen.
“We have been greatly helped by the Government’s $1.4 billion “Incentive Scheme for Recurrent Exhibitions” (“ISRE Scheme”) launched in July 2023, designed to support the recovery of the exhibition industry by incentivising organisers to stage their recurrent exhibitions in Hong Kong.
“The survey shows that the Government’s investment is already reaping very valuable returns as organisers and visitors flock back to Hong Kong in numbers.
“Given the clear benefits it is bringing to Hong Kong’s wider economy, we do urge that the scheme continues to be funded until June 2026, as originally announced.”
This increase indicates the return of exhibitions to Hong Kong that were suspended or relocated due to Covid-19.
The 125 large-scale exhibitions – over 2,000 sqm – in 2023 represent a 30% increase from 2022, with significant growth in exhibiting companies and visitors.
The industry has successfully attracted premium high-value visitors back to Hong Kong.
## **IEG enters facility management market with new event acquisition**
**The Italian Exhibition Group has made its foray into the facility management market with the acquisition of Latin American tradeshow Expo InfraFM.**
Expo InfraFM targets facility, property and workplace management in a market with over 200,000 condominiums.
With Brazil’s trend towards large, multi-service business centers, the event provides solutions, trends and technologies for effective management.
IEG CEO Corrado Peraboni said: “Thanks to this acquisition, we are entering a market worth €70 billion in Brazil which is expected to exceed €2 trillion worldwide by 2025.
“We have ambitious plans and aim to be one of the top five exhibition organisers in the country.”
Graziano Messana, managing director of IEG in Brazil, added: “In 2023, we acquired 100% of MundoGeo, bringing together four sectors: drones, space, geolocation and eVtol.
“The event grew by 50% in the first edition under our management.
“We foresee similar high development potential for INFRA FM, also thanks to constant collaboration with its founder.”
This year the event was held on June 5 in Brazil, at the Expo Centre Norte in São Paulo.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Conferences
---
### [GITEX announces new Nigeria edition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-06-03/)
**Published:** June 3, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**GITEX has expanded its portfolio by adding a new Nigeria edition to the brand.**
The deal with Nigeria’s federal government, announced at GITEX Africa, comes after GITEX Asia was revealed to be held in Singapore. Get the full details below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**GITEX adds Nigeria edition to its portfolio**](#one)
- **[Eventprofs gear up for Global Exhibitions Day 2024](#two)**
- [**ECA hosts biggest Legislative Action day ever**](#three)
- [**Easyfairs secures investment to support growth**](#four)
ExpoPlatform has provided event tech solutions since the past few years for GITEX events. Read how our platform made **[GITEX Global 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/gitex-global-2023/)** and **[GITEX Africa 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/gitex-africa-2023/)** a success.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **GITEX adds Nigeria edition to its portfolio**
**GITEX has unveiled Nigeria as a new edition under its flagship tech showcase.**
The new portfolio addition follows closely on the heels of the announcement of the Asia event, set to take place in Singapore in April 2025.
It was revealed last week at GITEX Africa with a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the Nigerian government and KAOUN International – a subsidiary of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
> NIGERIA SET TO HOST THE WORLD'S LARGEST TECH EXPO (GITEX)
>
> In a move set to boost the country's tech sector, the Federal Government, through NITDA, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to host the world's largest technology fair, GITEX, for the first time in 2025.
>
> The… [pic.twitter.com/2QQu1zeUWJ](https://t.co/2QQu1zeUWJ)
>
> — NITDA Nigeria (@NITDANigeria) [May 30, 2024](https://twitter.com/NITDANigeria/status/1796277667731300744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice-president of DWTC, said: “GITEX NIGERIA shall be the largest in-market access event of the decade to discover Nigeria’s vast tech ecosystem.
“It ushers the global tech community to fully explore the biggest and most valuable latent opportunities in this most populous African country, with the world’s most talented generation of tech and digital youths.”
She added: “GITEX in Nigeria shall spotlight on the country’s exponential growth sectors in AI, Future Finance, Digital Health, and Startups and Scaleups.
“It will integrate the Nigerian tech ecosystem firmly into GITEX Africa and extend its reach into GITEX Global in Dubai and GITEX Europe in Berlin.”
> GITEX NIGERIA, with the National Information Technology Development Agency ([@NITDANigeria](https://twitter.com/NITDANigeria?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) of Nigeria as Strategic Partner Sponsor, shall present AI Everything, GITEX Future Finance, GITEX Health Tech/ 5.0 and North Star Startups and Scaleups.
>
> — GITEX AFRICA (@GITEXAfrica) [May 30, 2024](https://twitter.com/GITEXAfrica/status/1796216658924609547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
GITEX Nigeria is expected to be a platform for learning, networking and discovering tech advancements with the potential to shape Nigeria’s and Africa’s technological future.
## **Eventprofs gear up for Global Exhibitions Day 2024**
**Global Exhibitions Day 2024 is almost here and eventprofs around the world are buzzing with excitement to show the power of live shows.**
This year’s theme is “exhibitions are catalyst to sustainable futures” along with a green initiative to claim a tree.
> ✨? Have you claimed your tree in the GED Forest yet?
>
> ? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to celebrate [\#GED2024](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GED2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) AND contribute to a greener world!
>
> ? Claim your tree now: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiadvocacy](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiadvocacy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#GED2024](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GED2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#sustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/sustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/T9hZnmD0Yo](https://t.co/T9hZnmD0Yo)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 3, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1797584104352890979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Four key messages underpin this year’s theme:
- Exhibitions drive progress: They provide platforms to discuss, create, and showcase solutions to universal challenges.
- Exhibitions facilitate growth: They are engines of economic growth, connecting industries and creating jobs.
- Exhibitions are sustainable: They promote sustainable business and development, gathering communities and managing environmental impact.
- Exhibitions connect people: They build communities, bringing people together to connect, collaborate, and contribute.
Held annually on the first Wednesday of June, GED recognizes the global importance and impact of the exhibitions industry.
## **ECA hosts biggest Legislative Action Day ever**
**The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance has observed its most successful Legislative Action Day ever.**
The yearly event brought together over 130 industry leaders and advocates from 25 states to meet with policymakers on Capitol Hill.
This year’s Legislative Action Day centered on ECA’s key priorities: workforce development and reducing visa wait times for international exhibitors and attendees.
Vinnie Polito, ECA co-president said: “Today was the largest gathering of the industry on Capitol Hill ever. As we have seen in recent months, when our industry shows up and advocates together with one voice, we can drive policy change that positively impacts all of us going forward.”
ECA co-president Marsha Flanagan said: “From expanding access to programs that will help develop the industry’s future workforce to restoring visa interview wait times to pre-pandemic levels, ECA’s policy priorities have broad bipartisan support.
“That’s why we are calling on Congress to take action this year on these issues that will strengthen our industry’s collective ability to drive economic growth, support job creation, and empower small businesses.”
Though ECA’s 2024 Legislative Action Day has concluded, opportunities remain for industry leaders and advocates to stay engaged with key policy issues year-round.
ECA vice president Tommy Goodwin added: “Whether you are on Capitol Hill, on the show floor, or even on your phone, ECA invites you to be an advocate for the business events industry.
“Together, we can be the strong, unified advocacy voice of the industry and shape our future with policymakers nationwide.”
## **Easyfairs secures investment to support growth**
**Easyfairs has secured a significant strategic investment from Cobepa and Inflexion to support its growth objectives.**
The transaction will help the organizer in several ways:
- Accelerate its organic growth with new event launches and geo-cloning
- Expand its geographic and sector presence
- Strengthen its leadership in big data and AI
- Explore new strategic M&A opportunities
The three-way deal also includes founder Eric Everard, who will reinvest in the company. The transaction is expected to close in Q3 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
Jean-Marie Laurent Josi, CEO of Cobepa, said: “We have been following Easyfairs for a long time and are impressed by how the company has sustainably built an international leadership position based on its differentiated and customer-focused approach to event organisation.
“We are delighted to partner with the incredibly driven and talented Easyfairs team to help further accelerate its international growth journey in the years to come.”
Flor Kassai, partner at Inflexion, said: “We have tracked the growth of Easyfairs for a number of years and have been impressed by its unique tech-enabled business model together with the excellent renewal rates and high levels of customer satisfaction.
“We look forward to working with Eric as founder together with the management team and using our strong industry experience to support Easyfairs execute its ambitious growth strategy.”
Eric added: “Now is the time to write the next chapter in our history with this exciting three-way partnership.
I am thrilled to welcome Cobepa and Inflexion to be part of our success story, not least because they share our culture, values and vision, as well as bringing vast experience and expertise to the table.
The firms bring extensive event management sector experience, with Cobepa holding a net asset value of €4.7bn and Inflexion €12bn.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Saudi MICE industry to surpass $5 billion by 2031](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/saudi-mice-to-surpass-5-billion/)
**Published:** May 31, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Saudi Arabia’s MICE industry is projected to exceed $5 billion by 2031, according to a new report.**
Research by Coherence Market Insights shows the kingdom’s MICE market is valued at $2.59bn in 2024 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 11.3% during 2024-2031 to reach $5.49bn.
Our latest **Chart of the Month** studies the reasons behind this growth and why the Middle East region is expected to become the next hub of meetings and exhibitions.
↪️ Event apps have become popular among Middle East organizers to create a digitally-extended attendee experience. **Get started using the [Mobile Event App handbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/)**
## **What is propelling Saudi Arabia’s MICE growth?**
- **Expanding tourism infrastructure:** Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in new hotels, convention centers, and other tourism infrastructure to cater to the growing MICE industry. Major cities like Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam are emerging as key MICE hubs with world-class facilities.
- **Technological advancements:** The integration of modern event tech platforms is transforming MICE experiences in Saudi Arabia and enabling greater reach and engagement.
- **Diversification of the economy:** As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is focused on diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, with MICE events playing a crucial role in promoting sectors like healthcare, finance and technology.
- **Favorable regulations:** The government has introduced favorable regulations and policies to attract international MICE events, including streamlined visa processes and tax incentives for event organizers.
- **Growing domestic tourism:** Increased domestic tourism within Saudi Arabia is driving demand for MICE events, as companies seek to host meetings, conferences and incentive travel programs for their employees.
- **Emerging as a regional hub:** Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a regional hub for MICE events, leveraging its strategic location, infrastructure and government support to attract events from across the Middle East and beyond.
## **The Middle East MICE market: A flourishing hub**
The positive outlook extends beyond Saudi Arabia. The entire Middle East MICE market is witnessing rapid strides.
Dubai, for instance, has established itself as a prominent regional player, with the leading organizer Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) hosting numerous large-scale events that contribute significantly to the emirate’s economic growth.
> Looking back on the past year, [\#DubaiWorldTradeCentre](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DubaiWorldTradeCentre?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is proud to announce a groundbreaking achievement, hosting over 1.54 million attendees, with 46% being international visitors.[\#WhereSuccessShows](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhereSuccessShows?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/3ZXtFFqx5s](https://t.co/3ZXtFFqx5s)
>
> — Dubai World Trade Centre (@DWTCOfficial) [May 28, 2024](https://twitter.com/DWTCOfficial/status/1795387096141807929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
According to DWTC’s latest economic impact report, it generated **$633m in sales from large-scale events alone** in 2023.
**Key highlights include:**
- 76 large-scale events (with 2000+ attendees) generated $633m (AED2.33bn) in MICE sector sales, with nearly 8 times that in economic output. A total of 301 exhibitions were held in 2023.
- These events added $2.86bn (AED10.53bn) to Dubai’s GDP, retaining 58% of economic output locally.
- A total of 69,281 jobs were supported through these events.
- Attendee footfall clocked at 1.54m – 46% of whom were international, marking a 53% year-on-year increase in foreign attendance.
Major initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030 have been launched to diversify the local economy.
The UAE government earlier introduced VAT refunds in the exhibitions and conferences sector to enhance customer experience and stimulate technological transformation in the MICE industry.
The region is also witnessing increased bleisure travel where guests combine business trips with leisure stays. This showcases how the MICE sector influences travel behaviors and extends visitor stays in the Middle East.
## **How technology is influencing the Middle East events landscape**
The Middle East – particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE – is witnessing a surge in the use of event technology to create richer and more impactful experiences for event profs.
**WATCH** ↪️ Learn about Saudi Arabia’s growth in events and how tech is shaping its future
Here’s some key event tech solutions witnessing increasing usage in the region:
- **[Smart Event App](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/):** Attendees can access real-time schedules, speaker profiles, exhibitor information, navigate interactive maps and get all updates on their fingertips. This enhances engagement and streamlines navigation.
- **[Lead Intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/):** Event tech platforms employ lead retrieval and scoring to identify high-potential leads for exhibitors, helping accelerate the sales pipeline.
- [**AI-powered Matchmaking:**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) Intelligent AI algorithms can recommend relevant people, content and products based on attendee profiles and preferences. This facilitates valuable connections and fosters business opportunities.
- **[Hosted Buyer Programs](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/):** Event tech platforms can streamline the process for pre-qualified buyers to connect with relevant exhibitors. This ensures productive B2B interactions and maximizes the return on investment for both parties.
- **[365 Online Community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/):** 365 online communities that are ‘ever-available’ extend engagement beyond the physical event. This drives year-round communication, knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.
- **[Online Sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/):** Sponsors can leverage various within the event website and app, using banners, splash screens, premium search, special content and other features to showcase their products and brands. This generates additional revenue for the organizers, boosting event ROI.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Return to industry form ahead of IMEX Frankfurt comeback](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220530/)
**Published:** May 30, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
**It’s been a week where we’ve seen a return to form across the events industry.**
IMEX Frankfurt is being staged for the first time in three years, US B2B exhibition cancellation rates dropped below 10% for the first time since 2019 and Hyve reported first half revenues which exceeded expectations – with some shows doing better than pre-pandemic.
Other stories included this week include UFI’s announcement that ExpoPlatform is in the running for a top award, while the Events Industry Council has also given its backing to data standards scheme VSef.
## **IMEX Frankfurt returns for first time in three years**
**Eventprofs from the world over are set to descend on Frankfurt as the city gets set to host its first IMEX in three years.**
More 2,800 buyers from across the world – spanning agencies, corporates, independents and associations – will meet and do business with an international roster of suppliers between Tuesday and Thursday.
This year’s edition sees the largest ever African representation, including Rwanda, Tunisia, Uganda and South Africa, with Ethiopia using IMEX to launch its new convention bureau.
> It’s nearly IMEX time! IMEX News Central is your guide to what's happening at [\#IMEX22](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMEX22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).
>
> Check it out now:
>
> — IMEX (@IMEX\_Group) [May 19, 2022](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group/status/1527265585637228544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “So much has changed over the past three years – for the world and for our industry. Our sector hasn’t stood still though, with continued investment in infrastructure, new products, business models and services.
“I therefore encourage all buyers to catch up through both one-to-one appointments and stand presentations with the global range of exhibitors to discover how destinations, venues and more have evolved.
“It’s important to make no assumptions right now. Everything has changed and therein lies the value of this year’s IMEX. It’s the ultimate living representation of our global market – an important snapshot in time.”
ExpoPlatform will be among exhibitors from more than 90 different countries taking part in the event, staged at Messe Frankfurt.
**[Get in touch](https://imex-frankfurt.eventreference.com/modules/imex/exhibdir/details.php?id=1009486)** to arrange a time to talk about how our event tech solutions can help your business. We’ll be on Stand D750 (armed with cocktails).
## **ExpoPlatform in finals for top UFI award**
**ExpoPlatform has been chosen as a finalist for a top UFI accolade after accelerating of our industry’s technological transformation.**
The leading event platform is among three shortlisted for the Digital Innovation Award, having beaten of strong competition around the globe.
Each will be invited to present at the global exhibition association’s Grand Final ceremony in September, where the winner will be chosen.
> We are pleased to announce the finalists of the 2022 UFI Digital Innovation Award:
>
> Expoplatform (UK)
> Jaarbeurs (The Netherlands)
> Messe Munich (Germany)
>
> Congratulations to all 3, who prevailed from the entries from all over the world. The judges from the UFI Digital Innovation [pic.twitter.com/pp27v5dTni](https://t.co/pp27v5dTni)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [May 27, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1530163250469412865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The winner will receive their award and present their entry at the 89th UFI Global Congress in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, in November.
Others shortlisted in the category include Jaarbeurs and Messe München.
Want to go omnichannel in events?
Get your free consultation to find out how
[ START NOW](/request-demo/)
## **Hyve’s recovery ‘stronger than expected’**
**Hyve’s first half results have shown recovery of in-person events at a rate faster than anticipated – with some surpassing pre-pandemic levels.**
The group reported revenue of £58.6 million pounds in the six months to March 31, up from £5m during the same period in 2021.
Steps taken by the organiser in the first six months of 2022 include de-risking its portfolio with its Russian exit and strategic acquisitions enhancing omnichannel strategy.
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group , said: “Over the last six months we have, once again, had to respond to challenges outside of our control.
“Thanks to the hard work of our people around the world, not only did we successfully navigate these challenges, but we are now seeing a strong recovery and have moved significantly closer to our long-term vision, more quickly than expected.”
The group has been hit by some remaining lockdown restrictions, including the reintroduction border controls in China impacting their events.
However, Hyve said it is now entering the second half with momentum and a streamlined portfolio of omnichannel products, focused on “high-growth” industries.
It comes after the group recorded a “better-than-expected” final quarter for 2021, with success across the west driven by significant pent-up demand for in-person shows.
## **US exhibition cancellations below 10% for first time since 2019**
**US B2B exhibition cancel rates have fallen below 10% for the first time in more than two years, according to new figures.**
Cancellations were found to be at 9.2% in the first three months of this year, compared with 91.3% during the same period in 2021 and 21.9% in 2020.
The [Center for Exhibition Industry Research](http://www.ceir.org/) (CEIR) released the findings in its 2022 First Quarter Index.
Allen Shaw, CEIR economist, said: “B2B exhibitions offer opportunities for buyers to find alternative reasonable-price supplies under the current elevated inflation environment and persistence of global supply chain challenges.
“The B2B exhibition cancellation rate should decline further and the performance of completed events will continue to improve.”
## EIC gets on board with data standards scheme
**The Events Industry Council has given its backing to a data standardisation scheme aimed at helping our industry with its digital transformation.**
VSef has received support from the organisation marking a “hugely significant” moment for support for its mission to set professional standards across the industry.
It was launched in 2021 with the aim of creating a global data format which can be used to simplify the process of moving information between platforms, sales and marketing systems as well as business intelligence tools.
Amy Calvert, CEO of the EIC, said: “The global VSef initiative, founded by Explori, has focused on the area of digital event data standards, and developed a comprehensive solution on a not-for-profit basis.
“We are delighted to bring our APEX Commission and VSef together to further develop and establish these essential data standards.”
VSef has received backing from many world-leading organisers and platforms including Informa Markets, RX, Tarsus Group, Emerald Expositions, Clarion Events, ExpoPlatform and many more.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [B2B sales journey more omnichannel than ever](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/b2b-sales-journey-more-omnichannel-than-ever/)
**Published:** June 10, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
**The number of channels now used in B2B sales has doubled since 2016, figures show.**
Findings from [McKinsey & Co](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/growth-marketing-and-sales/our-insights/the-future-of-b2b-sales-is-hybrid) reveal buyers are more comfortable than ever using digital and online methods for purchasing.
They are found to use up to 10 channels as part of their buying journey – which is double the number of channels five years ago and up from seven channels in 2019.
A previous study from McKinsey shows 94% of B2B decisionmakers believe an omnichannel approach is as effective or more than before Covid-19.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**Online consumption was a custom experience well before the pandemic hit.**
The private lives of buyers saw seamless experiences through platforms like Amazon and Uber – why would they not want the same in business?
Meanwhile, the imposition of lockdown measures saw a rapid move towards digital solutions.
Buyers and sellers turned to online channels, with their popularity now expected to remain high in the future.
Want to go omnichannel in events?
Get your free consultation to find out how
[ START NOW](/request-demo/)
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**[Online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) are the perfect example of the networked business which have risen to dominate the web.**
There are a number of reasons why marketplaces are an attractive line of business:
- **Network effects**: the more users you get, the more useful/cheap your product becomes, the more users you get – Uber vs. taxis.
- **Barrier to entry**: Once they have a strong network effect, it becomes increasingly difficult to enter or replicate the marketplace – Airbnb vs. hotels. Ecoystems of users are the new source of competitive advantage and market dominance.
- **No inventory** means they are can be cheaper to operate easier to scale and easier to pivot.
For event organisers, online marketplaces come with some specific advantages:
- **Audience growth.** Your brand can become embedded into the workflows of buyers year-round by providing an essential tool for [finding and comparing products and services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), which can significantly grow your audiences.
- **Revenue growth.** Bundling recurring revenue subscriptions to a marketplace alongside exhibiting at an event is an opportunity to increase the value of exhibiting, gives suppliers more leads and ROI.
- **Brand protection**. Most importantly, having a marketplace in your portfolio presents the opportunity for forward-thinking organisers to embed themselves in the transactions between our visitors and exhibitor audiences outside the confines of an exhibition.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [B2B US ecommerce to exceed $2tn next year](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220624/)
**Published:** June 24, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
**B2B ecommerce in the US is set to hit more than $2 trillion in sales next year, according to a study.**
Findings from Forrester also show this method will make up 24% of all purchases and be worth $3tn by 2027.
It comes as other studies show an omnichannel approach is becoming increasingly popular in the business world.
Forrester estimates B2B ecommerce reached $1.7tn by the end of 2021, representing 16% of total sales in the US.
It forecasts a compound annual growth rate of 10.7% in B2B e-commerce over the next five years.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**Online consumption is now a custom experience for the majority of customers across the globe.**
The private lives of buyers see seamless experiences through platforms like Amazon and Uber – why would they not want the same in business?
We have also witness a rapid move towards digital solutions, with McKinsey & Co estimating this transformation grew by decade in the first three months of lockdown.
Buyers and sellers turned to online channels, with their popularity now expected to remain high in the future.
Want to go omnichannel in events?
Get your free consultation to find out how
[ START NOW](/request-demo/)
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**[Online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) are the perfect example of the networked business which have risen to dominate the web.**
There are a number of reasons why marketplaces are an attractive line of business:
- **Network effects**: the more users you get, the more useful/cheap your product becomes, the more users you get – Uber vs. taxis.
- **Barrier to entry**: Once they have a strong network effect, it becomes increasingly difficult to enter or replicate the marketplace – Airbnb vs. hotels. Ecoystems of users are the new source of competitive advantage and market dominance.
- **No inventory** means they are can be cheaper to operate easier to scale and easier to pivot.
For event organisers, online marketplaces come with some specific advantages:
- **Audience growth.** Your brand can become embedded into the workflows of buyers year-round by providing an essential tool for [finding and comparing products and services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), which can significantly grow your audiences.
- **Revenue growth.** Bundling recurring revenue subscriptions to a marketplace alongside exhibiting at an event is an opportunity to increase the value of exhibiting, gives suppliers more leads and ROI.
- **Brand protection**. Most importantly, having a marketplace in your portfolio presents the opportunity for forward-thinking organisers to embed themselves in the transactions between our visitors and exhibitor audiences outside the confines of an exhibition.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Events confidence surges as IMEX Frankfurt wraps up](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-05-20/)
**Published:** May 20, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Global events confidence has surged after IMEX Frankfurt wrapped up another successful showing.**
The 2024 edition attracted more than 12,000 eventprofs and hosted endless high-value business connections and meetings. That’s our top story this week.
Here are your top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**Event confidence surges as IMEX Frankfurt wraps up**](#one)
- [**UFI announces ExpoPlatform as matchmaking partner for European Conference** ](#two)
- [**ICCA joins ECA to boost industry advocacy**](#three)
- [**RX India strengthens leadership team with new hiring**](#four)
- [**Messe Dusseldorf rejoins Association of Event Venues**](#five)
ExpoPlatform is the official event tech partner of IMEX – **[read what improvements we made to power meetings and engagement at Frankfurt](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/new-tech-imex-fr-2024/)**.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Events confidence surges as IMEX Frankfurt wraps up**
**IMEX Frankfurt concluded another successful outing as the 2024 edition highlighted continuing confidence growth in the global meetings and events industry.**
Business boomed amid thousands of meetings, connections and conversations as next-gen industry leaders met and networked with their peers.
Key highlights include:
- **Market growth and deal flow:** A significant increase in exhibitor markets and thousands of qualified buyers fuelled a steady stream of requests for proposals (RFPs). This points towards a resurgent events industry built on solid foundations.
- **Over 12,000 attendees:** The show welcomed 12,000 event professionals, with over 4,000 being high-powered buyers.
- **Investing in the future:** A strong emphasis was placed on nurturing the next generation of event planners. IMEX partnered with universities to provide scholarships, mentorships and networking opportunities for young professionals.
- **Sustainability takes centre stage:** *IMEX Talking Point 2024: Impact* focused on the industry’s responsibility to create positive change. Educational sessions and initiatives addressed sustainability practices and leaving a positive legacy.
The show witnessed massive participant engagement with web and mobile solutions from ExpoPlatform, official event tech partner of IMEX.
A raft of event tech improvements were made to customize the buyer journey and make the experience more richer and flexible.
The official IMEX Events app came in for praise from exhibitors taking part in the show.
Kyle Van Alstine, senior sales account executive in Delta Air Lines, said: “I think it’s a wonderful app. It’s the one stop that you go to for all your index needs here in Frankfurt.
“All the information you need to be an executor or an attendee is on the IMEX application.
“Well, there’s two things I think helpful. One is the map. As you know, the show is quite large. So you have the map right at your fingertips to help you find your destination or your next meeting or where you might need to go meet a colleague.”
Juan Carlos Villanueva, regional director of sales Los Cabos in Amstar DMC, said: “I have used it to register my appointments, to follow up on them and send messages to the clients we’re meeting with. And I think it’s working very well.”
## **UFI announces ExpoPlatform as matchmaking partner for European Conference**
**ExpoPlatform has partnered with UFI to provide matchmaking services for the association’s upcoming UFI European Conference.**
The new matchmaking format aims to create connections aligned with the goals of eventprofs – even before the conference kicks off.
> ⚡ Get ready for a new matchmaking experience at the UFI European Conference, powered by [@ExpoPlatform\_](https://twitter.com/ExpoPlatform_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s cutting-edge technology!
>
> ? Join us on Wednesday, 12 June, at [@MesseZurich](https://twitter.com/MesseZurich?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for this exciting opportunity: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufieurope](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufieurope?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#expoplatform](https://twitter.com/hashtag/expoplatform?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Q046JGtSdC](https://t.co/Q046JGtSdC)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [May 16, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1791015804588159101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
ExpoPlatform co-founder and CEO Tanya Pinchuk said: “ExpoPlatform is thrilled to be working with UFI as the official Matchmaking Partner for the European Conference.
“This session will empower delegates to forge meaningful connections effortlessly.
“We are committed to enhancing the event experience and look forward to a successful partnership with UFI.”
Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI Regional Director Europe, said: “Matchmaking sessions are hard to perfect. Even with quality delegates, a great setting, good organisation… no shows and other eventualities often put a spanner in the works.
“So we are trying a new approach this year, and I’m very excited to see it in action – I’m hoping it will be our best matchmaking yet.”
UFI European Conference 2024 takes place between June 11 and 13 at Messe Zurich in Switzerland. **[Register for it here](https://www.ufieurope.org/)**.
## **ICCA joins ECA to boost industry advocacy**
**The International Congress and Convention Association has joined the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance to strengthen its industry advocacy efforts.**
ECA offers ICCA the chance to advocate for its members in North America and collaborate with like-minded organizations to advance industry goals and sustainability.
> ECA is thrilled to welcome [@ICCAWorld](https://twitter.com/ICCAWorld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as our newest alliance partner! Read more about it here: [pic.twitter.com/JBxilJxDww](https://t.co/JBxilJxDww)
>
> — Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (@ECAadvocacy) [May 17, 2024](https://twitter.com/ECAadvocacy/status/1791436142316802514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Hervé Sedky, chair of the ECA board of directors, said: “Whether its supporting smart decarbonization and sustainability measures or advancing policies that help advance seamless international travel and commerce, our advocacy efforts are stronger when industry leaders from around the world speak to policymakers with one voice.
“That’s why I’m thrilled to welcome ICCA and its global community of international association meetings leaders to ECA, which will strengthen ECA’s ability to tell the story of how our industry drives economic growth and societal change to the policymakers that matter.”
ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath said: “ICCA is thrilled to partner with ECA and move forward together toward the shared objectives of advocating for our industry in North America.
“This partnership promises to provide mutual support and resources to advance the goals of serving our respective members, promoting sustainability, and building a legacy that reflects our mission, vision, and values.”
ICCA strengthens ECA’s industry alliance – uniting exhibitors, organizers, suppliers and venues across the business events sector.
## **RX India strengthens leadership team with new hiring**
**RX Global has announced a new appointment to bolster its India leadership team.**
Umang Gupta will assume the role of country general manager for RX India and focus on expanding the group’s event offerings in India.
> [@RXIndia\_](https://twitter.com/RXIndia_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) welcomes Umang Gupta as the Country General Manager.
>
> We look forward to create smarter events, enhance customer businesses, and expand our remarkable events portfolio in India under Umang's leadership.
>
> Learn more here: [pic.twitter.com/AcMEWOHxPr](https://t.co/AcMEWOHxPr)
>
> — RX India (@RXIndia\_) [May 17, 2024](https://twitter.com/RXIndia_/status/1791331346872214005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Peter Kumposcht, managing director for RX India, said: “I am thrilled to welcome Umang to our team and am eager to collaborate with him as we further develop our presence in India.
“His deep understanding of RELX, combined with his knowledge of our business and ethos, will be invaluable as we aim to build upon the successes of RX in India.”
He added: “Umang’s leadership will drive our efforts to create smarter events, fostering our communities, enhancing customer businesses, and expanding our remarkable events portfolio in India.”
Umang said: “I am honoured to be a part of the RX India team and am looking forward to contributing to the next phase of growth for RX in India.”
Umang previously served as the marketing director for Elsevier in the India & South East Asia region, and before that, held the position of marketing head at GE Energy Connections.
## **Messe Dusseldorf rejoins Association of Event Venues**
**The Association of Event Venues has welcomed leading trade fair organizer Messe Düsseldorf as its latest global member.**
Kirstin Deutelmoser, director of business development at Messe Düsseldorf, said: “We are very pleased to be a member of the AEV again after some years of absence.
“The exchange with the AEV network was very enriching in the past and we will now reconnect with it for the future, representing the City of Düsseldorf and Messe Düsseldorf as an outstanding trade fair location.”
Rachel Parker, director of AEV, added: “We are thrilled Messe Düsseldorf is returning to AEV membership.
“Being a member of our association cultivates connections between venues facilitating the exchange of insights and keeping them abreast of the latest event venue management technologies, trends and best practices.
“We have grown a great deal over the past few years and we look forward to working with Messe Düsseldorf and sharing the knowledge we have to offer and welcome the expertise they bring to the association.”
Messe Düsseldorf, located in Germany, hosts 25-30 annual fairs at its 305,000m2 exhibition center with indoor (262,727m2) and outdoor (43,000m2) space.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Automation for mindfulness: cut out stress with event tech](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/automation-for-mindfulness/)
**Published:** February 24, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Tackling the growing complexity of events is a challenge – but event tech can help.**
Organizers are tasked with managing a range of details while achieving operational excellence, delivering ROI and maintaining high industry standards.
Burnout among conference and exhibition organizers is a real concern, with stress reaching its peak as deadlines loom and expectations mount.
There is pressure from multiple fronts – stakeholders who demand cost-effective delivery, to exhibitors looking for value in their investment and attendees seeking more personalized experiences.
Sustaining mental well-being requires mindful planning, such as delegating tasks or outsourcing services to minimize burnout risks.
Organizers can also build supportive community networks, strengthen communication and use available resources – including event technology – to create efficient workflows.
Janice Cardinale is founder of **[Event Minds Matter](https://www.linkedin.com/company/event-minds-matter/)**, a community where eventprofs meet to share mental health progress and solutions.
She said: “Founding a community has proven to be helpful for those individuals who suffer in silence and who want an outlet to discuss commonalities, and solutions to their struggle with stress, anxiety and burnout.
“Our communities’ mission is to build brave spaces to amplify the industry’s conversation on mental health and wellness.”
This article highlights the various ways you can increase mindfulness at your events.
You will also read how event tech can help organizers automate different tasks and reduce a lot of headaches involved in the planning and execution of live shows.
## **Need for mindfulness in events ?♂️**
The pandemic shone a spotlight on mental health and made us stay home.
It was an unusual lull that prompted us to reflect and uncover new insights on various aspects, including face-to-face meetings. Technology innovations emerged and connected through virtual meetups.
Attendees had now discovered the delights of tech-enabled experiences and when physical events returned, the expectations also shifted massively.
The bar for show design is much higher than now – attendees want personalized event journeys and touchpoints to solve specific pain points.
Organizers are now keen to meet these expectations while maximizing value within available resources.
In the quest to deliver and experience the ‘perfect’ event, there can be increased anxiety and stress.
Wellness practices are a great help to keep event participants energized during the event, while organizers can also unburden themselves by using the relevant tech.
Read more: [**How to build a 365 Community around a mental health tradeshow**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/wilfred-krenn/)
## **Mental well-being trends in events ?**
With a focus on mental well-being, more organizers are introducing activities to increase mindfulness at their shows.
These wellness trends include:
**Mindfulness sessions** Live events meditation and breathing exercises to help attendees reduce stress and anxiety. These sessions can be led by professional practitioners or integrated into other activities like yoga classes.
**Wellness lounges and care stations**: Some shows now offer wellness lounges and care stations where attendees can relax and recharge. These lounges have healthy snacks and drinks, comfortable seating and calming activities like aromatherapy.
**Digital detox zones:** Events are now introducing designated areas for attendees to unplug and take a break from screens amid rising concerns about digital consumption. These zones offer activities like board games, puzzles and books to encourage attendees to disconnect.
**Nature and outdoor activities:** More events are incorporating outdoor activities and experiences to help attendees connect with nature and get some fresh air. These can include guided hikes, outdoor yoga classes and other nature-based wellness activities.
**Healthy food options:** Many events now offer healthier food options, such as plant-based meals, locally sourced ingredients and organic snacks.
**Sustainability options:** Contributing to greener events is also a source of environmentally conscious attendees. Using biodegradable cutlery, recycled cups and gifting swag items such as seeds and saplings is a great way to make events more sustainable.
Also read: [**How ExpoPlatform is helping organizers reduce their carbon footprint by planting a tree for every booked meeting**](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)
## **How event tech automation reduces stress for organizers ?♂️**
Automation is a powerful ally in the quest for mindfulness. Event tech automation tools help simplify and streamline the event planning processes.
This allows organizers to quickly kick off events by automating processes such as sending out invites and email reminders.
It also allows them to personalize the attendee journey and make it more tailored to their preferences.
The right event technology suite can take the stress out of event planning and make the process more attuned to the mental well-being of organizers.
Here are some software tools that can help:
[**Online registration**](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)
**What it is? ?**
A customizable registration platform aimed at getting maximum attendees to your event.
**How it helps ?**
It uses a multi-step intuitive process to craft a personalized journey for attendees – which means there’s no need to personally attend to each visitor to customize their experience.
You can also send automated emails when any action is triggered or completed by the visitor.
[**Mobile event app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)
**What it is? ?**
A mobile app that gives attendees and exhibitors access to event agendas, scheduling details, AI networking options, data metrics, notifications, updates and more.
**How it helps ?**
Mobile event apps help automate a number of tasks – such as online check-ins, providing a centralized platform for communication (e.g. push notifications, alerts), agenda management, access to content hub, in-app messaging, monetization options and container app functionality to access multiple events.
[**AI-powered matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
**What it is? ?**
AI matchmaking tool that provides visitors recommendations to connect with relevant people, products and content at an event.
**How it helps ?**
Fast-tracks the networking process at events and aids decision-making. Organizers gain insights on engagement metrics and can use this data to uncover more opportunities to drive ROI.
[**Email marketing**](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/)
**What it is? ?**
A tool to create aesthetically pleasing emails using a drag-and-drop builder, create and store email templates and send automated emails.
**How it helps ?**
You can send a large number of emails and set up reminders, invitations and confirmations through automation. No need to waste precious man-hours on different email campaigns.
**[Floorplan ](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)**
**What it is? ?**
A customizable floor plan layout that uses indoor mapping and blue-dot wayfinding to help attendees navigate through the event venue.
**How it helps ?**
Using an interactive floorplan helps event visitors move from one venue location to another in the shortest time possible. Having all the information about meeting rooms, breakout areas and exhibitor booths at one place eliminates the need to invest on directional signage or employ more support staff.
? AI is the most talked about tech in marketing right now. Learn how it will shape the future of events in this **[free ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)**.
## **Conclusion**
Automation allows for tighter structures, streamlined processes and greater organizational efficiency – all of which can free up resources for other tasks.
Events are rapidly evolving and competition is getting fierce.
The outcome of successful events isn’t just improving participant experience, but also ensuring the team organizing it maintains their sense of wellbeing by addressing the associated stressors head-on.
The smartest decision sometimes is to just savor a pause and take a deep breath.
Focus on your existing resources and assess the new tools you need to help you pull off a successful show while achieving mindfulness.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Get set for 'Impact' at IMEX Frankfurt 2024](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-05-13/)
**Published:** May 13, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**IMEX Frankfurt 2024 puts ‘Impact’ at the centre stage as it opens its door this week.**
The world’s leading tradeshow promises to be a catalyst for positive and lasting change within the events industry.
IMEX Group CEO Carina Bauer previously set out how “making an impact is about taking action” – emphasizing the need for purpose-driven choices beyond hosting events. Get the full details below.
Here are the top headlines for your weekly event news updates:
- [**IMEX Frankfurt 2024 set to create ‘Impact’**](#one)
- [**Informa boosts leadership team and enhanced share buyback program**](#two)
- [**Messe Frankfurt ME names C-suite promotions, boosts presence in the US food industry**](#three)
- [**RX strengthens energy sector offerings with new acquisition**](#four)
- [**ExCeL London collaborates to reduce food-related emissions**](#five)
***↪️ A host of new tech features – provided by ExpoPlatform – will be unveiled at IMEX Frankfurt 2024. [Read about it here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/new-tech-imex-fr-2024/)***
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **IMEX Frankfurt 2024 set to create ‘impact’**
**IMEX Frankfurt is set to welcome attendees with “impact” as the focus for this year’s show.**
The idea of the theme revolves around driving positive change in the global events industry through a call for action.
ExpoPlatform is once again the official technology partner for the event – taking place between Tuesday and Thursday – with a suite of new and improved solutions to enhance experiences.
Carina previously said: “IMEX is in a unique position in the global events industry. We only run two annual trade shows and yet, because of their global market significance, our team’s visibility and experience, and our deep relationships with the sector, we’re often treated differently.
“That means people expect us to lead, to have a voice and to represent the best interests of all involved.
“I’ve learned not to take this responsibility lightly but to embrace it as an extraordinary opportunity to make a bigger, positive impact on the world.”
Some key areas to focus on were set out as a way eventprofs can continue to make positive contributions.
These included self education, supporting local organizations, improving environmental impacts, being kind and taking action.
Eventprofs are descending on the German city for the 2024 edition of the show, which is set to welcome thousands of exhibiting companies from all over the world.
The new and improved suite of digital features at IMEX Frankfurt have been designed to turbocharge a seamless experience for attendees.
Here’s a look at what’s included for 2024:
- **Template for meeting request messages –** Removes the need to repeatedly write a brand new message to each person or company.
- **Better business leads export –** Including exhibitor events, meeting ratings and meeting notes.
- **Clickable interactive floorplan –** Easier for attendees to navigate the Messe Frankfurt venue and IMEX show floor.
- **Automatic refresh in mobile app –** The mobile app will now automatically refresh every two minutes so all new meetings are synchronized and visible.
- **See My Schedule **–**** This is designed to improved visibility of your schedule to make the whole experience more flexible. [**Read more about it here**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/new-tech-imex-fr-2024/).
## **Informa boosts leadership team and enhances share buyback program**
**Informa Plc has bolstered its leadership team and raised its share buyback program in its latest market update.**
Penny Ladkin-Brand has been appointed chief executive of Taylor & Francis, bringing expertise in specialist publishing and digital growth.
Jill Dougan is the new group chief marketing officer and is tasked with increasing value from Informa’s brands, intellectual property and first-party data.
Stephen Carter, Group CEO of Informa, said: “All Informa’s businesses are performing ahead or in line with 2024 targets, delivering growth and momentum which sees us delivering at the upper end of guidance range.
“Consequently, we are increasing our 2024 share buyback program by c.50% to £500m.
“At the same time, we are strengthening our Leadership Team with key appointments, both in our Academic Markets business, as well as in the management of our Data, Brands and Intellectual Property.”
He added: “I am thrilled to see Executives of Penny and Jill’s quality and experience joining the leadership team at Informa.
“Our business is in growth, it is expanding, and we see lots of opportunities ahead.
“I am convinced they will help us get there faster and capture more of them.”
Key highlights from the trading update:
- Strong performance in the first four months of the year.
- Underlying revenue growth meets or exceeds expectations in B2B and Academic Markets.
- Strong momentum in major regions: North America, Asia, and IMEA.
- Notable B2B Market successes in various sectors: Healthcare – Arab Health, Manufacturing – IME West, Technology – LEAP, Real Estate & Construction – World of Concrete, Aviation – MRO Americas
## **Messe Frankfurt ME names C-suite promotions, boosts presence in the US food industry**
**Messe Frankfurt Middle East has made two executive promotions and partnered to expand its presence in the US food industry.**
Flyn Roberts – the new Chief Commercial Officer – will manage the commercial strategies and collaborate with stakeholders to foster business growth and streamline operations.
Ben Steinberg, who joined the organization last August, has been promoted to chief financial officer. He is tasked with guiding the company’s financial strategy for sustained growth and profitability.
CEO Ted Bloom said: “I am delighted to announce the promotions of Ben Steinberg and Flyn Roberts to the C-Suite.
“Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to our company’s mission and values.
“I have full confidence in their ability to drive our organization forward and contribute to our continued success.”
In another key development, Messe Frankfurt has collaborated with YONTEX for the US food industry market.
Starting in 2025, top organizers from the global food processing and beverage fairs will combine their expertise at the US-based EATS, a joint venture by the Food Production Solutions Association and Messe Frankfurt.
Messe Frankfurt and YONTEX’s partnership is built around their IFFA and drinktec brands and positions EATS as a future global technology leader through strategic synergies.
Iris Jeglitza-Moshage, member of the extended board of management of Messe Frankfurt, said: “This strategic alliance in North America between Messe Frankfurt and YONTEX – the joint venture between Messe München and NürnbergMesse – is unique.
“It brings together each partner’s individual strength and provides our customers with real added value through an even greater reach.
“We are also delighted that Messe Frankfurt is now further solidifying its close working relationship with US industry association FPSA through its brand IFFA – the world’s leading trade fair for technology for meat and alternative proteins.”
## **RX strengthens energy sector offerings with new acquisition**
**RX Global has boosted its energy sector portfolio by acquiring Sustainable Energy Conferences (SEC).**
SEC owns the World Hydrogen Summit and Hydrogen conferences in the Americas and Asia-Pacific, along with the Sustainable Energy Council brand.
These events target the evolving hydrogen economy, encompassing the full value chain—from production to end-use in industries and transport.
Hugh Jones, global CEO of RX, said: “This acquisition is part of our strategy to expand in the growing low carbon sector.
“Hydrogen is expected to be a large, high-growth and international sector critical to the future of decarbonising energy, industrial processes and transportation.
“The SEC portfolio is highly regarded, and RX is well-placed to leverage its impact, with these events complementing and enhancing RX’s wider offering in the energy sector. I very much look forward to working with the team.”
SEC founder Tim Clark said: “The global Hydrogen market continues to grow and revolutionize the energy world. Joining RX will allow us to grow these events by leveraging their technology platforms, global network and operational expertise. I look forward to our teams sharing their know-how and commitment to evolve our brands and products.”
## **ExCeL London collaborates to reduce food-related carbon emissions**
**ExCeL London has teamed up with a leading food sustainability data expert to minimize carbon emissions in its in-house dishes.**
The partnership between ExCeL and Foodsteps will equip the venue’s kitchen staff with UK lifecycle data to craft low-carbon recipes.
Natalie Sykes, ExCeL’s sustainability manager, said: “Food production accounts for almost a third of total global emissions, with animal-based products – in particular red meat and dairy – responsible for much of this.
“With food and drink a key element of the event industry, we want to do all we can to better inform our visitors and event organisers, and to reduce our overall emissions wherever we can.
“Foodsteps will make it easy to do that and complements our other measures which include reducing red meat on menus, and all desserts being dairy-free.”
The partnership will introduce a customer-facing Foodsteps label system, ranging from A (very low) to E (very high), to guide climate-friendly food selections for visitors and event organizers.
Kevin Watson, business director & Net Zero Lead at Levy UK+I, added: “Partnering with Foodsteps allows us to better support our clients and customers, it demonstrates why the menu is such a powerful and important ally for meaningful change.
“Focusing on better data so our chefs and operational teams are informed, empowered, and recognised for the positive impact they can have in every single service, is what we’re trying to achieve together.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Northstar agrees three-year tech deal with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/northstar-deal/)
**Published:** May 1, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Northstar Travel Group has made ExpoPlatform its event technology provider for four of its major shows.**
The three-year agreement involves The Meetings Show, Business Travel Show Europe, TravelTech Show and TEAMS Europe.
They will all now benefit from the technology provider’s market-leading solutions to enhance the value of experiences at their shows.
Jack Marczewski, Portfolio Event Director of Northstar Travel Group, said: “As the event landscape evolves, we are committed to enhancing the attendee and exhibitor experience across our portfolio.
“Partnering with ExpoPlatform allows us to integrate market-leading technology solutions into our shows, empowering participants with innovative tools and amplifying the value of their engagement.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “This collaboration illustrates our work to deliver practical solutions that enhance event engagement and streamline processes.
“We look forward to working closely with Northstar Travel Group to provide reliable, innovative technology that elevates the value of the event experience for attendees and exhibitors alike.”
The Meetings Show – taking place between June 19 and 20 at ExCeL London – is a leading UK exhibition for the events, meetings and incentives community.
It has brought together thousands of event professionals since the show launched in 2013.
ExpoPlatform is an event technology provider which operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organisers for its innovative and reliable solutions.
Key features include a smart mobile app, AI-powered matchmaking, messaging, meeting scheduling and interactive floorplan.
These digital offerings can be translated into 12 languages with high levels of accessibility across the globe.
Other ExpoPlatform solutions include registration, 365 Community, hosted buyer management and more.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Events hit as UAE records heaviest rain in 75 years](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-2024-04-22/)
**Published:** April 22, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Sweeping floods disrupted event operations as the UAE grappled with the most severe rainfall in nearly 75 years.**
The deluge led to several cancellations and postponements even as authorities acted to restore normalcy. That’s the main event story – read more about it below.
Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news updates:
- [**Events impacted as UAE hit by heaviest rains in 75 years**](#one)
- [**EIC signs new partnership to support sustainable event venues**](#two)
- [**ExCeL visitors are eco-sensitive, keen on tech and Insta-friendly content: survey** ](#three)
- [**Lori Hoinkes appointed new Manchester Central CEO**](#four)
- [**AEO launches new networking event for members**](#five)
***ExpoPlatform has introduced new powerful features to supercharge the attendee experience at IMEX Frankfurt in May. [Read all about it here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/new-tech-imex-fr-2024/)***
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Events impacted as UAE hit by heaviest rains in 75 years**
**Events were cancelled and organizers left reeling after devastating floods hit the UAE.**
Dubai was the most severely impacted as the Emirates recorded the heaviest rain in 75 years.
For instance, Middle East Energy was entirely scrapped by Informa Markets due to the adverse weather conditions.A few crypto conferences were also cancelled as flights were delayed or rescheduled and refunds issued for tickets.
It is understood several organizers in the region have had their day-to-day operations significantly affected.
Many eventprofs could not be reached for an update even as authorities scrambled to restore normalcy amid the torrential floods.
Dawoud Al Hajri, director general of Dubai Municipality, said: “Our teams have been operating non-stop, executing comprehensive strategies across all areas and coordinating closely with our strategic partners.”
> .[@rta\_dubai](https://twitter.com/rta_dubai?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@DMunicipality](https://twitter.com/DMunicipality?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) intensify field operations to restore full normalcy in the emirate following severe weather conditions. [\#Dubai](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/fQsgIYrWVo](https://t.co/fQsgIYrWVo)
>
> — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) [April 19, 2024](https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1781239802169352241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mattar Al Tayer, director general of RTA Dubai, said: “RTA has proactively developed an integrated plan to address potential weather-related disruptions. ”
Leading organizers like Dubai World Trade Centre later issued a statement announcing the resumption of operations.
> This week saw unexpected weather in Dubai, but despite challenges, DWTC is now fully operational thanks to our dedicated team. We look forward to hosting events next week, starting with Petworld Arabia on Monday at 10 am. Explore our calendar at [pic.twitter.com/nGpgyu6M6N](https://t.co/nGpgyu6M6N)
>
> — Dubai World Trade Centre (@DWTCOfficial) [April 19, 2024](https://twitter.com/DWTCOfficial/status/1781246534614389014?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
## **EIC signs new partnership to support sustainable event venues**
**The Events Industry Council (EIC) has entered a new partnership to advance and develop sustainable event venues.**
> Breaking – EIC announces new strategic partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), the global leader in sustainable venue operations. [\#sustainablevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/sustainablevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#SEPC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SEPC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#businessevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/businessevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#EventProfs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventProfs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#EIC75](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EIC75?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/KBwxqJP5JE](https://t.co/KBwxqJP5JE)
>
> — Events Industry Council (@Events\_Council) [April 15, 2024](https://twitter.com/Events_Council/status/1779901739258237042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The alliance with Oak View Group (OVG) – one of the largest in scale – enables OVG to enhance its sustainability efforts and facilitate eco-friendly events for clients and partners across its portfolio.
OVG aims to certify over 60 venues, such as Chicago’s McCormick Place and the Miami Beach Convention Center, in a phased strategy.
EIC CEO Amy Calvert said: “The partnership is grounded in our shared goals of promoting event industry excellence, advancing uniform standards of practice, and setting the highest standards for professional and personal growth for those in our industry.
“We are thrilled to work with Oak View Group to certify their convention centers to EIC’s Sustainable Events Standards. This work will benefit our industry and the countless event professionals we serve.”
Greg O’Dell, president of venue management, OVG: “Oak View Group is excited about this partnership because it provides real resources and support to our convention centers.
“These include opportunities to be recognized for their individual sustainability efforts, and professional education to equip convention centers with sustainability support.”
## **ExCeL visitors are eco-sensitive, keen on tech and Insta-friendly content: survey**
**A new study has revealed ExCeL London visitors are predominantly tech-savvy millennials and Gen Z who prioritize sustainability and prefer Instagrammable content.**
This information comes from a partnership with YouGov, a leading data analytics firm, to study the behaviors of ExCeL’s four million yearly guests.
Here are some highlights:
- Two-thirds are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products and believe electric vehicles are the future.
- Highly active on social media, many even create their own content.
- More than half stated they are frequently the initial adopters of new tech products
Jonathan Neill, partnerships director at ExCeL, said: “As the home of world-leading events, ExCeL attracts millions of visitors every year to London to attend events varying from cutting-edge technology and innovation, in-depth medical congresses, to immersive entertainment experiences.
“By working with YouGov we can become data driven and insight led, helping us to better define and engage with our audience for ourselves, our clients, and our partners.”
He added: “This year is an exciting time for ExCeL with the opening of our new 25,000sqm expansion in Q4, together with our redeveloped waterfront opening in the summer.
“As a result, we will have even more visitors through our doors, who we can deeply understand – providing great opportunities for like-minded brands to positively engage our visitors, and ultimately meet their brand and business objectives.”
ExCeL has leveraged YouGov Profiles for in-depth attendee insights.
The daily data from 17 million+ members in 49 markets provides an updated picture of visitor demographics, behaviour and attitudes.
## **Lori Hoinkes appointed new Manchester Central CEO**
**The Manchester Central Convention Centre has named Lori Hoinkes to replace outgoing CEO Shaun Hinds.**
Lori will join Manchester Central in May to enhance its international stature, seize market opportunities and strengthen its economic influence in the region.
> A new chapter ?
>
> We're thrilled to announce that Lori Hoinkes will take on the role of Manchester Central CEO in May.
>
> Lori has over fifteen years’ experience in leading strategic growth initiatives across the UK and globally, most recently as Chief Growth Officer at Montgomery… [pic.twitter.com/Z1A2f6b6Qc](https://t.co/Z1A2f6b6Qc)
>
> — Manchester Central (@mcr\_central) [April 17, 2024](https://twitter.com/mcr_central/status/1780642430045290527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Her role also includes optimizing operational performance and positioning it as a top event hub that drives Greater Manchester’s economic and cultural progress.
In addition, she will also supervise the launch of the new Junction venue, slated to open this year.
Lori said: “I am thrilled to be stepping into the position to lead Manchester Central, a venue with a storied history and a bright future.
“My immediate goal is to build on the solid foundation laid by my predecessor, ensuring a smooth transition that maintains our commitment to excellence in hosting world-class events.
“We are at a critical juncture as we look to not only continue welcoming visitors from across the globe but also to innovate and set new benchmarks for the industry.
“I am eager to work with the team, our partners, and the community to propel Manchester Central to even greater heights.”
## **AEO launches new networking event for members**
**The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) has announced a new knowledge and networking event for its members.**
‘AEO Marketing Social’ is led by Chloe Monina and Jessica Hockman, marketing directors at Professional Beauty Group and Informa Markets, respectively.
The event will take place on May 21 2024 at Informa Markets’ London office and connect nearly 50 marketing professionals from different industries.
Activities include networking and an icebreaker, followed by expert-led roundtables (10 attendees each) on key topics: AI, social media, efficiency, data management and MarTech.
Chloe said: “The marketing working group was formed just under a year ago, and I’m really pleased that one of the key objectives derived from the meeting, which was increasing members’ connections within the industry, has resulted in the launch of a face-to-face marketing event.
“The AEO Marketing Social will allow attendees to expand their network, grow their knowledge, and take actionable insight and ideas back to their teams.”
Jessica added: “After the success of the roundtables at the AEO Forums earlier this year, I am excited to see their evolvement with the AEO Marketing Social.
“This is a great opportunity for our marketing teams to build new connections and glean ideas and innovations from peers who are all striving to meet similar objectives and experiencing comparable challenges.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Global MICE Collaborative makes a comeback](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/week-in-events-2024-04-15/)
**Published:** April 15, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Leading event associations have re-introduced a key initiative amid a new landscape with “significant opportunity” for “fresh thinking”.**
The Global MICE Collaborative (GMC) – launched in 2018 – previously had to pause operations indefinitely due to the pandemic.
It has now made a comeback with a range of educational and training events for meeting professionals. Read more about it below.
Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news updates:
- [**Leading associations re-launch Global MICE Collaborative**](#one)
- [**BSI unveils updated event sustainability standards**](#two)
- [**MPI enters three-year partnership to improve event production quality**](#three)
***Being well-equipped with industry knowledge is half the job done to organise successful events. Explore our [ebooks collection](https://expoplatform.com/resources/?cards_type=e-books) to level up.***
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Leading associations re-launch Global MICE Collaborative**
**The IAEE, MPI and SITE have relaunched the Global MICE Collaborative after a lengthy hiatus due to the global pandemic.**
GMC will move forward with a keynote on Business & Event Trends at the Meetings Show in Singapore between Wednesday and Thursday.
Additionally, the MICE Fundamentals course will be held in person in Germany on May 13 – right before IMEX Frankfurt – with future event dates to be announced.
> The Global MICE Collaborative is relaunching with exciting educational courses for the MICE industry worldwide. Don't miss the keynote on Business & Event Trends at The Meetings Show, Singapore, followed by the MICE Fundamentals course in Germany. Stay tuned for more updates! [pic.twitter.com/zs1LYCQz3R](https://t.co/zs1LYCQz3R)
>
> — IAEE Headquarters (@IAEE\_HQ) [April 9, 2024](https://twitter.com/IAEE_HQ/status/1777807955322191921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The scheme was first launched in 2018 to offer a unified solution for education and training to expedite workforce growth and enhance global business event destinations.
Paul Van Deventer, CEO of MPI, said: “Over the past three years the business events industry has seen significant change in workforce composition.
“Some reports show that upwards of 60% of industry professionals are new and the average age has declined by nearly 10 years.
“This brings forth a significant opportunity for new, fresh thinking, yet also demonstrates the need for skill development.
“Our MICE Fundamentals course provides the perfect pan-industry immersion for those new individuals entering this amazing industry.
“It also provides the perfect primer for the more specialized certification programs that each of our individual associations offer – IAEE’s Certified in Exhibition Management Learning Program, MPI’s Certificate in Meeting Management and SITE’s Certified Incentive Specialist and Certified Incentive Travel Professional.”
Marsha Flanagan, CEO or IAEE, added: “The Global MICE Collaborative brings three of the industry’s best-known associations – IAEE, MPI and SITE – together to provide the global community of business events’ professionals with a best-of collaboration, initially focused on education.
“MPI brings networking, thought leadership and education for Meetings, SITE for Incentives and IAEE for Conventions and Exhibitions.
“We bring indispensable connections to our combined communities of over 110,000 MICE professionals located all over the world.”
SITE CEO Annette Gregg said: “As more and more regions, countries and cities around the globe recognize the hard dollar and soft power contribution of MICE, the demand for professionally trained business events executives is increasing.
“That’s why the leading associations in the industry have joined forces to develop the best MICE workforce in established and emerging markets worldwide.
“IAEE, MPI and SITE look forward to expanding the scope of our collaborative and to serving an industry that currently makes a USD $1.6 trillion contribution to global GDP.”
## **BSI unveils updated event sustainability standards**
**The British Standards Institution has updated its guide to make events more sustainable.**
Latest revisions aim to help organisers reduce environmental impact, improve social responsibility and consider ethical sourcing throughout the supply chain.
BSI introduced the initial framework in 2012 before the London Olympics and Paralympics in a bid to boost integration of sustainability across all event management aspects and supply chains.
> For sustainability in events management you need BS ISO 20121:2024. This revised international standard drives you to create a working culture that considers sustainability at every decision point.
> Learn more: [\#BSISO20121](https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSISO20121?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#SustainableEvents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SustainableEvents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#BSIStandards](https://twitter.com/hashtag/BSIStandards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/aMxHPHsNWG](https://t.co/aMxHPHsNWG)
>
> — BSI UK (@BSI\_UK) [April 5, 2024](https://twitter.com/BSI_UK/status/1776168168135774580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Anne Hayes, director of sectors at BSI, said: “We are at a decisive moment for the world’s sustainability journey. Partnering across society to respond is crucial.
“The events industry has a significant role to play in a number of key areas across climate change, social impact and supply chain.
“Since its launch more than a decade ago, this guidance has helped embed meaningful change in how events of all shapes and sizes are delivered.
“The latest revisions take into account industry feedback and change to drive greater levels of ambition and embed more advanced measures, in order to accelerate progress towards a fair society and a sustainable world.”
The changes introduced aim to address challenges such as climate change, supply chains as well as human and child rights in the events sector.
Some of the changes to standards include:
- **Focus on sustainable supply chain practices.**
- **Assess climate change impacts in organisational context.**
- **Extended list of issues identified and evaluated, such as human and child rights and social impacts.**
- **Include more stakeholders like partners and sponsors for engagement.**
- **Commit to reporting successes, lessons and potential legacies.**
The update also covers hybrid and virtual events, aligning with global sustainability goals like the UN’s and the Paris Agreement.
This ensures the standard remains relevant to today’s event industry demands.
## **MPI enters three-year partnership to improve event production quality**
**MPI has signed a new partnership to revamp production quality for its major events.**
The organisation teamed up with Foster+Fathom and Grit Productions & Expositions for the next three years to focus on creating innovative experiences for Global Meetings Industry Day, Chapter Leadership Summit, and MPItv.
This collaboration extends to December 2026 and merges the capabilities of the two industry leaders with the aim of enhancing event solutions through top-tier technology and creativity, raising the bar for MPI’s event production.
Drew Holmgreen, MPI chief brand officer, said: “MPI consistently seeks to align itself with partners who up our game, bringing creative and innovative solutions to our stellar portfolio.
“With Grit and Foster+Fathom now serving as long-term partners for CLS, GMID and MPItv, we are excited to explore how each of these individual offerings will continue to grow and meet our community’s needs.”
Grit managing partner Kelly Massey said: “We’ve been privileged to work with MPI on both GMID and CLS for the past several years, producing both events from the Grit Studio, and we look forward to extending that collaboration to the redesign and broadcast of MPItv.”
Foster+Fathom managing partner Steven G. Foster added: “This partnership represents what our industry is all about, passionate, creative meeting and event professionals joining forces to deliver transformative experiences and unlock endless engagement opportunities.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [Budget smarter: essential tradeshow cost guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/tradeshow-budget-guide/)
**Published:** April 12, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Tradeshows are becoming more expensive to organise. Geopolitical tensions are affecting supply chains and economic uncertainties are pushing upward pressure on inflation.**
In addition, rising venue rental costs and wage pressures are weighing down on already constrained budgets by companies demanding measurable outcomes and demonstrable ROI.
Organisers have their task cut out – manage the expectations of their stakeholders as well as deliver a delightful attendee experience, all within a certain budget.
**To make it easier, we have prepared this essential tradeshow cost guide to help you create a smart budget and achieve your goals.**
**Accelerate your digital revenue growth with the Monetisation Blueprint –> [Download now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)**
**Why Budget Smarter, Not Harder?**
Engaging in smart budgeting isn’t just about keeping costs low; it’s about optimizing the value of every dollar you spend. When you budget smarter, not harder, you’re taking control of your trade show finances and enabling your team to make informed decisions.
This savvy approach allows for clearer communication with stakeholders and a better understanding of where your money is going, which in turn leads to more effective negotiations and the potential for cost savings.
Ultimately, a smart budget is your roadmap to a successful trade show experience—one that maximizes your investment and helps your business stand out on the exhibition floor.
**Breaking Down the Trade Show Budget**
**Key Components of a Trade Show Budget**
Navigating the maze of trade show budgeting requires understanding its key components. Here’s a rundown:
1. **Booth Design and Setup Costs** – This includes everything from the exhibition stand design, construction, printing, installation, and dismantling. Making a standout booth is essential, but balancing flashy with functional gives you the best bang for your buck.
2. **Travel and Accommodation** – Airfare, hotel stays, meals, and local transportation for your staff will add up. Look for group discounts and book early to manage these costs effectively.
3. **Staffing and Training** – Beyond wages, consider the costs of specialized training and professional attire to ensure your team makes the right impression.
4. **Marketing and Promotional Materials** – High-quality brochures, giveaways, and digital campaigns are crucial for drawing attendees to your booth and ensuring they remember your brand post-show.
5. **Miscellaneous Expenses** – Utilities, carpet rental, WiFi, and other services comprise additional expenses that might not be top-of-mind but are essential for a functional booth.
By pinpointing these components, you can create a focused and transparent budget that covers all bases without any unpleasant surprises.
**Detailed Break-Down of Elements**
Understanding where your money is headed is crucial. Let’s dive deeper into each cost element of a trade show budget:
- **Rental Costs**: Securing your spot at the trade show is just the beginning. Factor in the cost of renting space along with any associated fees for prime locations.
- **Marketing**: Integrating both digital and physical marketing campaigns ensures a broad reach. Allocate for social media ads, email promotions, printed materials, and branded merchandise.
- **Staffing**: Salaries are a starting point, but also budget for overtime, per diem expenses, and possibly temporary help to keep your booth fully operational.
- **Exhibition Stands**: The cost varies according to whether you’re going for an elaborate custom design or a functional modular system. Your stand is the face of your brand; it’s crucial to get it right.
- **Logistics**: Shipping products, setting up and breaking down the booth, and storage – logistics are the backbone of your trade show presence.
- **Show Services**: Don’t overlook the need for electricity, internet, cleaning, security, and audio-visual equipment. These services keep your booth running smoothly.
- **Food and Beverage**: Keeping your team fed and hydrated is a must. Consider if you’ll also be providing refreshments for booth visitors.
- **Miscellaneous**: Always have a buffer for unexpected costs: equipment repairs, last-minute branding changes, or additional promotional opportunities that may arise.
Every dollar spent should serve a purpose toward your trade show goals, which could range from lead generation to brand awareness. By detailing these elements, you gain a clearer picture of your financial commitment.
Remember, while it’s okay to splurge on certain elements that are aligned with your goals, you must also identify areas where you can economize without sacrificing quality or impact.
**Avoiding Common Cost Pitfalls**
**Estimation Errors and How to Avoid Them**
Estimation errors can throw a wrench into your well-planned trade show budget. They stem from overly optimistic revenue projections, underestimating costs, or simply overlooking expenses. To sidestep these common blunders:
1. **Conduct Market Research**: Base your revenue projections on data. Look at past event performance, industry trends, and competitor benchmarks.
2. **Get Multiple Quotes**: Don’t settle for the first price; sourcing multiple quotes can ensure you don’t unintentionally inflate your budget.
3. **Review Historical Data**: If you’ve attended trade shows before, scrutinize your previous budgets for insights and patterns.
4. **Include Stakeholders**: Bring different perspectives to the table. Engage your sales, marketing, and finance teams in the budgeting process for a comprehensive view.
5. **Build in a Contingency**: Expect the unexpected. A portion of your budget should be reserved for unforeseen expenses, typically around 10-15%.
Account for every dollar and challenge the necessity of each expense. By doing so, you reduce the risk of estimation errors and craft a budget that is both resilient and adaptable to change.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to create a budget but to create a smart budget—one that accounts for variability and has the flexibility to adapt to real-time challenges and opportunities.
**Hidden Costs in Trade Show Planning**
Hidden costs in trade show planning are like icebergs – what’s visible is only a small part of the total expense. These can quickly capsize an unprepared budget:
1. **Drayage and Material Handling**: The costs for moving and storing your trade show materials on-site can be surprisingly high. Always check the rates beforehand.
2. **Lead Retrieval Systems**: While essential for collecting data on booth visitors, these systems can come with hefty fees. Consider investing in a solution you can use across multiple shows to streamline costs.
3. **Utilities and Maintenance**: Beyond the initial installation, there’s a continual expense for utilities like electricity and internet, plus the cost of keeping your exhibit clean and well-maintained.
4. **Wi-Fi and Internet**: Relying on the venue for internet can come at a premium. Investigate all options, including personal hotspots, as alternatives to venue-supplied services.
Avoid these pitfalls by meticulously reviewing your contract with the venue or event organizer, asking for all costs to be itemized, and reading the fine print.
By being vigilant and inquisitive, you can uncover these hidden costs and incorporate them into your budgeting strategy, safeguarding your trade show investment against unwelcome surprises.
**Strategic Cost Calculations Made Simple**
**Utilizing a Trade Show Budget Calculator**
A trade show budget calculator is an indispensable tool that brings simplicity and accuracy to your budgeting process. These calculators typically feature:
1. **Pre-defined Expense Categories**: Users can easily input expected costs across various common trade show areas, from booth design and setup to travel and accommodations.
2. **Customizable Items**: They also allow for the addition of unique expenses that may be pertinent to your specific situation.
3. **Actual vs. Estimated Costs**: Track your spending in real time as you enter actual expenses, offering a clear view of budget adherence or areas of over-spending.
4. **Reporting Features**: Generate visual reports that enable stakeholders to quickly gauge financial metrics related to the event.
By inputting your budgeted figures into such a calculator, you’ll gain immediate visibility into your potential spending and be better equipped to make decisions that align with your financial constraints.
This tech-savvy approach to budgeting can greatly reduce the likelihood of financial oversights and help ensure that your trade show experience is both successful and cost-effective.
**Calculating Your Return on Investment (ROI)**
Calculating the Return on Investment (ROI) for a trade show is essential to gauge its financial success and inform future event planning. To measure ROI:
1. **Track Direct Sales**: Record sales made directly at the event or trace them back with unique promotion codes or tracking links.
2. **Assess Lead Generation**: Evaluate the quality and quantity of leads generated and track their conversion rate into paying customers over time.
3. **Survey Attendees**: Collect qualitative data through post-event surveys to gauge attendee satisfaction and likelihood of future engagement.
4. **Measure Brand Impact**: Use social listening tools and media mentions to quantify the brand exposure gained through the event.
5. **Analyze Costs vs. Gains**: Compare the total cost of participation against the tangible financial benefits and intangible benefits such as customer relationships and brand positioning.
Utilizing advanced analytics like those in EventMobi’s Event Management Platform can be an asset. Keep in mind, ROI isn’t purely financial; measuring success includes the enhancement of client relations and educational value for your staff.
Understanding your trade show ROI allows for smarter budgeting, demonstrating if your resources are being effectively utilized to achieve business goals and ensuring stakeholders see the value of these events.
**Tips for Maximizing Your Trade Show Investment**
**Balancing Quality and Cost**
In trade show planning, balancing quality and cost is akin to walking a tightrope – requiring careful navigation to maintain equilibrium between creating an impactful presence and staying within budget. Here’s how you can achieve that balance:
- Focus on **essential design elements** that reflect your brand values; invest in high-quality materials where it counts, and economize on less impactful areas.
- Consider **renting** high-end booth components or technology instead of purchasing, balancing the wow-factor with prudent financial consideration.
- Choose **high-quality personnel** for staffing since engaging and knowledgeable staff can make a substantial difference in how your brand is perceived.
- Opt for promotional materials that are both **memorable and cost-effective**. Sometimes less is more—if the quality and message are on point.
- **Negotiate** with vendors for services like catering or A/V equipment; often, there’s room to bring costs down without compromising quality.
When it comes to trade show investments, the goal is to create an experience that resonates with attendees and drives results. By judiciously allocating funds and making strategic choices, you can put together an exhibit that captivates your audience while adhering to your budget. \[Include a quote from a seasoned exhibitor about the importance of quality in key areas\]
Remember, successful trade show participation doesn’t necessitate the biggest budget but rather the smartest spending. Careful planning, combined with creative solutions, leads to a cost-effective event that doesn’t skimp on elegance, professionalism, or brand presence.
**Prioritization: Cutting Costs Without Cutting Corners**
When funds are limited, identifying which aspects of the trade show are vital and which are flexible becomes crucial in budget planning. Here are strategies to cut costs without cutting corners and compromising the event’s success:
- **Distinguish Between Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves**: Must-haves are non-negotiables that will directly influence your event’s success, like a well-positioned booth and professional staff. Nice-to-haves could include premium giveaways or extravagant booth features, which though desirable, are not essential.
- **Invest in Multi-Use Materials**: Opt for modular booth components or technology that can be used across different events to optimize long-term investment.
- **Embrace Digital Over Physical**: Whenever possible, utilize digital brochures and materials to reduce printing costs and add interactive elements to your booth.
- **Tap Into Early-Bird Specials**: Book space, accommodations, and flights well in advance to capitalize on early discounts.
- **Engage in Sponsorship**: Find opportunities to collaborate with other companies for shared marketing ventures that can defray costs.
By making informed decisions and adjustments based on priority, you can maintain a quality trade show presence that successfully represents your brand and meets your business objectives without overstretching your budget.
Remember, the goal is to make each dollar work effectively toward the overall success of your trade show appearance while preserving the core elements that will ensure you meet your strategic objectives.
**Contingency Planning: Preparing for the Unexpected**
**Setting Aside a Contingency Fund**
Unexpected expenses are an inevitable part of any trade show, and a contingency fund serves as a financial safety net. Following the industry guideline, reserving 10-15% of your overall budget for emergencies is prudent. This cushion allows you to adapt to last-minute changes without compromising other aspects of your event planning or experiencing undue stress.
For example, if you encounter unforeseen costs such as rush fees for late graphics or equipment replacements, your contingency fund enables you to manage these without panic. This buffer is not only for emergencies but can also help capitalize on spontaneous opportunities that could amplify your trade show success.
Understand that this fund isn’t for splurges; it’s a strategic allocation to ensure flexibility and security within your trade show budgeting. \[Include an infographic on “Why a Contingency Fund Is Essential for Trade Show Planning”\]
By anticipating the unexpected and having financial reserves in place, you’re not only protecting your investment but also empowering your team to make confident, agile decisions when it matters most.
**Risk Mitigation Strategies in Trade Show Budgeting**
Risk mitigation in trade show budgeting is all about preparing for potential financial hiccups while safeguarding the return on your investment. Here are some key strategies to minimize financial risks:
- **Conduct a Risk Assessment**: Identify likely risks such as vendor cancellations, shipping delays, or technology failures. This preemptive step can guide your allocation toward necessary backups and prevent last-minute scrambles.
- **Negotiate with Vendors**: Lock in prices and services in contracts. Look for flexibility clauses that can protect you against unforeseen changes.
- **Get Insured**: Invest in trade show insurance to cover substantial losses, like damaged exhibits or liability concerns, providing peace of mind and financial backing.
- **Monitor Expenses Closely**: Use a budget tracking system to monitor spending in real-time. Quick identification of overruns allows for immediate adjustments.
- **Train Your Team**: Ensure staff are well prepared for duties and can handle minor glitches to prevent escalating into costly issues.
By adopting these risk mitigation strategies, you can maintain control of your trade show budget, minimize financial surprises, and focus on delivering a successful event. \[Include reviews or testimonials from exhibitors who successfully managed risks\]
Think of risk mitigation as not just a safety measure, but as a strategic component of your trade show blueprint—an investment in stability and a tribute to your company’s resilience and foresight.
**Tools and Techniques for Efficient Budget Tracking**
**Budget Templates and Software Solutions**
Utilizing budget templates and software solutions can significantly streamline the financial management of your trade show planning. Let’s explore some tools:
**Budget Templates**: These are pre-formatted spreadsheets designed to help you organize your expenses. Many are available for free online and within apps like Microsoft Excel.
**Software Solutions**: These might range from basic spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets to more sophisticated financial management platforms such as CendynArcaneo, FreshBooks, and Certify. These platforms can offer features like real-time budget monitoring, expense tracking, and interactive reporting.
When selecting a budgeting tool or template, consider the following:
1. **Ease of Use**: The interface should be intuitive and user-friendly.
2. **Customization**: Look for options that allow you to tailor categories and formulas to your specific trade show needs.
3. **Compatibility**: Ensure the tool easily integrates with your existing financial systems and is accessible across various devices.
4. **Analytical Features**: Having access to financial insights and forecast models can help with future trade show planning.
5. **Support**: Adequate customer support should be available in case you need assistance with the software.
By correctly deploying these budgeting tools, you can have a clearer view of your financial health at each phase of trade show preparation, allowing you to make timely and informed decisions. Remember to keep backups of your financial data and periodically review both the tools and the data for any necessary updates or adjustments.
**Effective Documentation and Financial Control**
Effective documentation is the pillar of sound financial control during trade show planning. Here’s how you can ensure meticulous documentation and maintain a firm grip on your finances:
- **Keep Detailed Records**: Document every financial transaction, contract, and correspondence. This creates a trail that can prove invaluable during reviews or disputes.
- **Review and Update Budget Constantly**: Be aware that your budget is a living document. Regularly reconcile actual expenses against projections and adjust forecasts as needed.
- **Use Cloud-Based Systems**: Adopting cloud-based financial systems allows for accessible, real-time financial management from anywhere. This can foster collaborative budgeting and oversight.
- **Engage with Financial Personnel**: If available, work with your company’s accounting or financial officer to ensure the budget format aligns with internal practices.
- **Track Budget Throughout Stages**: Do not just set and forget your budget. Actively track it during all planning stages, utilizing software like Expensify to stay on top of expenses.
\[Include an example spreadsheet or visual representation of an event budget with detailed annotations\]
By diligently applying these best practices for documentation and financial control, you ensure transparency and accountability, factors that are vital for successfully managing the economics of your trade show participation. Remember, a dollar saved through vigilance is a dollar that can be allocated to enhancing your trade show impact.
**Aligning Trade Show Costs with Business Goals**
**Setting Trade Show Objectives Aligned with Company Goals**
Aligning your trade show objectives with your overarching company goals is like setting the coordinates for a successful journey – it gives direction to your efforts and budget. Here’s how to ensure this alignment:
1. **Define Clear Objectives**: These could range from lead generation and sales targets to brand awareness and market research. Ensure that they are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
2. **Understand Company Strategy**: Grasp the wider business strategy to ascertain how the trade show can support long-term objectives, such as entering new markets or strengthening industry relationships.
3. **Communicate Across Departments**: Engage with various departments to ensure the trade show objectives resonate with broader company targets. Sales, marketing, and product development teams can provide valuable input.
4. **Reflect on Past Events**: Analyze the outcomes of past trade shows – what worked, what didn’t, and how goals were met. Use this information to refine objectives and realign them with current company goals.
5. **Measure and Adapt**: Establish a process where outcomes are measured against the set objectives post-event. Use this analysis for continuous improvement and better alignment in future events.
By meticulously establishing trade show objectives that mirror your company’s ambitions, every dollar spent is a step toward the larger business milestones. This strategic nexus ensures not just an event success but a progression towards overarching business success.
**Performance Measurement and Post-Trade Show Review**
Performance measurement and post-trade show review are critical to understanding the event’s effectiveness and inform future planning. Here’s a streamlined approach to measuring and reviewing your trade show’s performance:
1. **Set Measurable Goals**: Prior to the event, establish metrics that correspond with your objectives. These can range from the number of leads generated to the value of sales closed.
2. **Collect Data**: Utilize tools such as lead retrieval systems, surveys, and analytics to gather detailed data on attendee engagement, sales, and feedback.
3. **Analyze Results**: Post-event, thoroughly analyze the data collected. Measure outcomes against the pre-defined goals to gauge success areas and opportunities for improvement.
4. **Calculate ROI**: Determine the trade show’s financial performance by comparing the costs against direct and indirect benefits.
5. **Report Findings**: Create a detailed report that encompasses all aspects of performance. Share these insights with stakeholders to demonstrate event value and guide future investments.
6. **Plan for Improvement**: Identify any shortcomings or areas that did not deliver as expected. Use these findings to refine your strategy for future trade shows.
By systematically measuring performance and conducting a post-event review, you gain valuable insights that empower you to make data-driven decisions for the future and evolve your trade show strategy for even better results.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Eventprofs set to welcome Global Meetings Industry Day](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-08-04-2024/)
**Published:** April 8, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Successful live events are a prominent indicator of a thriving industry and economy. That’s why eventprofs get together every year to mark Global Meetings Industry Day (GMID) and shine a light on the role meetings play in supporting communities, business and local economies.**
GMID 2024 will be celebrated this year on April 11. The Meetings Professional International (MPI) is hosting a 12-hour-long broadcast featuring industry leaders – read more about it below.
Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news updates:
- [**Eventprofs gear up for GMID 2024**](#one)
- [**CloserStill Media makes key purchase to bolster cruise ship sector**](#two)
- [**Abu Dhabi unveils 2030 tourism plan**](#three)
- [**MIA names new operations director**](#four)
- [**UFI opens registration for 2024 Global Congress** ](#five)
- [**New venture debuts for tradeshow entrepreneurs**](#six)
*Building a flourishing online community is essential to bring eventprofs together and celebrate achievements. Learn how you can set up one with the **[Community Blueprint – Associations](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)** edition.* Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Eventprofs gear up for GMID 2024**
**The meetings and events industry is set to celebrate GMID – a day dedicated to showcasing the significant impact that business gatherings have on a global scale.**
> In just 1 WEEK, our industry will celebrate [\#GMID2024](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GMID2024?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)—highlighting the undeniable value in-person meetings & events bring to people, communities & the U.S. economy.
>
> Organizations across the globe are ready to show why [\#MeetingsMatter](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MeetingsMatter?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). Are you?
>
> Explore our toolkit for resources… [pic.twitter.com/Squ7xt9X4Q](https://t.co/Squ7xt9X4Q)
>
> — U.S. Travel (@USTravel) [April 4, 2024](https://twitter.com/USTravel/status/1775917434601353682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
GMID 2024 takes place on Thursday and underscores the value conferences, exhibitions, incentive travel and other meetings bring to individuals, businesses and communities.
These events bolster local economies and foster innovation, forge long-lasting connections and promote mutual respect.
**MPI to host live broadcast highlighting industry impact**
The MPI will be hosting a special 12-hour virtual broadcast for GMID 2024. Featuring industry leaders and insightful discussions, the event will explore how meetings contribute to the global economy.
**A day rooted in advocacy**
GMID has a rich history, originating as Canadian National Meetings Industry Day. After expanding to North America in 2015, it became a global initiative in 2016. U.S. Travel’s Meetings Mean Business currently leads the initiative, though numerous industry organisations participate by hosting their own GMID events. MPI has hosted the annual 12-hour broadcast since 2018.
## **CloserStill Media makes purchase to bolster cruise ship sector**
**CloserStill Media has made a new investment to strengthen its cruise ship sector vertical.**
The organiser bought a key stake in Elite Exhibitions to shore up its growing Future Transport and Infrastructure Group.
> Acquisition News: We are proud to announce our expanding Future Transport and Infrastructure group with a majority stake in UK based Elite Exhibitions.
>
> Read more:
> Elite Exhibitions: [pic.twitter.com/aDZHHTh5pT](https://t.co/aDZHHTh5pT)
>
> — CloserStill Media (@CloserStill1) [April 4, 2024](https://twitter.com/CloserStill1/status/1775858584934396172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Co-founders Toby Walters and Sam Murray will remain as respective CEO and commercial director of the 30-member team based in Brighton, UK.
Toby said: “We are truly excited to be partnering with CloserStill Media – a company who share our passion for launching new products whilst taking a thoughtful approach to growing events.
“Sam and I have worked extremely hard to build a company that prides itself on an engaging and entrepreneurial culture; having observed CloserStill for some time it was clear that they were the perfect fit for Elite.
“This partnership will provide both our team and our business the ability to pursue new opportunities whilst accelerating our growth.”
Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, added: “We are very pleased to welcome Toby, Sam and the Elite team into the Group.
“Elite is a dynamic, fast-growing business and the cruise ship sector is an attractive sector and is complementary to several of our existing shows in the transportation sector as well as broader design and built environment space.
“Toby and Sam are creative, talented leaders who have built a unique culture with their dynamic team and we are excited about what the partnership will bring to the expanded CloserStill group.”
Elite Exhibitions runs the CSI expo, a premier event for cruise ship design and construction, held annually in London and Miami since 2019.
This foray into cruise shipping aligns with CloserStill’s existing events (automotive interiors) and Influence Group (built environment design) in both Europe and North America.
## **Abu Dhabi unveils 2030 tourism plan**
**Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince has greenlit an ambitious tourism plan, dubbed Tourism Strategy 2030 for the region.**
An initiative of the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi, the plan marks a major push for growth and development in the emirate’s tourism sector.
> The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi's transformative journey. [pic.twitter.com/3uPNOW0fAV](https://t.co/3uPNOW0fAV)
>
> — Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (@dctabudhabi) [April 3, 2024](https://twitter.com/dctabudhabi/status/1775510931713433806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Highlights of the plan ??
- Aim to increase visitor numbers from 24 million (2023) to 39.3 million by 2030, targeting a 7% annual growth.
- Boost tourism’s GDP contribution from AED49 billion (2023) to AED90 billion by 2030.
- Create 178,000 new jobs in tourism by 2030 due to infrastructure expansion.
- Aim to nearly double international overnight visitors to 7.2 million by 2030.
- Increase hotel room inventory from 34,000 (2023) to 52,000 by 2030.
- Enhance the holiday home sector to provide more diverse lodging options.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Tourism Strategy 2030 marks a pivotal moment in Abu Dhabi’s transformative journey, representing a vital lever in our ongoing evolution.
“Delivered alongside our key partners, the strategy underscores our steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable growth and strategic development in the travel and tourism sector.
“Through carefully crafted initiatives that will unlock economic opportunities, amplify our distinctive culture and enhance the emirate’s value proposition, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant and prosperous future that transcends generations.”
To fulfill the strategy’s objectives, Abu Dhabi will focus on 26 critical initiatives within four strategic areas: Product and City Activation; Promotion and Marketing; Infrastructure and Mobility; as well as Visa, Licensing, and Regulation.
These areas are crucial to achieving the emirate’s tourism goals and ensuring sustainable industry development.
DCT Abu Dhabi will collaborate with government departments and private partners to bring the vision to life.
## **MIA names new operations director**
**The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has promoted Katie Cotton as its new operations director, a freshly established role.**
This move aims to sustain member benefits amid the organisation’s ongoing expansion and evolution.
Kerrin MacPhie, CEO of the mia, said: “We are delighted that Katie has stepped up to take on the operations director role.
“The promotion recognises both her experience and commitment to the mia over the past 16 years, and her passion for the wider business meetings and events sector.
“She has a proven track record of managing, growing and supporting mia’s membership.
“During what has been a challenging period for the industry over the past few years, her steadfast care and support of members has made her a valued and well-respected member of the team.”
Katie joined mia in 2008 and has gained considerable expertise in the organisation’s membership, accreditation and assessments.
Her experience in assessing member requirements will be a key factor in her new role, where she will guide the mia through transformative shifts to maintain its reputation for value and credibility.
## **UFI opens registration for 2024 Global Congress**
**Registrations are now open for the 91st UFI Global Congress, taking place in Germany this November.**
Koelnmesse’s new Confex Centre, featuring 22 conference rooms and a versatile Confex hall, will host this year’s event.
The venue in Cologne can accommodate over 6,000 attendees with room for innovative formats.
UFI president Geoff Dickinson said: “UFI’s Global Congresses are pivotal gatherings for our industry where we take the pulse of our industry with colleagues from around the world.
“This year’s edition in Cologne will offer opportunities to connect and learn that are second to none, and I very much look forward to navigating the industry’s future alongside you all in November.”
Gerald Böse, CEO of Koelnmesse, added: “With the opening of the future-oriented Confex, Koelnmesse is also celebrating an important anniversary this year.
“We have been bringing people and markets together in Cologne for 100 years now.
“Even established trade fairs and modern trade fair grounds require constant renewal.
“It is, therefore, a true honour to welcome the professionals of our industry to Cologne. We look forward to the exchange and inspiring talks.”
Register for the congress **[here](https://www.uficongress.org/)**.
## **New venture debuts for tradeshow entrepreneurs**
**A new initiative has been unveiled to support and grow startups in the tradeshows and events industry.**
On Deck Ventures, launched by Greg Topalian, is taking off with key partnerships of the Fora Group and Yotta – a new data industry event.
Greg, who is also Clarion Events North America chairman, said: “I am thrilled to announce the launch of On Deck Ventures.
“This venture fills a void of supporting entrepreneurs with both needed investment and advice and guidance.
“I have been in their shoes and know how challenging but rewarding the process can be.”
He added: “I am excited about the opportunities ahead for On Deck Ventures and the impact we can make within the events industry.
“The combination of my work with Clarion and with these early-stage business provides an opportunity to redefine industry standards, foster innovation, and unlock unparalleled potential.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [ExpoPlatform partners DLG as event tech provider](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/expoplatform-partners-dlg-as-event-tech-provider/)
**Published:** March 26, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has entered a partnership as technology provider for DLG – organizer of AGRITECHNICA and EuroTier – to provide attendees with a “second-to-none” networking experience.**
The agreement with the international agricultural and food industries organizer starts with two events in 2024 – including EuroTier, the leading international trade fair for professional animal farming and livestock management.
ExpoPlatform will provide its market-leading solution to the events of the [DLG](https://www.dlg.org/en/) – the German Agricultural Society – which will support attendees with a second-to-none digitally-enhanced experience.
Ines Rathke, project manager of EuroTier, said: “We are excited to offer our exhibitors and visitors a new and improved solution to connect and reach their goals even more efficiently than ever before.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “This collaboration will see us work together to enhance networking, engagement and innovation in these vital sectors.
“Together with DLG, we’ve planted the seeds to deliver valuable experiences for exhibitors and attendees alike.”
DLG, a non-profit society, promotes progress and knowledge-sharing in the agricultural sector worldwide, supporting international farmers in their decision-making on farm techniques and equipment choice.
Working with thousands of experts from all over the world to make optimal information available to farmers about future-oriented solutions to tackle the challenges of the future, the DLG houses a department of livestock and crop professionals, a 600-hectar farm conducting crop trials and Europe’s largest machinery test center.
DLG offers more than 50 international exhibitions and a range of events covering crop production, animal husbandry, agricultural and forestry technology, energy supply and food technology.
AGRITECHNICA, another of its major shows, is the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery – attracting 470,000 visitors from 149 countries at its last outing.
The next edition is due to take place in November 2025 and will also benefit from ExpoPlatform solutions.
ExpoPlatform is an event technology provider which operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers for its innovative and reliable solutions.
Key features include a smart mobile app, AI-powered matchmaking, messaging, meeting scheduling, interactive floorplan and a lead retrieval solution which increases exhibitor ROI by 250%.
These digital offerings can be translated into 12 languages – including German and English – with high levels of accessibility across the globe.
Other ExpoPlatform solutions include registration, 365 Community, hosted buyer management and more.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Eventprofs must 'innovate and delight' to tackle cost hikes](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/greg-topalian/)
**Published:** March 20, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Creating innovative experiences to “delight” attendees is key to tackling surging costs faced by organizers, according to an industry leader.**
Greg Topalian has recently become the chairman of Clarion Events North America, having been CEO of the division for six years.
One of the biggest challenges he sees facing the industry right now is the surge in traditional event expenses, which he believes can be fought with a renewed focus on attendee experiences which are becoming increasingly important.
He told ExpoPlatform: “Don’t get me wrong, I am interested in revenue growth and profit growth.
“But I’m just as interested in what are the concepts that are going to make this show new, fresh, exciting and one that everyone’s going to notice.
“You want people to walk in and hear sounds and noises, have experiences and take selfies with things that they haven’t done before.
“Part of it is you’ve got to know your market. Really know your customers – and by customers I largely mean attendees – what they think is cool and then deliver it for them.”
Greg used an example of “puppy lounges” which can be introduced to a wide range of events serving different markets.
These built-out areas – which can also be sponsored – are done in collaboration with rescue centers to give attendees the opportunity to meet with the dogs to add a different element to their show experience.
He said: “What you see is a senior executive from the energy industry sitting on the floor more delighted than they could ever be in a conference session – with a puppy licking their face..
“That’s one of those things that you can transfer to other shows.”
Greg pointed to his experience working at Comic-Con, the premier event for all things comics and related popular art, as an example of how serving attendees is of utmost importance.
He said: “What I learned in that market – which I love – is if you delight these people, if you have stuff they can’t get anywhere else, if you have celebrities and products and experiences and a community and they love it, they will line up for it.
“They will buy it early, they will pay more for it – they will pay more for a better experience, a more elevated experience.
“Just keep improving the product and they will love you.”
A lot of Clarion Events North America’s had previously taken about 90% of its money from booths, according to Greg.
But more of that now comes from ticket sales from attendees who are paying for a top-tier event.
He added: “I’m seeing if you really delight your audience, they will pay for a full on conference experience, they will pay for including networking events.”
UFI’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer research shows the state of the US economy was the most important business challenge for exhibition organizers in the nation, with 19% choosing it.
A further 17% chose chose global economic developments as the toughest issue they face.
> ? Barometer Insights #4: In board rooms worldwide, exhibition industry leaders are focused on economic developments and geopolitical challenges, competition within the industry…
>
> ? Continue reading: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufievents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufievents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/qUpMpTNEfZ](https://t.co/qUpMpTNEfZ)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [March 20, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1770373894068740606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Addressing challenges such as rising costs and changing consumer expectations, Greg emphasized collaboration and innovation as key strategies for success.
The need for transparent communication with partners and suppliers was highlighted to identify cost drivers and explore alternative solutions.
But Greg also envisions a shift towards unconventional spaces with “bold people” trying to develop a different format to improve offerings and cut expenditure.
He said: “The biggest problem I’m seeing is costs are getting out of control. I believe the direction of business needs to be more investing in experience.
“All of a sudden you’ve got a show that’s growing but your cost basis is going up 20%.
“That’s a real challenge right now – how do you embrace experience, but at what cost?
“And where are you going because the premier cities are getting more expensive, more likely than if you’re in a second tier city. So that’s challenging.”
Emphasis was placed on the potential for unique locations to enhance the event experience while controlling those costs.
Greg added: “I think you’re going to see some bold people saying ‘I don’t want to be in these types of venues anymore. I’m going to move somewhere where it’s a combination of outdoor and indoor’.
“In the same way if you think about the festivalization of our industry, that’s a real thing – and it’s a great thing, by the way.
“You could see people saying ‘I am just not going to get stuck in a convention center. I’m going to move this to a multipurpose type environment and I think I can pull off an amazing experience doing that’
“But that’s going to be bold people. I’m looking forward to meeting who that is.
“You may also see organizers that say ‘my show is a big enough deal that I believe wherever I run the event I think my industry will follow me’.”
Greg is a seasoned figure in the events industry, having cut his teeth and climbed the ladder at RX – formerly Reed Exhibitions – before launching his own company LeftField Media in 2014.
The company was bought over by Clarion Events which led to him becoming CEO of the North America division.
Greg brought with him a mindset which has spearheaded significant growth in Clarion Events North America, nurturing a culture of innovation and excellence.
He said: “Clarion has always had an entrepreneurial approach. These are kind of my people.
“It was an easy cultural fit for me and they didn’t push back at all at my desire to grow and innovate. They were like ‘I love what you’re doing’.”
His new position as chairman also allows him to work on projects outside of Clarion Events, something which he is approaching with enthusiasm.
This is especially apparent when it comes to the opportunity to work with entrepreneurs who may be at the budding stage of getting new businesses off the ground.
Greg set out how he is interested in working with people he finds stimulating – even if their business is losing “half a million dollars”.
He said: “I love entrepreneurs. I like being one. But I have gotten so much out of my relationship starting at Reed where I acquired businesses from smart people.
“Rather than try to smash them into a big organization, I tried to let them flourish.”
Greg added: “I’m interested in the person – if I meet somebody and I think they are brilliant and know their market and are doing things I’ve not thought of, I don’t care if they’re losing half a million dollars. I want to be involved with that project.
“Because it will make money – that is one of the biggest things that I learned over the years.”
Greg believes this is because entrepreneurs tend to have the right mindset – thinking about a strategy which will create profit, without profit being the driver of that strategy.
He explained how a company becomes successful due to this way of thinking from leadership, with a laser focus on their markets and how something new can be created for them.
Now, Greg believes he can play a crucial role in helping entrepreneurs to progress without unnecessary mistakes.
He said: “Where I can help is I can show you how to do this better. I can show you how to do this faster. I can talk to you about what a team should look like.
“I can cut off years of hard learning. Why? Because unfortunately I have enormous amounts of scar tissue from failed launches and stupid ideas that I chased.
“I will focus on advising and also investment. I have always felt a connection to entrepreneurs, I have been in their shoes.
“If I can kind of throw a proverbial arm around them and speed up their process and avoid some mistakes – that’s something I get a lot of enjoyment out of.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [DWTC records 25% jump in visitors](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-03-18/)
**Published:** March 18, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**A record 2.47 million attendees flocked to Dubai World Trade Centre events in 2023, marking a 25% jump from the previous year.**
The organiser’s annual report reveals figures which underscore its support for Dubai’s global business and trade prominence. Get the complete details below.
Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news updates:
- [**DWTC visitor numbers surge 25% to 2.47m**](#one)
- [**ExCeL London boosts leadership with new venue operations director**](#two)
- [**UFI 2025 APAC conference to be hosted in Melbourne**](#three)
- [**Messe Basel and Zurich get new director of guest events**](#four)
*Maximising your event’s visibility is the first step to getting more attendees through the door. Learn how to amplify your show’s reach with our **[insider’s guide to event marketing](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)**.*
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **DWTC visitor numbers surge 25% to 2.47m**
**DWTC saw a 25% increase in visitors to 2.47 million in 2023, according to new figures.**
The venue’s flagship event GITEX Global 2023 – dubbed the “world’s largest tech showcase” – welcomed more than 245,000 attendees and over 7,200 exhibitors.
> We’re proud to announce our 2023 annual results, offering an insight into [\#DubaiWorldTradeCentre](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DubaiWorldTradeCentre?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)’s role in Dubai’s unprecedented economic growth. Read more here: [pic.twitter.com/s7mNModWi7](https://t.co/s7mNModWi7)
>
> — Dubai World Trade Centre (@DWTCOfficial) [March 14, 2024](https://twitter.com/DWTCOfficial/status/1768219734263177603?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of DWTC Authority, said: “DWTC’s increasingly diverse exhibitions and events portfolio, along with its allied businesses, continue to go from strength to strength.
“Our results underscore the robust dynamics of the emirate’s thriving economy and strategic focus on key industry sectors, reinforcing Dubai’s leading status as a global hub for knowledge, innovation and business.”
He added: “The past year has been shaped by extraordinary momentum across the entire business and trade ecosystem, with DWTC emerging as a catalyst for agenda-shaping discussions and actionable agreements.
“Culminated by successful hosting of COP28, Dubai remains a frontrunner in the global events and exhibitions landscape, supported by DWTC’s leading role on the international stage in alignment with the government’s 2033 strategic economic goals.”
Here are the highlights from the organiser’s annual results:
- A 23% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in MICE, business and consumer events (total 301).
- Exhibitions and conferences (107 events) drove attendee growth by 33% y-o-y to 1.56m attendees.
- International attendees surged 60% yearly to more than 722,000.
- The events boasted a record-breaking 45% jump in the participation of exhibiting companies to total 53,789.
- International exhibiting companies reached an all-time high of 78% (41,864), showcasing DWTC’s global reach.
**ExpoPlatform was the official event tech provider for GITEX GLOBAL – [talk to our event expert](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to learn how we helped DWTC.**
## **ExCeL London boosts leadership with new venue operations director**
**ExCeL London has beefed up its venue operations with a new addition to its leadership team.**
Events industry veteran Kerrie Kemp joins as Director of Venue Operations to sharpen ExCeL’s operational readiness ahead of its scheduled 25,000 square metre expansion completion in late October.
> LATEST NEWS: Delighted to welcome Kerrie Kemp to the [\#ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) team as our newly appointed Director of Venue Operations.
>
> Read more: [\#EventsIndustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventsIndustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#EventProfs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventProfs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Jy3vVKAoKn](https://t.co/Jy3vVKAoKn)
>
> — ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) [March 14, 2024](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1768244475568988442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
At ExCeL, Kerrie primary responsibilities include overseeing daily operations, driving process improvements and managing Event Management, Traffic, Parking and Cleaning & Waste teams.
ExCeL’s COO Roger Hooker said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kerrie to our operations team, leadership team and the wider ExCeL family.
“2024 is set to be a game changer for ExCeL with the opening of our major expansion programme, our new waterfront development and, of course, our usual packed schedule of world-class events.
“Kerrie’s experience and knowledge will prove invaluable in delivering these, as well as to utilise her organiser insight to ensure we continue to deliver the very best experience for our clients.”
With over two decades in the events industry, Kerrie has executed major events globally for top organisers like UBM and Informa, where she notably managed the Better Stands project to minimise disposable stands.
Her experience spans B2B, B2C and includes roles within the UK, Europe and MENA regions.
## **UFI 2025 APAC Conference to be hosted in Melbourne**
**UFI has announced its 2025 Asia-Pacific Conference will be held in Australia.**
The event in February will be hosted by the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and supported by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB).
It will follow the Asia-Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME). In the same week, the country’s leading industry Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) will also convene at the MCEC.
UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf said: **“**We are thrilled to be bringing this flagship event to Australia for the first time, and look forward to connecting the Australian expo professionals with their international peers in the thriving city of Melbourne.
“By bundling AIME, UFI, and ABEA activities within one week, we will create an international industry hot spot, and a not to be missed opportunity for everyone in the sector to come together to network, learn, and do business.”
MCEC chief executive Natalie O’Brien added: “As the premier event destination in the region, we’re thrilled to be the principal partner for the 2025 UFI Asia Pacific Conference at MCEC during what will now be a momentous week for the business events industry in the Asia Pacific region.
“Coordinating these three events to be held in the same week and in the same location is an incredible outcome achieved through outstanding collaboration and partnership.
“I thank the teams at UFI, MCB, AIME, and ABEA for their cooperation and commitment to making this happen.”
## **Messe Basel and Zurich gets new director of guest events**
**Christian Ortlepp has been appointed as the new director of guest events for Messe and Congress Center Basel and Messe Zürich.**
In his new role, Christian is tasked with the responsibility of expanding the offerings at both Basel and Zurich locations.
He replaces Jonas Scharf, who is the new COO of the Exhibitions & Events division.
Scharf’s new position includes leading the Technical Office, Building & Operations team.
He will also oversee quality management and technical services to enhance the service offerings and upgrade MCH Group’s Swiss infrastructure.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [What Europe's AI Act could mean for eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/eu-ai-act-mar24/)
**Published:** March 14, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The European Union is on the brink of introducing a world-first legal framework for AI, with potential consequences for event organizers.**
New legislation – the Artificial Intelligence Act – has been endorsed by MEPs with 523 votes in favour, 46 against and 49 abstentions.
It is aimed at mitigating risks associated with AI while fostering innovation, but could carry significant implications for event organizers worldwide.
Dragos Tudorache MEP, co-leader of the draft negotiations, said: “The AI Act has nudged the future of AI in a human-centric direction, in a direction where humans are in control of the technology and where it — the technology — helps us leverage new discoveries, economic growth, societal progress and unlock human potential.
“The AI act is not the end of the journey but the starting point for new governance built around technology.”
## **What’s behind the Act?**
**This Act aims to safeguard fundamental rights and democratic principles.**
Creators of the law emphasized the importance of prioritizing ethical AI development and usage, aiming to create a governance model that serves the best interests of humanity.
Nations such as China and the United States have already introduced their own AI regulations, but the EU’s Act stands out as a trailblazer.
Its comprehensive scope and binding requirements make it a world-first of its kind, setting a new standard for governance on a global scale.
## **How could the AI Act impact eventprofs?**
**Central to the AI Act is one concept – the higher the risk, the stricter the rules.**
Applications that involve a clear risk to fundamental rights will be completely shut down – including biometric categorisation systems based on sensitive characteristics.
Generative AI tools – such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT – will also face provisions to tackle risks posed by the systems underpinning them. Here’s a closer look at what the rules might mean for eventprofs:
**Privacy Protection**
- AI applications like emotion recognition in workplaces and social scoring will be banned. This could impact efforts to categorise the seniority of attendees or gain insights into engagement at your events.
- Facial recognition systems must be targeted and consent-based, banning untargeted scraping from the internet or CCTV footage to create databases.
**Transparency Mandate**
- General-purpose AI systems are required to comply with EU copyright law and provide detailed summaries of training data.
- Transparency ensures accountability and builds trust with attendees.
**Deepfake Labelling**
- Artificial or manipulated content must be clearly labelled – preventing deceptive use of audio, video or images.
**Regulatory Support for Start-ups**
- Regulatory sandboxes and real-world testing environments will facilitate the development of innovative AI by SMEs and start-ups.
- This support should encourage creativity and fosters growth in the event tech industry.
**Balancing Innovation with Ethics**
- The Act aims to strike a balance between innovation and fundamental rights, boosting innovation while safeguarding privacy and democratic principles.
- It means event organizers can embrace cutting-edge AI technology with confidence, knowing that ethical standards are upheld.
## What’s next for the AI Act?
**The AI Act is expected to become law by May or June, pending final formalities and approval from EU member countries.**
Provisions will be implemented gradually, with countries required to ban prohibited systems six months after the law’s enactment.
By mid-2026, the full set of regulations – including those for high-risk AI systems – are set to be in effect.
Each EU country will establish its own watchdog to handle complaints regarding potential violations.
Brussels will also create an AI Office tasked with enforcing and supervising the law for general-purpose AI systems.
Any violations of the Act could lead to significant fines, with penalties reaching up to €35 million or 7% of a company’s global revenue.
Event organizers are advised to stay informed about the regulations outlined in the AI Act to ensure compliance with the law.
Understanding the timeline and enforcement measures means organizers can navigate the evolving landscape of AI-powered events responsibly and mitigate potential risks associated with non-compliance.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Informa smashes targets as revenue tops £3bn](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-03-11/)
**Published:** March 11, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa has surpassed its 2023 targets with underlying revenue growth of 30% to exceed £3 billion.**
The industry group also revised upward its 2024 revenue and profit outlook on strong business growth and brand expansion in IMEA (India, Middle East & Africa). Read more about it below.
Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news updates:
- [**Informa smashes targets as revenue tops £3bn**](#one)
- [**UFI APAC Conference attracts 300 MICE leaders**](#two)
- [**Messe Frankfurt Middle East names new CEO**](#three)
- [**ExpoPlatform appoints Cosmoprof veteran as event tech strategist**](#four)
*Digital tools play a key role in improving event revenue and profitability. [Read how these tools will influence the meetings and events landscape in 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/).*
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Informa smashes targets as revenue tops £3bn**
**Informa recorded a 30% jump in underlying revenue growth to top £3bn in 2023.**
The leading publishing and exhibitions group also reported a whopping 59% boost in adjusted operating profit to cross £850 million.
Its robust performance mirrors the buoyant outlook among eventprofs, prompting an upward revision of the annual forecast for 2024.
> Today we are announcing our 2023 Full Year Results, outlining a strong performance last year and continuing momentum and growth in 2024.
>
> Read our full press release here: [\#informa](https://twitter.com/hashtag/informa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#lifeatinforma](https://twitter.com/hashtag/lifeatinforma?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/OXXpLdaa9t](https://t.co/OXXpLdaa9t)
>
> — Informa Plc (@InformaPLC) [March 8, 2024](https://twitter.com/InformaPLC/status/1766005064273928427?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Here are the highlights from its full-year results for 2023:
- **Revenue and profit soar:** 2023 revenue jumped to £3.2bn (up from £2.3bn in 2022), with adjusted operating profit reaching £853.8m (up from £496.3m).
- **Strong business growth:** Underlying revenue grew 30.4% and adjusted operating profit surged 59.1% in 2023, driven by both B2B and Academic Markets.
- **Expanding margins:** Adjusted operating margin rose to 26.8% (from 21.9% in 2022) due to strong revenue growth, cost efficiency and plans for further margin increase in 2024.
- **Earnings per share up sharply:** Adjusted earnings per share rose 86% to 45.3p, reflecting strong earnings growth and the share buyback programme.
- **Statutory performance improves:** Statutory revenue, operating profit and diluted EPS all increased significantly in 2023.
- **Solid financial position:** Strong cash flow and strategic capital allocation resulted in a year-end leverage ratio of 1.4x, despite significant capital expenditure and share buybacks.
Group CEO Stephen Carter said: ”Informa’s final results confirm further outperformance in 2023 and continuing momentum and growth in 2024.
”Strong growth in IMEA, (India, Middle East & Africa), which is emerging as a material geographic growth engine alongside the Americas, China, ASEAN, and Europe, leads to updated 2024 guidance.
“We are expanding our platform in B2B Digital Services through the proposed combination with TechTarget.
“And we are delivering further strong shareholder returns in 2024, including continuing dividend growth and a minimum of £340m of in-year share buybacks.”
Building on a record 2023, the Informa secured over £500mn in revenue in Q1 24 and raised its 2024 guidance to £3.45bn-£3.5bn revenue, £950mn-£970mn operating profit and £720m+ free cash flow.
## **UFI APAC Conference attracts 300 MICE leaders**
**UFI’s Asia-Pacific Conference 2024 saw 300 leaders from the events industry gather in Macao.**
It was the second time the event was held in the Chinese city after 2008, with eventprofs visiting from mainland China, Europe and ASEAN countries.
The two-day event showcased the MICE capabilities and investment potential of Macao, which has 11 UFI-accredited exhibitions in areas such as tourism, commerce, environmental protection, automobiles, yachts and aviation.
The conference featured expert panels and leader summits on the impact and trends in technology, sustainability, AI and evolution in events.
There were also cultural and sports activities infused with a local flavour.
Pyotr Bakash, ExpoPlatform’s regional director of MEAA, was at the event to meet and network with industry peers.
## **Messe Frankfurt Middle East names new CEO**
**Messe Frankfurt Middle East has promoted its current managing director Ted Bloom as its new CEO.**
He replaces outgoing CEO Simon Meller, who has stepped down to dedicate more time with his family.
Ted said: “It had been incredible to work closely with Simon the past two years.
“I am incredibly thankful for his leadership and mentorship and wish him the best for the next chapter.”
He added: “As the exhibition industry in the Middle East continues to thrive, driven by significant demand from exhibitors and attracting record numbers of visitors, I look forward to working with the talented team to achieve even greater milestones in the future.
“I am confident that the company’s portfolio of business-to-business exhibitions will continue to provide platforms for connection across the region.”
Ted has an experience of three decades in exhibitions and joined MFME in 2022 as Chief Operating Officer.
He was promoted to managing director in 2023 and assumed the role of interim CEO for most of 2023, guiding the company’s expansion across the Middle East with flagship events like Automechanika, Beautyworld and Intersec.
## **ExpoPlatform appoints Cosmoprof veteran as event tech strategist**
**ExpoPlatform has expanded its leadership team by hiring an event technology strategist.**
Valentina Anastasio joins the new role after nearly a decade-long tenure at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna.
She will pioneer strategy enhancement for the tech firm’s clientele from Italy and bolster client success – adding to the senior team’s extensive event organisation experience.
Her hiring aligns with the ExpoPlatform’s commitment to deliver successful market-leading tools for event organisers.
Valentina said: “I am delighted to join the team and eager to embark on this journey of innovation with such a forward-thinking company.
“I can’t wait to leverage my expertise as an organizer to shape the future of event technology and create unforgettable experiences for our clients.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [New event tech strategist appointed](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/valentina-anastasio/)
**Published:** March 6, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has appointed an event technology strategist as it continues to grow its expert industry-experienced leadership team.**
Valentina Anastasio, based in Italy, takes on the new role having previously worked at Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna for almost 10 years.
The appointment will see her spearhead strategy development to improve the success of the technology provider’s customers, joining a senior team which already has decades of combined experience working as event organizers.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO and co-founder of ExpoPlatform, said: “We are thrilled to announce Valentina as our event technology strategist. Valentina’s extensive experience will drive our company’s innovation to make our offerings better than ever for clients.
“We are ready to continue developing the way events are planned and executed to ensure unforgettable experiences for our clients and their participants. Warm welcome to the team, Valentina!”
Valentina added: “I am delighted to join the team and eager to embark on this journey of innovation with such a forward-thinking company. I can’t wait to leverage my expertise as an organizer to shape the future of event technology and create unforgettable experiences for our clients.”
Valentina’s appointment comes as the company has placed even stronger focus on ensuring its market-leading tools drive success for its event organizer clients.
ExpoPlatform is a technology provider which operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers for its innovative and reliable solutions.
Part of its success is due to it having a senior management team which has extensive experience working in the industry – with companies such as RX, Informa Markets and Clarion Events among the previous employers of its leadership.
Key features include a smart mobile app, AI-powered matchmaking, messaging, meeting scheduling, interactive floorplan and a lead retrieval solution which increases exhibitor ROI by 250%.
Other solutions include registration, 365 Community, hosted buyer management and more.
These digital offerings can be translated into 12 languages with high levels of accessibility across the globe.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Events collective strengthens advocacy efforts](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/week-in-event-2024-03-04/)
**Published:** March 4, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**A leading events industry collective has strengthened its global advocacy efforts by adding new member associations.**
The partnerships will help the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) to extend its geographical reach and provide an impetus to implement its policies. Read more about it below.
Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news updates:
- [**Events collective adds new members to strengthen advocacy**](#one)
- [**dmg events unveils urban living projects**](#two)
- [**Italian association re-confirms president for second term**](#three)
*A thriving online community is a great way to boost your association membership. Learn how you can do with the **[Community Blueprint – Association Edition](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)**.*
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Events collective adds new members to strengthen advocacy**
**The JMIC has welcomed Asociación Internacional de Ferias de América (AFIDA) and International Exhibition Logistics Association (IELA) to solidify its industry advocacy efforts.**
This marks a significant step for JMIC, expanding its geographical reach and expertise in key sectors of the meetings and events industry.
JMIC president James Rees said: “We are delighted to welcome AFIDA and IELA into the JMIC family.
“Their inclusion reflects the continued growth of our organisation, both in terms of global representation and the diverse range of activities we cover.
“JMIC is committed to being the true voice of the meetings and events industry on the global stage, and the addition of these two esteemed organisations further solidifies our core mandate of advocacy on behalf of our industry.”
The new partnerships will strengthen the impact of the updated JMIC Global Manifesto, providing events profs with a comprehensive industry rationale for advocacy efforts with policymakers, reinforcing the industry’s global position.
Fernando Gorbarán, AFIDA President, said: “By joining JMIC, we reaffirm our commitment to the continued growth of our industry, adding tangible value to our members interests.
“We are the voice of the Exhibition Industry in Latin America & the Iberian Peninsula, and we’ll keep on working on behalf of our industry’s needs on a global scale.”
Sandi Trotter, chairperson at IELA, added: “JMIC provides our industry with a critical service to ensure that our efforts are recognised and realised.
“Recently, IELA has been a proud, leading contributor to the NZCE initiative.
“Net Zero Carbon Events is a critical endeavour for our sector and JMIC membership is the next logical step in our partnership and evolution.”
## **dmg events unveils urban living projects**
**dmg events has revealed new projects to improve urban livability and sustainability, as well as foster innovation in city planning and management.**
LiveableCitiesX, FutureFM, and GeoWorld will be launched on November 26-28 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
> Announcing [\#LiveableCitiesX](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LiveableCitiesX?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [\#FutureFM](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FutureFM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), & [\#GeoWorld](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeoWorld?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) from Nov 26-28, 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre! Join us to shape the future of urban sustainability & innovation with global experts. For more information visit [pic.twitter.com/J8U1e1iwor](https://t.co/J8U1e1iwor)
>
> — dmgevents (@dmgeventsglobal) [February 27, 2024](https://twitter.com/dmgeventsglobal/status/1762474220808769814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The event will bring together global government officials, academics, urban planners, financiers, designers, businesses, and technology innovators to collaborate on solutions for the future of urban environments.
Matt Denton, president of dmg events, said: “Our extensive experience in organizing leading global events equips us to launch LiveableCitiesX, FutureFM and GeoWorld.
“Through these platforms, we aim to encourage meaningful dialogue, foster partnerships and promote innovation to tackle the critical challenges of urban development.”
Maitha Alnuaimi, director of the G.I.S. Center Department at Dubai Municipality, added: “Dubai Municipality’s participation in LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld, and Future FM underscores our commitment to transforming Dubai into one of the most sustainable and liveable cities globally.
“We believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to enhance the quality of life for all.”
## **Italian association re-confirms president for second term**
**Italian association Federcongressi&eventi has elected current president Gabriella Gentile for a second term.**
The election took place during the XV National Convention of the association in Rome from February 23 to 24, with over 300 congress tourism professionals in attendance.
Gabriella said: “I thank all the members for the trust they have reconfirmed in me.
“The two years of my first term have seen the association support the post-Covid recovery of the national meeting industry and consolidate its role as a key interlocutor with institutions and stakeholders for the identification of strategies to support congress tourism.
“I am confident that, with the always active support of the members and the representatives of the Board of Directors, Federcongressi&eventi will be able to continue to grow and support companies in facing and overcoming new challenges.”
Gabriella Gentile is an expert in the congress and events industry and co-founder of Meeting Consultants, a MICE-focused consultancy. Additionally, since 2006, she has taught a course on Cultural Events Management at the University of Bologna.
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?****
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [The trouble with attracting talent to events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/attracting-talent-to-events/)
**Published:** March 1, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The meetings and events industry is booming, driven by pent-up demand and a renewed value placed on in-person connections. However, attracting and retaining industry talent remains a challenge.**
UFI’s latest Barometer survey shows that over half of companies in the exhibition industry are planning to increase hiring in 2024.
A total of 52% of polled respondents said their numbers will rise while 45% said they would keep their workforce stable this year – and only 2% were looking to reduce their workforce.
Despite this optimism, recruiting talented event professionals has not been smooth sailing. We highlight the top challenges facing the industry ⤵️
## **1. The Exodus Effect ?♂️**
The pandemic triggered a **mass exodus of seasoned event professionals**. Many sought stability in other sectors, while others were simply burned out by the industry’s relentless pace. This created a **significant knowledge and experience gap**. Companies now struggle to fill critical roles, which can make it tougher to deliver more value-driven events.
## **2. Experience Drought ☀️**
The industry isn’t just grappling with the loss of experienced professionals; it’s also facing a **drought of entry-level talent**. The “experience drought” presents a **catch-22**. New graduates and professionals from other industries find it challenging to break in due to the perceived need for experience, while companies struggle to find candidates with the necessary skills and fresh perspectives.
## **3. Skill Shortages ???**
The events industry demands a **diverse skill set**. Project management, budgeting, negotiation, logistics and technological proficiency are just a few of the **essential skills** required. Finding individuals who possess the **right blend of hard and soft skills** like creativity, communication and the expertise to address client needs while managing vendor logistics remains a challenge.
## **4. Compensation Conundrum ?**
Beyond the skills gap, the industry faces challenges when it comes to **attracting talent with competitive salaries**. The **demanding work** characterised by long hours and unpredictable schedules often **doesn’t translate into commensurate compensation**. This disparity can be a major deterrent, especially when compared to the stability and potentially higher earning potential offered by other sectors.
## **5. Retention Riddle ?**
Beyond attracting talent, retaining it is equally crucial. There are numerous issues like **work-life imbalance** and **burnout factor** due to long hours, unpredictable schedules and the constant pressure to deliver flawless events.
## **6. Brand Perception Predicament ?**
The events industry often battles **stereotypes of being fast-paced, stressful, and lacking long-term career prospects**. This perception can discourage potential candidates from exploring the diverse and fulfilling career paths available within the industry.
## **7. Diversity Dilemma ??**
The events industry needs to work towards **greater diversity and inclusion**. This includes proactively attracting and retaining talent from historically underrepresented groups to foster a **more equitable and representative workforce**. Challenges include unconscious biases and implicit stereotypes that can hinder fair hiring and promotion practices as well as homogeneity in top leadership.
## **8. Training Woes ???**
Continuous learning and skill development are essential for success in the rapidly changing events industry. However, many companies **lack the resources or structure** to provide adequate training opportunities for their staff. This leaves employees feeling **unprepared** and **unstimulated**, impacting their engagement and loyalty.
## **9. The “Gig Economy” Mentality ✒️**
The rise of freelance and contract work within the industry can contribute to a **lack of long-term commitment**. While this flexibility attracts some individuals, it also creates a transient workforce with less attachment to the industry and its companies.
Investing in event technology automates processes, boosts efficiency and reduces workload for organisers. **[Learn how these digital tools will impact the events landscape in 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Innovation key to tackling drop in industry mood - UFI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-the-month-feb/)
**Published:** February 23, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Innovation in event services will be key to satisfying customers’ demand for more value in 2024 and beyond, according to a new UFI report.**
Our latest Chart of the Month – using data from the global exhibition organiser’s association – reveals a drop in contentment for industry partners across a range of areas.
We deconstruct the reasoning behind this state of affairs using the context of wider trends in meetings and events. Read on to know more.
*To get a bigger picture of how event tech services will influence the industry landscape, download the **[Event Tech Forecast 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)**.*
## **Demand for services stays strong – including event tech ?**
UFI’s latest Industry Partners Benchmark Survey edition reveals a consistently strong demand for event services.
Booth construction, marketing communication, logistics handling and staffing scored high on survey participants’ event needs.
Demand for event tech software also stayed robust as 64% of those polled said they were using it – but did show a dip from 67% in the last survey in 2021.
The survey was held from mid 2023 with the majority of respondents from Europe and Asia-Pacific.
Here are the key takeaways:
- **Service demand rises:** Event services remain popular as usage inches up.
- **Core needs still reign:** Booths, staffing, and security top the service wishlist.
- **Messaging matters most:** Clear communication and promotion are key to event success.
- **Digital fade-out:** Focus on live events leads to less demand for digital services.
However, satisfaction levels regarding innovation in services is still an area the industry needs to work on ?
## **Customers want more value through innovation as cost pressures rise ?**
According to the UFI report, fewer stakeholders are satisfied with the innovation by service providers.
Key takeaways:
- **Innovation gap widens:** Clients are less impressed with service provider innovation compared to overall satisfaction. This gap is growing since the last survey.
- **Time to innovate:** Service providers need to step up their innovation game, especially compared to communication and marketing providers who are seen as leaders (particularly by pure organisers).
- **Industry & region neutral:** Innovation perceptions are similar across industries and regions.
The major reasons for this dissatisfaction are:
1. **Squeezing exhibition budgets and spiralling costs:** The latest **[UFI Exhibition Barometer](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/the-global-exhibition-barometer-january-2024/)** reveals the state of the economy in the home market is the top business concern globally, followed by global economic developments. Cost pressures have increased on customers who want more value for their investment.
2. **Demonstrating ROI:** Exhibitors need to demonstrate ROI to stakeholders and higher-ups in their companies. More innovative services boost engagement, leading to greater brand engagement and leads.
This comes after Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, [**told ExpoPlatform**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/paul-miller-feb24/) that organisers would now have to battle for the attention of time-limited event leaders.
He said: “You cannot expect executives and decision-makers to spend a week every month at an event.
“They’ve got other things to do with their lives and their jobs, so they’re going to start to narrow down to the must-go events.
“So how you set yourself apart – in my mind at least – is a whole combination of things.
“We would use data from the beginning – what content are people looking for? What content topics are surging out there? Who are the key speakers? Who are the bloggers or the outside contributors to our platforms that get a good following, that get a great open rate?
“It’s about content relevance – that’s the first thing you have to do.
“If you’ve got content relevance and somebody’s been searching for a solution for six weeks and you say ‘we’ve got five experts talking about the solution in Las Vegas in six weeks’ time’ – often they’ll say ‘I’m coming, that’s a good use of my time’.”
The results corroborate findings in the latest **[Event Tech Forecast](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)** by ExpoPlatform, where 76% of those surveyed said achieving good exhibitor ROI was a key hurdle.
## **Tips to enhance the value of tradeshows in 2024**
Organisers need to communicate the value proposition of their events by showcasing the tangible benefits and business outcomes. Here are some tips to enhance the live experience:
- **Hyper-personalised experiences:** Leverage data to curate content, networking opportunities and product recommendations.
- **Curated educational tracks:** Offer specialised programmes based on attendee interests and roles.
- **Interactive demonstrations and workshops:** Go beyond static booths with engaging formats for product interaction and learning.
- **Community building platforms:** Facilitate pre-event networking, knowledge sharing and ongoing connections beyond the show.
- **Metrics-driven matchmaking:** Use **[AI Matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** to connect attendees with exhibitors based on specific needs and goals.
- **Smart data collection and analysis:** Gain insights into attendee behaviour and preferences to improve future events.
- **Offer data-driven ROI measurement tools:** Help exhibitors track leads, engagement and sales generated. **[Explore Lead Retrieval solutions](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)**.
- **Implement sustainable practices:** Minimise waste, source locally and offset carbon emissions to attract environmentally conscious attendees. **[Learn how](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Delegates 'demand more' as UK day rates surge](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-02-19/)
**Published:** February 19, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Strong demand for meetings and events has led UK day-delegate rates surging – but customers are also seeking more value for their money, according to a new study.**
Our top story this week highlights BVA BDRC’s latest report, which delivers key insights on changing trends in the hospitality and venues landscape. Read more about it below.
Here are the full headlines of this week’s event news:
- [**UK day-delegate rates surge amid strong meetings demand**](#one)
- [**Innovation in services key to event customers’ satisfaction: UFI report**](#two)
- [**Clarion Events North America names new chairman** ](#three)
*Selecting a great event venue is just half the job done. Learn how you can elevate the delegate experience with a hosted buyer program – **[download the guide now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)**.*
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **UK day-delegates rates surge amid strong meetings demand**
**UK day-delegate rates showed a sharp uptick in 2023 as demand remained strong for meetings and events, according to new research.**
Findings from BVA BDRC’s VenueVerdict CX reveal DDR in Q4 2023 rose nearly £5 yearly to £87.7 in Q4 – and up 38% from Q4 2019.
The report also reveals a recovery in on-site experience as customers suffering high costs seek more value.
Louise Tawadrous, client services director, said: “Venues are able to command record prices, which is critical to driving profit in this time of high costs, but they must also be aware that customers are suffering under high costs and will be searching for value.”
Other key takeaways from the report are:
- UK venue proposal response time has improved but remains below 2019 levels
- Strong sales process scores with better enquiry handling, pre-event communication and understanding priorities of customers
- Quality of customer services like flexibility and responsiveness, friendliness and helpfulness score high and on par with 2019 levels
- Feedback for F&B quality and delivery remains middling to low – indicating an opportunity to improve customer satisfaction
Louise added: “Perception of value for money has remained fairly low throughout the past 24 months, but given the increase in DDR rates, it is now more important than ever to make packages more appealing and add value, to see a positive impact on the value-for-money perception.”
## **Innovation in services key to customer satisfaction: UFI report**
**Demand for innovation is strong among industry partners to meet higher expectations of organisers and venues, according to a new UFI report.**
> ? [\#RESEARCH](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RESEARCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw): Third Industry Partners Benchmark Survey is now available!
>
> ? Download it for FREE on our website: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#industrypartners](https://twitter.com/hashtag/industrypartners?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/XH3DxGSzZB](https://t.co/XH3DxGSzZB)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [February 15, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1758089179689300288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
UFI’s latest edition of the Industry Partners Benchmark Survey revealed this key finding and other highlights ⤵️
- Demand for services remains high and has slightly increased from previous years
- Booth construction, staff and security are the most relied-upon services
- Communication and marketing are considered the most important elements for event success
- Demand for digital services has decreased as focus shifts back to live events
- Satisfaction with innovation from service providers has decreased since the last survey
Sebastian Witt, chair of UFI’s Industry Partners Working Group, said: “This third survey provides a critical snapshot of expectations of industry partners as exhibitions return in full force globally.
“While overall satisfaction remains high, the feedback shows that we need to continuously innovate and communicate to ensure relevance and to add value to our customers.”
The report assesses relationships industry partners/suppliers and exhibition organisers/venues and involves around 190 companies primarily from Europe and Asia-Pacific.
UFI president Geoff Dickinson added: “This survey, in its third edition, is a crucial output from UFI’s Industry Partners Working Group, which has been set up for and run by our members – a group of motivated exhibition professionals offering a diverse range of expertise.
“It highlights the importance of collaboration among exhibition organisers, venue operators and industry partners as part of the larger exhibition ecosystem to deliver innovation and drive success of our industry.”
## **Clarion Events North America names new chairman**
**Clarion Events has named its CEO of North American division as its new chairman.**
Greg Topalian will now oversee acquisitions and business development, provide strategic planning for Clarion worldwide as well as support the group’s North America’s presidents Liz Irving and Kelly Comboni in managing day-to-day operations.
Lisa Hannant, Clarion’s Group CEO, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to Greg.
“His visionary leadership has been instrumental in guiding Clarion’s remarkable growth and has helped establish Clarion as a major player in the US market.
“His focus on organic growth, significant acquisitions, a commitment to a customer-first mentality and a strong focus on our people has allowed us to build a world-class business in North America.
“This new role not only renews Greg’s commitment to driving the future of Clarion but also grants him the freedom to personally explore additional non-competitive business ventures.”
Grep added: “I am so proud of what we have accomplished as a team since 2017 and I’m excited to be able to continue to help shape the growth and evolution of Clarion in my new role.
“I look forward to supporting Liz and Kelly in their growth as leaders which will undoubtedly drive our company to new heights.
“Joining Clarion in 2016 through the acquisition of LeftField Media was a life-changing decision.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Six digital sponsorships for your next event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/digital-sponsorships-for-events/)
**Published:** February 16, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Squeezing budgets, rising attendee expectations and higher ROI demands – these are just some of the challenges tradeshows are facing today. So how can digital sponsorship help?**
Smart event organisers are employing online management platforms that provide online sponsorship options.
These digital sponsorships are flexible, data-driven tools that deliver quantifiable value and connect sponsors directly with engaged audiences.
We will discuss the benefits of these online sponsorship tools and the top ones used by tradeshow organisers.
**Read more➡️ [Event Tech Forecast 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/) – the complete guide to the digital landscape of the events industry**
[](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)
## **Advantages of digital sponsorship**
**For event organisers**
- **Enhanced ROI:** Trackable data allows you to demonstrate the value proposition to sponsors, justifying their investment and strengthening future partnerships.
- **Increased revenue:** Offer diverse sponsorship packages catering to various budgets and objectives, unlocking new revenue streams beyond traditional booth rentals.
- **Reduced costs:** Eliminate physical booth setup and maintenance costs, making trade shows more accessible and profitable.
- **Engaged audience:** Interactive and targeted experiences keep attendees engaged, leading to higher satisfaction and potential leads for sponsors.
- **Valuable data:** Gain insights into attendee preferences and engagement for future event improvement and sponsor targeting
**For sponsors**
- **Measurable impact:** Track key metrics like clicks, leads, and engagement to optimise campaigns and demonstrate ROI to stakeholders.
- **Targeted reach:** Go beyond passive booth interactions and reach the right audience through personalised banners, pop-ups, and mobile ads.
- **Global engagement:** Break geographical barriers and connect with attendees worldwide through the online platform.
- **Cost-effectiveness:** Reach a wider audience for a fraction of the cost compared to traditional booths, maximising investment impact.
- **Interactive experiences:** Create engaging experiences like product demos, contests, and live Q&As to capture attention and generate leads.
- **Extended engagement:** Leverage post-event campaigns and content featuring sponsors to nurture leads and drive conversions beyond the show.
## **1. Featured exhibitors**
Imagine a high-traffic intersection in the digital space – that’s where featured exhibitors are placed.
Prominent placement on the event management platform’s homepage or directory listings ensures maximum brand visibility.
This allows exhibitors to stand out from the competition and make their offerings easily discoverable.
Highlighting relevant exhibitors also helps drive greater engagement with attendees, leading to a more satisfying experience.
**How to enable featured exhibitors in ExpoPlatform?**
As event organisers, you can reserve the top spot on the exhibitors list for your most premium sponsors, allowing them to appear as featured exhibitors.
You can do this locally by simply activating the **Sponsorship** and **Show in Search** toggle switch on the exhibitor page.
The number of featured exhibitors and products can also be adjusted in **Registration Settings > Exhibitor > Additional Settings**
## **2. Featured products**
Like featured exhibitors, products can be highlighted on the event management platform as a sponsored option.
This leads to direct product engagement as users can easily access detailed information about the featured product, increasing the likelihood of clicks, inquiries and potential leads.
Sponsors can also integrate calls to action, links to their website, or contact forms directly within the featured product listing.
This helps streamline the conversion process for interested buyers.
**How to enable featured products in ExpoPlatform?**
The same functionality is available to highlight the exhibitors’ products.
You can do this locally by turning on the **Sponsorship** and **Show in Product Search List** toggle switch on the exhibitor page.
The same limit applies to featured products as exhibitors.
## **3. Sponsoring banners**
Event management platforms offer banner options in different sizes, animations and interactive elements.
This enables sponsors to adapt their message creatively to different touchpoints and user contexts.
Banner placements are strategically done near relevant product categories, high-traffic areas or user segments e.g. demographics, interests for targeted visibility and lead generation.
These banners can link to sponsor websites, product pages or lead capture forms – helping drive traffic and generate valuable leads.
**How to enable sponsoring banners in ExpoPlatform?**
Sponsoring banners are available throughout the website, mobile and floor plan.
Activate them by t**urning on the relevant toggle switch** in the Sponsoring section of the Exhibitor page.
An image uploader of a specific size will then be visible.
## **4. Sponsoring pop-ups**
Sponsored pop-ups on exhibitor landing pages can be a powerful, micro-targeted sponsorship option.
These pop-ups are displayed to visitors who have shown interest in relevant exhibitors or product categories.
These can be leveraged to highlight limited-time offers and exclusive deals or to promote sessions, products and content.
The pop-up should be visually appealing, non-intrusive and offer clear value to avoid user annoyance.
**How sponsoring pop-ups appear on ExpoPlatform**
Exhibitors who have pop-ups turned on can push a message to the visitors of their showroom.
The exhibitor can **highlight anything to the visitor who lands on their page** – this can be a promotion, highlighted product or anything else.
## **5. Mobile app specials**
Mobile app specials like splash screens and banners in exhibitor, product, and speaker directories offer a targeted and engaging digital sponsorship option.
These are prime mobile real estate – splash screens offering high-impact branding and a memorable introduction to your company.
Directory banners are prominently placed to ensure high visibility alongside relevant content users actively seek.
You can utilise A/B testing features to compare different creative formats and targeting strategies to continuously improve your campaign performance.
**How to enable mobile app specials in ExpoPlatform?**
The **splash screen** is available in 2208 x 2208 image size with timers, providing sponsors excellent visibility.
Specific banner placements are also available in the **exhibitor, product and speaker** directories.
## **6. Sponsoring statistics**
Through sponsored statistics, exhibitors gain valuable insights into user behaviour, search trends and content engagement across various platform elements (pop-ups, search, video).
This helps create branded data reports and visualisations that showcase crucial insights and position the sponsor as a thought leader and trusted source of industry information.
These sponsored stats are also a valuable revenue stream for organisers, helping support their tradeshow and drive ROI.
**How to enable sponsoring statistics in ExpoPlatform?**
Impressions and Clicks are available for each under **Sponsoring > Statistics**
The dashboard also comprises pop-up, search and video statistics.
A complete Export (xls) is available for download.
To get a more detailed picture of the digital monetisation options available for event organisers, download the [**Monetisation Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [New UFI director: Eventprofs 'bullish' despite global crises](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/martha-donato/)
**Published:** February 15, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The events industry is “bullish and optimistic” despite geopolitical challenges sweeping the globe, according to a new UFI leader.**
Martha Donato, regional director for North America, pointed to the upcoming “volatile” US election as an example before claiming “the show will go on”.
She spoke to ExpoPlatform after taking on the position for the recently established chapter in the leading association for the exhibition industry.
> ? Join us in welcoming Martha Donato as UFI's new Regional Director North America!
>
> ? Read the full media release here: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinorthamerica](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinorthamerica?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ptZrH2MWjL](https://t.co/ptZrH2MWjL)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [January 23, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1749720101971022159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Martha, who is also president of MAD Event Management, said: “Around the world, geopolitics is being discussed in industry boardrooms – we know that from countless conversations and also from our research.
“At the same time, we are on track to see the best year ever for our industry – and the US is poised to be the fastest-growing market among the three world-leading markets US, China and Germany.
“So for now we are bullish and optimistic. If we know something from the past, it is that the exhibitions industry faces challenges head-on, always adapting to change and moving forward.
“In the US, we have a volatile election in 2024 that may create friction between some groups, but the show will go on.”
Martha has extensive experience of over 25 years in the tradeshows, exhibitions and conferences sector in North America – positioning her well to lead UFI’s initiatives in the region.
The launch of the chapter marked a significant milestone for the organization, emphasising its dedication to the region and its growing membership.
UFI already had other regional chapters around the world that serve members in Asia-Pacific, Central and South America, Europe as well as in the MEA region.
A total of 7% of all UFI members are already from North America, which was part of the reason behind the establishment North America Chapter – to give them same representation as peers from the rest of the world.
Martha added: “It signifies that the membership in North America is keen to be a fully participating group with their colleagues internationally.
“The opportunity to collaborate with our peers is a critical success factor.”
The exhibitions industry in North America is one of the largest in the world, with many large for-profit show organizers directly connected to businesses elsewhere.
This year’s Global CEO Summit in Amsterdam saw many chief executives from the region gather with colleagues from other parts of the globe.
Martha highlighted how many of the challenges faced in our industry are commonplace wherever a business is placed – but specific problems do exist.
She said: “On many industry challenges, our region is aligned with others, but our latest research also shows the differences.
“In the US, for example, we are much less worried about the state of our home economy, – compared to our global peers – and competition within our industry is also ranked clearly below the global average.
“At the same time, we are more concerned about internal management challenges here in the US compared to the world – and a lot of that has to do with staffing challenges.”
UFI as an organization will support the exhibition industry in North America through research, advocacy, education and events.
Its global nature of working allows every member to participate fully in each region through partnerships with the in-country associations.
Meanwhile, UFI’s latest [**Barometer research**](https://www.ufi.org/industry-resources/research/global-reports/global-barometer/) shows more than 50% of all businesses in the exhibition industry across North America use generative AI in sales, marketing and customer relations.
> The 32nd UFI Global Exhibition Barometer is available now! ?
>
> ? This bi-annual report provides global, regional and topical survey data from 419 companies in 61 countries and regions.
>
> ? Download it now: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/LCP9sYnrKo](https://t.co/LCP9sYnrKo)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [February 6, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1754793835060740555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Martha highlighted how this is “way ahead of the global average” and predicted further uptake in future.
She said: “The growth of digital tools in the region is inevitable as AI continues to expand its growth. There are groups such as SISO and IAEE who are tackling it through various working groups and committees.
“UFI has said that it’s one of our five trends to watch in 2024 – and we will follow up and identify and share good practices and learnings.
“Tools can allow organizers and suppliers to do more on an automated basis, giving back precious time for other high-level work.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Organizers 'set to fail' by misjudging sponsor ROI needs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/timothy-skennion-sponsor-roi/)
**Published:** January 24, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event organizers are “setting themselves up to underperform” by failing to grasp the expectations of sponsors when it comes to ROI, according to an industry expert.**
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, set out his route for planners to uncover exactly what is wanted in this area – with pre-show activities specifically designed to drive alignment around ROI a “mandatory” component of this.
His comments were sparked by new findings in the latest [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/), which includes evidence that achieving good ROI is a major challenge facing eventprofs.
Timothy said: “There is an historical disconnect between organizers and sponsors when it comes to understanding – and ultimately achieving – ROI. The onus for bridging this gap belongs to the organizer.
“I would challenge that most event organizers do not understand their sponsors’ ROI expectations, setting themselves up to underperform from the very outset.
“Uncovering ROI expectations – with clearly defined markers – through pre-event activities should be a mandatory component of every [event sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/event-sponsorship-packages/).
“Absent this, the organizer has no insight into how to align their team’s behaviors to ensure that ROI expectations are achieved.”
A total of 76% of those who took part in the Event Tech Forecast study chose achieving good exhibitor ROI as a key hurdle they face, comparing this with findings from previous studies suggests this is a persistent yet growing issue facing planners.
This was also found to be the biggest challenge in January 2023 with 55% and 64% in the July edition.
The study surveyed eventprofs on topics such as the biggest opportunities for technology, the most popular AI-powered features, metrics for success as well thoughts on the need for regulation of AI.
It includes in-depth insights and guidance from industry leaders and experts so that organizers can fully understand and make the most of the findings.
Many of the results can also be compared with previous editions of the research to help give eventprofs a long-range view of these trends.
Meanwhile, [proving exhibitor ROI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/transparent-roi/) came second place for tech opportunities with 60% of respondents choosing it.
This area was also high in the previous edition of the Event Tech Forecast, with 72% of people rating it highly.
Timothy believes it is crucial for organizers to introduce digital solutions that allow any returns made on investments to be clearly understood by partners in their events.
He said: “The need to quantify ROI of any event investment will continue to increase. Event sponsorships remain one of the single largest line items on marketing budgets.
“These investments will continue to be scrutinized by senior management and marketers will need to defend potential investments in a highly quantifiable manner.
“Event organizers should be investing in technology solutions that will help their sponsor partners to clearly understand, quantify and articulate ROI.
“In addition to technology, organizers should be investing in ‘sponsor success’ resources, to ensure that they are aligned with the sponsor’s ROI expectations – and these teams should be measured against the achievement of the sponsor’s ROI expectations.
“Post-Covid, there has been an influx of events flooding the market – both returning events and new launches.
“Marketers have too many choices when it comes to event investments and it would behoove organizers to partner with their sponsors around ROI achievement to create differentiation, drive new partnerships and retain and grow existing ones.”
Personalization of event experiences came out on top for where event tech can be grasped as an opportunity, with 64% of the respondents choosing.
However, this year’s edition of the Event Tech Forecast saw [community nurturing](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/the-three-cs-of-a-365-community/) continue to reduce in popularity, now sitting at fourth place with 44% of people choosing it.
That’s down from 55% in H2 2023 and 64% in January 2023, when it was in the top spot.
Timothy called on event organizers to “significantly” change the way they look at this approach, pointing to the potential for engagement and revenue through year-round touchpoints.
He said: “This is another big miss by conference organizers. Their community is their asset.
“Curating, engaging and ultimately monetizing their community should be at the forefront of their strategies.
“Year-round engagement with their communities via content will reduce attendee marketing costs substantially, while providing opportunities for both their speaking faculty and sponsoring partners to share their subject matter expertise with the organizer’s community year round – extending the value of their investment (time and money) well beyond the day(s) of the event.
“The perception of the event organizer should shift significantly. They should not be viewed simply as a ‘conference organizer’ but as a ‘thought leadership platform’ that happens to also produce conferences.”
[Year-round engagement](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/event-engagement-guide/) with event audiences offers an organizer a way to draw out [monetization opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/monetisation-monster/) they build around their brand.
The live show will always remain the highlight of any calendar year, but business does not stopped once the venue closes its doors/
A community platform offers ways to bring in revenue way past the expiry date of an event – and even before it starts.
Online marketplaces and sponsorship options are just some of the ways event organizers can benefit from this 365 approach.
Timothy believes this is an important part of how planners can increase the digital component of their budgets.
A total of 72% of survey respondents said they believe this channel will increase in the next year, with no-one saying it would reduce.
## **Expectations of digital revenue**
He said: “Implementing digital solutions that inform and engage attendees year-round will provide the organizer with the opportunity to monetize their audience well beyond the day(s) of the event.
“Sponsored content, webinars, and research are tried and tested vehicles for driving digital revenue, providing event sponsors with opportunities to access attendees outside of the event year-round, extending the value – and increasing the ROI – of their investment.”
Meanwhile, one of Timothy’s predictions for 2024 is the slow but steady progression of AI-powered features used by eventprofs.
Tools such as ChatGPT made a storm across global industries last year, with many in our industry starting to consider [how to implement in their own businesses](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/mykyta-fastovets-chatgpt/).
Timothy believes that now that journey has started, the only way is forwards for AI in our industry.
He said: “This will not be a clumsy sprint, but a measured and controlled marathon.
“Consolidation of the event tech sector through acquisition and divestiture. I would also expect to see larger conference organizers ‘build or buy’ their own tech platforms versus licensing 3rd parties.
“In addition to creating efficiencies internally, many of these platforms provide access to troves of behavioral data which these organizers can leverage to learn more about their attendees.
“AI was mainly a buzzword for many conference organizers a year ago.
“Over the past 12 months organizers have had the opportunity to understand what AI can and more importantly, cannot do.
“While there are many AI applications that will enhance the productivity of event teams, provide deeper understanding of audiences, influence agendas, etc, AI is not the silver bullet that many may have felt it was a year ago.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [Events industry has 'long way to go' on personalisation](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-tech-forecast-webinar-jan24/)
**Published:** January 26, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The events industry still has “a long way to go” to improve in-person experiences through AI-powered tools, according to an expert.**
Matthias Tesi Baur, founder of the ETT Club, was speaking on a webinar panel dedicated to latest findings from the [**Event Tech Forecast 2024**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/).
It found that personalisation of experiences was the biggest opportunity for digital solutions to make a difference, with 64% of respondents choosing it as a key area for development.
He said: “The question is what is the main problem we can solve through digital? Or what is the main gain for exhibitors and visitors? How can we help them in the best way?
“I think the main thing is the personalisation of experience, the seamlessness.
“We are at the beginning of the journey, I think we have a long way to go.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO and co-founder of ExpoPlatform, highlighted how the technology we consume in our private lives on an almost daily basis is miles ahead of the events industry in terms of this experience.
This sets a good level of ambition for industry professionals, as well as strong expectations from end users.
She said: “We have already established quite good practices in terms of recommendations for content and people, but we are not yet doing it in as seamless and mature way as we see in all these apps we use on a daily basis.
“We are not yet there, filling this gap – being at the same level of expectations of people who are visiting our shows.”
This is **[the third study of its kind](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)** from the market-leading technology provider ExpoPlatform – including insights from industry experts about opportunities, challenges and more.
[](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)
AI-powered features had dropped down to joint last in this part of the survey, which took responses from eventprofs all over the world, receiving votes from 40%.
It had been in the top position for tech opportunities in the last edition of the Forecast, published in July.
Jens Schindler, director of DACH at ExpoPlatform, drew attention to the massive surge in interest ChatGPT tools gained last year.
He said: “Clearly 2023 was the year of AI – the buzzword was AI, everyone was interested in it, everyone wanted to learn about it.
“We also all had the first chance as individuals to experience the power of AI using various chat tools.
“Here we can see that people have now learned about that and they still see the value.
“They are going back to focusing on what we actually need to be delivering in terms of the opportunity and what is that value to the customer, with personalisation coming out on top.”
On the other end of the scale, proving exhibitor ROI was chosen as the biggest challenge facing eventprofs – 76% of choosing it
Comparing this with findings from previous studies suggests this is a persistent yet growing issue facing planners.
It was also found to be the biggest challenge in January 2023 with 55% and 64% in the July edition.
Jens said: “When looking at all of these factors, they all follow on from the crisis because they’re all sort of budget related.
“Clearly the exhibitors are under ever stronger control to bring value home and show what value they got from exhibiting.
“That of course reflects in this ever increasing pressure on us to deliver that high value.
“There’s still a quite clear connection to the crisis here, even though it’s rippling out.”
Tanya picked up on the continuing challenge of proving ROI while also highlighting how higher expectations brought through digital solutions had added to this.
She said: “During Covid-19, exhibitors and visitors – the buyers and sellers – had to switch to remote interactions.
“When you interact remotely you start with marketing metrics that we apply to traditional marketing or digital marketing.
“You start to apply to your business interactions and when you come back to exhibitions, you continue to have high expectations on the number of leads.
“We have to show the exhibitor how many leads they generate online and on site all together in this omnichannel way.
“Return on investment for exhibitors will always be one of the highest challenges, because this has been a pain point with high expectations that the exhibition industry has to deliver on.”
One of the new sections introduced to this edition of the Event Tech Forecast focused on the metrics for success used by organisers.
The number of leads reported at their show came out as the most important metric for the respondents, with a weighted score of 8.8 out of 10.
But the results show this was in close competition with customer retention hitting 8.7, while engagement and revenue came out with 8.6.
This comes as lead retrieval is one of the biggest areas that event technology can make a huge difference for exhibitors and event success.
For instance, ExpoPlatform has shown how an omnichannel solution can boost the number of leads at shows by more than 250%.
The [**Lead Intelligence**](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/?utm_source=mash&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=exhibition_world) solution does this by bringing all online and onsite interactions into one real-time dashboard for exhibitors, giving a clear overview of their ROI – helping to tackle one of the challenges highlighted in the report.
[](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
Another exclusive finding from this latest edition shows 72% of organisers report the digital component of their budgets will increase, while no respondents stated this part will drop.
The previous edition found 64% believed these channels would grow.
Jens: “We can really conclude here that the group of people who have said in the past ‘we are not investing in event technology’ is now really coming to an end.
“Technology has become really accepted in our standard, to have them in the middle of the market that has stayed the same.
“The takeaway here is that the change towards event technology is actually not changing so much anymore, but it has become the new normal.
“People have accepted the fact that digital is now here – and we are going towards dealing with it in a way that is business as usual
“That’s how I would see it, rather than life changing from black to white.”
Matthias added: “It’s a purely anecdotal feeling, coming out of many conversations I had when the pandemic slowly came to an end, that our industry is a little bit divided over that question.
“Some people said ‘the crisis is over, forget about digital, back to our main business’ and other people said ‘we’ve learned our lesson, we moved into digital unprepared. Next time, we want to be more prepared so let’s continue exploring digital’. That doesn’t come as a surprise.
“I belong to the second part of the group. I always was an ambassador for digital opportunities, but I experienced the industry was more divided over this question.
“Your slide indicates that we have learned our lesson here. We want to move more into digital and we see it also as a positive.”
Find out more about how digital tools will impact live events this year by downloading the [**free Event Tech Forecast here**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/?utm_source=mash&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=exhibition_world).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [52% of event firms to boost staffing in 2024: UFI Barometer](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-2024-02-12/)
**Published:** February 12, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**UFI’s latest Global Exhibition Barometer brings positive news for the exhibition industry, with 52% of event firms planning to expand their staff in 2024.**
The report also sheds light on exhibition revenue growth, the use of generative AI in events and other key developments.
That’s your top story this week. Here are the full headlines:
- **[UFI Barometer reveals 52% of event companies will expand workforce in 2024](#one)**
- **[IMEX Frankfurt 2023 saw 85% less print production: report](#two)**
- **[Easyfairs Nordic boosts market presence with acquisition](#three)**
*Curious to know how the events industry will shape up this year around digital tech? Download the **[Event Tech Forecast 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)** to get complete insights.*
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **UFI Barometer reveals 52% of event companies will expand workforce in 2024**
**Exhibition industry hiring is expected to increase this year with more than half companies planning growth, according to UFI’s latest Barometer survey.**
A total of 52% said their numbers will grow, 45% companies polled said they would keep their workforce stable this year, while only 2% were looking to reduce their workforce.
In terms of countries, Saudi Arabia had the highest percentage of companies planning to hire more staff (100%), followed by the UAE (82%), India (80%), Greece (73%) and Malaysia (67%).
> According to our latest Global Barometer, the exhibition industry will reach a historical high this year – surpassing the record revenues from 2019 by 15% globally on average! ?
>
> ? Download the report now: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/aMmxmUzvDt](https://t.co/aMmxmUzvDt)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [February 7, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1755155662277845415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf said: “Our report shows that the exhibition industry hasn’t just reached pre-pandemic levels in 2023 but is also planning to grow in 2024 and many new jobs in exhibitions are coming up around the world.
“This good news comes in parallel with shifts of business priorities, where economic and environmental considerations show significant progression.”
Here are the other insights from the report:
- **Exhibitions fully recovered in 2023 to reach revenues comparable to 2019 levels**
- **Average revenue growth is expected to be 15% in 2024**
- **The top business concern globally, stated by 22% of respondents, is the state of the economy in the home market, which remains the primary issue across all regions and most markets.**
- **Global economic developments rank as the second most significant issue, followed by geopolitical challenges at 12%.**
- **Competition from within the industry (11%) and sustainability/climate (10%) are also among the top concerns**
- **91% of the surveyed companies said generative AI will affect the industry – with sales, marketing and customer relations being the most impacted area**
The global survey for UFI’s 32nd Global Exhibition Barometer was concluded in January 2024 and saw 419 companies participate across 61 countries and regions. [**Download the report here**](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/the-global-exhibition-barometer-january-2024/)
## **IMEX Frankfurt 2023 saw 85% less print production: report**
**IMEX has revealed that its Frankfurt show in 2023 had 85% less print production compared to 2022.**
The findings were shared in a new sustainable report released by the group that highlights its green learnings from last year’s show.
The reduced print production was due to the use of ‘evergreen’ date-free signage that can be used year after year.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “This is the second report we’ve produced, working with our sustainability consultants MeetGreen, meaning we can now benchmark our progress against 2022.
“It’s an opportunity to share our successes and our challenges with the wider industry so that they can take what we’ve learned and weave these into their own events.”
The report comes after registrations open for the next edition of the show in May this year.
ExpoPlatform is once again the official technology provider, with an [**event mobile app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) which also helps reduce the need for paper materials onsite.
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/)
Other highlights from the study include:
- **Around 38% reduction in single-use exhibitor booths**
- **86% of event waste diverted into organics, material recycling and donation channels**
- **12% drop in onsite energy consumption**
- **1,000 trees planted**
In addition, four electric buses transported attendees from Frankfurt’s main railway station to Messe Frankfurt, saving around 103kg CO2e.
Carina added: “Our sustainability efforts at IMEX Frankfurt, and also at IMEX America, are part of our wider strategy to achieve a more positive impact.
“We recently launched our net zero roadmap, part of our commitment to the industry-wide Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative. Our intention is to reach net zero by 2030, ahead of the 2050 target set out by NZCE in line with the Paris Agreement.
“This roadmap is just one element in our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, and an expression of our vision: a thriving global events industry focused on positive change.”
**[Download the report here](https://landing.imexexhibitions.com/imex-frankfurt-2023-sustainability-report)**.
## **Easyfairs Nordic boosts market presence with acquisition**
**Easyfairs Nordic has strengthened its presence in the regional market with a new purchase.**
The event firm acquired stand building business Kistamässan venue from Workman Event, boosting its capabilities to provide wide-ranging event solutions.
The newly-formed entity will be called Kista Mäss-service and reflect Easyfairs Nordic’s dedication to provide quality services to exhibitors and guests at the venue.
Easyfairs Nordic CEO Henrik Johanssen said: “Bringing the stand building business fully into Easyfairs’ management enables us to offer a more comprehensive and integrated event experience across the entire value chain, strengthen our market position and reinforce our commitment to delivering top quality services to our clients.
“It also allows us to focus further on our already significant sustainability commitment by providing a comprehensive end-to-end view of the complete event organisation process within Kistamässan.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Eventprofs must battle for 'time-limited leaders' to attend](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/paul-miller-feb24/)
**Published:** February 7, 2024
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Organizers must battle to attract time-limited decision-makers who seek events with superior “return on time invested”, according to an industry leader.**
Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, believes post-pandemic expectations have grown when it comes to the value required from going to an in-person show – meaning many senior executives may only go to a few events a year.
This means planners must be using a data-driven approach to make sure their event includes “content relevance” and experiences that create a sense of FOMO – a show not to be missed.
He said: “You cannot expect executives and decision-makers to spend a week every month at an event.
“They’ve got other things to do with their lives and their jobs, so they’re going to start to narrow down to the must-go events.
“So how you set yourself apart – in my mind at least – is a whole combination of things.
“We would use data from the beginning – what content are people looking for? What content topics are surging out there? Who are the key speakers? Who are the bloggers or the outside contributors to our platforms that get a good following, that get a great open rate?
“It’s about content relevance – that’s the first thing you have to do.
“If you’ve got content relevance and somebody’s been searching for a solution for six weeks and you say ‘we’ve got five experts talking about the solution in Las Vegas in six weeks’ time’ – often they’ll say ‘I’m coming, that’s a good use of my time’.”
Content is the lifeblood of an event community. It is where the value proposition is made real every day, with new useful content to engage your industry.
It’s this that keeps your social media channels active and engaging., it makes your email newsletters get opened and it’s content that starts to pull in new audiences through search engines.
But it’s also content which attracts attendees to live shows – are they getting information they can’t get anywhere else?
Success is determined by whether offerings are useful and different enough to add real value to an event community.
Organizers need to set themselves apart from the competition by creative use of content formats.
It’s worth testing a range of formats to see what resonates with an audience.
Planners can use the data from an event’s 365 online community to judge what would be best for their live shows,
Paul believes one of the most important things for an organizer is to make sure their event provides real value for the participant. This is where event tech can be very helpful.
One part of this now is giving people some idea of who else will be going to the show – are they prospects they would like to be able to connect with?
He said: “You need to make sure people are going to have an experience at the event which is valuable to them.
“That could be many, many different things – value to them could be just business, it could be that they’re looking to have a little bit of fun at the same time.
“What I think is more important is what activities and experiences are happening on the show floor.
“Do I get to touch or feel the solution? Do I get to taste it if it’s food or drink? Do I get to see things that I wouldn’t expect to see at our bar-restaurant show?
“You would not have believed – we would because it was data-driven – the amount of surge in registration we got when people saw there was a non-alcoholic part of an alcoholic show.
“Then who else is going to be there? Am I rubbing shoulders with people I want to rub shoulders with? Are my competitors there?
“You’re seeing a lot of event marketers do this increasingly – here are the people that are coming.
“That used to be a no-no, you wouldn’t say it – but now you do and that can create some FOMO.
“If you can create enough FOMO with all of the other things, you can create at least the perspective of being one of the three events that are going to be chosen.”
To do this, an organizer must find out what engages its event community.
This can be done through a combination of insights and creativity to refine the formula for doing this.
An existing event will have a good database of visitors and exhibitors to go to. But most industries also have an over-supply of content.
One of the best starting points is to go to the database and find out the answer to this question: how can value be added to this already crowded competitive landscape?
Surveys are a useful way to get an overview of what opportunities exist. They can then be followed up with a series of product discovery calls to dig into the details and flesh out what the results actually mean.
Paul – who is an expert contributor in the latest [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/) – highlighted how he has seen a trend of events promoting themselves using big name entertainers.
[](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)
This is useful from an initial marketing perspective but does not really offer any more value for business being done.
He also set out how technology can play a role in making connections easier to happen at live shows.
Paul added: “Increasingly you have younger audiences at these events, more diversity, which is fantastic – well, they want different things from an event.
“They do want curated matchmaking, they do want experiences. Some of them may be introverted, and they need help to meet people.”
Meanwhile, the CEO of Questex challenged the event tech community to ensure that they are solving real problems connecting their solutions and helping to solve key challenges for the industry.
Paul urged tech providers to rethink their strategies so that people who are not tech savvy will be more likely to engage with potential customers and utilize the technology to enhance their experiences.
He said: “The tech community needs to be thinking about how it’s presenting itself. There’s no panacea, there’s no one-solution-fits-all answer and competitors may need to become partners to enable more end-to-end solutions.
“The martech stack is very complex and overcrowded so there probably needs to be some consolidation – I’ve been saying that by the way for 10 years.
“Tech companies need to talk in terms of what problem they are solving – not ‘here’s my tech’.
“The customer for companies in event tech could be an operations person, it could be an event leader or a general manager of an event.
“They’re not always focused on technology – and they don’t need to be, they shouldn’t be.
“But that means the tech companies have to change how they sell their product – from ‘we’ve got a better mouse trap’ to seriously enquiring and learning about what the challenge is for their customer.
“This is a perennial issue for the wider tech industry just in general, let alone event tech – how do you market your product away from describing the technology and how it works to focusing on the problem the tech is solving.
“Tech companies need to think that through a little more as to ‘are we solving real problems, or are we throwing tech at an imagined problem?’”
“At a top level, I’d be surprised if we didn’t see some consolidation this year or, at least some interesting partnerships. As history shows, tech solutions providers are great innovators with their solutions, collaborations and business models.
“Either from a pure collaboration perspective or from an acquisition scenario, there’s just too much out there for folks right now..
“The tech vendors that are going to win are going to be more than a single solution type of vendor – just being a matchmaking vendor is probably not going to be enough, just being a floor planner is probably not going to be enough. At the very least, the tech solutions need to be able to communicate, partner or collaborate with each other to create exponential value.
“It’s not going to be a downhill, easy skiing year for tech vendors but, as always, I think there will be winners as there will be a flight to quality. As mentioned earlier, I believe that technology has an integral role in helping to drive events and provide increased return on time invested for all stakeholders.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Raccoon Group 'doubles portfolio' in one year](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20240205/)
**Published:** February 5, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Raccoon Media Group’s event portfolio is set to double within a year after its latest acquisition, according to the company.**
The group has taken over Abilities Expo, a series of exhibitions focused on disabilities in the US, and is expected to announce more launches and purchases later in 2024.
That’s your top story this week. Here’s your full roundup of the headlines:
- **[Raccoon Media Group set to double portfolio with new acquisition](#one)**
- **[CloserStill Media to become among ‘Germany’s largest indie planners’](#two)**
- **[ETT Club bids farewell after almost four years](#three)**
- **[Clarion Events selects new logistics partner for carbon reduction](#four)**
- **[IEG becomes first gender equality certified tradeshow](#five)**
*The key to growing your events is to make sure they reach a wide audience. Learn how you can make your events heard with the **[Events Amplified](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)** ebook .*
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Raccoon Media Group set to double portfolio with acquisition ?**
**Raccoon Media Group is poised to double its portfolio in the course of a year after its latest acquisition.**
The organiser’s UK and US event portfolio will increase to 17 shows, doubling in the first year since it was acquired by Cuil Bay Capital.
Its latest takeover – Abilities Expo – is a series of seven exhibitions in the USA, catering to individuals with disabilities and drawing over 30 thousand annual visitors.
Mike Seaman, Raccoon Media Group CEO, said: “This acquisition also ties in with our desire to grow in the US, tripling the number of events we have there.
“I’m equally excited about working with the incredible team who deliver these shows – they are incredibly talented and provide us with a strong platform for additional future growth.
“The Abilities CEO Lew Shomer will remain with the business and will ensure a smooth and effective transition.
“Lew is a brilliant entrepreneur and well respected by the community, so it was important to us to keep him involved in order to develop the event sensitively and within the best interests of the disability community.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank David Korse, Lew’s business partner for his support throughout the transaction and for helping to build such a fantastic community and business.”
The acquisition enhances Raccoon’s position in the US health and wellbeing market.
It will boost its existing portfolio in the country, which includes Snowbound Expo, the Boston Run Show and the Boston Outdoor Expo.
## **CloserStill Media to become among ‘Germany’s largest indie planners’**
**CloserStill Media is set to become among the largest independent event planners in Germany after a new takeover.**
The organiser obtained a majority stake in the rapidly growing Trailblazers Summit group, which hosts a series of two-day confex events across sectors including logistics, accounting, procurement, digital marketing and construction.
Trailblazer’s portfolio draws influential buyers through unique formats, curated content and networking.
Thomas Promny, Trailblazer CEO, said: “CloserStill’s expertise in the global tech sector and their successful track record in launching and growing events makes this a powerful combination.
“We are excited to see how this partnership will ignite our business and allow us to get to lots of new opportunities for our team to expand the business and better serve our customers and communities.”
CloserStill’s event portfolio in Germany now boasts more than 25 exhibitions and conferences.
This includes industry-leading brands like Zukunft Person-al Europe, Automotive Testing Expo, Frankfurt Tech Week and Hydrogen Technology Expo.
Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, said: “We are very pleased to welcome Thomas and his Trailblazer Summits team into the Group.
“We have made no secret of our continued ambition for the German market and its untapped potential, and this partnership is another important stepping stone to expand our presence in Europe’s largest economy.”
## **ETT Club bids farewell after almost four years**
**The Exhibition Think Tank Club has bid farewell to industry colleagues after nearly four years of collaboration.**
A special session was held for members to share their feedback on the project’s impact on their business approach.
ETT Club, as it is called, emerged in 2020 during the global Covid-19 crisis when industry meetings were halted.
Matthias Tesi Baur, CEO of MBB Consulting Group, said: “ETT Club as a project will end, but I think it will continue with many initiatives in the associations and other groups as well.
“Associations do a great job bringing people together as well through many different formats – through the congresses, through their online webinars.
“These are actually the two things where I hope they will continue and I hope will come out of the ETT Club.
“One of the things we have done for the first time in our industry was creating this atmosphere of being really hierarchy free.”
The group had evolved into a global community with 200+ online sessions and 1,300 diverse members from 72 countries, encompassing industry professionals across various sectors and regions.
He added: “It really didn’t matter if you are C-level or a student, it only mattered if you had a good idea, a good question, or if you were challenging something we’ve done for hundreds and hundreds of years.
“You had your place and you had the right to speak and everybody listened to you.
“I hope this element of hierarchy-free collaboration, somehow finds its way into other formats.”
**[Read more about it here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/ett-club-closes/)**.
## **Clarion Events selects new logistics partner for carbon reduction**
**Clarion Events has selected a long-term logistics partner to reduce the carbon footprint of its exhibitions.**
The organiser teamed up with Kuehne+Nagel to tackle the issue from January 2024.
Kuehne+Nagel will handle all onsite services for Clarion’s 200+ events – including storage, lifting, customs, traffic management and international freight forwarding.
Verena Lester, Clarion Events’ group operations director, said: “Clarion is incredibly excited to embark upon this new journey with Kuehne+Nagel.
“I see our shared emphasis on providing world-class customer solutions and dedicated focus on building a more sustainable future for the global events space as key pillars of a partnership that will drive additional value for both parties in the years ahead.”
Mike Priestley, director Kuehne+Nagel Expo, added: “We have worked with Clarion for a number of years and are delighted to announce that they have appointed Kuehne+Nagel for all their events as of 2024.
“Their trust in our capabilities, along with our shared ambition to drive low-emission solutions, provides a solid basis for a successful purpose-led partnership.”
Meanwhile, it comes as we learned the 2024 edition of Global Exhibitions Day will focus on sustainability efforts across the industry.
Four campaign pillars will support this year’s theme:
- **Exhibitions drive progress**: They provide a platform to discuss, create, and showcase solutions to universal challenges.
- **Exhibitions facilitate economic growth**: They connect industries, stimulate economic activity, and create jobs.
- **Exhibitions are sustainable**: They offer a sustainable approach to business and development, gathering communities in one place while managing environmental impact.
- **Exhibitions connect people**: They bring people together in person, enabling face-to-face interactions for collaboration and contribution.
Geoff Dickinson, UFI president, said: “The significance of this year’s Global Exhibitions Day theme on sustainability cannot be overstated.
“Exhibitions are indeed catalysts to sustainable futures, and the time is now for us to come together as an industry on 5 June 2024 to show that.
“I look forward to celebrating GED 2024 and invite all my colleagues and friends from around the world to do the same.”
## **IEG becomes first gender equality certified tradeshow ??**
**The Italian Exhibition Group has become the first Italian tradeshow to receive a gender equality certification.**
The group’s Rimini and Vicenza exhibition and congress venues – along with its Milan and Arezzo offices -obtained a certification score of 89.75 out of 100, by one of the most reputable certifying agencies.
Maurizio Ermeti, IEG president, said: “I am claiming an acknowledgement that is not simply the reward for a path taken on the wave of a corporate culture that is finally asserting itself in the business world, but the affirmation of a corporate identity that has always featured a substantiated pre-requisite of rewarding and recognising talent, wherever it may be.”
The certification process evaluates various areas, including corporate culture and strategy, and IEG achieved a high score that reflects its strong human capital management policies.
These policies support female employment, creating a work environment that promotes growth and work-life balance.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Nineteen Group boost cyber portfolio with acquisition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20240129/)
**Published:** January 29, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**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**
***Get a complete view of the digital landscape of events with our Event Tech Forecast for 2024. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/).***
[](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)
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: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinorthamerica](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinorthamerica?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ptZrH2MWjL](https://t.co/ptZrH2MWjL)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [January 23, 2024](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1749720101971022159?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Top tips to improve your brand presence at a tradeshow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/top-tips-to-improve-your-brand-presence-at-a-tradeshow/)
**Published:** January 26, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**With tightening budgets and an increased focus on ROI, exhibitors seek to maximise their returns on every tradeshow dollar spent.**
This article describes the top ways exhibitors can enhance their brand presence at exhibitions and get more out of their experience.
In 2024, event tech will play a greater role than ever in enabling digitally-enabled experiences.
Research by ExpoPlatform’s latest **[Event Tech Forecast](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/)** reveals 64% of eventprofs consider personalisation of experiences a key area of tech development this year.
Meanwhile, 60% said proving exhibitor ROI was crucial. Rather than merely displaying products and services, exhibitors will need to:
- **Stand out from the crowd:** There are countless booths vying for attention and an innovative approach could be the signal in the noise to make your brand unforgettable.
- **Meet modern expectations:** Today’s attendees are tech-savvy and experience-driven. They expect interactive, engaging encounters that only innovation can provide.
- **Adapt to change:** The tradeshow landscape is continuously shifting. What dazzled yesterday may be passé today. Innovation ensures relevance.
Innovation embodies progress – and progress is the pulse of successful tradeshows. Let’s dive into the tactics that can make your brand shine bright in the face of competition.
**Download now ? [Event Tech Forecast 2024](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2024/) – exclusive findings that will shape the digital landscape of events this year.**
## **\#1 The art of attraction: creative booth design and engagement**
**Designing booths that capture attention and imagination**
Designing a tradeshow booth that stands apart in a sea of competitors requires a cocktail of creativity and strategic thinking.
It’s all about crafting an environment that tells your brand’s story in a single, impactful glance. Here’s how you can design a booth that captures the imagination of attendees:
- **Thematic consistency:** Your booth should be a 3D representation of your brand. Everything from the colour palette to the design aesthetic should resonate with your company’s ethos.
- **Visual storytelling:** Integrate elements that narrate your brand’s journey or showcase your innovations to turn passive onlookers into engrossed storytellers.
- **Smart space utilisation:** Whether you have a modest nook or a sprawling space, make every inch count with smart design that facilitates flow and interaction.
Remember, your booth is more than a place to converse – it’s an invitation to an experience. Use bold graphics, dynamic structures and interactive installations to ensure it’s not just seen, but remembered.
**Interactive technologies that draw crowds: AR, VR and more**
In the buzzing hive of tradeshow activity, interactive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) are the high-powered magnets that draw crowds. Here’s how to leverage these futuristic tools to your advantage:
- **AR for product demos:** Imagine showcasing your product’s features with an overlay of digital information visible through tablets or smartphones. Use AR to bring your product’s benefits to life in a way that brochures never could.
- **VR for immersive experiences:** Transport attendees to another world where they can experience your services in full 360-degree glory. VR creates an unforgettable, immersive experience that can create long-lasting brand affinity.
- **Other tech marvels:** Don’t stop at AR and VR. Explore holograms, interactive touch screens and AI-driven conversational bots to provide a multifaceted and interactive experience.
Incorporating such tech helps draw attendees into an engaging narrative and makes your brand a topic of conversation long after the tradeshow curtains close.
## **\#2 Beyond booths: experiential marketing at tradeshows**
**Crafting immersive brand experiences for memorable impact**
To create a lasting impact on your audience, you need to engage all senses and create a narrative journey that immerses them into your brand. You can go for:
- **Narrative immersion:** Transform your space into a stage where your brand’s story unfolds. Engage attendees with a compelling narrative that they can walk through, interact with and participate in.
- **Sensory engagement:** Use textures and sounds to construct a multi-sensory environment that amplifies the emotional resonance of your brand experience.
- **Personalised encounters:** Offer personalised paths or tailor experiences to individual interests and needs, creating a bespoke experience that speaks directly to attendees.
These immersive brand experiences transcend the physical product or service, creating a rich emotional connection that imbues your brand with a vibrant presence in your audience’s memory.
**Harnessing the power of storytelling at live shows**
Storytelling at tradeshows isn’t just about reciting company history or product specifications; it’s an art form that shapes how attendees feel, remember and connect with your brand. Here’s how you can use it:
- **Emotional resonance:** Weave stories that tap into the collective emotions of your audience. Whether it’s through a shared challenge or an aspirational journey, make them feel part of something bigger.
- **Brand personification:** Give your brand a voice and personality with stories that display your values and mission. Let attendees get to know the character of your company, making it more approachable and memorable.
- **Sticky messaging:** Craft narratives that stick by making complex ideas simple and memorable. Use relatable anecdotes and metaphors that attendees will recall long after the event.
Successful storytelling in live scenarios breathes life into your message and creates compelling branding that stays beyond the tradeshow experience.
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)
## **\#3 Digital integration: amplifying tradeshow presence**
**Blending physical and digital tools for enhanced connectivity**
Mixing online and offline tools helps enhance connectivity and ensures no potential lead slips through the net. Here’s how to create this blend:
- **Virtual business cards:** Go green and never run out by exchanging contact information digitally. They’re convenient for attendees and can be customised with added features like links to your content or an instant appointment booking system.
- **Social media integration:** Use live streams to include virtual attendees, create event-specific hashtags for real-time engagement and schedule posts to keep your audience updated on what’s happening at your booth.
By bridging the gap between the physical and digital realms, you craft an omnipresent brand experience that maximises reach and opportunities for engagement.
**Leveraging social media before, during and after the event**
Social media is a powerhouse for drumming up excitement, engaging attendees in real-time and maintaining connections post-event. Leveraging it effectively can make your tradeshow presence ripple outwards in waves. Here’s how to do it:
- **Pre-event buzz:** Start early by announcing your presence and sharing sneak peeks. Create dedicated event pages and hashtags to gather and steer the conversation. Encourage followers to share their anticipation.
- **Live coverage:** During the event, capture and share live updates, behind-the-scenes looks and attendee testimonials. Use stories, live tweets, and interactive polls to engage your online community.
- **Sustained engagement:** Post-event, continue the dialogue by sharing highlights, follow-up content and addressing feedback. It’s an opportunity to reinforce connections and lay the groundwork for future interactions.
Through thoughtful social media strategy, you can amplify your trade show impact far beyond the confines of your booth.
## **\#4 Building meaningful connections with target audiences**
**Strategies for effective lead generation and qualification**
Effective lead generation and qualification are crucial to maximising your tradeshow ROI. Knowing not just how to attract leads, but also how to rank and prioritise them can make all the difference.
Here are strategies to help you generate leads that convert:
- **Pre-qualification via social media and pre-event content:** Use your online presence to start qualifying leads even before the trade show begins.
- **Value-based engagement:** Tailor your interactions to provide value, using demonstrations or educational content that meets specific attendee needs.
- **Lead scoring systems:** Employ lead scoring to rank prospects based on their actions and interactions, helping identify the most promising ones.
Effective **[lead generation](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)** is not a numbers game; it’s about finding quality leads that are more likely to convert. Be a partner to your prospects, focusing on their needs and the sales will follow.
A **[Mobile Event App](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** is a powerful tool that makes the tradeshow experience more convenient and digital-driven. Download the **[Event App Handbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/)** to understand how organisers use it run successful shows.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions, Live Events
---
### [ECA 'laser-focused' on championing events with DC lawmakers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20240108/)
**Published:** January 8, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Our first weekly event news roundup for 2024 is here – with a focus on policy initiatives by industry groups and a new report on the online social habits of event organisers.
Here are the headlines:
- **ECA commits to work with DC lawmakers to grow business events**
- **Nearly 25% of eventprofs feel addicted to social media: report**
- **11 exhibition organisers partner to promote reusable stands**
*This all comes as time runs out for the Event Tech Survey 2024. [**Tell us now**](https://form.jotform.com/233402462774354) how digital tools are impact your live shows.*
[](https://form.jotform.com/233402462774354)
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **ECA to work with DC lawmakers for business events growth**
**The Exhibitions and Conference Alliance has pledged to be “laser-focused” on promoting business events with Washington DC lawmakers.**
ECA’s statement put this central to its public policy agenda for 2024, saying it would be advocating policies which promote the role of live shows with elected officials in the Capitol and state legislatures.
Enhanced advocacy features are to be introduced by the alliance this year, with the aim of allowing industry leaders to share stories and influence policymaking.
Hervé Sedky, chair of the ECA board of directors, said: “In 2024, ECA will be laser-focused on advocating for policies to uphold the role of the business events industry in propelling economic growth, fostering job creation and empowering small businesses nationwide and globally.”
> ?ECA has released its 2024 public policy agenda!?
>
> — Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (@ECAadvocacy) [January 3, 2024](https://twitter.com/ECAadvocacy/status/1742525618682568953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The five key focus areas outlined in its policy agenda are:
- Securing a favourable industry environment
- Facilitating international travel and commerce
- Fostering industry-friendly states and cities
- Leading decarbonisation initiatives
- Nurturing the industry’s future workforce
Six top priorities were highlighted:
- Reviving visa operations to pre-pandemic levels while modernising processing.
- Backing government policies to attract and train the industry’s future workforce.
- Reintroducing communicable disease coverage to event cancellation insurance.
- Enhancing music licensing transparency and preventing anti-competitive behaviour.
- Advancing industry-led sustainability and decarbonisation to achieve Net Zero.
- Increasing awareness of the business events industry among potential future talent.
ECA co-president Marsha Flanagan added: “ECA has had a very successful 2023, but its work on behalf of our industry is just beginning.
“In the weeks and months ahead, ECA will continue to amplify the advocacy voice of the business events industry including show organisers, exhibitors, suppliers, venue, and hard-working men and women that deliver powerful events every day from coast to coast.”
## **More than one-fifth of eventprofs ‘mildly addicted’ to social media**
**More than a fifth of eventprofs feel they are addicted to social media, according to a new survey.**
Northstar Meetings Group’s latest report shows 21% felt they have a “mild addiction”, while 4% of believe their usage is out of control.
Mobile devices like smartphones were attributed as a major factor in increased social media usage, with 66% mentioning using their phones to check accounts.
Other findings include:
- A third (33%) of the respondents said they checked their social media accounts more than six times a day
- Around 40% said they spend at least a quarter of their online time on social platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram
- Only 26% of those surveyed felt they were “always in control”
- A total of 63% said they spent too much time on social media
- Around 19% said social media use is negatively impacting their mental health
Employer policies were also partly responsible – 46% of the respondents said they have been asked to use their personal social media account for work purposes, with one in six saying it made them ‘feel uncomfortable’.
Marketing activities to drive registrations, sponsors and exhibitors were the most cited reasons for social media use by event professionals at 64%, followed by post-event content sharing at 60%.
The report, created in collaboration with IHG Hotels and Resorts, was conducted among 176 meeting professionals across 32 countries from November to December 2023.
## **Group of organisers partner for reusable stands programme**
**A group of 11 exhibition organisers are launching a pilot programme to replace single-use stands with reusable structures.**
Better Stand intends to find ways to make adopting more sustainable options for different organisations easier, which would reduce the need for disposable booths.
The organisers are Clarion Events, Hyve, IMEX, Informa, AMP Events, Montgomery Group, Raccoon Media Group, Reset Connect, ReThink, Terrapin and Faversham House.
Each will select one or more events from their portfolio to implement Better Stands.
Better Stands will categorise based on the extent of stand or booth reuse/recycling.
Organisers can achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold status by incorporating recycled elements into their stand design.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [12 Event Tech-mas treats for a jolly 2024](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/12-event-tech-mas-treats-for-2024/)
**Published:** December 22, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**‘Tis the season to be techie! As we gear up for the holiday season, it’s time to unwrap some festive event tech-mas treats that will make your 2024 merry and bright ?**
Santa’s workshop might be filled with toys and gadgets, but our event tech-mas workshop is bursting with innovative ideas to level up your events ?
So, gather ’round, grab a cup of hot cocoa and get ready to sleigh your event game with these 12 jolly event tech-mas treats!
*? Sprinkle some sustainability in your events with our green initiative [**Meetings Make Trees**](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)*
**1. Holly Jolly Event Website**
An event website is like a Christmas tree, beautifully decorated and adorned with all the information your attendees need.
From show details to schedules, speaker bios to ticket sales, you can showcase it all in one place.
No more confusion or chaos, just a neat and organised hub where your attendees can find everything they need.
**Get started with your [Event Website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/) now.**
**2. Elf-icient sign-ups with Online Registration**
Give yourself the gift of convenience and efficiency with an online registration platform that will make organising your event shindigs a breeze.
From ticket sales to attendee information, this tech-mas treat will have you singing carols of joy!
**Explore our [Online Registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/) solution to get maximise attendance at your show.**
**3. Smart Event mobile app-y holidays**
Santa’s bag got an upgrade! Our smart event mobile app will guide attendees through your show like a guiding light – providing real-time updates, agenda details and interactive features to keep spirits high.
From registration and ticketing to scheduling and attendee engagement, this app has got you covered.
You can create a winter wonderland of personalised experiences for your guests, with features like personalised notifications, interactive maps and networking opportunities.
Plus, with real-time analytics, you’ll have a Rudolph’s-eye view of how your event is performing, so you can make adjustments on the fly.
**Learn how our [Mobile Event App](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) digitally extends the smart event experience for attendees.**
**4. Ho-ho-hosted buyer**
Spread cheer by making your VIP buyers feel like the stars on top of the Christmas tree.
And what better way to do that than with a tech-infused, carefully crafted meeting schedule solution? It’s the thought that counts, after all, so let’s make it count big time!
Introducing our Hosted Buyer Programme, where efficiency meets exclusivity and value meets holiday magic.
With this jolly meetings schedule, you can pack months worth of business deals into just a few merry days.
With our tech-fuelled hosted buyer, you’ll be the talk of the North Pole and beyond!
**Create your personalised concierge experience with our [Hosted Buyer Programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)**
**5. AI-powered wishlist**
This Christmas, forget mistletoe-induced awkwardness.
Let AI matchmaking tech bringing participants together like the joy of a perfect wishlist from Santa Claus.
Think of it as an elf in coding, analysing preferences and desires with reindeer-speed precision to create connections that sparkle brighter than twinkling lights.
No more mingling madness or wallflower woes. AI matchmaking sniffs out compatible connections like Santa sniffing out chimneys on Christmas Eve.
This tech-fuelled wishlist helps you deliver qualified leads using an intelligent algorithm to increase meaningful business among your attendees.
**Discover the magic of networking powered by [AI matchmaking solutions](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/).**
**6. Festive Marketplace**
Forget the 12 Days of Christmas – with 365 Marketplace, it’s like 365 days of unwrapping magical event experiences.
This platform is no lump of coal in your stocking – it’s a treasure trove of tools and services, ready to sleigh your event woes and sprinkle festive cheer for organisers and attendees alike.
What’s more, it isn’t just a one-horse open sleigh.
A 365 Marketplace also plays matchmaker, connecting the exhibitors with the right buyers.
Its clever algorithms recommend providers based on the user’s needs and budget.
It’s like having a team of merry event-planning elves at your fingertips, ensuring every detail is jolly and bright.
**Drive year-round engagement and business with our [365 marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/) module.**
**7. Help leads snowball 250%**
Don’t be a Scrooge when it comes to your exhibitors’ return on investment.
Give them the gift of myrrh ROI with our merry Lead Intelligence solution.
Our ExpoPlatform module has the magic touch to make your leads shine brighter than Rudolph’s nose – you’ll be decking the halls with more than ever before.
It’s like having Santa’s workshop at your fingertips, bringing together all the online and onsite touchpoints into one jolly dashboard.
No more searching through a tangled string of lights to find the information you need – it’s all conveniently wrapped up in a neat little package.
**Learn how to boost exhibitor leads by 250% with our [Lead Intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/) technology.**
**6. Exhibitor Manual gift box**
Exhibitor manuals are stocking stuffers of efficiency.
These handy guides providing all the tools and information you need to dazzle attendees and rock your event.
The manual becomes the North Pole to your event, with all the vital details – booth setup schedules, electrical requirements, marketing resources, and event logistics – laid out clearly.
It’s a time-saver which frees you up to sprinkle festive cheer and ensure everything runs smoothly.
**Onboard your exhibitor easily with ExpoPlatform’s [Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/).**
**9. Meetings, greetings and scheduling**
Imagine a wonderland where scheduling conflicts melt away like snowflakes on a warm stove.
Attendees can browse sessions and meetings as easily as picking ornaments for the tree, seamlessly syncing their calendars with just a sprinkle of holiday magic.
No more phone tag with speakers or double-booked reindeer flights – Meeting and Scheduling solutions are the candy canes of event tech, sweetening your workload and spreading festivity with every booked meeting.
**Enable attendees and exhibitors to seamlessly manage their meeting agenda with our [Meetings and Scheduling](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-and-scheduling/) tool.**
**10. Nativ(ity) integration**
Ditch the duct tape and glue sticks – this Christmas, leave the clunky integrations behind and unwrap the sleigh-load of benefits that native event tech offers.
Native integrations are like perfectly-sized gingerbread cookies, fitting snugly into your event platform and spreading sweet efficiency right to the elves’ workshop.
**Here are the different [integrations available](https://expoplatform.com/integration/) with ExpoPlatform’s event tech solutions.**
**11. Floorplan for Santa’s Sleigh**
Our Interactive Floorplan is like the bright red nose of Rudolph, guiding participants through the bustling event venue to find exactly what they need to get business done.
With our customisable layout, we will work tirelessly like Santa’s elves to create a floorplan that fits your event’s needs.
We’ll map out the venue spaces – from the twinkling exhibition stalls adorned with festive decorations to the conference rooms where ideas and collaboration abound and even to the stage areas where magic moments happen.
**Learn how you can make your event experience a lot better using our [Interactive Floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/).**
**12. Sleigh’tacular Online Sponsorships**
Deck the halls with boughs of sponsorship joy!
These online monetisation options are the Christmas crackers of event planning, promising delightful deals and bringing festive cheer to organisers.
With this tech wonder in your toolkit, you can spruce up your event with dazzling sponsorships that shine like tinsel.
Bid farewell to the ghost of sponsorships past and embrace the future of jolly collaborations that warm the cockles of your event planner heart.
**Explore [Sponsorship Monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/) options for your event.**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Iconic gaming event E3 shuts down](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20231218/)
**Published:** December 18, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**It’s the end of an era as the iconic gaming industry event E3 shut down its doors for good.**
The announcement was made by the video game group Entertainment Software Association (ESA), following the previous cancellation of the show in June 2023.
Other top event stories of the week include:
- **UFI exhibition census reveals 81 mega venues in the world**
- **EVENTIT launches new initiative for event experiences**
- **Net Zero Carbon Events publishes best practices documents**
- **ExCeL London on track to complete major expansion project**
Competition is heating up among events and it’s crucial to make your show stand out. Learn how with our free marketing guide **[Events Amplified](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)**.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Farewell E3! Legendary gaming convention cancelled permanently**
**The video game industry’s biggest gaming convention, the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), has shut down permanently.**
> [pic.twitter.com/y6dtVkBvNI](https://t.co/y6dtVkBvNI)
>
> — E3 (@E3) [December 12, 2023](https://twitter.com/E3/status/1734583493592498437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The announcement comes after several attempts were made to revive it as an in-person show following the pandemic.
The convention was first cancelled in 2020 and a virtual edition was held in the subsequent year.
In 2022, E3 was planned to return in-person but was cancelled yet again.
The permanent closure of E3 marks the end of an extravaganza that hosted some of the most iconic moments in gaming history.
The convention originated in 1995 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring over 400 exhibitors and attracting 40,000 attendees.
In that event, Sony showcased its inaugural PlayStation console, while Sega unveiled its new Sega Saturn console.
Other E3 highlights include the showcase of the most anticipated games and technology – for instance, the reveals of XBox 360, PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii.
E3 reached peak popularity during the 2005 edition, where over 70,000 visitors attended the convention.
However, its troubles began soon as major gaming publishers like Ubisoft, Nintendo and Microsoft started pulling out in favour of hosting their own events.
Eventually, a lack of industry interest proved to be its undoing.
Speaking to the Washington Post, ESA CEO/president Stanley Pierre-Louis said: “After more than two decades of hosting an event that has served as a central showcase for the U.S. and global video game industry.
“We know the entire industry, players and creators alike have a lot of passion for E3. We share that passion.
“We know it’s difficult to say goodbye to such a beloved event, but it’s the right thing to do given the new opportunities our industry has to reach fans and partners.”
## **81 ‘mega venues’ in world: UFI exhibition census**
**A total of 81 ‘mega venues’ measuring more than 100,000 square metres (sq m) have been identified in UFI’s latest exhibition census.**
According to the association’s latest World Map of Exhibition Venues, 40 of these venues are located in Europe while 35 are in Asia-Pacific (APAC).
> ? Our updated and expanded World Map of Exhibition Venues report is now available!
>
> ? In line with UFI’s mission to provide vital data to the entire industry, the full report is available, for free, on our website: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/onAwYMAWvF](https://t.co/onAwYMAWvF)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [December 12, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1734498324546453548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The report, prepared by jwc GmbH in partnership with UFI, tracks 1,425 exhibition venues around 21 markets, covering 42.1 million sq m.
Other key findings include:
- Europe hosts the world’s biggest share of venue capacity at 37.2%, followed by APAC at 36.6% and North America at 17.9%
- Country-wise, China shares 29.2% of the global venue capacity. The US has a share of 14.9% and Germany 7.5%
- Over 35% of the venues are medium-sized with capacities between 20,000 and 100,000 sq m while 59% have a size between 5,000 and 20,000 sq m
UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf said: “This updated World Map showcases our industry’s most holistic and complete quantitative dataset.
“It is remarkable to see that global investments into upgrades and expansions of exhibition venue space have continued throughout the pandemic, a true testament to the power and resilience of our industry’s core business model.
“Investments into venue space are a win for everyone: for the industries served by exhibitions, and the destinations in which they take place.
“Our partnership with jwc for this project will facilitate regular editions of this important report.”
Download the report **[here](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/ufi-world-map-of-exhibition-venues-2023-edition-december-2023/)**.
## **EVENTIT launches new initiative for event experiences**
**EVENTIT has introduced a new initiative to support the emerging market of event experiences in Scotland.**
The initiative, called EXPERIENCEit, aims to foster industry collaboration, curate content and provide interactive engagement to promote market growth and build a strong community.
Attendees can expect keynotes by UK agencies, guided tours by industry pros exploring exhibits, interactive games, audience-led campfire sessions and diverse experiential solutions.
EVENTIT board member and founder of Experience Designed, Kim Myhre, said: “These are really exciting times in the brand experience business.
“Changing audience expectations, new technologies, and more strategic approaches to experience design are driving innovation and creating new opportunities.
“Events like EXPERIENCEit offer a chance for the experience marketing community to come together to share, learn, network and do business in the emerging experiences marketplace.”
## **Net Zero Carbon Events publishes best-practice documents**
**Net Zero Carbon Events has released seven documents aimed at aiding organisations to achieve net zero.**
These documents offer “actionable insights and strategies” as well as detailed guidance to help in the decarbonisation journey.
Topics include venue energy, smart production and waste management, logistics, travel and accommodation, food and food waste, offsetting and measurement.
> The 7 Workstream Reports have been launched and are now available to download: [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#meetings](https://twitter.com/hashtag/meetings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#netzero](https://twitter.com/hashtag/netzero?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#workstreams](https://twitter.com/hashtag/workstreams?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#NetZeroCarbonEvents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NetZeroCarbonEvents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/4dayR1iIU8](https://t.co/4dayR1iIU8)
>
> — Net Zero Carbon Events (@NZCarbonEvents) [December 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/NZCarbonEvents/status/1734218912802156991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
James Rees, president of Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC), which is spearheading the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, said: “These documents, vital to the development of an industry-wide standard pathway towards net zero carbon events, represent the largest, most inclusive collaboration across the events industry ever achieved, with the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative being supported and endorsed by UNFCCC.
“This achievement is the result of the hard work of over 100 industry volunteers whose support, added together, represents many years of working time to develop, critique and finalise these guidance documents to be used in practice and improve upon over time as NZCE evolves.”
He added: “Part two, the next stage of the initiative, is a major change and exciting step forward.
“After the three phases of development, identifying what needs to be covered and producing guidance, successful implementation is vital.
“This next part needs the total commitment and active engagement of everyone from CEOs downwards to achieve net zero.”
Download the guides [**here**.](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/resources/)
## **ExCeL London set to complete major expansion project**
**ExCeL London is on track to complete a £220 million expansion project that will see it become the biggest fully integrated conference and exhibition centre in Europe.**
The project, set to be completed in October 2024, will see the venue expand its facilities by 25% (25,000 sq m) to a total of 125,000 sq m.
So far, nearly 5,000 tons of steel have been installed under the project, which is supported by the ADNEC Group and being built by McLaren Construction.
ExCeL CEO Jeremy Rees said: “Our new expansion stems from growing demand from event organisers across the UK, Europe, and North America.
“This growth will allow ExCeL to compete for and welcome some of the largest congresses in Europe, with the first contracts already signed for future years and paving the way for it to become the future of conferencing in Europe.”
Humaid Al Dhaheri, chairman of ExCeL, said: “ExCeL London is already a world-class venue, and this expansion will further strengthen its leading position within the international events and business tourism industry.
“It also represents a new chapter for ADNEC Group in line with our sustainability growth plans, and we’re very much looking forward to officially opening the doors next year.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Industry records highest number of events in years: report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20231127/)
**Published:** November 27, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The UK events industry has recorded its highest number of confirmed shows in years, according to a new report.**
Figures from the the Q3 2023 Event Economy Tracker by the Business of Events show September saw a sharp surge, after subdued activity in July and August.
Our other top weekly event stories include:
- **63% association professionals want AI use to be regulated**
- **AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) enters partnership for MICE growth**
- **Asia tradeshows rebound despite hiccups**
- **RAI Amsterdam appoints two new directors**
Promoting your event is as crucial as planning its execution. Download the **[Events Amplified ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)** to get an insider’s look at modern event marketing.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Confirmed events surge in September: Q3 report**
**September registered the highest level of confirmed UK shows in recent years, a new report has revealed.**
Numbers from the Events Economy Tracker Q3 2023, by the Business of Events, show the robust growth comes after a quieter July and August this year.
It also shows revenue per delegate witnessed a drop of 21.6% in Q3 2023, primarily attributed to venues reducing rates during the traditionally quieter months of July and August.
The yearly average for 2023 is £119.60, tracking 5.3% lower than the same period in 2022. Despite this decline, inflation remains a persistent challenge, notably impacting energy and food costs
Source: The Business of Events
Martin Fullard, director of news and content at the Business of Events, said: “Q3 is characterised by two of the quieter months throughout the course of the year – July and August – therefore it is to be expected that event sizes will generally be smaller and venues reduce their prices to get people through the door.
“This accounts for a drop in the revenue per delegate. However, the graph shows that September saw more confirmed events than any other month over the last few years, but forward bookings appear to be slowing.”
Ongoing challenges include:
- Staffing and supplier availability
- Economic uncertainty
- Political volatility
> Our Q3 Event Economy Tracker is now available for download.
>
> Download here:
>
> ? – Revenue Per Delegate drops 21%
> ? – September saw the highest number of events
> ⏰ – Lead times shorten
> ? – Delegate sizes drop [\#Data](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Data?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) from 250 UK venues | [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/VRXH4a9hgv](https://t.co/VRXH4a9hgv)
>
> — The Business of Events (@TheBizofEvents) [November 23, 2023](https://twitter.com/TheBizofEvents/status/1727648163303944439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Martin added: “The industry is still grappling with the challenges surrounding inflation and high operating costs, for which there seems no end in sight.
“These conditions very much appear to be the norm and we can’t see that changing any time soon.
“One thing remains clear, despite these challenges, people still value face-to-face events. Venues will therefore be hoping for a strong Christmas season in Q4.”
## **Almost two-thirds of association profs ‘want AI regulation in events’**
**The majority of association professionals want governments to regulate AI use in event organising, according to a poll.**
A total of 63% of respondents backed the idea, while the same percentage said they were concerned about the ethics of using this tech to plan shows.
The survey is part of an upcoming white paper by the Hague & Partners Convention Bureau and Ottawa Tourism to explore the ethical implications of AI use across associations.
Bas Schot, head of the Hague & Partners Convention Bureau, said: “AI is inevitable, and it is already impacting our lives in many ways.
“Those individuals and organisations thinking it is something that will not impact them clearly don’t realise just how ingrained it is in our world already.
“It is all too easy to just think in terms of generative artificial intelligence, however AI is so much more and we need to harness the power of it in a way that is ethical and positive for everyone.”
Ottawa Tourism’s vice president, meeting and major events, Lesley Pincombe added: “We wanted to go beyond discussions about what AI can do, to consider how we should be integrating it into our organisations at a human level.
“There is no denying AI can do incredible things. However, should we allow it; when should we apply the brakes, communicate better and focus on humanity rather than technology?”
Other key findings include:
- 33% respondents said AI tech providers were not trustworthy
- 52% want the creation of an International Standard (ISO) for the use of AI in events
- 71% of the surveyed corporate event organisers wanted legislation but the same number also thought the government lacks the resources
A total of 109 event professionals were surveyed for the white paper. Of these, 61% were from Europe, 31% from North America and the remaining 8% from other countries.
## **AWE signs agreement with KINTEX to promote MICE development**
AWE has signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration and promote the MICE growth in Asia-Pacific.
The agreement with Korean International Exhibition Centre (KINTEX) was signed jointly by Irene Chan, CEO of AWE, and Jae Yul Lee, CEO of KINTEX.
Key areas of collaboration under the MoU include:
- Sharing business development strategies
- Explore opportunities for business and marketing tactics
- Boost employee training at both venues
- Cross-site visits
- Promote expo and cultural events
- Mutual economic and trade benefits in APAC
Irene said: “AWE has maintained close cooperation with the exhibition and entertainment industries in Korea, having successfully hosted numerous remarkable exhibitions and concerts which attracted a large number of international visitors.
“This signing ceremony marks a new chapter in our cooperation, facilitating communication among industry professionals, expanding the scale of conference and exhibition activities in both cities, promoting business and incentive travel, and attracting more large-scale international and regional events.
“Leveraging our strategic location in the heart of the Greater Bay Area, AWE is committed to fostering the thriving development of the MICE industry in the Asia-Pacific region.”
## **Asian tradeshows rebound despite hiccups: UFI**
**Tradeshows in Asia have made a strong recovery after post-Covid challenges in the previous year, according to an UFI report.**
The association’s 18th annual report for the region reveals key exhibition markets – China, Japan, India, South Korea and Hong Kong – are selling more than 80% of the net space available.
> ? Our annual report on the Trade Fair Industry in Asia is out now!
>
> ??UFI members are entitled to receive an executive summary of this report. To download it or to purchase the full report, visit .[\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiapac](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiapac?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#apac](https://twitter.com/hashtag/apac?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/LK51qyRS7Y](https://t.co/LK51qyRS7Y)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [November 23, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1727613946763288696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The rebound comes after a significant 87% drop in net space sold in 2022 compared to 2019 owing to pandemic-related challenges.
This was primarily due to China shutting its borders for the entire 2022 as a result of its Covid-zero policies.
Mark Cochrane, UFI APAC regional manager, said: “In 2022, the US and European exhibition markets had begun to move on from Covid-19, but in Asia, many of the restrictions and challenges remained.
“In fact, China’s exhibition industry was non-existent in 2022. As a result, net square meters sold were at the lowest levels since this report was launched in 2004.
“The good news is that in 2023, the industry has rebounded much faster than expected.”
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, said: “The recovery that we have seen in Asia in 2023 is nothing short of remarkable.
“It demonstrates the resilience of our industry and the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interactions.
“This report is a valuable resource not only for its proprietary statistics and figures, but also for the insight it provides into the trends and challenges that will shape the Asian exhibition industry in 2024 and beyond.”
The report tracks the development and performance of 17 exhibition markets in Asia.
Research was undertaken by the Hong Kong-based Business Strategies Group.
## **RAI Amsterdam strengthens leadership with two new directors**
**RAI Amsterdam has added two event industry veterans to boost its leadership team.**
Diddy Durant joins RAI as the new director of business development and will drive the promotion of Amsterdam and the exhibition centre for international events.
Annette Bos will be the director of markets and oversee RAI’s 25 national and international exhibition titles.
RAI COO Maurits van der Sluis said: “I am delighted to add Annette and Diddy to our management team.
“Together with Bart van der Heijden, Director Events, the team has an enormous network and enormous knowledge and expertise in the industry.
“These are used to the full, to ensure that the many conferences and exhibitions we organise and facilitate – here in Amsterdam and elsewhere in the world – are a great success. ”
Diddy has been part of the RAI since 2012 and played a key role in shaping its international business development.
Annette joined RAI in 2013 and has driven business strategy and growth for the organisation’s Aquatech Global division.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [10 ways to go green using event tech](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/go-green-with-event-tech/)
**Published:** November 21, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The meetings and events industry is working towards a greener future and technology is expected to play a big role.**
Research from UFI’s 31st Global Barometer report shows digitalisation and climate-related regulations will be key factors impacting business development over the next five years.
**Source: 31st UFI Global Exhibition Barometer**
So why not bring the two together as a solution?
Organisers have a host of tech tools at their disposal to power sustainable shows, which is evermore important for brand reputation.
Here are 10 ways to make your shows more eco-friendly with event management tools:
## **1. Send paperless invites ?**
Switch to paperless invites through **[email marketing](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/)** campaigns.
You can create engaging email invitations, segment and target your audience, use analytics tools to track and monitor RSVPs, send timely follow-ups and reminders and incorporate social sharing options.
This helps reduce paper use, saves costs and helps you reach a broader audience.
## **2. Share digital hand-outs ?**
Opting for digital pre-reads allows event organisers to avoid printing large quantities of paper materials.
This eliminates the need for physical handouts and lowers the carbon footprint of your show.
Additionally, these digital pre-reads can be easily updated and customised, creating a more personalised experience.
## **3. Use e-registration to facilitate quick entry ?**
**[Online registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)** facilitates electronic check-ins and removes the need for paper-based forms and other materials like ink and envelopes.
Participants can register and provide the necessary information digitally – this saves time and more attendees can get through the doors quickly.
Using an online registration also eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces the risk of errors and excessive paperwork.
## **4. Create personalised agendas ?**
Tools such as a dedicated **[event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)** or event app have features to enable attendees to customise their agendas.
Users can indicate their preferences, select specific sessions or presentations they would like to attend and mark their preferred time slots.
These agendas can be easily updated and communicated to attendees in case there are any last-minute changes or additions.
As a result, you no longer have to hand out printed schedules while providing a tailored experience that is also more environment-friendly.
## **5. Provide interactive floorplans ?♂️**
An online **[interactive floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)** contributes to sustainability in several ways.
First, it does away with the need to have paper-based maps of the venues, reducing the waste generated.
Organisers can also reduce the use of printed signages, directional and wayfinding signs on the tradeshow floor.
Attendees can easily find their around the venue, locate exhibitor booths and access different spaces in an optimal manner.
Additionally, the data collected from the floorplan helps identify bottlenecks and improves traffic flow – helping streamline attendee movement and minimising energy consumption.
## **6. Create a mobile event app for round-the-clock engagement ?**
**[Mobile event apps](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** eliminate the need for printed materials such as brochures, schedules and maps.
Attendees can access all relevant information on the app – from event agendas and exhibitor details to real-time communication and updates.
Features like digital networking, interactive maps, exhibitor manual and **[hosted buyer solutions](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)** can all be enabled through the event app.
Organisers no longer have to worry about producing lanyards, lead retrieval devices or handling physical forms – everything can be done digitally.
This significantly reduces the reliance on paperwork in traditional event setups, lowering your carbon footprint.
## **7. Use digital ads and banners for sponsorship ?️**
**[Online ads and banners](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)** play a key role in lowering your show’s carbon footprint.
The digital nature of these ads means they can be edited, repurposed, targeted and utilised repeatedly.
Organisers don’t have to deal with the production, transportation and disposal of paper-based materials.
Moreover, using event tech to display ads such as splash screens on apps provides valuable insights into the audience’s interactions and preferences.
Data analytics can provide information on click-through rates, views and engagement levels.
## **8. Use lead retrieval solutions ?**
Collecting and managing attendee information is done through physical forms or business cards in a traditional event set-up.
Exhibitors can use digital **[lead retrieval tools](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)** to collect, organise and store contact details and relevant information about potential leads.
These tools often integrate with customer relationship management (CRM) systems to facilitate prompt follow-ups and create personalised engagement strategies.
This not only streamlines the data collection process but also minimises the need for printed materials, reducing paper waste and environmental impact.
## **9. Engage with QR codes ?**
Attendees at tradeshows can scan QR codes to access e-catalogues and brochures on their phones.
This does away with the need to have printed marketing materials that are cumbersome to handle.
Exhibitors also save time by avoiding manual distribution and can track visitor engagement for tailored experiences.
## **10. Use online feedback and surveys ?**
Attendees can provide their input and opinions through digital forms, polls and surveys.
This feedback is collected, organised and analysed in real time, enabling quicker insights into attendee satisfaction, preferences and areas for improvement.
This not only enhances the efficiency of the feedback management process but also minimises the need for physical paper, printing resources and manual data entry – contributing to a more eco-friendly event.
Reduce your event’s carbon footprint with ExpoPlatform. Learn how our **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** programme helps you plant a tree for every demo booked.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Informa raises 2023 revenue to £3.15bn+](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20231120/)
**Published:** November 20, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa has lifted its 2023 revenue forecast to more than £3.15 billion (bn).**
The organiser’s improved fortunes come on account of accelerating growth across its entire breadth of portfolio.
Other stories of this week’s event news roundup include:
- **IAEE appoints new president and CEO**
- **UFI signs MoU to boost exhibitions’ growth in Latin America**
- **IEG Q3 revenues rise by €46.2mn**
- **ExCeL London extends partnership with CloserStill Media**
Tech plays a crucial part in creating more personalised event experiences. Download the **[AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)** to learn how modern AI tools can boost the value proposition of your show.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Informa revises up 2023 revenue projections to over £3.15bn**
**Informa PLC has increased its full-year revenue expectations to more than £3.15bn from £3.05bn before.**
The organiser also revised up its adjusted profit projections to £840 million (mn) from £790mn earlier.
The upward revision in its outlook comes on the back of a strong performance of its portfolio, with revenue growing 31.7% annually during the first ten months of 2023.
Robust demand for live events, access to B2B markets and high-quality sales intelligence were the key reasons for growth.
The portfolio is led by **Informa Markets** (up 65% yearly in Jan-Oct 2023), **Informa Connect** (+15.6%) and **Informa Tech** (+5.6%).
In its latest trading update, the company said that “the quality of our product offering is improving, with technology enabling better matchmaking between buyers and sellers, on-demand access to content and data to support faster decision making and a range of other value-added services.”
Group CEO Stephen A. Carter said: “We are confirming an upgrade to revenue and profit in 2023 and extending our share buyback programme to £1.15bn.
“In 2024, our task is to continue to improve our product and service offering, grow organically, and use our cash flows and balance sheet to seize opportunities to build and buy further scale.”
## **IAEE appoints new president and CEO**
**The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has named a new president and CEO to rev up its innovation and partnerships.**
Marsha Flanagan will assume the responsibilities and guide IAEE into its next phase, supporting advocacy, sustainability and DE&I initiatives in the global exhibitions and events industry.
> ?BREAKING NEWS! IAEE announces new President & CEO! Read more here: [pic.twitter.com/nhWvM12n1v](https://t.co/nhWvM12n1v)
>
> — IAEE Headquarters (@IAEE\_HQ) [November 14, 2023](https://twitter.com/IAEE_HQ/status/1724469924901372138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Marsha has previously worked as the senior vice president of events and learning experiences at IAEE, where she drove various learning initiatives related to events and exhibition management.
Prior to joining IAEE, she was director of content strategy and development at the Promotional Products Association International.
She has also served for around 12 years in various roles at Meetings Professionals International, where she began her career.
Marsha said: “IAEE plays a vital role in advancing the global exhibitions and events industry, and I am honoured to take on the position of President and CEO.
“I am excited to work closely with the IAEE board of directors, staff, our members, and other stakeholders to drive community engagement and growth for the organization.”
## **UFI signs MoU to boost exhibitions growth in Latin America**
**UFI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a regional association to support exhibitions’ growth in Latin America.**
The agreement with AFIDA (International Association of Exhibitions in Latin America Information) will see the two entities collaborate to advance advocacy, research and education initiatives in the region.
> ? UFI and Asociación Internacional de Ferias de América sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to mutually support and strengthen Latin America's exhibition and trade fair industry!
>
> ? Read the media release: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiamericas](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiamericas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#latam](https://twitter.com/hashtag/latam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#afida](https://twitter.com/hashtag/afida?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/HtUeCs33KG](https://t.co/HtUeCs33KG)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [November 14, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1724351803423084555?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Michael Duck, UFI President, said: “This memorandum highlights the power of associations collaborating for the collective interests of our members and paving the way for further growth and shared success for the wider exhibitions industry regionally and globally.
“We look forward to partnering with AFIDA in driving and delivering programs throughout the region.”
Fernando Gorbarán, AFIDA President, added: “We strongly believe that our associations working collectively are a very powerful tool towards the accomplishment of our mutual objectives, bringing the industry together.
“We are committed to cooperating with UFI through advocacy, education and research, so as to be both à l’avant-garde on what our members need.
“The renewal of this MoU also shows our long-lasting commitment to the promotion of the Exhibitions Industry through Latin America and the world.”
The agreement was signed at the 90th UFI Global Congress at Las Vegas.
## **IEG Q3 2023 revenues jump by €46.2mn**
**Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) has reported its Q3 2023 revenues at €152.4mn (£133.3mn), an increase of €46.2mn (£40.4mn) compared to the same period last year.**
The figures mark a record third consecutive quarter for the Italy-based group, with adjusted EBITDA and profit at €33.8mn (£29.6mn) and €9.6mn (£8.4mn), respectively.
The strong growth is attributed to the robust performance of events as well as the return of key shows like Sigep, Vicenzaoro January and T-Gold.
IEG group CEO Corrado Peraboni said: “The positive performance in the current year, with a record turnover for the third consecutive quarter and an increasing profitability, that allowed the Group to carry on acquisitions and investments in order to expand our product portfolio, both domestically and internationally.
“This year we have been launching new shows, such as KEY, an international show based on renewable resources and a spin-off from Ecomondo and My Plant & Garden, the most important show on floriculture, horticulture and gardening in Italy.”
Corrado added: “We have been pursuing our 4×4 strategy by realising Ecomondo in Mexico and Sigep in China, two of the main products in our portfolio.
“We foresee for 2023 results exceeding strategic goals set in our business plan, which will be the basis for 2024 supporting growth and investments.”
## **ExCeL London and CloserStill Media strengthen collaboration**
**ExCeL London has expanded its partnership with CloserStill Media to stage 20 exhibitions every year until 2026.**
These include leading shows like Tech Show London, Learning Technologies UK and Tech Show London.
ExCeL’s CCO Simon Mills said: “Gareth and the CloserStill Media team are a fantastic success story and we’re thrilled to be expanding our partnership together.
“Their organic growth is further testament that events at ExCeL work and why 2023 is set to be our busiest ever year.
“We’re continually investing in our venue to ensure we can offer the growth potential organisers like CloserStill Media demand.”
CloserStill Media have been hosting events at ExCeL since over 10 years ago and welcomed nearly 700,000 visitors to the venue.
Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, added: “The past few years have seen strong growth for CloserStill Media both for our shows across the UK, as well as in Europe, the US and Asia, with much of that coming from the success of our existing portfolio.
“Working with teams like ExCeL have been an important part of that, and we’re delighted to be building on this relationship.
“The venue staff, facilities and infrastructure are world class, especially the high-speed Elizabeth line which continues to receive resounding praise from both our exhibitors and visitors alike.
“The next few years also promise to be an exciting time for both CloserStill Media and ExCeL with the prospect of new event launches to come.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [UK exhibitions fuel £9.4 billion in trade: report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20231112/)
**Published:** November 13, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The UK exhibition industry is fuelling £9.4 billion in trade for the country’s economy, a new report reveals.**
Research by the Events Industry Alliance (EIA) found the bounceback from pandemic closures has been strong for the nation’s coffers, also bringing in millions of visitors.
Other top stories of the week include:
- **Easyfairs announces 19% jump in revenues**
- **Event industry’s most influential revealed**
- **ExCeL London unveils sustainability strategy**
Smart marketing is key to reaching more people and making your exhibitions a success. Learn how in our **[Events Amplified ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)** – an insider’s guide to modern event marketing.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **UK exhibition industry drives £9.4bn in trade: EIA report**
**UK exhibitions are now generating £9.4bn in trade after a bounceback from lockdown closures, according to a new report.**
EIA’s latest economic impact study reveals the industry is on a solid growth track and is driving 6.1 million visitors to the country.
Chris Skeith, EIA director, said: “Pre-pandemic, the industry steered £11 billion of trade into UK business and although we are not quite back at those levels, we are making significant progress.
“The events industry has proven its resilience and enduring presence, accounting for nearly £5bn of GDP, that’s not far off the 2019 report.”
Andrew Harrison, director of EIA, added: “Organisers, venues and suppliers collectively serve approximately 123,000 exhibitors and generate 99,000 jobs.
“The report clearly demonstrates the force of the events industry.
“We see the opportunities to drive incremental and considerable economic growth and are ready to take them.”
The study, developed in collaboration with UFI and compiled by Oxford Economics, provides a detailed breakdown of the exhibition industry spending and its impact.
## **Easyfairs announces 19% jump in revenues**
**Annual revenues for Easyfairs have increased by almost 20%, according to figures.**
The findings show this grew by 19% to €193.8 million for the year 2022 to 2023.
Financial reports from the company also reveal EBITDA jumped 25% from the previous year to €35.6m.
Easyfairs CFO Marc Hellemans said: “We have more than weathered the storm of Covid. We’ve emerged stronger than ever.
“We have achieved more than 15% organic growth through a mix of volume recovery and launches.
“In March we fully refinanced all bank debt until the end of 2027, strengthening our liquidity position with pre-Covid terms, putting us in an excellent position to develop new and future activities.”
Easyfairs Group CEO Anne Lafère added: “The more the world goes digital, the more value people place on the ability to meet face to face. We offer real-life social media!
“Easyfairs is a clear post-Covid winner within the industry based on the steepness of the rebound not only in financial results but also in the number of exhibitors and visitors and customer satisfaction.”
Anne added the company was also working on its own “AI value creation roadmap.”
She said: “It has great potential on the one hand to increase the efficiency and job satisfaction of our talents, and on the other, to enhance the experience of all participants at our events and venues.
“We are convinced that AI will further boost existing revenues and generate entirely new revenue streams.”
## **Event industry’s most influential revealed**
**The event industry’s most influential people have been revealed in a new index.**
Eventprofs from around the world took part in the Eventex vote to rank their colleagues in he list, which is comprised of the “most exceptional individuals” from around the globe.
It highlights those who have made an impact with their creativity, vision and capacity for innovation.
Ovanes Ovanessian, co-founder of Eventex Awards, said: “The Eventex Index of the top 100 event superstars shines a light on some of the worthiest individuals whose creativity, innovation and achievements keep inspiring and raising the bar for the rest of the industry.
“These remarkable professionals deserve recognition and we are honoured to facilitate this process. Congratulations to everyone included in the list.”
Nominations and votes are entirely made by the events community to determine the final list.
This year, Eventex also recognised the most influential individuals by sector and region, with several smaller indices together with the main top 100 index.
**[ExpoPlatform’s CEO was among those named](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/eventex-tanya-pinchuk-2023/)** as one of the most influential eventprofs in the world.
Tanya Pinchuk, who is also co-founder of the company, was listed in the top 100 across the globe as well as in the top 50 for both the UK and event technology categories.
## **ExCeL London unveils sustainability strategy**
**ExCeL London has stepped up its commitment to [Net Zero Carbon Events](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/) with the reveal of its sustainability strategy.**
The initiative aims to reshape the events landscape into a state that is carbon-neutral, resource-efficient and equitable to all stakeholders. It is based on five pillars:
- Sustainable venue and events
- People, culture and safety
- Community and platform for change
- Clients, partners and supply chain
- Governance and ethics
> LATEST: [\#ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), part of [@ADNECGroup](https://twitter.com/ADNECGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), has today published its new Sustainability Strategy outlining its roadmap to [\#netzero](https://twitter.com/hashtag/netzero?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ?
>
> Read more… [\#ConnectingLives](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ConnectingLives?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ESG](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Sustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/jUTlxKAd99](https://t.co/jUTlxKAd99)
>
> — ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) [November 8, 2023](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1722185482564423688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Humaid Al Dhaheri, chairman of ExCeL London, said: “ExCeL London’s Net Zero Strategy aligns with, and bolsters, our overarching sustainability ambitions under our corporate umbrella.
“We take pride in ExCeL London’s sustainability efforts, as they resonate with our pledge to generate long-term value for all stakeholders through ethically sound and sustainable practices across our operations.”
ExCeL’s CEO Jeremy Rees added: “Sustainable development is fundamental to our success.
“By shaping the future of our events into one that is net zero, resource efficient and equitable, we aim to be a sustainability leader within our industry.
“I’m proud to say that our Sustainability Strategy is not only embedded in our business planning process but is fully supported by our owners ADNEC Group, the ExCeL Board and the wider ExCeL team.”
The strategy was crafted with input from more than 600 stakeholders representing event organisers, exhibitors, visitors, employees, suppliers, event industry partners and the local community around ExCeL.
ExCeL is London’s biggest event venue and a signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [ExpoPlatform CEO named among most influential in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/eventex-tanya-pinchuk-2023/)
**Published:** November 9, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform’s CEO has been named as one of the most influential eventprofs in the world.**
Tanya Pinchuk, who is also co-founder of the company, was listed in the [**Eventex Index 2023**](https://eventex.co/people2023) top 100 across the globe as well as in the top 50 for both the UK and event technology categories.
It comes as the market-leading digital solution provider ExpoPlatform marks its tenth year since being founded.
> We're thrilled to unveil The Most Influential People in the Events Industry for 2023! ?✨
>
> Check out the voting results here: and join us in celebrating their remarkable achievements! ??[\#Eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#InfluentialPeople](https://twitter.com/hashtag/InfluentialPeople?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#EventsIndustryLeaders](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventsIndustryLeaders?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/cbh8eF1WHl](https://t.co/cbh8eF1WHl)
>
> — Eventex (@eventexco) [November 8, 2023](https://twitter.com/eventexco/status/1722207675843588365?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Tanya said: “I am very excited that I’ve been listed in as many as three categories, including the 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry.
“A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me. It means a lot and it motivates me to continue my professional journey striving to bring positive impact and innovation to every aspect of events through technology.
“I am very proud to be among these amazing professionals and industry friends – congratulations to all of you!
“There are many more who deserve to be on the list, as our industry is full of talented and inspiring people!”
The Eventex 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry index – which lists the finalists in alphabetical order – comprises the “most exceptional individuals” from around the globe.
It highlights those who have made an impact with their creativity, vision and capacity for innovation.
Nominations and votes are entirely made by the events community to determine the final list.
Ovanes Ovanessian, co-founder of Eventex Awards, said: “The Eventex Index of the top 100 event superstars shines a light on some of the worthiest individuals whose creativity, innovation and achievements keep inspiring and raising the bar for the rest of the industry.
“These remarkable professionals deserve recognition and we are honoured to facilitate this process. Congratulations to everyone included in the list.”
This year, Eventex also recognised the most influential individuals by sector and region, with several smaller indices together with the main top 100 index.
The categories Tanya was listed in by Eventex are officially named as follows:
- **The 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry**
- **The 50 Most Influential Event Technology Professionals**
- **The 50 Most Influential People in the Events Industry in the UK**
This edition of the 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry index saw as many as 830 nominations from 56 countries – and a massive 21,787 votes cast.
The top three countries represented include the US with 31 individuals, followed by the UK and Poland with 11 each.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [UFI wraps up US debut in Las Vegas](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20231106/)
**Published:** November 6, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**UFI has launched a new chapter in its history with the debut of its global congress in Las Vegas.**
The 90th edition of the association’s annual gathering was the first time it was held in the US.
Member companies also met in the Nevada city for the 2023 UFI General Assembly to review activities of the year gone by and confirm plans ahead.
Other top event stories of the week include:
**? Hyve names new executive vice-president**
**? UK Black Business Week moves to ExCel London**
**? Canada plans to expedite business visitor visas**
A key part to building a successful association is having a flourishing events community. Download our latest **[Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)** to find out how.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **UFI concludes inaugural Las Vegas congress**
**UFI has wrapped up its 90th Global Congress – the first time it was held in the US.**
The show was hosted at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and attended by more than 500 participants from over 50 countries around the globe.
The yearly gathering unites exhibition and event industry experts to exchange insights, address sector trends and challenges and explore opportunities.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, posted: “As we wrap up this year’s UFI Global Congress, I am struggling to pick what to highlight. Let’s start with this year’s group of Next Generation Leaders.
“They took the stage for the closing keynote, presenting their ideas for the new blueprint on how to design and run business events.”
The congress includes presentations, discussions, workshops as well as the latest industry insights and growth strategies.
Generative AI was a recurring theme at the 90th edition of the congress.
ExpoPlatform CTO Mykyta Fastovets spoke at a session on AI-powered exhibitions and how the event industry is trying to leverage generative AI in practice.
Member companies also met for the 2023 UFI General Assembly where the past-year activities are reviewed and plans are confirmed for the upcoming year.
It saw the creation of a new North America Chapter, which will serve its growing membership across that region.
UFI president Michael Duck said: “Trade fairs have proven to be powerful catalysts for economic growth.
“By bringing together businesses, investors, and consumers, they serve around the world as a marketplace for new ideas, products, and services.
“The successful trade fairs of this year have facilitated numerous business transactions, generating revenue, stimulating job creation, and fostering economic development.
“They have been instrumental in revitalising industries that were severely impacted by the pandemic.”
He added: “UFI had a busy and successful year as well. I can report to you today that our community is bigger than ever, with more than 820 companies listed as members.”
> ? Ahead of the UFI Global Congress, representatives from UFI member companies from around the world met in Las Vegas for the 2023 UFI General Assembly.
>
> ? Continue reading here: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#uficongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#gobeyond](https://twitter.com/hashtag/gobeyond?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/nCv4HO4ybU](https://t.co/nCv4HO4ybU)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [November 1, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1719865110263652481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
## **Hyve names new executive vice president**
**The Hyve Group has added an executive vice president to its senior leadership team.**
Julie Driscoll rejoins the company in the new role and will oversee its international edtech, global natural resources, retail, manufacturing and engineering portfolios.
> We are delighted to announce that Julie Driscoll will join Hyve as Executive Vice President to drive growth and operational excellence from January 2024. Read the full announcement here: [pic.twitter.com/u29UOBJWiz](https://t.co/u29UOBJWiz)
>
> — Hyve Group (@hyve\_group) [November 1, 2023](https://twitter.com/hyve_group/status/1719650537757438275?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group, said: “I am delighted that Julie has agreed to return to Hyve in this newly created and strategically important role.
“Her connection with our purpose of creating transformational opportunities for our customers is undeniable, and I know she will instil energy, rigour and momentum across our teams.”
Julie said: “I am thrilled to be joining Hyve at such an exciting time in its journey, as it disrupts the industry and creates the new definition of events.
“Hyve has always been a hugely ambitious business, with even bigger potential, and I am very much looking forward to coming onboard and unlocking that potential.”
Julie will work alongside Jose Papa – the newly-appointed executive VP of Americas – and drive Hyve’s day-to-day operations to promote commercial focus and operational excellence.
## **UK Black Business Week moves to ExCel London**
**UK Black Business Week, the largest business event for black business professionals, has announced plans to relocate to ExCel London for 2024 and beyond.**
The show has grown leaps and bounds since its launch in 2017 and attracts thousands of participants every year.
The move to ExCel London is intended to accommodate the development of the show by leveraging the venue’s expanded space, facilities and transportation infrastructure.
The next edition of the show is expected to be held in October 2024.
> LATEST NEWS: UK Black Business Week moves to [\#ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in 2024 due to continuous growth
>
> Full story: [\#ukbbshow](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukbbshow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ukbbs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukbbs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@ukbbshow](https://twitter.com/UKBBSHOW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@ukbbweek](https://twitter.com/ukbbweek?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/x14UVNmeDb](https://t.co/x14UVNmeDb)
>
> — ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) [November 2, 2023](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1720033713105326085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
CEO Raphael Soluke said: “UK Black Business Week was created to develop, empower and inspire.
“The appetite and potential was clear to see from the outset, with the event doubling, sometimes even tripling, in size year-on-year.
“Due to this demand, we now want to take the event to the next level and so relocating to ExCeL was the logical choice.
“The venue’s status and connectivity mean it’s the perfect location for us to build on the growth we’ve already experienced.”
ExCeL’s CCO Simon Mills added: “The dedication and hard work of Raphael and his team is clear to see, and we’re delighted that ExCeL will be hosting the 2024 UK Black Business Week & UK Black Business Show.
“As well as benefiting from the venue’s seamlessly integrated venue space, facilities and transport infrastructure, we can also help with the event’s growth potential, ensuring it remains the market leader it is now.”
## **Canada plans to expedite business visitor visas**
**Canada will prioritise visa processing for international business visitors attending major conferences and events in the country.**
A new report released by the government mentions: “As of 6 June, 2023, 13 more countries have been added to a partial visa exempt countries list.
“Now, travellers from 67 countries can apply for an electronic travel authorisation (eTA) instead of a visa with most eTA applications approved within minutes.
“We are also committed to ensuring priority visa processing so those from all over the world attending major conferences and events in Canada that are registered with IRCC, make it there on time.”
This action follows the efforts of Canadian events industry representatives, including Meetings Mean Business Canada and the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, who advocated for a quick resolution to the issue.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [How to select the best tradeshow software: a complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/best-tradeshow-software/)
**Published:** November 1, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Choosing the right event tech software can significantly improve the value proposition of your tradeshow – but how do you do it?**
Factors that influence your selection -include user experience, scalability, integration capabilities, analytics and reporting tools and more.
This buyer’s guide will answer all your questions to help you purchase the best tradeshow software. Here’s what we will cover:
- **[What is tradeshow software?](#one)**
- **[Advantages of using tradeshow software](#two)**
- **[Selecting the best tradeshow software – the basics](#three)**
- **[Audience considerations](#four)**
- **[Event management features](#five)**
- **[User experience and usability](#six)**
- **[Cost and budgeting](#seven)**
- **[Data security](#eight)**
## **What is tradeshow software? ?**
Tradeshow software is a set of online tools and solutions designed to manage and automate various aspects of tradeshow planning, management and execution.
These features can range from attendee registration, booth management and AI-powered networking to lead capture, data analytics, floor planning and monetisation.
By leveraging the power of technology, tradeshow software empowers organisers to focus on their event goals and create memorable experiences for their target audience.
**[Learn more how ExpoPlatform’s tradeshow solutions work](https://expoplatform.com/exhibition-new/)**
## **Advantages of using tradeshow software ✔️**
Tradeshow software offers a myriad of advantages for organisers. For example:
1\. **Streamlined processes**: Trade show software automates various tasks such as exhibitor registration, attendee management, floor planning, and marketing. This streamlines processes, reduces manual effort, and saves time, allowing organisers to focus on other critical aspects of event planning.
2\. **Enhanced attendee experience**: Organisers can provide attendees with user-friendly interfaces, personalised schedules, interactive maps, and networking features. It facilitates seamless communication, simplifies registration and ticketing, and improves overall attendee engagement and satisfaction.
3\. **Improved exhibitor management:** Enable efficient exhibitor management by automating processes such as booth assignments, payments and document submission. It simplifies communication between organisers and exhibitors, enhances exhibitor profiles, and ensures a smooth experience throughout the event.
4\. **Real-time data and analytics**: Get valuable insights into attendee behaviour, preferences and event performance. Organisers can track metrics such as attendance rates, ticket sales and exhibitor ROI in real-time. This helps optimise future events, make data-driven decisions and measure the success of the show.
5\. **Effective marketing and promotion**: Tradeshow software offers comprehensive marketing and promotion tools. It allows organisers to create visually appealing event websites, integrate social media platforms and conduct targeted email marketing campaigns. This ensures wider event visibility, boosts attendance and generates higher exhibitor and sponsor interest.
6\. **Flexibility and adaptability**: These tools can be customised and adapted to different event requirements e.g. accommodating different booth layouts, floor plans and exhibitor needs. The software also allows for last-minute changes and updates, ensuring organisers can efficiently adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
7\. **Improved communication and collaboration**: Facilitate seamless communication between organisers, exhibitors and attendees. It provides messaging and networking features that enable attendees to connect with exhibitors, speakers, and each other. This fosters collaboration, networking opportunities and better engagement throughout the event and beyond.
8\. **Cost-efficiency**: Tradeshow software does require an initial investment, but it usually leads to long-term cost savings. By automating processes and reducing manual effort, organisers can optimise resource utilisation and minimise administrative expenses. The software can also increase exhibitor ROI and generate higher revenue through enhanced attendee experiences and targeted marketing.
## **Selecting the best tradeshow software – the basics ?️**
A tradeshow is a complex affair with many moving parts – and you need to make sure your software delivers on each aspect.
Here is a roundup of the basics:
- First, the software should be **suitable for managing different types of events**. Whether you are organising in-person, virtual or hybrid events, it should be able to handle the specific requirements of each event type. This could include tools for hosted buyer programmes, attendee networking, session scheduling and live streaming capabilities.
- Secondly, it is crucial to have the **features needed to manage the entire tradeshow process**. These can be factors such as registration management, exhibitor management, attendee engagement tools, analytics and reporting capabilities and integration options with other systems you may be using.
- **User experience and usability** are also crucial factors to consider. The software should have a well-designed interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate. It should provide a seamless and enjoyable experience for both event planners and attendees. Additionally, supporting documentation, tutorials, and customer support should be readily available to help users effectively utilise the software’s features.
- **Cost considerations** play a significant role in selecting the best tradeshow software. Evaluate the pricing structure, whether it is based on a one-time fee or a monthly subscription. Consider any additional costs, such as fees for additional users or technical support. It is also important to weigh the value the software provides against its cost and budget accordingly.
Let’s understand these factors in a wider context ?
**Read more** ➡️ [**Event data is ‘key to future’ of tradeshows**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/stephan_forseilles-jan23/)
## **Audience considerations**
Your target audience is crucial to selecting the right tradeshow software.
Different events attract different types of attendees and it’s important to choose software that addresses their needs and preferences.
Understanding your audience and their expectations will help you provide the best experience for both exhibitors and attendees.
Additionally, consider any language or cultural considerations that may be relevant for your target audience, as this may impact the software’s localisation and customisation options.
By taking audience considerations into account, you can ensure the solution you choose will effectively engage and satisfy your attendees.
**Who is your target audience?**
To choose your target audience, start by defining the objective of your tradeshow and the desired level of creativity and technical competence. Consider the type of industries or niches that align with your event’s theme or purpose. For example, if you’re organising a fashion event, your audience will retailers, fashion industry professionals, suppliers and stylists.
➡️ Conduct audience research to gain insights into their preferences and behaviours. Utilise social media platforms and hashtags relevant to your industry or event to discover communities of interest. Analyse your competitors’ events and evaluate their target audience to understand who might be interested in your event as well.
➡️ Selecting the right target audience will help you create a successful and engaging tradeshow experience. It allows you to customise your event content, promotions and activities to attract and resonate with the attendees who are most likely to benefit from and contribute to your event’s success.
➡️ Also consider your event sponsors who will be looking for value and ROI before deciding to support your show. This could be through increased brand visibility, lead generation or networking opportunities with industry professionals.
**How to engage with your audience more effectively?**
For enhanced engagement, it is crucial to employ tools that speak to their requirements.
Incorporate interactive elements such as Q&A sessions and live polls – these boost participation and give insights into the audience’s thought process.
By allowing them to actively contribute to the discussion, you create a more engaging and inclusive environment.
It’s also important to properly understand the buyer persona to tailor your content and discussions to resonate with them.
For instance, tools like an exhibitor manual help seamlessly onboard your exhibitors to the show while a smart event app extends the digital experience.
**Also read:** [**12 ways to boost event engagement**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/event-engagement-guide/)
## **Event management features**
The tradeshow software you select should have the necessary features that solve various aspects of your events.
You need to first define the type of event you are creating – will it just have speaker sessions and booths or also feature workshops, seminars, hosted buyer meetings and networking meetups?
Depending on the industry niche e.g. healthcare, fashion, fintech, supply chain, different features might be needed for the unique requirements of each show.
Begin by exploring the different types of tradeshow software and compile a list of software vendors and solutions that offer these features.
To make an informed decision, read reviews and testimonials from other event professionals to gauge the reputation and reliability of the software options.
Some widely-used features in popular tradeshow software are:
? **[Registration management](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/):** Online registration capabilities, customisable registration forms as well as tools for badge printing and attendee tracking.
? **[Hosted buyer programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/):** Connect pre-qualified buyers to exhibitors with a personalised concierge programme, saving time and increasing exhibitor ROI.
? **[Exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/):** Help exhibitors get familiar with the event and make the most of their participation. It includes key show information, guidelines and resources to ensure a smooth exhibition experience.
? **[Lead capture and retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/):** Lead capture features that allow badge scans, capture contact information and score leads. Integration with customer relationship management (CRM) systems is also crucial for seamless lead management, qualification and tracking.
? **[Floor plan mapping and booth management](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/):** Interactive floor plan layouts provide visibility on the venue space and help attendees navigate from one location to another in a jiffy.
? **[Networking and matchmaking features](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/):** AI-powered matchmaking solutions increase attendee networking and appointment scheduling. In-built meetings and messaging tools enable attendees to converse and connect, ensuring higher engagement.
? **[Mobile event app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/):** Allow your audience to connect and network, generate leads, get real-time updates and access and share content on the go – right from their fingertips.
**Does the Solution Offer Additional Solutions or Benefits for Your Events?**
When selecting a tradeshow software, it’s important to consider whether the solution offers additional features that can enhance your events.
Look for tools or functionalities that can streamline event management and increase attendee engagement.
One important aspect is the software’s **ability to** **create event sponsorship packages** – you should be able to create sponsorship tiers and packages that offer varying levels of exposure and benefits to sponsors. This can help attract potential sponsors and provide them with valuable opportunities to promote their brand.
Another key consideration is the software’s **capability to prove event ROI to sponsors**. Look for analytics and reporting features that allow you to measure various metrics like attendee engagement, lead generation, and revenue generated from sponsorships. Being able to provide data-driven insights to sponsors showcases the value they received from participating in your event and makes it easier to secure future sponsorships.
Also, check whether the tradeshow solution has any **sustainability aspect** attached to it. This helps bolsters the green credentials of your show without any added cost.
**➡️ Learn about ExpoPlatform’s [Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) initiative – a tree planted for every app meeting booked**
## **User experience and usability**
User experience (UX) and usability are vital factors to consider when selecting tradeshow software.
The software should have a clean and organised layout, making it easy to access and utilise its various features and tools.
Intuitive registration processes and customisable options contribute to a positive user experience, ensuring attendees can easily sign up for events or sessions.
Usability also extends to the organiser’s perspective, as the software should streamline administrative tasks and eliminate manual processes, saving time and effort for the planning team.
Ultimately, prioritising user experience and usability ensures that your tradeshow software enhances both attendee satisfaction and event management efficiency.
**Does it include help documentation, tutorials and training for users?**
Properly using tradeshow software needs user-friendly help documentation, tutorials and training sessions.
These resources can bring your team as well as your audience up to speed – helping save time and minimising frustration when they are operating the tool.
Comprehensive help documentation helps users learn about the various functionalities of the software and understand how to leverage them to their advantage.
Tutorials provide step-by-step guidance on how to perform specific tasks and how various features of the software work.
## **Cost and budgeting**
When budgeting for tradeshow software, it’s important to consider various expenses.
The venue cost is a significant factor, along with expenses for food and drink, entertainment, decor, staff, marketing, software, audio/visual equipment, and miscellaneous costs.
Incorporating event management software into the budgeting process can offer several benefits.
First, it can help streamline administrative tasks and reduce manual labour costs, as the software automates several processes. This allows event planners to allocate their time and resources more efficiently.
Event management software also provides tools for tracking and managing expenses, which can improve financial transparency and control. It allows for better budget tracking, helping event planners stay on top of their spending and make necessary adjustments if needed.
## **Data Security**
Data security is crucial for tradeshow software due to the sensitive nature of the information it handles. Here’s what you should look at:
1\. **Protection of attendee and exhibitor information**: Trade show software typically stores personal information such as names, contact details, and financial data of attendees and exhibitors. Ensuring data security safeguards this sensitive information from unauthorised access, identity theft, or misuse.
2\. **Compliance with privacy regulations:** Many countries have strict regulations regarding the collection, storage, and use of personal data. By implementing robust data security measures, trade show software ensures compliance with these regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union.
3\. **Prevention of data breaches**: Trade show software often stores a significant amount of data, including financial transactions, attendee preferences and exhibitor contracts. Without adequate security measures, this data becomes vulnerable to cyberattacks, hacking attempts, and data breaches. Protecting against such incidents is paramount to avoid reputational damage and legal consequences.
4\. **Safeguarding intellectual property:** Trade show software may contain copyrighted materials, proprietary information or trade secrets related to event planning and management. Maintaining data security protects against unauthorised access or theft of this valuable intellectual property, ensuring the competitiveness and integrity of the event.
5\. **Trust and confidence of stakeholders:** Organisers, exhibitors and attendees entrust their personal and financial data to tradeshow software providers. Demonstrating a commitment to data security builds trust and confidence among stakeholders, encouraging their continued participation and collaboration in future events.
6\. **Business continuity and disaster recovery**: Robust data security measures include regular backups, data encryption and disaster recovery plans. This ensures the tradeshow software can quickly recover from any unforeseen events, such as system failures, natural disasters or cyberattacks – minimising downtime and maintaining business continuity.
7\. **Protection of financial transactions:** Tradeshow solutions often handle financial transactions, including exhibitor payments, ticket sales and sponsorship agreements. Implementing strong data security measures helps prevent fraudulent activities, unauthorised access to financial data and the manipulation of financial transactions.
**Download the [Event Data Safety checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/event-data-safety-checklist/) to understand what questions you should ask before selecting a tradeshow software.**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [12 ways to boost event engagement](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/event-engagement-guide/)
**Published:** June 30, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Building and maintaining event engagement among your attendees is one of the key issues highlighted by organisers – how do you do it?**
The digital transformation of our industry means there are now 365 days available for reaching audiences, rather than just a few days. This creates challenges, but plenty of opportunities.
That’s why ExpoPlatform has put together this 12-step guide to boosting event engagement – before, during and after you show.
### **Pre-event engagement activities**
## **Audience questions before the show**
****Make your audience ask questions and choose discussion groups during the registration process.****
You can do this by including a section in your registration form where participants can ask burning questions or join the most relevant discussion group.
**Impact on engagement:**
- Audience anticipates what is coming and already feels engaged
- Organiser gets this data at scale, allowing them to find topics of interest
- Speakers can prepare themselves using these top questions
## **Highlight content early with your marketing website**
**Boost the visibility of key content and create anticipation on your marketing website in a few clicks.**
You can do this by using external widgets to highlight the exhibitors, programme and speakers. The widgets make it simple to drop the code on your marketing website.
**Benefits include:**
- Audience get a valuable at-a-glance view of the event
- Visitors are already aware and enthusiastic about key components of the programme
- Organiser saves time by integrating the content once
## **Include peer-to-peer in your marketing plan**
**Make it simple for exhibitors and speakers to activate their network using invites and social media posts.**
Exhibitors can do this by using the “invite visitors” email functional provided by vendors like ExpoPlatform. Speakers should design their social media posts, or use a third party to automate it.
**Benefits include:**
- Complementary strategy to your organic and paid campaigns
- Using branded templated emails makes the exhibitor’s life easier
- The reach of key exhibitors and speakers can really boost the awareness of your event
## **AI-powered matchmaking to increase engagement**
**Boost engagement by giving personalised content for attendees to connect with as they navigate through your programme and marketplace.**
An AI-powered matchmaking engine helps you recommend people, products, companies and even conference sessions.
It analyses account interest and behaviours, while it also able to do this based on similar profiles – like Amazon’s “customers who bought this also bought” recommendations.
**Benefits include:**
- Personalise the experience at scale
- Boost the engagement by tailoring the platform to each attendee’s needs
- Augment interactions between people and objects – meaning more leads for exhibitors
## **Start an event-specific hashtag**
**Create a hashtag dedicated to your event which you can use on social to spread promotion.**
You can tag speakers, exhibitors and sponsors during the pre-event marketing to draw attention to the hashtag.
This can then be used before, during and the live show to extend the reach of your engagement. Try to make sure there are as few variants as possible on the chosen term.
**Benefits include:**
- Participants will promote the event independently on social media with their own content
- It gives a way for exhibitors to showcase their products
- B2B media can use the hashtag to share insights on sessions and speakers
- The hashtag drums up energy before the event, while also giving a space for participants to continue engagement afterwards
### **Live event engagement activities**
## Include an event mobile app
**Provide a powerful event app for guiding attendees throughout your event with powerful networking and community building capabilities.**
This tool provides power in the pocket of your attendees to get the most out of their live show experience – guiding and curating their whole experience.
**Benefits include:**
- Engage visitors with push notifications to send reminders, alerts, custom updates and news
- Attendees can have meaningful conversations with each other
- Interactive floorplan to guide attendees through the showfloor
- QR codes for scanning for lead retrieval
## **Engage a wider audience with livestreaming**
**Product oriented trade shows can benefit from a livestreamed tour of the showfloor, with stand presentations able to work wonders for engaging a remote audience.**
Livestreaming your most popular keynotes may enable you to extend your reach dramatically. You can embed it as “Happening Live” on your home page as well as promote on social media.
> e-commerce or ultra-local : which factors will influence the wine and spirits business in 2030 moderated by Patrick Schmitt MW [@teamdb](https://twitter.com/teamdb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) now streaming live ?on
>
> — Vinexposium (@vinexposium) [June 21, 2022](https://twitter.com/vinexposium/status/1539226061988368386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
**Benefits include:**
- Extend your reach to a wider remote audience
- Visitors who face last minute travel restrictions are still able to join
- Content can be made available on-demand afterwards
## **Daily show recaps**
**Keep the excitement up and create FOMO with daily show recap emails that redirect to the platform.**
This form of marketing is still relevant and powerful for this purpose. It can also be accompanied by social media posts – including great photos and video content.
Email content and social media posts can include links to on-demand sessions – and highlight what else is coming up.
> You're invited to attend the screening of [\#SHARAF](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SHARAF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) by [@Z5weyyak](https://twitter.com/Z5weyyak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) hosted by [\#CABSAT2022](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CABSAT2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)!
>
> Make sure to head to [\#NextGen](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NextGen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Stage by 2:00 PM.[@ZeeTVME](https://twitter.com/ZeeTVME?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[\#Cabsat](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cabsat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#cabsat2022](https://twitter.com/hashtag/cabsat2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#satellite](https://twitter.com/hashtag/satellite?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#technology](https://twitter.com/hashtag/technology?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#techcompany](https://twitter.com/hashtag/techcompany?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#supplier](https://twitter.com/hashtag/supplier?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#techsupplier](https://twitter.com/hashtag/techsupplier?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#satellites](https://twitter.com/hashtag/satellites?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#communications](https://twitter.com/hashtag/communications?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#broadcast](https://twitter.com/hashtag/broadcast?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#media](https://twitter.com/hashtag/media?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/YdnkFlKDS1](https://t.co/YdnkFlKDS1)
>
> — CABSAT Official (@CABSATofficial) [May 19, 2022](https://twitter.com/CABSATofficial/status/1527207797036818434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
**Benefits include:**
- Increase engagement of active attendees
- Re-energise passive attendees with FOMO
## **Revitalise attendees with memorable breakdown sessions**
**Offer unexpected breakdown moments during your event that your audience will be delighted by.**
Popular formats focus on well-being, professional coaching or fun activities such as contests, giveaways or music quizzes.
**Benefits include:**
- Proposing these breaks will capture attention, strengthen your brand image and develop storytelling
- Active participants can share their experience on social media
### **Post-event engagement activities**
## **Empower exhibitors to follow up leads efficiently**
**Promote an advanced exhibitor lead dashboard to enable your exhibitors to follow up efficiently.**
This feature shows all the online and onsite touchpoints with your company, team and products in detail: badge scans, page views, favourites, meetings, messaging and more.
Reconnect with the lead directly from the board or export the file, while anyone who’s been scanned on the mobile app also appears.
**Benefits include:**
- Clear and detailed exhibitor ROI
- Convenient way to manage and score leads
- Facilitated post-show follow ups
Learn more about omnichannel [**Lead Intelligence**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/omnichannel-lead-intel/) here.
## **On-demand content available for a limited time**
**Setting a deadline builds a sense of FOMO among attendees to catch up on content they might have missed.**
Establish a deadline, communicate about it in the thank you email and install a countdown module on your website. We recommend a deadline of two weeks after the event, but that is flexible.
**Benefits include:**
- Increase connections even after the show
- Eventually create an upgrade path to access this content on your 365 platform
## **Offer a 365 Community**
**In-person events represent the high point of engagement, but digital can extend interaction with an audience year-round.**
A strong digital community offers organisers an opportunity for significant audience and revenue growth.
**What are the benefits?**
- Grow a larger, more engaged audience year-round
- More data and insights about customers
- More revenue opportunities
- Ability to adapt to unforeseen circumstances
- A much sustainable way of keeping connected
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Messe Frankfurt starts digital transformation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/week-in-events-20231030/)
**Published:** October 30, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**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**
A crucial part of digital transformation is learning how to build a flourishing online community around your events.
Download the latest edition of the **[Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)** to get started with your own.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **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: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufilatam](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufilatam?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiapac](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiapac?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufimea](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufimea?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufieurope](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufieurope?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/kHCTXZsFPN](https://t.co/kHCTXZsFPN)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [October 26, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1717453107221729401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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](https://www.ufi.org/news-media/media-releases/)**.
## **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.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [IMEX America records biggest ever show](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20231023/)
**Published:** October 23, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**IMEX America has recorded its largest show ever, helping to forge “better human connections around the world”.**
The event in Las Vegas almost hit 15,000 participants, surpassing the previous score of 14,000 in 2019. Read the full story below.
Other top highlights from your weekly event news roundup include:
- **GITEX launches new European edition**
- **GL events nine-month revenue in 2023 crosses €1 billion**
- **Easyfairs boosts portfolio with new partnership**
- **Events Industry Alliance submits policy demands to UK**
IMEX’s smart event app powered by ExpoPlatform played a key role in the show’s success.
Learn how you can get started with your own with our **[Event App Handbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/)**. Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **IMEX America 2023 breaks record**
**The latest edition of IMEX America saw almost 15,000 participants take part – breaking the previous record set in 2019.**
More than 5,000 buyers – including over 4,000 who were hosted – were at the show at at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center over three days, with 80,000 pre-scheduled meeting including 73,000 of which were one-to-one with exhibitors.
Figures from IMEX Group reveal the show’s 12th outing broke the record of 14,000 participants which was set pre-pandemic.
Carina Bauer, CEO, said: “I’m delighted the industry turned out in such strong numbers from across the globe this week and that IMEX America once again provided a carefully-designed platform for everyone to come together for business, building better human connections around the world, growing and learning from each other.
“This was our biggest show ever, which was clear from the fact you can’t see the edges anymore.”
Technology for the event was delivered by ExpoPlatform, who announced a three-year official tech partnership with the group following a successful show at IMEX Frankfurt this year.
https://youtu.be/cMVodcqE5vI
Feedback from participants about the app developed by ExpoPlatform included praise of its badge scanning capabilities, meetings scheduling, interactive floorplan and more.
Exhibitors were able to streamline their agenda using the app’s *Promoted Posts* feature – and scanned **124,000 contacts** with the free lead-scanning tool in the app.
## **GITEX announces European edition**
**A new edition of GITEX will be launched in Europe after yet another successful edition of its flagship show.**
More than 180,000 visitors from 180 nations took part in he world’s largest tech showcase at the Dubai World Trade Centre last week, featuring more than 6,000 exhibitors as well as over 1,000 speakers.
It also saw the announcement of a Berlin-based edition of the event, which will be known as GITEX Europe.
> GITEX Global…A true global success story from Dubai
>
> In 1981, with 46 exhibitors, 150 speakers, and 3,000 visitors
>
> Dubai hosted the inaugural edition of the exhibition
>
> GITEX evolved over the years to become the world’s largest tech and startup show
>
> The 2023 edition sees an… [pic.twitter.com/oI8V4X6tXs](https://t.co/oI8V4X6tXs)
>
> — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) [October 20, 2023](https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1715374297412178223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Omar Sultan Al Olama, UAE’s minister of state for artificial intelligence, said: “Going to Berlin proves that we are able to take the best and the brightest minds from the region to Europe and also bring them back to Dubai.
“This is a continuous momentum that started with GITEX Africa and we’re hoping to make GITEX Europe the most successful tech event in the continent.”
CEO of KAOUN International, organiser of GITEX Europe, Trixie LohMirmand said: “The mission of GITEX is to create positive impact in the industries and economies we serve, and impact is sparked when the most imaginative, innovative and forward governments and people from diverse industries and cultures with shared ambitions come together to ignite open and honest collaborations.
“GITEX is all about the power of technology and people. The creation of GITEX Europe is centred on this simple DNA.
“We are motivated by the confidence the global tech community has placed on GITEX to lead them to the greatest markets in the world with the highest trust and commitment.”
> ?LET’S RISE WITH EUROPE.
>
> ?From Dubai, to Africa, and now in Europe – announcing the most significant tech event launch of the decade.
>
> GITEX EUROPE, 21-23 May 2025 – Messe, Berlin Germany.
>
> ➡️[\#GITEXEUROPE](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GITEXEUROPE?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#GITEXGLOBAL](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GITEXGLOBAL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#GITEXAFRICA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GITEXAFRICA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/QsAsOH3v0n](https://t.co/QsAsOH3v0n)
>
> — GITEX GLOBAL (@GITEX\_GLOBAL) [October 18, 2023](https://twitter.com/GITEX_GLOBAL/status/1714559879040389503?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The inaugural edition will be hosted in partnership with Messe Berlin in the German city from May 21 until May 23 2025.
GITEX Global is the flagship version of the show, while GITEX Africa was launched this year.
This was the third consecutive year ExpoPlatform partnered with the organiser Dubai World Trade Centre to deliver the technology for the show.
It included creating an all-in-one smart event platform with advanced features to drive quality meetings, boost interactions and increase leads.
## **GL events crosses €1bn in nine-month revenues**
**GL events saw its revenues hit more than €1 billion (£884 million) in the first nine months of 2023, according to its reports.**
The company’s latest financial statements revealed its January to September figures stood at €1.0152bn – up 26% from the same period last year.
It also shows that its third quarter revenue was €325m, up 16% from the same period in 2022.
Olivier Ginon, chairman-CEO of GL events, said: “GL events’ growth momentum has remained strong.
“Bolstered by growth of 16% in the third quarter, for the very first time our group crossed the symbolic one billion euro milestone for nine-month revenue.
“This quarterly performance highlights the strength of business momentum in Europe and South America, and confirms the upturn in China, particularly for our Live activities, with revenue from this country already exceeding €70m.
“These new successes were achieved thanks to the commitment of all our teams in each of our business divisions.”
Live events contributed to the maximum revenues at €568.6m, followed by venues at €266.2m and exhibitions at €180.4m.
The highest growth was recorded by the exhibitions division, which jumped 83% from €98.8m in the first nine months of 2022.
## **Easyfairs boost portfolio with new partnership**
**Easyfairs has entered a new partnership to expand its portfolio in industrial B2B communities.**
Its collaboration with Milan-based exhibition organiser QUiCKFairs adds two key events – Coiltech Italia and Coiltech Deutschland – strengthening its position in the Italian and German markets.
Coiltech are annual industry-leading events focusing on materials and machinery for electric motor design, maintenance and repair.
Roland Brand, CEO of Easyfairs DACH region, said: “The partnership with QUiCKFairs is an exciting development for Easyfairs; the Coiltech events serve niche communities making them a perfect fit for our business.
“We look forward to working closely with Sebastian Kuester and his team on further growing these thriving events.
“We are confident they will leverage the experience of Easyfairs with our pan-European network of industrial trade shows, our advanced technology platform, and the obvious synergies within the Easyfairs portfolio.”
The agreement means QUiCKFairs’s event team will continue to manage both editions of the Coiltech event.
Sebastian Kuester, founder and managing partner of QUiCKFairs, will become the company’s CEO and maintain an investment in Easyfairs.
He said: “I am thrilled to join the Easyfairs family. My investment allows me to continue acting as an entrepreneur and join in the success of over 200 events.
“Becoming a part of a privately owned, globally operating event organiser, repeatedly recognised with the *Great Place to Work* award, ensures that the QUiCKFairs team will continue to work in an inspiring and supportive environment while joining the ranks of a Top 20 company.
“For Coiltech’s exhibitors and visitors, this development primarily signifies long-term continuity, as the success stories of Easyfairs and QUiCKFairs are built upon the same principles.”
## **EIA submits key policy demands to UK Parliament**
**The EIA has published three key policy demands in its new manifesto for the UK Parliament.**
Areception held at the Houses of Parliament in London saw the body present the interests of the events industry to members.
This included three top policy demands:
- Creating growth incentives
- Implement actions to minimise trade conflicts and improve market access
- The government to strategically leverage business events to promote key sectors, boost their visibility and drive trade
Andrew Harrison, director at EIA, said: “The EIA represents a wide variety of businesses, each essential to the success of the industry, acting as a catalyst for growth by bringing together investors, innovators and customers from around the globe to do the deals that drive international and domestic trade.
“Our new manifesto advocates for their best interests and we hope that policymakers gain a fuller understanding of the untapped potential they could help our industry unlock.”
The EIA represents the Association of Event Organisers, the Association of Event Venues and the Event Supplier and Services Association.
The alliance’s main objective is to represent the business events industry and boost travel, tourism, hospitality and global business supply chains.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [GITEX GLOBAL 2023 goes live](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20231016/)
**Published:** October 16, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The world’s largest tech showcase GITEX GLOBAL has kicked off in Dubai, with a focus on “AI in everything” at its core.**
It is one of two renowned industry events which has launched this week, with IMEX America also getting underway in Las Vegas.
ExpoPlatform is providing event technology solutions for both shows – including smart event apps, lead retrieval, AI matchmaking and more.
Other stories from our weekly event news roundup are:
**➡️ UFI to host annual European conference in Zurich next year**
**➡️ IEG appoints new president**
**➡️ RX USA hires new group vice president of sales**
Mobile event apps have become critical for the success of shows like GITEX and IMEX. Download the **[Event App Handbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/event-app-handbook/)** to get started with your own app and learn how to select the best app provider.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **GITEX GLOBAL 2023 kicks off**
**Thousands of attendees and exhibitors have flocked to Dubai as GITEX GLOBAL gets underway.**
The event is hosting global tech giants and start-ups in AI, cybersecurity, mobility, sustainable tech and more across 41 exhibition halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
This latest edition is built around “the year to imagine AI in everything”, supercharging the global race for digital supremacy by revealing expert perspectives about the potential of its impact.
> The moment we've all been waiting for is here! GITEX GLOBAL DOORS ARE NOW OPEN.
>
> The largest Tech and Startup Event gathering industry leaders from all over the world is ready to amaze you with the latest in tech innovation. [pic.twitter.com/8u1jvPlxCT](https://t.co/8u1jvPlxCT)
>
> — GITEX GLOBAL (@GITEX\_GLOBAL) [October 16, 2023](https://twitter.com/GITEX_GLOBAL/status/1713813389682561059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president at DWTC, posted: “This year’s GITEX GLOBAL is synonymous with artificial intelligence. It has upsized the AI phenomenon as it amplifies the excitement, trepidation, curiosity and dilemma of this new tech paradigm.
“GITEX GLOBAL presents the year’s largest and most sensational AI experience with 6,000 companies from over 180 countries. If you still think the fuss is only about ChatGPT, then you must come and get ready to be amazed.
“Because at GITEX, the companies imagine AI in everything.”
The ExpoPlatform team has once again worked with the organiser to create an all-in-one smart event platform with new custom features to set up hosted buyer meetings, improve the quality of engagement and drive leads.
It follows on from a record-breaking year for the event in 2022 – with ExpoPlatform providing digital solutions – which drew 170,000 attendees and generated AED 2.6 billion.
## **IMEX America anticipates record year for buyers**
**IMEX America is anticipating a record number of buyers as it gets set to open its doors in Las Vegas.**
Eventprofs from around the world will descend on the Nevada city as the tradeshow returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from October 17 to 19.
It will showcase immersive tech, knowledge resources, tech talks, new education formats, the IMEX Group’s sustainability strategy and more.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “All our numbers have been on an upward trajectory since registration opened. But it’s not about celebrating big numbers for their own sake, it’s about what these metrics say about the state of our industry.
“Even our specialist education programs all have waiting lists, which is a first this far from opening day. In an era marked by so much uncertainty, these are good indicators that the global events sector is not only healthy but also more robust than many thought.”
The organiser said well over 4,000 buyers are set to attend, while 60,000 meetings have already been booked.
IMEX has negotiated extra hotel room blocks, hosted buyer buses and catering services o deal with this popularity – as well as having expanded the hosted buyer lounge by 10,000 sq. feet.
Following the success of IMEX Frankfurt, the organiser has again teamed up with ExpoPlatform for event tech solutions and support.
The group also **[signed a three-year deal](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-expoplatform-partners/)** with the event management provider for its upcoming shows.
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform will be hosting several sessions on event tech, trends and innovations at IMEX America. Here are the details ?
- [**How to grow exhibitor leads +250%. Create a higher return for your exhibitors using a Lead Intelligence solution**](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/5ksgbkavt0fu8zg2mhtx4cu2c/lj067x297r)
- [**Hosted Buyer Programme: A tech-fuelled concierge experience for your VIPs**](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/5ksgbkavt0fu8zg2mhtx4cu2c/wm026k79o8)
- [**Generative AI in events: using ChatGPT-like tools wisely** ](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/5ksgbkavt0fu8zg2mhtx4cu2c/4e9nqw295g)
- [**ExpoPlatform’s 365 Community: Build a year-round business model for your events**](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/5ksgbkavt0fu8zg2mhtx4cu2c/5p0oqpbdrw)
We will also be speaking at:
- [**Tech at work: Case studies that wow**](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/5ksgbkavt0fu8zg2mhtx4cu2c/bw9x5m50n7)
- [**\#Eventprofs Unplugged – All things Tech**](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/5ksgbkavt0fu8zg2mhtx4cu2c/ke9k7m10vx)
## **UFI European Conference to take place in Zurich in 2024**
**The annual UFI European Conference will head to Zurich, Switzerland in 2024.**
The event will be hosted by MCH Group’s Messe Zurich from June 11-13 and will be co-located with the Event Directors Summit, a one-day meet of 50 exhibition and portfolio directors.
Roman Imgrüth, CEO MCH Exhibition & Events, said: “We are delighted to welcome UFI to Zürich next year.
“The European Conference brings together a very important community and it will be a pleasure to host them here at the Messe Zürich and show them around our beautiful city.
“We are also excited to welcome the Event Directors Summit – this event is an important addition and of course, this select group is very attractive to us as a leading host for guest events in Switzerland with our venues in Basel and Zurich.”
Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI regional director of Europe, said: “We are thrilled to take the European Conference to Zurich in 2024.
“We look forward to welcoming industry professionals from Europe and beyond to meet here for networking, learning and sharing our experiences.
“It is an exciting time right now and we will have a lot to talk about.”
Pre-registration for the conference can be done **[here](http://www.ufieurope.org)**.
## **IEG announces new president**
**The Italian Exhibition Group has named a veteran hotel entrepreneur as its new president.**
Maurizio Renzo Ermeti was announced by the organiser’s board of directors as taking on the role after the previous president Lorenzo Cagnoni passed away last month.
He was previously vice president of IEG from 2008-2016 and a non-executive member of the board of directors since 1997.
Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, said: “On behalf of the entire board of directors, recalling once again the commitment and professionalism shown in carrying out the role by Dr Lorenzo Cagnoni, wishes the new president of the board of directors good work administration.”
Maurizio’s career spans multiple decades and began in 1980 within the family hotel group Ambienthotels, where he is currently director.
After that, he worked in various leadership positions such as chairman of Adriacongrex from 1994-1997 and president of the Rimini Hoteliers Association from 1997-2006.
Additionally, he has headed admin responsibilities since 2013 at the Strategic Plan Agency and since 2019 served on the Board of Directors of Rimini Municipality’s destination management company, Visit Rimini.
## **RX USA appoints new group vice president of sales**
**RX USA has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of a new group vice president of sales.**
Indiya Okam will oversee the sales division of the company and will be primarily responsible for driving revenue and sales transformation.
She will report to Fernando Fischer, president of Americas, and will also promote sales talent and develop sustainable growth strategies for RX and its industries in the US.Fernando said: “As a leader in exhibitions, and with our recovery underway, we need a talented sales leader who will propel us forward.
“And Indiya is that leader. I am delighted to welcome Indiya onboard and look forward to working with her to further develop our business: to strengthen our sales approach, empower our sales teams and create even more initiatives for our customers that add genuine value to their businesses, ensuring growth for the long term.”
Indiya said: “I believe in the power of building a sustainable business through face-to-face events.
“I am delighted and incredibly proud to be joining RX and the talented group of people at such a transformational time in the history of RX.
“I look forward to immersing myself into the collaborative culture at RX and utilizing my expertise in driving innovation, value-based business strategy, and building long-term key customer relationships to drive revenue growth for RX and for our customers.”
Prior to joining RX, Indiya was vice president of sales at healthcare solutions company Owens & Minor, where she led value-based and growth initiatives.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Tradeshow lead retrieval: capture more and increase ROI](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/trade-show-lead-retrieval/)
**Published:** March 16, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Tradeshow lead retrieval is key to hitting the main goal of B2B events – generating more business for your exhibitors and sponsors.**
This is locked away in the form of thousands of buyers participating in the show. To open up this potential, lead retrieval technology provides an efficient way to scan, track and follow up prospects.
This tradeshow lead retrieval guide will arm you with everything you need to know about lead retrieval at in-person exhibitions.
You will understand the importance of lead retrieval and knowing what to look for, to getting started and contacting your prospects through tradeshow lead retrieval apps. You will learn what’s needed to generate new business and drive revenue.
**Here’s what we will cover:**
- [**Exhibitor ROI – a continuing challenge for eventprofs**](stepzero)
- [**What is lead retrieval for events?**](#stepone)
- [**How can you use tradeshow leads to improve your product?**](#stepadd1)
- [**What are the challenges involved with tradeshow leads?**](#steptwo)
- [**How does lead retrieval differ from lead capture?**](#stepthree)
- [**Benefits of tradeshow lead retrieval solutions**](#stepfour)
- [**Using lead retrieval technology at tradeshows**](#stepfive)
- [**Understanding how badge scanning and lead retrieval work at live events**](#stepsix)
- [**Onsite and online lead retrieval intelligence**](#stepseven)
## **Exhibitor ROI – a continuing challenge for eventprofs**
Exhibitor ROI ranks as the most important challenge for organisers as in-person events return in full flow. Findings from ExpoPlatform’s **[Event Tech Returns to Live](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-returns-to-live/)** survey revealed that as many as 66% of event professionals considered getting good ROI as their priority.
Caruna Bauer, CEO of IMEX, who contributed to the research, said: “As an organiser, it’s our rebooking rate that tells the biggest story. Exhibitors are mindful, particularly when budgets are tight—they don’t tend to participate in shows that don’t offer a proven return on time and investment.”
Quality leads are the top indicator of ROI for tradeshow exhibitors. Tools like lead retrieval technology play a big role in facilitating the seamless execution of contactless lead capture at in-person shows. Let’s understand in detail how this happens.
## **What is lead retrieval for events?**
**Lead retrieval is the process of collecting and tracking contact information from event attendees to convert them into leads for business growth.**
This info is captured through a handheld device or a software application. It allows organisers to quickly access the attendee’s information after the show and makes it easier to follow up with marketing materials or reach out to them for future events.
Companies often exhibit at a number of tradeshows and conferences around the year to increase their target customers and **maximise profits**.
Lead retrieval at these shows can be done manually by exchanging business cards or having visitors fill out a form and submit to a booth representative.
With advances in event technology, solutions like **[lead retrieval apps](https://expoplatform.com/lead-capture/)** have become increasingly popular. They have features like badge scanning, lead scoring, data import and lead management that allow a quick follow-up after the show concludes.
## **How can you use tradeshow leads to improve your product?**
To improve your product, you need to understand what your potential customers want. The best way to do this is to collect data from them directly. Tradeshow lead retrieval is one of the most efficient and effective ways to collect this data.
At a tradeshow, you have the opportunity to meet with potential customers face-to-face. This gives you the chance to collect details about their needs and wants directly from them. You can then use this data to improve your product to better meet their needs.
Lead retrieval also allows you to collect data about your potential customers’ buying habits. This data can be used to improve your sales and marketing strategies. Understanding how your potential customers make purchasing decisions helps you sell more effectively to them.
## **What are the challenges involved with tradeshow leads?**
**When planning for a tradeshow, it’s important to understand the different lead challenges that come with the territory. Here are some common issues:**
- Some leads are more qualified than others. It’s important to prioritise and follow up in a timely manner.
- Overwhelming crowds at in-person shows can make it difficult to track booth visitors, especially when manual processes are used.
- Absence of lead retrieval solutions can turn red-hot leads cold very quickly.
- Separate the wheat from the chaff – identify the real prospects and eliminate spam.
- Prove the value of tradeshows to exhibitors for repeat business and to ensure successful future events.
## **How does lead retrieval differ from lead capture?**
**Lead capture is the process of collecting information from potential customers – such as their name, job title, email address and company details to build a database of leads.**
This is done to get more details about their needs and preferences. Meanwhile, lead retrieval is the process of getting information about leads who have already been captured.
This information can include the lead’s contact information and the actions they have taken – like expressing interest in a product or service or filling out a demo request form.
Lead retrieval is important because it allows you to track leads and measure the effectiveness of your marketing efforts. By tracking leads, you can determine which marketing channels are generating the most leads and which ones need improvement.
You can also keep a tab on how many leads are converting into customers and measure the ROI as well as improve marketing campaigns.
## **Benefits of tradeshow lead retrieval solutions**
**Attendees at tradeshows are often inundated with marketing messages and offers. The competition for their attention is fierce.**
This means it has become increasingly difficult to get them to sign up for your event or contact you when they are done attending the show.
Tradeshow lead retrieval solutions offer exhibitors the opportunity to manage leads more efficiently and increase their number of qualified leads. Here are some benefits:
**1.** **Save time and effort:** Collect contact information from attendees with ease and then quickly export that information into a usable format. This saves you a lot of time and hassle in trying to gather contacts manually.
**2. Greater accuracy:** With lead retrieval, you can be sure that you’re collecting accurate information from potential leads. This is important for follow-up purposes.
**3.** **Improve future events**: Lead retrieval solutions can help you track who attended your booth and how they interacted with your staff and materials. This can be used to optimise your future tradeshow strategy.
**4.** **Boost sales**: Increase chances of finding qualified leads, close deals quickly and generate business growth.
**5.** **Simplify team collaboration**: A lead retrieval app is integrated with event management solutions. All the attendee info is stored in a centralised database that can be accessed by different teams. This helps leads move smoothly through the work pipeline.
**6. Measure results:** Lead retrieval solutions help get a better understanding of the event data – visitor interactions at booths, conversions, cost per acquisition and more. This allows organisers to show prospective exhibitors and sponsors tangible evidence that exhibiting is worth their time and money.
## **Using lead retrieval technology at tradeshows**
**A lead retrieval solution like ExpoPlatform tracks attendee engagement behaviour at a tradeshow to drive further action.**
For example, an attendee is scanned at a particular booth, interacts with an online exhibitor profile, or views and favourites a product.
Using data analytics and lead scoring, exhibitors can evaluate these leads and make quick decisions for their future plans. These lead retrieval apps also work offline so you can still scan badges even if the venue has Wifi issues.
For example, the QR code itself has information: **First name, last name, job title, ID number** – this can be shared and stored locally without the need of a connection.
Once a connection is available, more details like contact email and phone number become available. The cost of using lead retrieval services can vary across different event tech providers.
Some like ExpoPlatform offer it as a complementary service with their **[mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** and online platform solutions. Organisers can even charge this service to exhibitors and increase monetisation opportunities.
## **How badge scanning and lead retrieval work at live events**
Let’s understand how lead retrieval technology works with a walkthrough of the ExpoPlatform app:
**How badge scanning works at in-person shows**
Badge scanning is a key feature of the event app. Badges displayed on the app can be used for various purposes like accessing the venue and for exhibitors to capture the leads.
The exhibitor scanning the badge can navigate to the Badge Scanning section in the app. They can then view all the badges scanned by them in chronological order. The scan icon at the bottom right opens the phone camera to read the QR code.
Once the barcode is scanned, an exhibitor can add extra information to the lead if required. This can include details like:
- Type of lead (potential partner, potential client, supplier, other)
- Rating (1-3)
- Client (Yes/No)
- Contacted (Yes/No)
- Which products they are interested in
**How to export leads**
Once the badges have been scanned, you need to export these leads. It’s done in the following ways:
Users can export their leads by simply hitting **Export** in the mobile event app. This triggers an email to the user, with the leads attached.
You can customise the email template to suit your brand and messaging.
****
The downloaded file includes core user profile information, including email address and phone number, and the timestamp. Other information included:
- Scanner’s Rating,
- Notes added at the time of the scan
- Products they are interested in
- If it’s a new or existing lead
**Real-time lead scoring dashboard**
Get a bird’s eye view of all your leads and their interactions with your assets including ads, product pages, content etc.
The tool tracks all interactions a visitor has with an exhibitor through the event management platform. The following data points are collected and shared in real-time: if a user is scanned on a stand, visits an online profile, favourites a profile, views products, favourites products.
This information is shared in the exhibitors dashboard in real-time so they can take prompt action on these leads.
**Exporting leads through the exhibitor dashboard**
On hitting export, the lead file is downloaded to the user’s laptop. This file combines scans from all Team Members’ scans and has an additional field ‘Lead Owner’. This makes it easy for the exhibitor to allocate leads out to individuals.
## **Omnichannel lead retrieval intelligence**
**Omnichannel Lead Intelligence collects all attendee interactions – whether online or in-person – into one single dashboard to provide them with a higher volume of prospects.**
It means an exhibitor’s view of their ROI is no longer limited to people they scan at the event and has been proven to triple the number of leads gathered.
It is an essential component to [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) – allowing participants to swap contact details, scan QR codes and process sales leads generated at a tradeshow or conference.
All customer touchpoints across web and mobile app should be combined for exhibitors into a single, real-time dashboard to demonstrate the full ROI of the event.
Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO of H2K Partners, [**told how**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-roi-showcase/) this is one area that is increasingly important for an event organiser to offer.
She said: “That to me, has an exponential dollar figure premium that I can absolutely see anyone who actually wants to generate the best ROI from the event, because it’s also their responsibility and now you’re giving them the tools to do so.”
**[Read this guide](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/omnichannel-lead-intel/)** for more on how omnichannel lead intelligence does just that.
## **Conclusion**
**Tradeshows provide a valuable opportunity to get in front of new customers and make connections with potential partners.**
But the cost of exhibiting can quickly add up and your vendors may not get the ROI they were hoping for.
A good lead retrieval solution allows them to quickly and easily retrieve the contact information of any visitor who shows interest in their products or services. While there are many lead retrieval solutions available, it’s important to do your research and find the one that best suits your business goals and budget.
**[Learn how ExpoPlatform can help you maximise the ROI at your tradeshows.](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-trade-shows/)**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Exhibitor Manual: tradeshow onboarding made easy](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/tradeshow-exhibitor-manuals/)
**Published:** March 31, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Online exhibitor manual are the easy way to onboard sellers at your tradeshows. This is a digital service in the event management platform that helps sellers work towards their goals.**
These tools cut out the hassle and help to encourage repeat investments for future exhibitions by providing tools to:
- **Track invoices and payments**
- **Manage documentation**
- **Review task completions**
- **Help in booth selections and more**
Here we explain what an **Exhibitor Manual** is, its advantages and how organisers can use it to design a multistep pipeline for sellers.
**Here’s what you will learn:**
- [**Current scenario for exhibitors**](#stepone)
- [**What is an exhibitor manual?**](#steptwo)
- [**Exhibitor manual advantages**](#stepthree)
- [**Explaining the Exhibitor Journey**](#stepfour)
- [**Design the exhibitor journey with a multistep pipeline**](#stepfive)
## **Current scenario for exhibitors**
**The event industry landscape has changed significantly. Live shows are back but with a strong focus of tech-enhanced offerings.**
But increased use of digital tools at tradeshows has created new challenges for exhibitors. This is a new landscape with more ROI generated by technology-driven events.
A big issue is the lack of knowledge and experience required to get familiar with different event management platforms. Organisers need to boost exhibitor confidence by building a seamless onboarding process.
Different tools can be used for onboarding, team management and logistics. However, this affects the data flow and integration. It’s important to have all these in one place, preferably within your**[ tradeshow management platform](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-trade-shows/)**.
This is where an exhibitor onboarding platform comes in. At ExpoPlatform, we call it an exhibitor manual – you can [**take a look here**](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/).
## **What is an exhibitor manual?**
**An exhibitor manual is a tool that helps onboard your sellers to the event. It is a set of documents setting out the rules and regulations for exhibiting at a tradeshow.**
It prompts exhibitors to complete key information and upsell them into a variety of services. **In a nutshell, it can be explained as:**
- A set of dynamic and interactive information gathering forms
- An ordering system, that can collect payment on checkout through invoice or credit card
## **Exhibitor manual advantages**
**An exhibitor manual provides all the information needed by those selling at an event – from details on the event schedule and rules, to contact information for the organisers.**
Having these details upfront helps exhibitors be better prepared for their time at the event, which leads to a more productive experience for both them and attendees.
The seller’s journey is made more hassle-free by providing customised options for registration profile management, operations and logistics, cataloguing and more. Here are some key benefits:
- **Helps onboard your exhibitors, set checklists and deadlines**
- **Provides relevant info if exhibitors and sponsors want to purchase additional services for the event**
- **Helps manage health and safety submissions and other documentation**
- **If you need to review the submitted information**
Let’s understand the seller’s journey to get a better sense of how the exhibitor manual can help.
## **Explaining the exhibitor journey**
**Once an exhibitor decides to exhibit at your show, here’s how their journey unfolds:**
- They need to get themselves and their team onboarded to the event management platform.
- Set up their online exhibitor profiles as well as those of their team members and products
- Managing these profiles – adding and removing team members, products, editing
- They also need onboarding videos, guides and reading materials to get better acquainted with the event
- Exhibitors will require certain logistical support and material from the organiser or buy them from vendors at the event
- They will need a payment management system to manage their finances.
All this needs to be managed by the organiser. The introduction of an exhibitor manual makes this much and no longer requires to be a drawn-out process involving a lot of paperwork.
## **Design the exhibitor journey with a multistep pipeline**
**The exhibitor manual has powerful functions that allow an organiser to craft the seller’s journey as they want.**
This comes all with the comfort of drag and drop builders. Let’s look at how:
**Customise exhibitor’s journey with multistep pipeline**
You can create multistep pipelines to build profiles, collect documents, provide equipment orders and more. For example, you can make sure exhibitors read the necessary materials and submit the required documents. Then you can start filling profiles as well as going through tasks and deadlines.
**Modify flows for exhibitors using conditional logic**
Build unique flows for different exhibitors using conditional logic. This can be based on their type, space type, stand size or just answers in previous sections. For example, sellers will get unique customised flows showing the various levels of access and benefits they have based on their package tier.
**Cater to exhibitor’s needs with vendor support**
Provide vital vendor support to exhibitors in lending out products and services with a dedicated vendor section – backed by constant email support. An organiser who needs more services apart from equipment rental, it can be found through the exhibitor manual.
**Analyse all exhibitor data on a single page**
Get a tabular view of all exhibitor profiles and their submitted data respectively from the manual with expandable information under each field.
## **Conclusion**
**The exhibitor manual is one of the most important tools you can have as a tradeshow planner.**
Exhibitors are an integral part of your event, so having a comprehensive guide helps them be prepared and successful.
Your online exhibitor manual can help them find more value through participation and focus on generating leads and driving ROI. Find out how you can onboard your exhibitors effortlessly with our **[exhibitor manual module](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Tradeshow interactive floor plans: a complete walkthrough](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/interactive-floor-plans/)
**Published:** April 21, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Live shows are back and organisers are need to get their audience meeting face-to-face again. Getting attendees to the venue is an important first step, but moving them around the floor is crucial to driving value.**
The rise of [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) makes an **interactive tradeshow floor plan** perfect for enhancing the visitor experience. In this guide we walk you through an interactive floor plan and how it is used to make the tradeshow experience more worthwhile.
Here’s what all you will read:
- [**Tradeshow floor plans – then and now**](#stepone)
- [**What are interactive floor plans for tradeshows?**](#steptwo)
- [**Benefits of using interactive floor plans for tradeshows**](#stepthree)
- [**Interactive floor plan software in action**](#stepfour)
- [**Tips to use interactive floor plans successfully in your next trade show**](#stepfive)
- [**Conclusion**](#stepsix)
## **Tradeshow floor plans – then and now**
Old school tradeshow floors were just a large hall with visitors walking from one exhibit to another in a rather aimless manner. Randomly installed signs tried to provide directions but exploring the entire venue was still a chaotic exercise. This is no longer the case.
Digital technologies now available mean you need to be more aware than ever of your customer’s needs as they try to navigate their way through. If they struggle to find what they’re looking for, that’s not good.
This is where interactive floor plans come in. They allow you to provide a more seamless experience for your customers – one that’s not only easy, but fun as well.
Visitors can get quickly acquainted with the layout of the show space, as well as find their way around. These floor plans are likely to make exhibitors feel less rushed through the space, stay on schedule and make less last-minute adjustments.
## **What are interactive floor plans for tradeshows?**
Interactive floor plans for tradeshows are digital maps used by organisers to visualise the layout of an event’s space. You can quickly see how many people will be using each area of your venue at any given time.
This allows you to make better decisions about where to place tables chairs, exhibits as well as plan out staffing needs. They’re also a great way to help attendees navigate the tradeshow floor and find the booths they are interested in.
These floor plans are integrated into the [**mobile event app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) and fit right into your workflows e.g. booth selection for exhibit sales, breakout areas for conversations, refreshments and more.
## **Benefits of using interactive floor plans for tradeshows**
The main advantage of using an interactive floor plan is the smooth experience for visitors at tradeshows. There are a host of other benefits, which include:
**Better branding through customisation**
Exhibitors can customise their stands on the interactive map by sharing brief info, custom branding and links to individual profiles.
**Drive engagement on exhibitor profiles**
Use features like meet, message and favourite to increase interactions between visitors and mini-profiles on the floor plan.
**Personalised view through filters**
Visitors can see a custom view by selecting multiple filters and sorting out the venue space.
**Increase booth traffic**
Interactive floor plans help drive traffic to exhibitor booths by providing a visual representation of their products and services. This boosts engagement as visitors can quickly and easily find what they are looking for.
**Save time**
Creating a detailed view of the entire event space means you don’t need to spend hours drawing up floor plans yourself. It means you can focus on designing the booth displays and other marketing materials – as well as getting ready for the event itself.
**Get a bird’s eye view of the event space**
An interactive floor plan means you can quickly zoom in on specific areas of interest, giving you a closer look at your venue without having to walk through every nook and cranny.
**Easy to share**
Simply upload it to your website, email it to clients or post it on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. Your audience can then access the same view of your event space as you do.
## **Interactive floor plan software in action**
An interactive floor plan is a crucial part of mobile apps to enhance the [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) experience. ExpoPlatform’s partnership with UK-based location software provider [**Crowd Connected**](https://www.crowdconnected.com/news/expoplatform-and-crowd-connected-announce-strategic-partnership-to-drive-smart-event-agenda/) shows how this tech can be harnessed to benefit organisers, exhibitors and visitors.
Crowd Connected’s indoor positioning solutions include features like **indoor mapping** and **blue-dot wayfinding** that are laid on a virtual floor plan. This helps attendees easily navigate from one location to another at the venue.
They can check out and access different conference halls, meeting rooms, exhibitor booths and breakout areas. The **routing feature** in the software shows visitors where they have entered from and where they are heading to.
Exhibitors can use the data-driven services from Crowd Connected to offer location-based personalisation and recommendations. One can also view footfall-based exhibitor performance for every stand at the venue and analyse real-time data visualisations through heatmaps.
This is an experience similar to Google Maps but with richer data capture in the navigation to understand the tradeshow performance.
[**Mark Maydon**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/mark-maydon-ts/), commercial director at Crowd Connected, told ExpoPlatform: “Your phone tells you where you are and gets you to where you need to go. -But that doesn’t work indoors because Apple and Google haven’t mapped the temporary show floor environment, while GPS – which is what the phone is relying on for the blue dot – doesn’t work indoors.
“We’re basically replicating that familiar experience for app users at a show. That makes the app really valuable to the visitor, so they’ll use it more.”
“And that’s really valuable to the organiser because the app is gathering more data as app users move around the show floor – even when the app isn’t actively being used. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
## **Tips to use interactive floor plans successfully in your next trade show**
Below are some suggestions on how you can get the most out of these floor plans for your exhibitions and tradeshows:
1\) **Make sure they’re accurate.** Check them against your actual physical space as well as your current seating chart before making final decisions.
2\) **Keep them simple.** If you have too much going on, it may be difficult for attendees to understand what they’re looking at. Try keeping it clean and clear.
3\) **Include more than just seats.** Interactive floor plans should include information about the size of each table, as well as the number of people who will be sitting there. They should also include details such as whether food will be served during the event – and where it will be. The floor plans should also be Covid-proof and adhere to the local guidelines to maintain health and safety.
4\) **Don’t forget about staff.** Make sure your interactive floor plans include enough detail to allow your staff to easily find their way around the venue.
5\) **Use them to make informed decisions.** Interactive floor plans can provide valuable insight into how many people will be attending your event. But they can also help you decide where to put your exhibitor booths and where to position your registration desk.
## **Conclusion**
Interactive floor plans serve many purposes – people can find their way easily around the venue, organisers can display booths and exhibitor profiles in a visually pleasing way and they can be used with augmented reality to help visitors explore more offerings at the event. If you’re looking for an extra layer of interactivity and efficiency at your next tradeshow, check out how an [**interactive floor plan**](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/) can help.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Event Website Builder: A Complete Guide](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-website-builder-guide/)
**Published:** May 26, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**An event website is the first point of contact for your audience to find out more about your event.** You can promote your show, provide necessary information and instruction, use it as a portal for registration and payments and do a lot more. This guide will help you understand how an event website builder makes the website creation process incredibly easy.
**Here’s everything we’ll cover in this piece:**
- [**What is an event website builder?**](#stepone)
- [**Why do you need an event website builder?**](#steptwo)
- [**How to choose the right event website builder for your needs?**](#stepthree)
- [**Types of event website builder**](#stepfour)
- [**Features and benefits of an event website builder**](#stepfive)
- [**Best practices and tips for success** ](#stepsix)
- [**Conclusion**](#stepseven)
The importance of creating a website for each new event becomes more apparent as you grow your business. A professional online presence is great for promoting your shows and keeping attendees informed about upcoming experiences.
That being said, building an event website isn’t always easy. The digital world is growing at a rapid pace and there is a high demand for websites that are accessible, interactive, user-friendly, mobile-responsive and customisable.
Hiring experts to get it done in-house or outsourcing it to a firm can also be expensive. A good solution lies in website builders.
However, not all have the desired functionality to create a professional-looking website that also caters to specific content and features.
Finding a **specialised event website builder** can help you build an interactive website for your exhibition or tradeshow with minimal to none design skills or coding knowledge.
You can create a customised site from scratch or choose from thousands of pre-built templates to get going for your event. Now, let’s go into more detail.
## **What is an event website builder?**
**[Smart exhibitions and tradeshows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) need a mix of digital and offline elements to be successful. Many organisers use event management software to manage the details of their events.**
This also includes a website builder module that enables the creation of websites for different shows.
Event website builders **help bridge the gap** between software and web-based solutions. They help you create an engaging virtual experience for your audience without coding skills or graphic design knowledge.
These tools streamline the process of creating an interactive visitor website with custom branding and content, integrating a calendar, ticketing, registration, FAQs, social media sharing as well as other features as needed.
For example, ExpoPlatform’s **[website builder module](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)** allows organisers to quickly set up a beautiful, mobile responsive website using one of three pre-configured templates.
The Drag and Drop feature allows significant **flexibility and customisation**. This allows marketers to quickly create websites with unique looks and UI to represent your event.
## **Why do you need an event website builder?**
**An event website is something that’s exclusive to your show. That means it’s usually not accessible outside the period of your event.**
An event website builder makes it easy to create a high quality site for your event, especially if you lack technical skills or don’t have time to learn the intricacies of coding.
Such a website helps promote your event and sell tickets online. It also acts as a digital guest book, where visitors can leave their contact information and receive reminders about the date of the event.
An interactive, well-designed site can boost registrations, attract sponsors and generally make things easier for visitors.
## **Choose the right event website builder**
**The right event website builder can massively boost the online presence of your show. There are a few things you should keep in mind while choosing one.**
This includes the size of the event, the target audience, your budget, features and integration options.
**First**, consider the size and scope of your event. Will you need a lot of customisation options? Do you need a platform that can handle a large number of attendees?
For example, if you are hosting a large-scale event with a broad audience, it may be worth investing in a fully customised website builder. If, however, you are hosting a smaller event with a more niche audience, a cheaper and simpler option may be more appropriate.
**Second**, think about your budget. There are a variety of event website builders on the market and their prices can vary significantly. Make sure to get a few quotes before making a decision.
**Third**, make sure your chosen event website builder has the features and functionality needed to promote your event. Take some time to read reviews of various event website builders. This will give you a good sense of each platform’s features and capabilities.
**Finally**, check whether the event website builder offers the ability to integrate with other systems such as CRMs. Integration features help make organising a show easier by allowing you to track leads, manage sales leads and measure ROI.
## **Types of event website builder**
### **Tradeshow event website template**
A tradeshow event website is a platform where businesses and individuals can showcase their products and services to a wide audience. It has product directories, **[exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)**, mobile app integration and lead nurturing capabilities. This means having networking elements like **[AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** and meeting and messaging features.
**Example: Pharmapack**
## **Associations event website template**
An event website template for associations should provide help with creating invitations, keeping track of RSVPs, attendee interests, post-event feedback surveys and more.
**Example: British Society for Haemotology**
### **Conference event website template**
A conference event website needs to shine content-led initiatives, discussions and sessions quite well. It should have features to conduct a proper online session e.g. setting up an event schedule, managing speakers, moderators, registration, hosting seminars, workshops and more.
**Example: Digital World Transformation Series 2020**
### **Community event website template**
A community is connected to its members all year-round. This brings together buyers, exhibitors and sponsors with similar interests. It should have all the features mentioned above, but extended year-round. Organisers can keep the audience engaged by sharing content regularly, offer an online marketplace for buyers and sellers and promote their live and virtual shows.
**Example: Vinexposium Connect**
## **Features and benefits of an event website builder**
**Organisers can benefit from specialised event website builders like ExpoPlatform in various ways:**
### **Easy to design and customise your event**
**Intuitive Drag and Drop website builder**
Allows you to create your own design by pulling in videos, image carousels, speaker galleries, exhibitor products, testimonials, sponsor logos, news, event agenda social media and more.
**Fully mobile responsive website builder**
Optimises content for smartphones and tablets and ensures all pages load quickly and easily on any device. This helps users view the event details wherever they are.
**CSS customisation of fonts and branding**
Change the look of your event website to match your brand with CSS customisation. You can change colours, text sizes, font types and even add your logo or company name.
**Supports custom HTML/JavaScript**
Use custom HTML and JavaScript to add event-specific features to your website such as a countdown timer, a custom registration form or a live chat widget.
**Clone pages for fast setup**
Create multiple versions of your site using clone pages. These allow you to quickly set up new pages without having to start from scratch.
### **Setup and Integration**
**Pre-integrated with other modules, such as agenda builder**
Integrated with other modules to help manage everything from one central location, streamlining the workflows and getting access to a wealth of data and analytics.
**Easy tool integrations**
Get crucial data and analysis about your website by integrating it with tools like Google Analytics.
**SEO-friendly Sitemap, meta tags, etc.**
SEO sitemaps and meta tags can help your website builder create an event website that is more easily found by potential attendees. Optimising your website for search engines ensures it appears higher in search results – making it more likely that people looking for the relevant information will find your site.
In addition, using relevant keywords in your sitemap and meta tags can help prospects find your site when they are searching for information about events like yours.
**Custom URL and email domain**
A custom URL is a unique address that can be used to access your event website. An email domain is a domain that is used to send and receive email messages. Using a custom URL and email domain makes your event website more professional and easy to find.
**URL slugs on pages**
A URL slug is a short code that is appended to the end of a URL to identify a specific page or piece of content. Slugs are typically used to improve the readability and SEO of a page or post and can be customised to reflect the content or subject matter. You can use the website builder’s URL slugs to identify the event’s date, location or theme.
**SSL security certification support**
SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a security protocol that encrypts data sent between a web browser and a web server. SSL is typically used to protect sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and passwords. Many event website builders now offer SSL security certification as an option for their customers. This helps ensure that event information is kept safe and secure.
### **Data capture forms**
**Custom form builder**
A custom form collects information from your attendees. This includes their contact information, their preferences for the event and other details you want to capture.
**Easy to setup data capture and gated downloads**
An event website builder should easily set up data capture and gated downloads. Data capture allows you to gather information from your attendees, while gated downloads let you control what content your attendees have access to.
## **Best practices and tips for success**
**Here are some best practices you should follow while using an event website builder:**
- Consider how the event or community site fits in with existing organiser sites – including the different audience journeys between sites.
- Allow sufficient time for the URL and email address to be set up, including sufficient testing time.
- Consistency across all of the organiser’s data systems is key.
- There are numerous configuration options available so it’s recommended to map out the ideal visitor and exhibitor experience and use it as a guide.
- Do a thorough site walkthrough before launching to exhibitors.
The organiser’s audience insight and engagement strategy should drive the content on the site. Consider the following:
- What are the things that visitors are excited about – new products, new exhibitors or educational content? These should be featured on the home page.
- Which items should be visible to everyone and which should only be shown to registered, logged-in users?
- Not everyone in your audience will be technically proficient. Add tutorials, walkthroughs and how-to content in an easily accessible resources page.
- Will the audience include people who don’t normally attend physical shows? It may make sense to include some brand or portfolio content.
Also…
- Be sure to map out the journey for visitors registering directly on the site and for any being added via import or via API.
- Sponsors for sessions must be added into each session.
- All sponsorships should be validated by viewing them on the front end.
## **Conclusion**
**The digital transformation of live shows and the rise of [Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/) means ignoring website builders could really impact your live show.**
A properly functioning event website serves as the venue for your audience and is crucial to creating a solid first impression. It’s not limited to just nice aesthetics, it means strong functions to generate ROI, improve networking, share content and drive engagement at your show.
Event website builders provide a convenient way to create a professional-looking platform for your show. The website builder you choose depends on your needs and budget.
If you need a simple website for a small event, you can use a free website builder. If you need a more complex website for a large event like an exhibition or tradeshow, you can opt for a dedicated website builder.
Learn how you can create an interactive, SEO-friendly**[ event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)** with ExpoPlatform without typing a single line of code.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Event registration guide: Maximise live attendance](https://expoplatform.com/blog/event-registration-guide/)
**Published:** June 16, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event registration can be a hassle but the right tech will help you get more people through the door at live shows.**
Event registration technology is a key part of this process and one that shouldn’t be tackled as a last-minute solution.
This event registration guide will explain how event tech software makes the check-in process seamless – helping avoid queues at venues and optimising your ability to track registrants and their information after the show is over.
**Here’s what all you will read:**
- [**Importance of a good check-in experience at live events**](#stepone)
- [**What is online event registration software?**](#steptwo)
- [**Benefits of using event registration software**](#stepthree)
- [**Features of event registration technology**](#stepfour)
- [**How Exhibitor Manual can be used to help onboard exhibitors**](#stepfive)
- [**Importance of Lead Scanning and Retrieval in the registration journey**](#stepsix)
- [**Event registration integrations offered by ExpoPlatform**](#stepseven)
- [**Conclusion**](#stepeight)
## **Importance of a good check-in experience at live events**
First impressions at an event are shaped by the check-in process. It’s the experience that greatly sets the tone for the rest of the event.
Organisers put a lot of work into planning engaging exhibits and speakers, but if people are left to stand in queues for hours – that’s all for nothing.
A slow or chaotic check-in experience gives an impression that the event may be disorganised. Visitors may feel stressed and avoid returning to your event in the future.
Meanwhile, a seamless check-in process with minimal wait time creates a positive attendee experience and contributes to word-of-mouth publicity. This is where event registration software can make a huge difference.
## **What is online event registration software?**
Live events like exhibitions and tradeshows are widely used to generate industry buzz, promote brands and generate business growth. But the logistics of running a largescale show can be daunting.
From collecting visitor information to providing onsite solutions and post-event follow-ups, you need a technology partner who can handle the details.
[**Event registration software**](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/) is widely used to track registrants and process payments at live events. It is a cloud-based system used by organisers to manage event registration and attendance.
The best online event registration software can handle complex forms and collect thousands of leads with ease.
Modern registration tools have a number of features to make the planning experience more seamless. Some important functions include:
**Ability to track registrants** – You need to know who has registered for your event and whether those attending have the appropriate credentials.
**Processing payments** – Visitors can easily pay for their registration online, minimising queues on the day of the event.
**Managing lead capture** – Collect details of visitors such as their email addresses, company names and social profiles. You can use this information to follow up and nurture leads once the event is over.
*Let’s understand it better with an example.*
**ExpoPlatform’s event registration module**
The registration module is part of the event management suite and helps makes it easier to handle visitor and exhibitor registration, payments and badging.
It features a **drag-and-drop** registration builder that allows you to collect high-quality data for future marketing campaigns and other analyses.
The system also sends automated reminders to visitors as the show date approaches. Registration forms can be embedded on any page of the website and referrals as well as the URL of the registration pages are tracked.
Additionally, combining the registration module with the **[mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** helps organisers run a completely badgeless event.
## **Benefits of using event registration software**
Online event registration systems help organisers plan ahead for the big day. Key benefits include:
**Streamlined registration processes** – Organisers can quickly create custom registration forms and send them through email or mobile apps, saving time.
**Increased conversion rates** – Build a strong relationship with your audience by capturing their contact details and understanding their pain points.
**Improved attendee satisfaction** – Attendees can show the QR code in their smart event mobile app to get direct entry instead of going through a lengthy offline registration process.
**Data-based targeted marketing –** Organisers can segment their audience through preferences filled in the registration form. This data can be further used to show relevant products, content and people through tools like **[AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)**.
**Reduced costs** – Operational costs are cut significantly as event registration software eliminates the need of printed materials or additional labour.
## **Features of event registration technology**
Here are some key features you should look for while selecting an online registration software for your shows:
### **Drag-and-Drop Registration Builder**
A drag-and-drop feature lets you create registration forms without having to code anything. The tool allows you to add fields, images, videos and links from within the admin panel. It also provides the ability to set up rules for each field so that only valid entries are accepted.
### **Multiple categories of participants**
You can categorise participants into different groups based on their role – exhibitors, speakers, sponsors etc – and then assign them to specific sessions. This helps organisers identify which type of participant needs what kind of support during the event.
### **Contact Details and Professional Information**
Event registration software collects all the necessary information about attendees such as name, address, phone number, email id, company name, job title, industry, country, gender and more. Organisers can use this data to send out personalised emails, newsletters and mobile notifications.
### **Email builder to send activation messages**
Organisers can use the software to create custom email messages for their event registrations. You can personalise and design the sender’s name, subject line, and the message body of the email. It also gives you more control over who you can send emails to by choosing which groups of people you want to include in their message by adding or removing contacts from a list.
### **Conditional logic fields**
The conditional logic feature lets you set conditions for certain fields. For example, if someone has already registered for an event, they won’t have to fill in the same information again. This also helps create custom registration flows for different visitors to provide an enhanced event experience.
### **Badge builder**
The badge builder feature lets you create badges for exhibitors, speakers, sponsors and volunteers. You can create a custom layout of these badges and decide what information needs to be displayed.
### **Ticketing and Invoicing**
You can manage ticket sales and generate invoices with event reg software. It becomes easy for organisers to sell tickets online and collect payments through integrated gateways.
### **Exhibitor Registration**
Register exhibitors and enable them to configure their digital profiles, manage team members, add products and upload content.
### **Accommodation and Activity Booking**
Book accommodation and activities at hotels, conference centres and other venues using the booking feature.
### **Registration Statistics**
Track how many people attended your event and the total new registrations made. Use the dashboard to analyse the digital journey of each registrant and map the engagement data to their personas for post-event follow-up.
### **Multi-event visitor registration**
Use this feature to allow users to register multiple events at once. The same data and preferences can be used or edited for different shows.
## **How an Exhibitor Manual can be used to help onboard exhibitors**
An **[Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)** is a key tool in the registration process that helps onboard suppliers to your event. It lays down all the rules and regulations an exhibitor should follow at a tradeshow. This includes information like event schedules, dos and don’t and contact details.
**What it is –** A set of interactive forms to gather information + an ordering system to collect payment on checkout.
It makes the exhibitor’s journey easier by providing custom options for registration profile management, cataloguing, operations and logistics and more.
**Here’s how the onboarding process unfolds:**
You can create a customised exhibitor journey through a **multistep pipeline**. Build profiles, collect documents, share equipment orders while providing the necessary tasks and deadlines.
These unique flows for exhibitors are built using **conditional logic**. For example, based on their profile and tier type a customised flow is displayed that shows the different levels of access and benefits.
Exhibitors are provided dedicated vendor support for their needs e.g. additional services apart from equipment rental through the exhibitor manual.
All these exhibitor profiles can be viewed by the organiser through a tabular dashboard.
## **Importance of Lead Scanning and Retrieval in the registration journey**
Lead scanning is the process of **identifying potential leads** among your audience. It involves collecting attendee information at in-person shows through the badge scanning section in the mobile app.
These details include the attendee contact number, email ID, job title, booth interactions and other event activities.
Once the lead is identified, it is retrieved and evaluated using data analytics and lead scoring. Users can export these leads using the event app.
This information helps exhibitors know which profiles to reach out to with marketing materials for further engagement.
**[Lead scanning and retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-capture/)** is an important part of the event registration process. It helps you store data efficiently and retrieve it easily whenever you need it.
The registration journey involves multiple steps, each one with its own challenges. Keeping track of leads generated at every step and storing them in a centralised database helps you **stay organised and avoid redundancy**.
These databases let you find specific records when you need them, rather than having to scroll through different documents and folders.
## **Event registration integrations offered by ExpoPlatform**
When selecting a registration solution, it is important that the technology has integrations with various third-party services. These integrations help you eliminate duplicate data entry and allow you to streamline your workflow.
Here’s a list of registration services ExpoPlatform integrates with:
**Visit –** Pre-build
**Aventri –** Pre-build
**Circdata –** Pre-build
**Reed Atlas –** Pre-build
**Eventnook –** ExpoPlatform APIs
## **Conclusion**
A smooth registration process is the bedrock of any successful event. It not only shapes the audience’s impression of the rest of your show but is also critical to ensuring revenue growth for your business.
A hassle-free experience will encourage repeat visitors while gaining valuable buyer insights will boost exhibitor confidence for future events.
Get all these benefits with ExpoPlatform’s highly secure and customisable **[online registration software.](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** All, Event Technology
---
### [Omnichannel Lead Intelligence: A How To Guide](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/omnichannel-lead-intel/)
**Published:** June 22, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Three words that can help your exhibitors bring in three times more leads: Omnichannel Lead Intelligence.**
This approach collects all attendee interactions – whether online or in-person – into one single dashboard to provide them with a higher volume of prospects – rather than an exhibitor’s view of their return on investment (ROI) being limited to people they scan at the event.
It is an essential component to [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) – allowing participants to swap contact details, scan QR codes and process sales leads generated at a trade show or conference.
All customer touchpoints across web and mobile app should be combined for exhibitors into a single, real-time dashboard to demonstrate the full ROI of the event.
In this guide we show you how Omnichannel Lead Intelligence does just that.
## **Who can use lead scanning?**
**All exhibitors and visitors can use their event app to scan badges. But an administrator can decide who they allow to use this capability.**
This can be limited to sellers only or even specific categories of suppliers – premium exhibitors for instance may be the only participants who can use the app for lead retrieval.
An organiser can decide when configure the app whether you want badge scanning to be available to all or a select few.
## **What data gets tracked?**
**A seamless omnichannel approach tracks all interactions a visitor has with an exhibitor through the platform.**
That includes when a user badge is scanned on a stand, when they visit an online profile, favourite a profile, view products, favourite products and more.
This information is all shared in the exhibitor’s single dashboard in real-time so they can then act on these leads quickly.
**Online interactions**
The amount of information available to event organisers has exploded since the digital transformation of our industry.
ExpoPlatform estimates around 20 times more data is now generated compared with before the first 2020 lockdown.
It has created a wealth of opportunities for exhibitors to boost ROI through [**lead retrieval**](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/). Here is a rundown of what can be tracked online:
- When a visitor views a company profile or product
- Advertising interactions
- Whitepaper downloads and webinar views
- Request for proposal tender submissions
All of these interactions will be available to view on the exhibitor dashboard.
**Badge scanning at in-person events**
Badge scanning is one of the core functionalities of an event app. The tool can be used for multiple purposes, including access to the venue and for exhibitors to capture leads.
An icon in the tech opens the camera to read QR codes which are prominently displayed on the visitor’s app. Once the barcode is scanned, an exhibitor can then add extra information to the lead, if required. This includes:
- What type of lead – potential partner, potential client, supplier and more
- Ratings
- Which products they are interested in
- Client – Yes or No
- Contacted – Yes or No
An exhibitor will have a specific section in the app where they can see a record of all those they have scanned, whereas a a visitor who is scanning would just have a profile added to their list of contacts.
**Does lead retrieval work offline?**
Apps can still scan badges even when offline. This is critical for any digital tools being used in exhibition centres with intermittent Wifi.
The QR code itself holds information: first name, last name, job title and ID number, so this can still get passed to the scanner’s app without an connection.
This is stored locally on the user’s app until they gets a connection, at which point it will sync with more information.
## **How to export leads**
All GDPR-compliant leads can be easily downloaded so that exhibitors can follow-up after the event using the mobile app or from the desktop version.
**Exporting leads with the app**
Users can export their leads in the mobile app which then triggers an email to them with everything attached.
Email templates can be customised to fit your brand and messaging.
This downloads the following information:
The file includes core user profile information – including email address and phone number and the timestamp.
Other information included:
- Scanner’s rating
- Notes taken at the time of the scan
- Products they are interested in
- If it’s a new or existing lead
**Exporting leads with the exhibitor dashboard**
Exhibitors can also download leads from their dashboard web app. This file is then made available on the user’s laptop.
This lead file combines scans from all team members scans so it also has an additional field – lead owner – which makes it easy for the exhibitor to allocate them to individuals.
## **What are the costs?**
**ExpoPlatform offers lead retrieval and registration as complementary** **services.**
Any organisers using our mobile app and platform for online or in-person events receive lead retrieval as standard – for no additional cost.
It is up to the organiser if they want to charge their exhibitors for using the service. For example, it is possible to disable lead retrieval for a category of exhibitors if you want to monetise the service.
**[Request a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to find out more about ExpoPlatform’s Omnichannel Lead Intelligence.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Marketplace Tender: helping information flow for better deals](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/marketplace-tender/)
**Published:** October 6, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform’s new Marketplace Tender feature creates a seamless experience for information flow between buyers and suppliers to build successful deals.
The unique person-to-object AI matchmaking technology suggests product categories the user might be interested in when they open the widget.
Buyers can then select the options which are most attractive to them and a shortlist of suppliers is generated on screen.
A form is then made available to fill in details of what they are searching for – quantity, deadline and much more.
Suppliers will receive an email alert with this request for proposal (RFP) and can then log in to their dashboard to respond.
The new feature allows both parties to enter into a conversation about any proposed deal.
**Watch this walkthrough video for more details**
and subscribe to our mailing list
By submitting this form I agree to the ExpoPlatform's [Privacy policy](/privacy-policy/)
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [What are the best online networking tools for events?](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/online-tools-networking-events/)
**Published:** September 29, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
## **Online networking tools are really good at facilitating the right connections at in-person industry trade shows and conferences.**
The right gadgets can help you connect with others, explore products and follow up with helpful contact information.
This helps to make the most of your trade show experience and build lasting business relationships.
Read on to learn about the most popular online tools for networking at events and how they help drive meaningful connections.
**Here’s what we will cover:**
- **[Need for online networking tools for trade shows](#stepone)**
- **[Advantages of using digital networking tools](#steptwo)**
- **[Best online tools for networking at events](#stepthree)**
- **[Conclusion](#stepfour)**
## **Need for online networking tools for trade shows**
**Nothing can quite compare to face-to-face interactions – you bond with people, discuss business interests and potentially build long-term relationships.**
But there are limits to human capabilities and only so many people who you can talk with at a physical show. Here are some reasons how digital tools can help:
**Get the most out of attending and exhibiting at events**
When you invest your time and money in attending or exhibiting at an event, you want to make the most of it.
That means networking with the right people without spending too much time.
Digital tools like AI matchmaking and [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) apps help you make the right connections and engage before the show gets underway.
This gives you a good idea of the kind of people you want to do business with.
**Large events can be overwhelming for new eventproofs**
Starting out as an event professional might mean you don’t have much experience meeting new people – and large events can feel intimidating.
But digital tools helps quickly find people who share similar interests and goals, making connecting easier and more efficient.
You can also plan your event experience in a better way – such as meeting speakers and peers relevant to your industry, getting valuable feedback and knowing how to build your network.
**Need to prove ROI to stakeholders – engagement through networking is a good metric**
Networking is a good step toward generating higher leads and increasing sales, but it’s important to understand what metrics matter when measuring the effectiveness of your efforts.
For example, if you’re looking to measure the impact of networking on lead generation, then you need to know whether attendees are actually talking to each other after the event.
You will require relevant tools to track the touch points, interactions and conversations to their conversion as a lead.
This helps shape the desired buyer journey and proves to your stakeholders the value of networking at events.
**Make relevant connections – people, content, products in a limited amount of time**
You don’t always get the chance to speak to everyone at events. So, you need to prioritise which people you engage with.
Digital tools like AI matchmaking solutions help you identify the right prospects based on their profiles and preferences.
They also give you recommendations for content and products so you can make informed business decisions.
Another option is a hosted buyer programme where you get access to pre-qualified buyers or a select pool of exhibitors to boost sales. [**Read more about it here**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)
**Create an engaged pool of leads throughout the year**
Business conversations can stretch beyond the confines of a typical three-day event.
The best way to keep your audience engaged before and after an in-person show is by onboarding them to your online community.
Create opportunities for members to interact through online forums and discussions. Also provide them exclusive offers, discounts and access to members-only shows.
This way you can create a thriving community of engaged event professionals and nurture them for brand loyalty and lead generation – all year round.
Learn how a **[365 community](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/)** can benefit your events.
## **Advantages of using online networking tools**
**Online networking tools can be an efficient, cost-effective and convenient method for building engagement.**
They allow for more targeted and specific communication than broadcasting your message to a large group of people who may not be interested.
Here are some key advantages they offer:
**Reach out to a larger audience**
You can connect with a larger audience by creating your online profile, sending messages as well as sending and receiving connection requests.
With these tools, you can reach out to thousands of people within minutes instead of hours. You can send personalised emails, text messages, chatbots and even video messages.
**Connect with more people in less time**
Online networking tools help connect with more people in less time by providing a platform for users to share information and communicate with each other.
These tools can be used to build relationships, find new opportunities, and exchange ideas.
**Helps as an ice-breaker for in-person meetups**
Online networking tools can help break the ice when meeting people in person for the first time.
By getting to know people online first, you can build rapport and get an idea of their interests.
This makes it easier to approach them and strike up a conversation when you meet in person.
They are especially a big help if you are shy or introverted as you can find common ground with people before you even meet them.
**Find relevant leads**
Digital tools help accelerate the process of finding quality leads.
Exhibitors can quickly find relevant matches through smart AI algorithms, microsites or event communities and see whether they are a good fit for their product or service.
The selected ones can be nurtured into potential customers by gaining insights into their buying patterns and decision-making.
Similarly, buyers can learn more about different companies and their services and get relevant info and research on potential business partners.
**Provides valuable data analytics**
Event networking tools provide a wealth of data that can be used to improve the event experience.
Organisers can track meetings requested, engagement rate, messages sent and other engagement metrics to find out what worked during the event and what did not.
Additionally, these tools give valuable insights into attendee behaviour and preferences that can be used for business decisions.
**Facilitate year-round interactions and business deals**
Tools like 365 community and online marketplace are effective ways to futureproof your events from any abrupt cancellations or postponements.
These platforms provide an ‘always-on’ option for conversations and business dealings for buyers and sellers in any part of the world.
Setting up a 365 business model is key to creating an omnichannel sales solution for your audience. Get more details in this **[free ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/)**.
## **Best online tools for networking at events**
**From conferences and mixers to exhibitions and tradeshows – events are an excellent way to meet new people and expand your network.**
But the hustle of getting there and wracking your brain for things to say can be more stressful than helpful.
The best way to get the most out of your event is by pre-planning, creating a game plan and using online networking tools.
Which are the most popular ones? Here’s a lowdown:
[**Microsites**](https://expoplatform.com/online-networking/)
***What it is:***
Microsites are small interactive websites that are typically used to promote events, special offers or new products and services.
You can use them to provide more information about exhibitors and sponsors and build relationships with potential customers and partners.
***How it helps:***
You can display exhibitor profiles, team and product information, marketing resources (images, text videos) to improve networking and engagement.
[**AI matchmaking solutions**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
***What it is:***
Finding the right people to connect with becomes a formidable task when there are a large number of participants at the event.
AI-powered matchmaking solutions use smart algorithms based on user interests, details and preferences to recommend relevant people, content, products and companies.
***How it helps:***
AI matchmaking tools help create a more personalised and efficient networking experience for event attendees. You can save time and have more productive conversations by connecting with people and resources that matter.
[**Hosted buyer programme**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)
***What it is:***
A Hosted Buyer programme is an online platform that sets up scheduled appointments between pre-qualified buyers and interested sellers.
These buyers are usually hosted (sponsored) by the exhibitors or organisers who manage their travel, accommodation, meals and transfers to create a bespoke experience.
***How it helps:***
Hosted buyer solutions provide high-quality matchmaking and networking opportunities for buyers and sellers.
The highly-targeted nature of a hosted buyer programme means new industry exhibitors can cut through the noise and connect with relevant leads to drive business growth.
[**Smart Event mobile app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)
***What it is:*** A mobile app equipped with advanced features to create a smart event experience.
These features include container apps, customised homepages, personalised agendas and streaming sessions, meetings and messaging, product Tinder view and more.
***How it helps:***
Create meaningful interactions with a click of a button. Attendees can exchange contact information, schedule meetings, send messages and explore business profiles.
Most online networking tools are integrated within the app for a streamlined experience.
**Interactive product catalogue**
***What it is:***
An interactive product catalogue allows attendees to browse through a range of products and services offered by exhibitors.
It includes features such as being able to zoom in on products, view product details and add items to a wish list or shopping cart.
This is a great way for exhibitors to showcase their latest offerings and attract more visitors to their stand.
***How it helps:***
Exhibitors can collect data on which content or products are of most interest to visitors. They can then tailor their future offerings to meet the needs of their target market better.
[**365 Communities**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)
***What it is:***
A year-round online platform where your event audience can interact and network for mutual business gains. You can also create an engaged pool of buyers and do promotions before, during and after the event.
***How it helps:***
Online communities and marketplace are a hub of year-long engagement activities. They bring together like-minded people through community forums and social discussions.
Businesses can use these platforms to promote their products, build relationships, foster customer loyalty and drive sales.
## **Conclusion**
**Trade shows are all about meeting the right people and learning about new products, services and trends in your industry.**
But in a crowd, it’s important to cut through the noise and find the connections that matter.
That’s why online networking tools are so important. Learn more about how these digital tools can [enhance connections](https://expoplatform.com/online-networking/) at your events.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [IMEX partners ExpoPlatform for three-year tech deal](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/week-in-events-20231009/)
**Published:** October 9, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**IMEX Group has agreed a three-year deal with ExpoPlatform as official event tech partner ahead of IMEX America this October.**
The announcement comes after a successful IMEX Frankfurt 2023 in May, where a new online platform launched with features designed to maximize business connections and ease of use for participants.
Work has since been going on behind the scenes to optimize and improve the tools on offer for the next edition of IMEX America, which takes place from October 17 until 19. **Read the case study [here](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2023/).**
Other stories from our weekly events news wrap include:
**➡️ ExCel London plans partnership strategy for growth**
**➡️ Austria’s largest congress centre unveils ‘world-first’ kinetic display system**
**➡️ NEC Group announces new CFO**
**➡️ IBTM exhibitor bookings surpass 2019 levels**
A key tactic of creating successful new-age events is to build communities around them. For associations, it becomes even more crucial to engage your members. **[Download the Community Blueprint – Associations Edition](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)** to learn how you can build and nurture an association community.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **IMEX signs three-year official tech deal with ExpoPlatform**
**The “sheer breadth” of ExpoPlatform’s tech solutions has been praised as it enters a three-year partnership with IMEX Group.**
This new development makes the UK-based company the official tech partner for the organizer during this period.
It follows on from the success of IMEX Frankfurt in May and ongoing work for the upcoming edition of IMEX America next week.
The show in the German city saw a new online platform launched with features designed to maximize business connections and ease of use for participants, while work has since been going on behind the scenes to optimize and improve the tools for upcoming events.
Gary Coombs, CIO of the IMEX Group, said: “Changing one of the most fundamental systems IMEX uses was a huge task, but ExpoPlatform has an innate understanding of our requirements as a tradeshow organizer.
“The result was a new online platform with a range of features and tools carefully designed to maximize business connections and ease of use.
“First and foremost, we wanted a platform designed to add value for our attendees and exhibitors and enhance their experience at our shows. A people-first rather than a tech-first approach, if you like.
“The sheer breadth of the platform allowed us to customize the set up so that it fits our needs and those of our clients.”
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “We learnt a huge amount during the first implementation at IMEX Frankfurt and are pleased with the improvements we’ve been able to make for IMEX America.
“ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced user experience.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “IMEX events are among the greatest showcases for business, while also spearheading positive change in our industry through their education programs and principles.
“That’s why we are delighted to be working with them to make their events even more smart and seamless.”
IMEX America takes place in Las Vegas between October 17 and 19. **[Read the full release here.](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-expoplatform-partners/)**
## **Austria’s congress centre unveils ‘world-first’ kinetic display system**
## 
**Austria Center Vienna has revealed the world’s first kinetic display system at its entrance.**
The country’s largest congress venue unveiled the polySTAGE – a transformative stage attraction with 52 individually controllable LED elements.
It works to convert the entrance hall from an exhibition space into an interactive art exhibit or stage.
Susanne Baumann-Söllner, director of the Austria Center Vienna, said: “Arriving at a congress is often like entering a different world.
“The new polySTAGE not only creates a unique wow effect, but also has countless possible uses for trade conventions and corporate customers.
“We are very pleased to present an absolute world first in Vienna, which is also destined to cause a sensation on the international event and congress market.”
## **ExCel London unveils new long-term partnership strategy**
**ExCel London plans to explore new growth options beyond its core business with a new long-term partnerships plan.**
This includes a new expansion and redevelopment programme to organise more family and immersive experiences.
The venue is collaborating with industry veteran Jonathan Neill to create and deliver these new partnerships.
> NEWS: With 2023 set to become our busiest ever year, [\#ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) has launched a new long-term partnerships strategy to further unlock growth beyond its core events business.
>
> The new project will be led by sponsorship consultant [@jonathanneill](https://twitter.com/jonathanneill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> More: [pic.twitter.com/OEk6d8BaIt](https://t.co/OEk6d8BaIt)
>
> — ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) [October 5, 2023](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1709846742030524514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Jonathan said: “ExCeL makes connections, drives innovation, and is a real symbol of collaboration and creativity.
“With the venue’s expansion plans and continued development of live attractions, we’re looking forward to developing our partnership proposition, engaging with new like-minded brands and working together to create partnerships that add real value.”
Simon Mills, ExCeL’s chief commercial officer, added: “London’s event industry is thriving and ExCeL sits in the heart of that, experiencing our busiest year yet with booming visitor numbers and contributing approximately 25% of all inbound business tourism to the capital.
“The timing is now right to expand this position and to explore avenues outside our core business and our wider 100-acre estate.
“We’re very excited about our long-term growth plans and know Jonathan has the experience and business prowess to deliver this.”
## **NEC Group appoints new CFO**
**The NEC Group has named a new chief financial officer amid a series of C-suite hirings.**
Paul Reeve, with background in UK and European entertainment and media, takes on the role as group CFO.
https://twitter.com/thenecgroup/status/1709100967763788158
His appointment comes after the company welcomed Melanie Smith CBE as its group CEO last month.
Melanie said: “I am delighted to welcome Paul to the NEC Group. Paul is a well-respected finance leader with a strong track record in driving commercial and operating performance.
Paul brings outstanding experience in live events, ticketing and venue management which will be pivotal to us unlocking the next phase of our growth.”
Paul added: “The Group is entering a new, transformative era and I am pleased to join at this exciting time, so I can support Melanie and the team in driving the business to new heights.
“I look forward to exploring how we can maximise efficiencies and profitable growth.”
Prior to joining the NEC Group, Paul was European CFO at Anschutz Entertainment Group and also held key roles at WPP plc and Dentsu.
## **IBTM exhibitor bookings surpass 2019 levels**
**IBTM World is set to register record exhibitor bookings for its 2023 edition, with 85% of exhibiting spaces already sold out.**
Figures from RX Global reveal the bookings have surpassed 2019 levels for the show, which takes place in Fira, Barcelona on November 28.
Region-wise, Mexico, Costa Rica and Los Angeles will mark their return, while Jakarta will exhibit for the first time.
Hong Kong and Macao will have bigger stands than before – as will Jordan, Morocco and Abu Dhabi.
Stands from Europe, especially Antwerp, Paris, Barcelona and London, will also be prominent in the show.
Vasyl Zhygalo, IBTM World’s portfolio director, said: “The resurgence in exhibitor numbers illustrates the importance of IBTM World in creating a platform for connection and community.
“The vast and diverse exhibitor participation represents more opportunities to do business, as well as indicating the robustness of the global business events sector.
“We’re thrilled to see the return of several exhibitors as well as welcoming new ones and we look forward to an exciting show where attendees come together to shape the future of business events.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [ExpoPlatform and IMEX in three-year official tech deal](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-expoplatform-partners/)
**Published:** October 6, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**IMEX Group has agreed a three-year partnership with ExpoPlatform as official event tech partner ahead of IMEX America this October.**
The announcement comes after a successful IMEX Frankfurt 2023 in May, where a new online platform launched with features designed to maximize business connections and ease of use for participants.
Work has since been going on behind the scenes to optimize and improve the tools on offer for the next edition of IMEX America, which takes place October 17 – 19.
Gary Coombs, CIO of the IMEX Group, said: “Changing one of the most fundamental systems IMEX uses was a huge task, but ExpoPlatform has an innate understanding of our requirements as a tradeshow organizer.
“The result was a new online platform with a range of features and tools carefully designed to maximize business connections and ease of use.
“First and foremost, we wanted a platform designed to add value for our attendees and exhibitors and enhance their experience at our shows. A people-first rather than a tech-first approach, if you like.
“The sheer breadth of the platform allowed us to customize the set up so that it fits our needs and those of our clients.”
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, added: “We learnt a huge amount during the first implementation at IMEX Frankfurt and are pleased with the improvements we’ve been able to make for IMEX America.
“ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced user experience.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “IMEX events are among the greatest showcases for business, while also spearheading positive change in our industry through their education programs and principles.
“That’s why we are delighted to be working with them to make their events even more smart and seamless.
“Continuous partnership with IMEX is not only very inspiring organizer-provider dynamics, it is also a constant check-in of our technology on whether it is innovative enough to push the high industry standards further.
“We can’t wait to see how far things will develop during this time and are excited to provide them with a strong tech-fuelled experience to improve the quality of in-person meetings.”
ExpoPlatform is a UK-based event tech provider that operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers due to its innovative and reliable technology.
The agreement makes it the official partner for the group and its major shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas until the end of 2026.
These are leading international tradeshows for the meetings and events industry which take place annually.
Both serve as places for exhibitors to showcase their products, services and destinations to a global audience of event professionals, buyers and decision-makers.
The next edition of the award-winning IMEX America will take place at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, between October 17 – 19.
IMEX previously partnered with ExpoPlatform for its 2023 Frankfurt show and launched an all-new online platform with enhanced capabilities to drive buyer-exhibitor connections.
A wide range of custom tools and features were developed to enhance the platform’s value and boost business growth.
Over the course of three days, IMEX Frankfurt saw more than 11,000 event participants from over 90 countries gather at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds.
The show witnessed record-touching numbers in terms of buyer-exhibitor engagement.
Over 57,000 confirmed meetings were made, of which nearly 48,000 were pre-booked one-on-one meetings.
More than 285,000 unique messages happened on the platform, while over 74,000 lead scans were made by exhibitors and buyers on the new IMEX app.
The free QR scanning feature in the app – usually a paid service – was a big hit as it helped generate quick connections and detailed reports of all scanned leads.
[IMEX America 2023](https://imexamerica.com/register?utm_source=group_web&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=ia23) takes place at the Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, and opens with Smart Monday, powered by MPI on Monday October 16, followed by the three-day trade show October 17 – 19.
[www.imexamerica.com ](http://www.imexamerica.com/) | [www.expoplatform.com](https://expoplatform.com/?utm_source=imexamerica.com&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=imex2023)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [AI 'no longer a matter of choice' for associations](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/robin-salter-ai/)
**Published:** October 4, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**AI is “something that’s happening” and no longer “really a choice now” for associations, according to an industry leader.**
Robin Salter believes this new frontier for technology can significantly boost the efficiency and effectiveness of being part of a membership organisation.
The head of communications at AEIDL also calmed fears about the impact this could have on workforces – instead presenting it as an opportunity.
He said: “AI isn’t really a choice now – it’s something that’s happening.
“People have lots of concerns about what AI is going to do and how it’s going to be used, but the point is AI isn’t anything without the way we in which we use it.
“The more we can take advantage of the benefits of AI, the more that will help associations and other organisations understand their customers, their markets, their members.
“It helps with research, it helps with basic kinds of writing as well to try and do some data scraping.
“It really makes processes much more efficient and effective for associations and how to get people involved in your association.”
His comments come as generative AI tools such as ChatGPT have made waves across the world, with industries still getting to grips with how to utilise its full potential.
These chatbots allows users to refine and steer a conversation towards a desired goal – it can be for text content, images, video and more, with the proficiency of these tools growing with tremendous speed.
ChatGPT became the fastest-growing consumer application in history at the start of this year when it hit an average of about 13 million unique daily visitors. It was later over taken by social media platform Threads.
[**ExpoPlatform research**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/) found that AI-powered were believed to be the biggest opportunity for organisers, with 77% of survey respondents choosing it.
Algorithm-fuelled features through event tech providers like ExpoPlatform already allow for email automation, matchmaking possibilities and more.
Generative AI tools can also be used to assist with producing content, personalising messaging and even helping to curate a show’s schedule.
Robin also believes this new wave of technology can be useful when trying to bring year-round value to membership organisations.
He is one of the expert contributors to our latest edition of the [**Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/), specifically updated for associations.
The new ebook outlines how a 365 approach can help these organisations bring more value to their membership, boosting engagement and revenue year-round – alongside events.
Robin set out how he was keen to explore these areas for AEIDL, which learns from and fosters community-led innovation in areas such as territorial development, employment, entrepreneurship, social inclusion, environment, climate action and green growth.
**WATCH:** *Team ExpoPlatform sets out how event organisers and associations can build their own successful communities.*
But he argued it is key for an association to choose the right technology platform to make a success of this 365 approach.
Robin said: “Online communities exist already – there are a lot of platforms that people use that perhaps are really Internet 1.0.
“Moving into AI takes organisations into a really new place where communities can be adaptive and the technology can adapt to those communities as well.
“It’s really crucial to start moving towards platforms that actually allow us to utilise what AI really can do.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/)
**Download the [Community Blueprint Associations Edition](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/community-blueprint-associations/) to find out your technology provider requirements.**
One of the key jobs is to find out what engages your community, using data-driven insights and creativity to refine the formula.
An existing association will have a good database of members to go to, but many industries also have an over-supply of news.
The right platform can bring you enough information to answer to this question: *how can I add value to this already crowded competitive landscape?*
Content is crucial when trying to do this with your community, delivering new and useful points of engagement to your members.
It’s what keeps social media channels active, it’s what makes email newsletters get opened and it’s what starts to pull in new audiences through search engines.
But ExpoPlatform research found the need for year-round content was the biggest challenge facing community-building, with 45% choosing it.
Robin believes choosing the correct AI-powered platform for an association is critical for being able to try out new ways to engage a membership.
He said: “The use of online platforms for your community allows you to utilise AI to analyse the interests of members of an association which can help with your experimentation.
“AI in community engagement is really crucial. It’s like with the internet before it – it’s a new technology that can be deployed in all sorts of different ways.
“Bringing people together using AI and being responsive to the members is really crucial for the future of artificial intelligence.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Exhibition market rebound to hit 107% - report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-month-sept/)
**Published:** October 2, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The global exhibition market continues to make a sustained recovery and is expected to rebound 107% by 2024, according to a report.**
Forecasts from Globex 2023 show the market size is projected to reach $30 billion by 2024, up 7% from 2019.
It is anticipated to further grow to $32.5bn by 2025 – 16% higher from the pre-pandemic figures of $28bn in 2019.
Athan Siah, Globex 2023 co-editor, said: “From a nominal perspective, the exhibition industry is close to where it was before the pandemic.
“This is also true when we look at organisers’ calendars and the volume of new launches in 2022-23.
“The next important question pertains to when the majority of shows will recover to their pre-Covid scale.
“According to our Globex 2023 report, we forecast global NSM volumes to reach 100% of 2019 levels by 2025.”
➡️ **Learn how digital tools are shaping events –** [**Download the latest Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)
## **Easing headwinds propelling growth**
**The resurgence of exhibitions has been fuelled by strong demand for face-to-face shows as well as dampening headwinds. Some of these are:**
- Easing concerns over the European energy crisis amid a sharp fall in natural gas prices and implementation of the European Commission’s gas storage requirements policy.
- Reduced inflationary pressures e.g. the US staved off the much-prophesied recession with increased household and government spending, rise in exports and uptick in equipment investment.
- China lifting its zero-Covid policy to facilitate international travel and increase visitor footfall to exhibitions.
Athan added: “Regardless of when exactly full real recovery happens, one thing is for sure.
“The enduring value of face-to-face has been proven once again.
“Digital and data will undoubtedly play a complementary role, but they will remain that – complements which strengthen the value proposition of face-to-face exhibitions.”
This growth of tradeshows and exhibitions has been especially prominent in the US, where cancellations for live events have been extremely low since the beginning of the year (*see graph*).
Allen Shaw, CEIR economist, added: “The positive momentum of participation in face-to-face trade shows will continue.
“Widespread B2B exhibition cancellation due to Covid-19 is a thing of the past.
“Normalization of the exhibition schedule back to pre-pandemic timing and the performance of completed events will continue to improve.”
## **Tech-led experiences to grow at live exhibitions**
A key point highlighted by Sian is the role of digital tech in enhancing the value proposition of live events.
Face-to-face shows have become more interactive and personalised experiences for attendees with the use of tech.
Every touch point is designed to provide maximum value – from event registrations and onsite networking to lead capture and sponsorship.
Figures from the latest **[Event Tech Forecast](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)** show the biggest opportunities for event tech are believed to be in AI-powered features, proving exhibitor ROI and community building.
**Read more**: [**How generative AI is making its mark in meetings and events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-the-month-july-23/)
Some popular tech tools found in modern-day event management solutions are:
**1. [Online Registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/):** deliver a seamless registration process by helping create customisable registration forms, managing attendee data and tracking event registration metrics.
**2. [Mobile Event App](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/):** help attendees get access to event schedules, interactive maps, real-time updates and more.
**3. [AI-Powered Matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/):** connect attendees with exhibitors, content and products through intelligent AI recommendations.
**4. [Online Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/):** onboard exhibitors with the necessary information, guidelines, and deadlines for their participation.
**5. [Interactive Floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/):** create a customisable layout of the venue to help attendees navigate the floor space seamlessly.
**6. [Lead Retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/):** enable exhibitors to scan contacts, capture attendee information and follow up leads.
**7. [Hosted Buyer Programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/):** create a personalised concierge experience for pre-qualified buyers to facilitate high-value meetings with exhibitors.
**8. [Digital Sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/):** get new revenue streams by building digital branding packages that include premium features, ads and banners, personalised app features and more.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Top US convention centres - ranked](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230925/)
**Published:** September 25, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The Las Vegas Convention Center has been ranked as the best convention centre in the US, according to a new report.
The city in Nevada took three of the top 10 venues in the list by the Wall Street Journal.
Other event stories from the week include:
**➡️ NEC Group names new CEO**
**➡️ Outbound MICE tourism in India to reach $13.41bn by 2031**
No matter how good a venue is, your attendees will be confused if they cannot navigate their way around the show floor. Learn how you can help them with an **[interactive floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)**.
## **Ranking the best 30 convention centres in the US**
**A new report by the WSJ has ranked the top 30 convention centres in the US.**
The Las Vegas Convention Center topped the list, followed by McCormick Place in Chicago and the Venetian Convention & Expo Centre in Las Vegas.
The San Diego Convention Center, which hosts Comic-Con International, took the fourth spot.
The main factors considered in the report were the quality of the space and amenities — worth 70% of its rank.
Other key factors were the vibrancy, weather and walkability of the city as well as the surrounding area.
Here’s a snapshot of the top 10 rankings:
According to the report, the factors within each score were equally weighted, standardised and scaled to create overall scores.
The space, amenities and convenience score includes data about the total area, the exhibit space and the number of meeting rooms at each venue.
Other miscellaneous factors were the time taken to drive to an airport, how far the nearest dry cleaner was and amenities such as outdoor space and onsite ATM.
## **Melanie Smith appointed new CEO of NEC Group**
**The NEC Group has named Melanie Smith as its new CEO.**
She replaces Paul Thandi, who will assume new responsibilities as chairman of the group after being CEO for around 17 years.
In her new role, Melanie will drive the group’s vision to become a premier live events business in Europe.
She will focus on NEC’s complete venue portfolio, which includes the NEC and ICC Birmingham, Vox Conference Venue and Birmingham’s two live music arenas – Utilita Arena Birmingham and Resorts World Arena.
https://twitter.com/thenecgroup/status/1703771021105393987
Alexander Walsh, senior managing director at Blackstone, said: “We are delighted to welcome Melanie as the new CEO of the NEC.
“Her proven track record in leading successful businesses and driving transformative change and merger and acquisition initiatives aligns perfectly with our vision for the Company’s future.
“Blackstone has invested in the NEC since 2018, and as the Company continues to go from strength-to-strength we look forward to working closely with Melanie as we build on the NEC’s position as a leader in live events experiences.”
Melanie said: “The NEC Group is a truly unique business with a rich history and significant future opportunities.
“It is internationally renowned as the go-to destination for live events in the UK, hosting some of the world’s most iconic exhibitions and shows.
“From our proud base in the Midlands, our vision is to become Europe’s most successful and sustainable live events business – with world class venues and supporting services that ensure unforgettable live experiences for millions of people every year.
“I am excited to lead our next chapter of growth and innovation.”
Prior to her new role, Melanie was CEO of Ocado Retail where she led tech, marketing, and supplier transitions.
She had also held senior positions at Marks & Spencer, Bupa, TalkTalk and McKinsey.
## **Indian outbound MICE tourism to reach $13.41bn by 2031**
**India’s outbound market for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) is projected to reach $13.41bn by 2031, a new report suggests.**
According to DPI Research, a number of factors are contributing to this growth, including:
**Economic growth:** India’s growing economy has driven corporate spending on MICE activities, including international events, conferences and exhibitions.
**Infrastructure development:** Outbound MICE tourism growth hinges on infrastructure development, like convention centres, hotels, and transportation. India is investing in these facilities to attract global events. Some recent examples include Yashobhoomi, India’s largest convention centre in Dwarka, Delhi.
> "The launch of ‘Yashobhoomi’ to the nation at Dwarka, to usher in a new era of accelerated economic growth for India. The centre will be a great fillip to the exhibitions and catapult India as one of the leading destinations for the MICE industry worldwide”. – [@shobanakamineni](https://twitter.com/shobanakamineni?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw),…
>
> — Confederation of Indian Industry (@FollowCII) [September 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/FollowCII/status/1703397158433804797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
**Globalisation of businesses:** Indian businesses are expanding globally, fueling demand for outbound MICE tourism by requiring international meetings and collaborations.
**Corporate incentive programmes:** Organisations in India often employ outbound MICE tourism in employee incentive programmes, motivating them to achieve targets and attend global conferences.
**Government support:** The Indian government promotes outbound MICE travel through initiatives like visa ease, simplified regulations and financial incentives for hosting international conferences.
**Industry partnerships:** Collaboration among event organisers, travel agencies and venues has been crucial in driving outbound MICE tourism.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Full guide to CRM solutions for event management and sales](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/crm-solutions-event-management-and-sales/)
**Published:** September 20, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Organisers have adopted tools like CRMs in their workflow to streamline and use event data to drive sales and build future strategies.**
This article explains what CRMs are, their benefits to tradeshow management and how to choose the right one for your event.
➡️ For more info on how digital tools will shape the events landscape in 2023, download the latest edition [**Event Tech Forecast.**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)
Here’s what we will cover:
- **[What is a CRM solution?](#one)**
- **[Importance of CRMs in tradeshow planning and sales](#two)**
- **[How to choose the right CRM for your event needs](#three)**
- **[Popular CRMs used in event management](#four)**
## **What is a CRM solution? ?**
A CRM is a software solution that allows businesses to manage and streamline their customer relationships and sales processes.
It’s a single platform where allows sales teams can track and manage customer interactions, sales pipeline and satisfaction.
The tool provides a holistic and 360-degree view of customer relationships through features like workflow automation, opportunity management and marketing automation.
It helps businesses improve efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and providing comprehensive features for contact and client management.
A CRM also offers email marketing tools to streamline communication with customers.
## **Importance of CRMs in tradeshow planning and sales ?**
Using CRM software for tradeshows comes with several benefits, especially for salespersons:
- It helps you **effectively manage their deals**. A CRM allows sales reps to track and organise potential customers, ensuring they stay on top of each interaction. By having up-to-date information on potential clients, sales reps can provide a more personalised experience, increasing the chances of closing a deal.
- A CRM enables **better communication between sales reps and potential customers**. It stores all the interaction history in one place, including follow-up emails and phone calls. This ensures the sales reps have a complete view of the customer’s journey – allowing for more informed conversations and increased customer satisfaction.
- You get **valuable insights into individual performance**. Reps can track their sales processes, monitor their cycles and measure their performance against set targets. This data allows you to identify areas of improvement in sales efforts, leading to increased productivity and better results.
- **Automating reminders and providing mobile access** to the CRM system keeps salespeople **organised and in the loop**. With automated reminders, reps never miss important follow-ups or key tasks, ensuring a seamless sales process. Mobile access to the CRM allows reps to access customer information on the go, making them more efficient and effective in their trade show interactions.
**Also read:** How to maximise your audience reach with **[Events Amplified](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)** – the insider’s guide to modern event marketing
## **How to choose the right CRM for your event needs ✔️**
Choosing the right CRM tool for event planning hinges on really understanding your specific needs. So, where to start?
- Assess your event’s scale and budget
- Identify specific features you need such as integration with your existing website and app.
- Consider pricing in context; seemingly pricier platforms might offer more comprehensive features.
- Don’t underestimate usability. A user-friendly interface and stellar support make a real difference.
Expert tip: The best tool is the one that fits your specific requirements flawlessly. Start by identifying your needs and a clear choice will emerge!
**Step 2: Consider the different CRMs available to help with your needs**
Event planners often grapple with managing customer relationships, marketing campaigns and meeting growing demands. This can be overwhelming, but don’t fear – CRM solutions for event planning are here to streamline your tasks. Here are critical features to consider:
- Session data: Helps track progress and adjust plans.
- Attendant tracking: Insights into audience behaviour for personalised experience.
- Data filters: For precise data analysis.
- Attendee registration & check-in data: Access vital statistics instantly.
- Lead capture: Vital for follow-ups and future opportunity targeting.
- Comparison reports: To evaluate performance.
- Audience segmentation: Helps in tailored marketing actions.
- Account-based analytics: Provides profound insights around client behaviours and preferences.
Remember, the best CRM adheres to your specific needs and budget.
**Step 3: Get acquainted with the features offered by each CRM**
Getting familiar with your CRM features can greatly enhance your event planning and marketing management efforts. Here’s how:
- Understand your needs: The “best” CRM depends on your specific requirements such as event scale, budget and necessary features. Understanding these needs will guide your CRM selection process.
- Evaluate pricing and offerings: Some platforms may seem expensive but could offer more comprehensive features. Analyse the pricing in relation to what’s included.
- Prioritise usability: A user-friendly CRM with robust customer support makes a big difference. Invest in a tool that’s easy to use and provides assistance when needed.
- Seek out diverse functionalities: A good CRM includes features like customer base maintenance, session data tracking, automated email sequences and payment system integration.
- Customisation: Depending on your budget, consider a customised CRM that better fits your needs. Always research before choosing a tool that suits you the best.
**Step 4: Compare cost, usability and other factors**
If you are caught in a struggle to find the perfect CRM for your event planning and marketing needs, here’s what you need to consider:
- Identify your specific requirements. What scale are your events? How much is your budget? What features do you need? The solution will come much easier once you know what you’re looking for.
- Assess the pricing in context. Seemingly expensive platforms might offer features that other platforms charge extra for.
- Never compromise usability. An easy-to-use CRM with excellent customer support can make all the difference.
**Step 5: Ask questions if there are any concerns about the CRM**
Don’t hold back any concerns about the CRM tool – voice them. Ask: “Will the CRM allow me to build custom forms?”, “Can it integrate with my existing email?”, “Does it feature automatic replies and follow-ups?”
A CRM with the right features and usability can transform your show significantly. ask as many questions you need to before making an investment.
**Step 6: Test out the CRM prior to use**
Find out if the CRM meets your needs by testing out a free trial. Here are the typical steps:
- Sign up to kick-start your free trial.
- Familiarise yourself with the dashboard and tools.
- Test out features; from sending emails and creating templates to managing sales funnels.
- Integrate your existing email addresses to check for communication.
- Test the task management features – add comments, create memos and get notifications about meetings.
- Import customer data and monitor how it handles database maintenance.
- Try out the set-up for automated email sequences.
Expert tip: Pay attention to task tracking and reporting functions – they’re crucial in ensuring tasks don’t slip away unnoticed.
**Step 7: Consider integrations available with the CRM**
Here’s why CRM integration is crucial:
- Numerous applications: Your chosen CRM should integrate with existing apps like email clients, for seamless sending and receiving.
- Workflow automation: Certain CRM platforms can set up automated email sequences, saving you time.
- Comprehensive usability: Look at CRMs that integrate with live chat and messaging services.
**Step 8: Review testimonials from other users**
Testimonials unlock real-life insights into the software’s performance, reliability and user-friendliness. They paint a truthful picture – offering you data to assess:
- How efficient the CRM is.
- Whether it’s reliable during high-demand periods.
- If it’s easy to use, especially if you’re time-strapped.
Remember, in the voices of fellow users lie crucial, first-hand knowledge. Their experiences turn into your lessons, saving you from potential pitfalls. Invest time in reading testimonials and reach out to existing or past users to select the CRM with grater confidence.
## **Popular CRMs used in event management ?**
Some commonly used CRMs used with modern event management platforms are:
**? Salesforce**
One of the most widely used CRMs across various industries, including event management. Its robust features and customisation options make it a popular choice for managing customer relationships, leads and sales opportunities throughout the event planning and execution process.
**? Microsoft Dynamics 365**
Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers a comprehensive suite of CRM tools that can be effectively used with event management software. It provides functionalities for managing contacts, tracking leads, automating marketing campaigns and analysing event performance.
**? HubSpot**
HubSpot is a popular choice for event management due to its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing options. It offers contact management, lead tracking, email marketing automation, and reporting features, which are beneficial for event organisers to manage and engage with attendees.
**? Pipedrive**
Commonly used by sales-focused event management teams, Pipedrive offers intuitive sales pipeline management, contact management and sales reporting tools to track event leads and deals.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Axing of live events hits 0.3% low - report](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230704/)
**Published:** July 24, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**US B2B exhibitions continue to regain strength as the in-person cancellations rate dropped to a 0.3% low in Q1 2023, according to a new report.**
Findings from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) study also suggest the industry is on track to make a full recovery by 2024.
Other stories from our latest events industry roundup include:
**? RX UK names new president**
**? GL events’ exhibition rebound supports revenue growth**
**? MCI highlights sustainability achievements in new report**
**? EMECA and UFI agree to boost cooperation**
Create high-value events that neither your exhibitors nor your attendees will ever cancel ➡️ Learn how you can do so with a **[Hosted Buyer programme](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)**.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⬇️
## **In-person event cancellations in the US drop to a three-year low**
**The US B2B exhibition industry’s recovery momentum continues as cancellations for live events dropped to 0.3%, according to a new study.**
Stats released in the CEIR’s latest index report reveal a dramatic drop in Q1 cancellations compared to 90.1% in Q1 2021 and 8.9% in Q1 2022.
Allen Shaw, CEIR economist, said: “The positive momentum of participation in face-to-face trade shows will continue.
“Widespread B2B exhibition cancellation is a thing of the past except for permanent closure of shows, and the performance of completed events will continue to improve.”
He added: “Greater numbers of foreign participants will support additional recovery of volume of attendance and exhibitors.
“A full recovery for the industry is expected in 2024.”
The CEIR Total Index – an indicator of overall exhibition performance – jumped 42.7% during Q1 from last year, showing more completed events, greater attendee and exhibitor participation and an increase in real revenue, .
## **RX UK announces new president**
**RX Global has appointed a new CEO for its UK division.**
Rachel Travers, managing director at LexisNexis New Zealand, will assume the role from September 1.
Her responsibilities will include driving leadership as well as delivery execution of the RX UK Hub business unit to boost customer value and market expansion.
The UK arm of RX covers the UK, Middle East, Turkey, South Africa and India.
RX Global CEO Hugh Jones, said: “Rachel is a highly motivated and experienced senior executive, used to managing operations in both domestic and international markets and in complex business environments.
“She is a skilled team leader and in her three years at Law360 she delivered double digit growth with consistently high NPS and EOS scores.”
Rachel added: “I am excited to be joining RX and its amazing group of talented leaders and people at this transformational time for the company.
“The company’s mission is to build businesses and I’m looking forward to finding data-driven solutions for our customers that deliver genuine business value and growth, along with delivering market-leading technology to them.”
## **GL events posts strong H1 growth on exhibitions rebound**
**GL events’ revenue jumped 32% yearly in the first six months of 2023 with a strong performance by its exhibitions division.**
The H1 revenue stood at €690.2million (£597m), while its net profit grew 143% year-on-year (y-o-y) to €40.9mn (£35.4m).
Revenue from exhibitions nearly doubled to €143.6m (£124.2m), growing +97% y-o-y on account of a favourable biennial effect and a rebound in activity in China.
> GL events maintains positive momentum in h1 2023 and raises its full-year growth target.
>
> Find here the latest financial press release ? [\#GLevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GLevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#financialrelease](https://twitter.com/hashtag/financialrelease?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/nGQxzyyEW6](https://t.co/nGQxzyyEW6)
>
> — GL events (@GLevents) [July 20, 2023](https://twitter.com/GLevents/status/1682055996036841472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Olivier Ginon, GL events group chairman, said: “GL events’ strong momentum remains on track with revenue up 32% in the first half, driven by its strategy of combining the strengths of its three business divisions to provide an integrated offering: Live, Venues and Exhibitions.
“Meanwhile, as we expected, all our markets are returning to growth, in particular China, which enjoyed a very robust second quarter, and the Americas, with particularly good performances in Brazil and Chile.”
Several major contracts in sporting contributed to the growth – such as the Roland Garros French Tennis Open and the Monte Carlo Rolex Tennis Masters tournament, motor racing with the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The group also benefited from the return of high-key international events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Paris Air Show, as well as corporate shows like the Dassault Systèmes Business Convention and the Christian Dior Homme & Haute Couture fashion shows.
Olivier added: “This good first-half performance has allowed us to raise our target for growth in sales from 5% to 8% in 2023. In response, our operating margin will also continue to improve.
“We are accelerating the pace of our investments in the future while maintaining our objectives to reduce gross debt.
“Looking to the future, GL events continues to invent sustainable worlds for the event industry, reflecting the ambitious ESG policy underpinning its strategy and commitments.”
## **MCI outlines sustainability achievements in new report**
**The mci group launched 80 sustainability projects during of 2022, according to its new report.**
Highlights from the group’s green commitments come as part of efforts towards the global Net Zero Carbon Events initiative and also being part of the Operations and Food & Food Waste task forces.
Sebastien Tondeur, mci group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Being genuinely sustainable isn’t just about making the best possible choices while working with our clients.
“It’s about ensuring every action we take betters us as a group and enables others to have better opportunities for themselves.”
Here are the key highlights:
- Raised around €3.5m (£3m) for charity
- Launched 80 sustainability projects
- Organised three Net Zero carbon events
- Volunteered 1,909 hours for community and pro-bono work
The full report can be accessed [**here**](https://mcigroupsustainabilityreport.com/).
## **EMECA and UFI agree to strengthen collaboration**
**Leading exhibition associations EMECA and UFI intend to continue cooperation to deal with challenges faced by the business events industry.**
The two groups plan to share more information, best practices and resources to make exhibitions and events more robust.
As part of their cooperation, EMECA and UFI have advocated new ideas and solutions to the European Exhibition Industry Alliance since 2012.
> ? UFI President Michael Duck met with European Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA) President Roland Bleinroth at Messe Stuttgart this week to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the exhibition industry and forge closer cooperation.[\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiadvocacy](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiadvocacy?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/xgpUyeoZtd](https://t.co/xgpUyeoZtd)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [July 20, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1681998818202492928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
EMECA president Rolan Bleinroth said: “The ongoing uncertainty about the energy supply and its costs as well as overall inflation and the still not fully resolved disruption of supply chains has an impact on the planning and execution of trade fairs and events worldwide.”
UFI president Michael Duck said: “Given the changing global landscape, it is vital that the exhibition and events industry works together to address the new challenges and strengthen the exhibition and events industry as a key driver for business and innovation.”
The associations have also cooperated for sustainability, partnering with the Joint Meetings Industry Council for its Net Zero Carbon Events initiative.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Informa Markets advances healthcare tech with new partnership](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230807/)
**Published:** August 7, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa Markets has signed a new partnership to take charge of a leading healthcare tech event.**
The collaboration with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) will see Informa Markets manage the HMISS Exhibition – one of the biggest healthcare events in North America.
Other stories from our weekly event industry roundup include:
? UFI to host its 17th Asia-Pacific (APAC) conference in Macau in 2024
? Freeman acquires Spark to strengthen service offerings
? Smart Group acquires Story Events
Technology is going to play a crucial role in shaping the events of the future. **[Download the Event Tech Forecast H2 2023](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)** and get exclusive insights to decipher the changing tech landscape.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Informa Markets announces new partnership to boost healthcare tech**
**Informa Markets has partnered with HIMSS to deliver HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition – a major healthcare event in North America.**
The collaboration is expected to combine the expertise of Informa Markets in delivering world-class experiences and HIMSS’ expertise in content and programming in healthcare tech.
Hal Wolf, president & CEO of HIMSS said: “With the remarkable growth that the Global Conference has reached, it’s the right time to partner with North America’s leading exhibitions organizer, Informa Markets, who shares our vision to make the HIMSS Global Health Conference and Exhibition the best it can be for the entire eco-system.”
> We have exciting news to share! We are announcing that we have entered into a landmark partnership with [@Informa](https://twitter.com/informa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Markets to propel the growth and evolution of the HIMSS Global Health Conference & Exhibition. Learn more by reading our joint press release: [pic.twitter.com/DuT8JNOAVM](https://t.co/DuT8JNOAVM)
>
> — HIMSS (@HIMSS) [August 4, 2023](https://twitter.com/HIMSS/status/1687580088454254593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Ken McAvoy, president at South Florida Ventures at Informa Markets, said: “Drawing on our extensive experience in organizing some of the largest and most successful events in the US, combined with HIMSS’ unparalleled expertise in the digital health space, we are excited to collaborate and leverage our resources to deliver even greater benefits and value to the HIMSS community and its members.”
The partnership strengthens Informa Markets’ portfolio in the healthcare and medtech space, having organised shows like Arab Health, IME and FIME.
## **UFI annual APAC conference to be held in Macau in 2024**
**UFI has announced the Macau Fair & Trade Association will host its 17th APAC Conference on March 7-8 2024.**
The event was held earlier in Kuala Lumpur – the first time in person after a three-year gap due to the pandemic.
UFI APAC regional director Mark Cochrane said: “We are pleased and honoured to bring the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference to Macau.
“The original plan was to host this event in Macau in 2020, but the global pandemic delayed that by four years.
“However, we are looking forward to working with MFTA and the team in Macau to put together an innovative and exciting programme for our members in 2024!”
The two-day conference will feature expert panels and keynote sessions, covering the latest trends and opportunities in the APAC exhibition market.
You can pre-register for the event **[here](https://www.ufiasia.org/)**.
## **Freeman acquires global brand experience agency**
**Leading events company Freeman has added Sparks, a brand experience expert, to its roster.**
The acquisition aims to expedite Freeman’s expansion in the corporate market by addressing the changing needs of corporate clients and event organisers.
Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck said: “Our combination with Sparks creates a unique opportunity to accelerate Freeman’s vision to become a leader in the corporate space.
“We couldn’t be more excited to have Sparks’ talented team join Freeman at this exciting time for the industry.”
> Today Freeman’s agency and Sparks combine to create extraordinary experiences connecting leading brands with audiences everywhere. [pic.twitter.com/BGk4dvcz6C](https://t.co/BGk4dvcz6C)
>
> — Freeman (@FreemanCo) [August 1, 2023](https://twitter.com/FreemanCo/status/1686364466420514816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
David Sudjian, CEO of Sparks, said: “I am thrilled about the immense potential Freeman and Sparks have together.
“Our exceptional teams are eager to collaborate and leverage our strengths to create extraordinary experiences.
“The alignment of culture and values between Freeman and Sparks truly sets this combination apart, fueling our ability to deliver remarkable moments worldwide.”
## **Smart Group adds Story Events to its portfolio**
**Event management firm Smart Group has enhanced its creative event management arm with the addition of Story Events.**
Story Events will be part of Smart Live, which handles project management of large and small events like product launches, conferences, award ceremonies and corporate retreats.
Chloe Jackson, managing director of Smart Group said: “2023 is shaping up to be an exciting time for Smart Group as we continue to grow, and this latest acquisition represents a fantastic opportunity for all involved due to our combined strengths and alignment on our core purpose: to deliver outstanding events for our respective clients.”
Rosalind Shelley, managing director of Story Events said: ‘This is a great opportunity for Story Events to benefit from Smart Group’s strong business position.
“We look forward to collaborating with Smart Group and Smart Live, combining our creative minds to deliver events that are autonomous and synonymous in which our clients have enjoyed over the years.”
Post-acquisition, Story Events will continue to operate as an independent group and deliver key events such as the London Summer Event Show and London Christmas Party Show.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Informa and RX retain top spots in exhibition rankings](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230814/)
**Published:** August 14, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Informa and RX continue to lead growth in exhibitions, with both retaining their top spots in new revenue rankings.**
The 2022 standings from Stax highlight a continued recovery after being hit by Covid-related restrictions in previous years.
Other stories from our weekly event industry roundup include:
**➡️ Net Zero Carbon Events publishes a sustainability best practices guide**
**➡️ ADNEC Groups strikes new partnership for Abu Dhabi events**
**➡️ The Association of Event Organisers (AEO) launches a new initiative to attract talent to events**
Event tech has played a crucial part in the recovery of exhibitions and tradeshows. Learn how it will further shape the industry with our **[Event Tech Forecast H2 2023 report](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)**.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **Informa and RX continue to lead global exhibition rankings**
**Informa and RX have retained their top positions for another year in new top 20 exhibition rankings for revenue.**
The latest findings from Stax Top 20 put the two organizers in first and second place respectively, based on 2022 figures.
Meanwhile, Messe Düsseldorf rose from 17th position to 8th while Easyfairs leapt from 19th to 11th – making them biggest gainers year-on-year.
Carole Boletti, associate director at Stax said: “In 2022, the Top 20 Ranking demonstrated a return closer to the pre-Covid composition.
“However, recovery levels varied among organizers based on their sector and geographical exposure.
“Overall, the aggregate revenue of the top 20 reached approximately 70% of the 2019 levels.”
She added: “We anticipate further transformations next year as most organizers have resumed full exhibition calendars in 2023.
“There is a consensus that the post-Covid rebound has surpassed expectations, suggesting that complete recovery could be realized by 2023 or 2024.”
Here are the other highlights:
? Clarion and Messe München rise up the rankings on account of strong post-Covid recovery and biennial event schedules
? Making their debut in the top 20: Ascential and CloserStill
? Organisers that dropped out: CCPIT, DLG Exhibitions, Fiera Milano
The 2022 rankings have been released under the Stax brand after it acquired AMR International in 2022.
## **Net Zero Carbon Events releases new sustainability guide**
**Net Zero Carbon Events has published a new guide on best practices for decarbonization.**
The document will help organizations address their sustainability targets by providing actionable insights and strategies from five workstreams.
These include venue energy, smart production and waste management, food and food waste, logistics, travel and accommodation.
> Download: A new resource is available from [\#NetZeroCarbonEvents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NetZeroCarbonEvents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to provide you with actionable insights and strategies you can implement immediately.
>
> ⬇️ [\#netzero](https://twitter.com/hashtag/netzero?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#meetingprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/meetingprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#meetings](https://twitter.com/hashtag/meetings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#businesstravel](https://twitter.com/hashtag/businesstravel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#climatechange](https://twitter.com/hashtag/climatechange?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/qz9KQTiSJf](https://t.co/qz9KQTiSJf)
>
> — Net Zero Carbon Events (@NZCarbonEvents) [August 8, 2023](https://twitter.com/NZCarbonEvents/status/1688842884928122880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, said: “Recognising the urgency of addressing carbon emissions as we move along within our project, we have compiled this preliminary resource.
“We encourage everyone to explore this valuable guidance, which will be continuously updated as we progress with our workstreams’ efforts.
“The path to achieving net zero carbon events is a collective endeavour and we deeply appreciate everyone’s ongoing support and contributions to this crucial initiative.”
The guide has been published in a preliminary version now and can be [downloaded here](https://www.netzerocarbonevents.org/wp-content/uploads/20230726_Best-Practices.pdf). The full guide will be released in December later this year.
**ExpoPlatform will plant a tree to offset event carbon emission for every demo booked. Get in touch [here](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).**
## **ADNEC Group partners with Kenes Group for Abu Dhabi events**
**ADNEC Group has signed a strategic partnership with Kenes Group for events in Abu Dhabi.**
The two businesses will collaborate to launch specialised conferences and exhibitions in the capital across various sectors.
Group CEO of ADNEC Group Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri said: “Signing this agreement forms part of our commitment to enhancing cooperation with global institutions specialised in the business tourism sector.
“The agreement will launch new specialised international conferences and exhibitions to be held in our venues in the UAE.
“The partnership will help strengthen ADNEC’s direct and indirect economic contributions to the national business tourism sector.
“We will also improve the transfer and localisation of knowledge across a number of key sectors to solidify the position of Abu Dhabi as the business tourism capital in the region.”
Dan Rivlin, executive chair and chief vision officer at Kenes Group, added: “At Kenes we are always looking into building strong and meaningful partnerships that enable our mission of empowering knowledge in different fields through Kenes Original Events.
“Our collaboration with ADNEC Group is a step forward in the consolidation of an international gathering in Abu Dhabi that will bring together professionals working with guests across industries and showcase the latest technology to enhance the guest experience.”
## **AEO launches campaign to show opportunity in events**
**AEO has unveiled a new campaign to showcase the various opportunities available in the events industry.**
The #CHOOSEEVENTS initiative is led by the AEO Development Board under the oversight of Alison Willis, divisional managing director at Easyfairs, and James McGough, managing director at Clarion Events.
> We have launched the [\#CHOOSEEVENTS](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHOOSEEVENTS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) campaign. This campaign will showcase the diversity of opportunities within events, shifting the way talent enters the industry from falling into events to choosing events.
>
> Join the conversation using [\#CHOOSEEVENTS](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHOOSEEVENTS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [pic.twitter.com/OSpy7UD4yA](https://t.co/OSpy7UD4yA)
>
> — AEO (@aeonews) [August 9, 2023](https://twitter.com/aeonews/status/1689290344083410944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Alison said: “The AEO Development Board is really excited to bring the #CHOOSEEVENTS campaign to life.
“There has been much research and collaboration across the industry to really understand how to not only reach the future talent of our industry, but how to communicate the amazing depth, diversity and creativity of roles our community provides.
“I know I ‘fell’ into the event industry many years ago, as did many of my peers. This is our opportunity to reach the future of the industry with messaging that will resonate and excite the next generation of talent!”
The campaign aims to change the approach talent enters into the industry – from falling into events to selecting them.
It will be promoted across AEO social media channels and emails using the #CHOOSEEVENTS hashtag and include member stories, videos and insights.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [RX moves to support women in events ?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230918/)
**Published:** September 18, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**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](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** 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](https://www.womeninexhibitions.com/).**
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**](https://55redefined.co/), which specialises in attracting and growing talent with people who are over 50.
> Informa making the press with their commitment to [\#ageinclusion](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ageinclusion?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 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.com
>
> — 55 Redefined Ltd (@55redefined) [September 16, 2023](https://twitter.com/55redefined/status/1702948196836655170?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufimea](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufimea?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufievents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufievents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/rLUxmRJ9ld](https://t.co/rLUxmRJ9ld)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [September 15, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1702668792566829533?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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](http://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.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [ExpoPlatform appoints new Chief Growth Officer](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/abbie-michaelson-appointment/)
**Published:** September 6, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event technology provider ExpoPlatform has announced its new chief growth officer to help drive expansion through sales.**
Abbie Michaelson is a widely accomplished executive with more than 30 years of experience in industries undergoing strong digital transformation, including as international general manager for Cvent.
This latest appointment comes after a raft of new employees and high-profile deals for the Cambridge-based company.
Abbie said: “I am thrilled to join ExpoPlatform at this exciting time in its growth journey. I look forward to working with so many expert colleagues and incredible customers to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”
His tenure at Cvent saw Abbie responsible for supervising the merger with Lanyon – which encompassed StarCite, Wingate Web – and other components.
He also focused on managing the integration process while achieving an increase in billed revenues.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO at ExpoPlatform, said: “Abbie’s experience with growing companies internationally and his understanding of our industry’s fast-evolving digital reliance makes him perfectly placed to spearhead our expansion.
“We’re delighted to be working with Abbie and are excited to see the impact he will have and the results we can achieve together.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [DWTC Authority licensing scheme sees 250% growth](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230904/)
**Published:** September 4, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority free zone is gearing up to attract new investment as license renewals jumped 250% in H1.**
It was established in 2015 and provides business benefits such as tax exemptions and 100% foreign ownership
DXB LIVE, the live events arm of DWTC, also reported a 20% growth in the same period with 100 successful events.
Other stories in our weekly events news wrap are:
**➡️ Hong Kong upgrades to become key player in aviation.**
**➡️ COMEXPOSIUM names new director of agricultural and construction business division.**
Learn how event trends will shape up in the remaining six month of the year – download the **[Event Tech Forecast H2 2023](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)** to know the impact of digital tools.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **DWTC reports 250% surge in licensing renewals**
**The DWTC Authority has reported a 250% yearly jump in its free zone renewals in H1 2023, increasing from 254 to 892 renewals.**
It launched “Intelak Incubators” providing custom accelerator and incubation programmes for startups and early-stage ventures.
The free zone – established in 2015 – is an area in the Dubai World Trade Centre complex providing benefits for companies such as tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership and simplified business setup procedures.
> DWTC Authority Free Zone, Dubai's leading driver of global competitiveness and pioneering business ecosystem, saw a significant 250% increase in license renewals in H1 2023. Read more here: [pic.twitter.com/sPgRMnX8es](https://t.co/sPgRMnX8es)
>
> — DWTCAuthority (@DWTCAuthority) [August 25, 2023](https://twitter.com/DWTCAuthority/status/1695037437938999568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Abdalla Al Banna, VP of free zone regulatory operations at DWTC, said: “Our robust performance in H1 reflects our alignment with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33) goal of attracting foreign investment through the provision of a conducive business environment with a focus on making Dubai a global hub for future economy and innovation.
“Our competitive and well-regulated ecosystem attracts digital transformation pioneers, R&D companies, and tech innovators.
“A growing community of next-generation tech start-ups and tech-powered unicorns choose DWTCA Free Zone as their preferred dynamic base to expand their operations globally.”
Its experiential arm, DXB LIVE, registered a 20% growth in business during the first six months of 2023, compared to the same period last year.
DWTC had also hired 262 new employees to support operations in the free zone, which extends across more than two million square feet of premium office space.
Al Banna added: “We are driven by Dubai’s vision to make the city the ultimate business destination worldwide.
“Committed to sustainability and transparency, we strive to provide a nurturing environment for businesses of all sizes.
“With flexible spaces, enriched amenities, all tailored to foster innovation, we are supporting local and international efforts to create a greener future.”
## **Hong Kong revs up to become business aviation hub**
**Hong Kong has ramped up its infrastructure to establish itself as a crucial player in the world of aviation.**
These upgrades include the completion of the 3rd JCtrans Global Freight Forwarders Expo and International Air Transport Association Aviation Day at AsiaWorld-Expo.
Other key industry events planned are the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference in November this year, IATA World Cargo Symposium 2024, Aero-Engines Asia-Pacific 2024 and Super Terminal Expo 2024.
Kenneth Wong, general manager, MICE & Cruise of the Hong Kong Tourism Board said: “We are thrilled that Hong Kong has become the destination of choice for multiple aviation and logistic events!
“The city’s status as an aviation hub with a globally connected transportation network, a future-proof Airport City development, top-notch convention venues and a gateway to the GBA makes it a strategic choice in the region to host major industry events. ”
Vivian Cheung, Chief Operating Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Hong Kong Convention Ambassador said: “I am thrilled to bring significant industry events to our city, which reflects the role of Hong Kong as a leading aviation, transportation and logistics hub.
“As a member of the Hong Kong Convention Ambassador programme, I look forward to welcoming even more business events and delegates from around the world.”
## **COMEXPOSIUM appoints new director**
**The COMEXPOSIUM group has named a new director for its AgEquipment and Construction Business Unit.**
Christophe Lecarpentier will head the division, which organises the SIMA, SITEVI and INTERMAT tradeshows.
His responsibilities include working on the roadmap of the upcoming editions of the three shows as well as driving vision to further the group’s business goals.
Christophe said: “My French and international experiences have brought me to work with many manufacturers, both upstream in product design and innovation, and at distribution level (product launch, promotion, network training, sales through dealership networks).
“Convinced of the pivotal role that the exhibition media plays in the promotional mix, I am looking forward to working with the entire profession, and I am thrilled to be taking up the position as director of the Ag Equipment and Construction Business Unit at Comexposium.”
Prior to joining COMEXPOSIUM, Christophe worked with JCB in different leadership roles and brings nearly 30 years of industry experience in his new role.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Back to business travel - 46% taking more US corporate trips](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230828/)
**Published:** August 28, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Business travel is back with 46% of US corporate travellers making more trips than before the pandemic, a new report has revealed.
The resurgence in travel comes despite issues of growing expenses, fuel costs and shaky economic conditions.
Other stories from our weekly events roundup include:
**➡️ Clarion Events North America announces new president**
**➡️ Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) welcomes new legislation for visa delay relief**
**➡️ CHPI returns to Milan in 2024**
Learn how digital tools will shape the event industry in H2 2023 with our latest [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## **46% of US business travellers taking more trips compared to pre-pandemic**
**A Capterra survey has revealed that 46% of business travellers in the US are taking more trips compared to before the pandemic.**
The uptick in corporate travel comes even as organisations deal with a fluctuating economy and internal pressures to cut down on travel expenses.
Here are some key findings from the report:
- 85% of those surveyed said the economy has affected their travel budgets, forcing cutbacks in travel spending
- 47% of business travellers said their companies depend on spreadsheets to handle expense reports
- 92% said they faced challenges with expense reporting
- 93% said they engaged in bleisure travel, adding personal vacation time to their business trips
Despite the reliance on manual processes, companies are also embracing tech such as mobile apps and expense management software to record and report expenses.
The rise in business travel solidifies findings from the Global Business Travel Association’s (GBTA) latest Business Travel Index Outlook.
The report anticipates travel spending to surpass 2019 levels by 2024 to reach $1.4 trillion and further increase to $1.8tn by 2027.
GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang said: “The headwinds that were anticipated to impact the rebound of global business travel over the past year didn’t materialise and that is good news.
“This latest forecast now indicates an accelerated return to pre-pandemic spending levels sooner than anticipated as well as growth ahead in the coming years.
“Business travel spending is a key indicator, but how travel volumes will continue to rebound is yet to be seen.”
## **Clarion Events North America appoints new president**
**Clarion Events has named Liz Irving as the president of its North America division.**
Liz joined the company in 2015 and has been key in driving and supporting its strategy for commercial success and for the global market.
Prior to joining Clarion Events, Liz worked with Reed Exhibitions for 15 years in different leadership roles. She has also been part of various event tech boards as well as SISO showcase.
Liz said: “Our industry is constantly evolving, our customers’ expectations are evolving just as rapidly, and I am excited to lead one of the most talented teams in shaping the future of events and media, leveraging technology, data and insights, and creating connected experiences that set new standards in the industry.”
Greg Topalian, CEO Clarion Event North America, said: “I have complete confidence in Liz’s ability to lead Clarion Events North America into this new chapter.
“She has been a critical partner to me in building the North American business, navigating the challenges of the past few years and delivering new revenue streams and strong financial performance.
“Liz has also supported Clarion in creating the unique culture within our team.
“Her passion, ability to learn quickly and adapt will undoubtedly elevate the organization to even greater heights, and further Clarion’s focus in the industry.”
## **ECA welcomes legislation for visa delay relief**
**The ECA has applauded new legislation that aims to address visa delay issues faced by the exhibition industry.**
The Visa Processing Improvement Act proposes four measures to improve visa processing:
- Improve transparency and accountability
- Boost consular office flexibility and capacity
- Review in-person interview waiver eligibility
- Make the service experience smoother
ECA chair Hervé Sedky said: “We welcome today’s legislation as it brings much-needed solutions to the prolonged visa delays faced by our friends and partners overseas, particularly in Mexico, India, and Brazil.
“Such restrictions inhibited American business event organizers from welcoming buyers back to their events in the United States.
“The legislation opens the doors to welcome back numerous international exhibitors, attendees, and buyers to U.S. events, revitalizing access to essential customer bases and unlocking opportunities.”
He added: “The impact of these delays has been far-reaching, especially on small businesses, representing 80% of the exhibitor base within the events industry.
“With the enactment of this legislation, a promising future awaits as we pave the way for growth and progress, where U.S. businesses can continue to thrive.”
The act was introduced after a series of actions taken by the US Congress to resolve the visa delay issues through a number of committee hearings at different policy levels.
ECA co-president Vinnie Polito said: “From setting clear goals for interview wait times to introducing new modernized processes, the Visa Processing Improvement Act would improve visa operations at U.S. embassies and consulates around the world and help our international stakeholders get back to business in the U.S.”
## **CPHI returns to Milan in 2024**
**Global pharmaceutical exhibition CPHI will be held in Milan, Italy on October 8-10 2024.**
This is the second time in three years that the show will be hosted in the city.
Adam Andersen, executive vice president, pharma at Informa, said: “We are delighted to be returning to Fiera Milano, as Italy and the Lombardy region are widely known as one of the key pharma manufacturing centres in Europe. There are very few global locations with such a depth and breadth of local and regional talent.
“We expect a large international attendance and will marry this with local and regional manufacturing insights.”
Italy has a robust pharmaceutical ingredients and manufacturing industry with Milan’s Lombardy region alone having more than 50 pharma facilities.
Roberto Foresti, deputy general manager of Fiera Milano, said: “Fiera Milano is the ideal venue for a global event like CPHI, which is an important tenet of this industry and central to the world economy, with the Lombardy region being a leading producer of pharmaceuticals.”
CPHI will be hosted later this year in Barcelona.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Organizers only 'scratching surface' of digital revenue](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/dahlia-el-gazzar-revenue/)
**Published:** August 24, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event organizers are “only scratching the surface” of how much potential there is in digital revenue, according to an industry expert.**
Dahlia El Gazzar, founder of DAHLIA+Agency, believes this part of budgets will “of course increase” as evolving technologies offer a “seemingly unlimited space” for new channels of monetization at live shows.
Her comments come after the release of the latest [**Event Tech Forecast**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/), which unveils the current state and potential for digital tools in our industry.
[](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/)
She told ExpoPlatform: “Of course digital revenue will increase. Digital is a seemingly unlimited space for new revenue streams because new technology will continue to emerge, digital doesn’t have the same types of limitations as revenue streams tied to physical objects – as they are in face-to-face events.
“The industry is still only scratching the surface of digital revenue streams.”
Almost two-thirds of event organizers expect digital revenue to increase over the next 12 months, according to the latest Event Tech Forecast.
Findings show 64% of respondents believe this component will grow, while 27% reckon it will remain the same.
The previous edition of the study in January saw 55% say this channel would increase, with more organizers now recognizing digital as a key part of their strategy.
Some examples of the digital monetization opportunities available include sponsored solutions, of which there are three main types. – thought leadership, branding and lead generation services.
Digital platforms can give you a large amount of inventory before, during and after an event.
**Get your copy of the** [**Monetization Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) **for an in-depth guide to increasing digital revenue at your events.**
Meanwhile, more than three-quarters of respondents highlighted AI-powered features as one of the biggest opportunities for tech in our industry.
Findings show 77% of respondents believe this is a key area for growth, while 72% also chose proving exhibitor ROI.
It comes as AI-generative tools such as ChatGPT have made a splash across the world this year, with eventprofs now working to incorporate their advantages into strategies.
Eventprofs can use tools like this to assist them by generating content, personalizing messaging and even helping to curate a show’s schedule.
The 31st edition of the UFI Global Barometer found 62% believe they will directly impact event sales, marketing and customer relations – while 22% say it already does.
Dahlia said: “AI and exhibitor ROI are being selected as opportunities by a large number of respondents because AI is the most powerful and transformative technology in our lifetime and ROI is an evergreen metric that will never go out of style.”
Gaining good ROI also came up as one of the biggest tech challenges for event organizers, which was joined by delivering a seamless experience across platforms.
A total of 64% of respondents reported these as hurdles they face in the digital sphere.
That is consistent with the H1 edition which had these in the first two positions, although ROI has climbed up from 55%.
Dahlia believes the weight of importance for these areas has grown due to the high level of performance they are used to in their private lives, powered by Big Tech giants.
She said: “A seamless experience across technology platforms comes up frequently on surveys because users are conditioned by the Amazons and Apples of the world to expect intuitive and engaging user experiences. It’s simply a baseline for all technology now.”
**ExpoPlatform’s Event Tech Forecast H2 2023 can be** [**downloaded here**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-h2-2023/) **for free.**
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [Full guide to growing pre-booked exhibitor meetings](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/pre-booked-exhibitor-meetings-guide/)
**Published:** July 19, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Pre-booked exhibitor meetings wield a significant impact for tradeshow ROI- it’s something that can’t be underestimated.**
So here’s your complete guide packed with marketing tips and event tech solutions to help you grow high-quality appointments for your shows. Here’s what we will cover:
- **[What are exhibitor meetings?](#one)**
- **[Importance of pre-booked exhibitor meetings in tradeshows](#two)**
- **[Challenges tradeshow organisers face while setting up pre-booked exhibitor meetings](#three)**
- **[Marketing tactics to grow pre-booked exhibitor meetings](#four)**
- **[How event tech can simplify pre-booked exhibitor meetings](#five)**
**Maximising show visibility is the first step to making more meetings. Learn it the easy way with our ➡️ [Events Amplified](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/) ebook. Download it now.**
## **What are exhibitor meetings? ?**
Exhibitor meetings are scheduled meetups between vendors and potential customers or industry professionals.
They provide an opportunity to showcase products or services to prospects in a more focused and personalised setting.
These one-on-one interactions help them understand the needs and pain points of their targets and tailor their pitches accordingly.
This leads to more successful tradeshow outcomes, such as generating qualified leads and closing deals.
**Learn how tech-driven meetings can drive better connections for your top targets ⤵️**
## **Importance of pre-booked exhibitor meetings in tradeshows ?**
There are many parts to scheduling exhibitor meetings in advance. Pre-booking is crucial to streamline the process of organising meetings and minimising time spent on logistics.
Businesses seeking to maximise their ROI and generate quality leads can get multiple advantages through scheduled meetups, such as:
**Streamlining tasks ?️**
Exhibitors can optimise their time and ensure they meet with the right people.
This helps eliminate wasted hours wandering the tradeshow floor and increases the chances of connecting with potential customers.
**Increase sales opportunities ↗️**
Pre-booked meetings allow exhibitors to have focused conversations with qualified leads.
These targeted interactions enhance the opportunity to build relationships, showcase products or services and ultimately close deals.
**Enhance brand visibility** ✨
Exhibitors who schedule meetings ahead of time can promote these appointments as part of their marketing efforts.
This generates buzz and raises awareness among tradeshow attendees, increasing the likelihood of booth visits and engagement.
**Save costs** ?
Meeting potential customers at tradeshows in advance is more cost-effective than connecting with them without a planned schedule.
Pre-bookings enable efficient resource allocation, avoiding unnecessary expenses, optimise booth space usage and streamline logistics.
## **Challenges tradeshow organisers face while setting up pre-booked exhibitor meetings ?**
Setting up pre-booked exhibitor meetings at tradeshows come with its share of challenges, including:
**1. Coordinating schedules:** It can be challenging to coordinate the schedules of multiple exhibitors and attendees, especially if they have conflicting availability or different time zones.
Matching available time slots for meetings can be time-consuming and require effective communication.
**2. Limited meeting spaces:** Tradeshow venues often have limited meeting spaces for exhibitors to conduct their meetings.
This can result in high demand for these spaces, making it difficult to secure a suitable spot for each pre-booked meeting.
**3. No-shows or last-minute cancellations:** Despite pre-booking meetings, some attendees or exhibitors may fail to show up or cancel at the last minute.
This leads to wasted time, missed opportunities and logistical challenges if the meeting space was reserved for a specific time slot.
**4. Language and cultural barriers:** Tradeshows attract participants from various countries and cultures.
It can cause communication challenges, especially if there are language barriers or cultural differences in the way meetings are conducted or expectations for punctuality.
**5. Follow-up and post-meeting actions:** After a pre-booked meeting, follow-up actions such as sending meeting summaries, sharing resources, or nurturing leads are crucial.
It can be challenging to ensure prompt and effective follow-up, especially if there is a large number of meetings to manage.
**7. Maintaining a balanced schedule:** It is necessary to ensure a balanced and optimised schedule with appropriate breaks between meetings to avoid exhaustion and decreased engagement.
Addressing these pain points requires careful planning and communication.
Using event tech solutions can greatly smoothen this process. For instance, learn how [**Exhibitor Manuals can help make tradeshow onboarding easy**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/tradeshow-exhibitor-manuals/).
## **Marketing tactics to grow pre-booked exhibitor meetings ?**
Targeted marketing tactics can create awareness, highlight the benefits and incentivise participation – resulting in more pre-bookings. Here are some strategies you can use:
**Pre-event communication**
Promote the availability and benefits of pre-booked exhibitor meetings well in advance of the event.
Use different channels such as email marketing, social media, and event website to create awareness and generate interest among potential attendees and exhibitors.
Clearly communicate the advantages of pre-booking such as guaranteed time slots and tailored consultations to motivate participation.
**Dedicated landing page**
Create a dedicated landing page on the event website that provides detailed information about pre-booked exhibitor meetings.
Highlight the value proposition and advantages for both attendees and exhibitors.
Include testimonials or case studies from previous successful meetings to build trust and demonstrate the positive outcomes through pre-bookings.
**Personalised email campaigns**
Segment your email list based on attendee and exhibitor profiles and preferences.
Craft personalised email campaigns that emphasise the benefits of pre-booked exhibitor meetings tailored to specific target groups.
Use persuasive language, engaging visuals and compelling subject lines to capture attention and drive registrations.
**Online messaging and meeting scheduling**
Use an online messaging and meeting scheduling tool to enable attendees and exhibitors to easily book meetings.
This will allow users to browse exhibitor profiles, view availability and schedule meetings conveniently.
Promote the availability and simplicity of this tool to encourage attendees and exhibitors to take advantage of pre-booked meetings.
**Networking and matchmaking**
Use AI-powered algorithms to suggest potential matches based on attendee and exhibitor profiles, interests and objectives.
Facilitate virtual introductions and provide opportunities for attendees and exhibitors to engage in meaningful conversations even before the event begins.
**Early bird discounts or exclusive offers**
Incentivise attendees to book pre-booked exhibitor meetings by offering early bird discounts or exclusive perks.
Provide limited-time promotions or premium access to exhibitors who secure meetings in advance. This creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, driving increased participation in the pre-booking process.
**Analytics and reporting**
Use data analytics and reporting tools to track the success and impact of pre-booked exhibitor meetings.
Monitor metrics such as meeting bookings, attendee satisfaction and conversion rates.
Analyse the date to identify trends, refine strategies and make informed decisions for future events.
Highlight success stories and testimonials from exhibitors who have achieved positive results through pre-booked meetings.
**Get expert insights and research to make your event stand out** ? [**Download Events Amplified ebook** ](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)
## **How event tech can simplify pre-booked exhibitor meetings ?**
Conventional marketing tools and tactics can help attendees and exhibitors connect at tradeshow but their scope and function is limited.
Logistical issues persist and the desired success rate might be lower than expected.
Using smart event tools is a great way to smoothen the process, reduce time and save yourselves a lot of headaches.
There are several event tech solutions that make it easier to pre-book high-quality exhibitor meetings and make targeted connections to drive business growth. Here are a few notable ones:
[**Hosted Buyer Programme**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)
*What is it?* A hosted buyer programme is a curated initiative that brings together qualified buyers and exhibitors in a pre-booked meeting setting.
It serves as a strategic platform to facilitate meaningful interactions and connections between key industry players.
The programme works by pre-qualifying buyers based on specific criteria, such as their purchasing power, industry influence and relevance to the exhibitors’ target market.
These qualified buyers are then offered a range of tailored benefits, including complimentary event access, travel and accommodation arrangements and exclusive networking opportunities.
****
*How it works:* An online Hosted Buyer solution such as the one offered by ExpoPlatform creates a personalised concierge meeting experience to power pre-bookings. Here’s an overview of the process:
Step 1 -> Buyer registration and approval – roll out invitations to buyers and handpick those best suited for your show.
Step 2 -> Benefits setup – get the required documentation done for benefits and allowances.
Step 3 -> Curated matchmaking – organisers create meeting zones and tables while concierge teams set up appointments using AI matchmaking and scoring. The networking window is opened six to eight weeks before the event so conversations are done and expectations are set.
Step 4 -> Create the meeting plan – Meeting schedules are created and sent to the buyers after an optimum seating arrangement is finalised.
Step 5 -> Meetings happen in person – Special meeting zones and rooms are booked at the event so the pre-booked exhibitor meetings can happen smoothly.
**Get more details** ? Download the **[Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)** to create ROI-driven events.
[**AI-powered Matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
*What is it?* AI-powered matchmaking uses intelligence algorithms and data analysis to drive precise and personalised connections between exhibitors and potential attendees at tradeshows.
The tool analyses attendee profiles and matches them with relevant exhibitors, products, and event-related content.
This ensures an improved networking experience and meetings with desired exhibitor profiles – resulting in better overall outcomes for both exhibitors and attendees.
*How it works:* The process begins by collecting and analysing data from various sources, such as attendee profiles, interests, preferences and past interactions.
Advanced algorithms use this data to identify potential matches between exhibitors and attendees based on compatibility factors, such as industry relevance, product interests, or business objectives.
The AI system continuously refines its recommendations as it learns from user behaviour and feedback.
The benefits are plenty – AI matchmaking simplifies the process by automating and streamlining the search, saving valuable time and effort for exhibitors.
Exhibitors don’t have to rely on chance encounters or manual research to identify potential leads; instead, they are presented with curated recommendations tailored to their specific needs.
**Read more about AI and its role in shaping future events** ? [**Download the AI Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)
[**Exhibitor Events**](https://expoplatform.com/releases/introducing-exhibitor-events/)
*What is it?* Exhibitor Events are custom events created by exhibitors at tradeshows.
The purpose of these events is to invite and connect with as many relevant buyers as possible and set up personal interactions with them.
These events can be onsite, virtual or hybrid – made up of product demos, workshops or training sessions, networking sessions, one-on-one meetings or panel discussions.
*How it works:* First, the Exhibitor Event feature must be enabled in the event management platform.
Exhibitors can then add relevant entities to their event to provide more details – such as speakers, moderators and contact persons.
They can view the participants who have added these events to their schedule and can also send private invites to boost engagement.
This gives them access to a targeted audience in a more intimate setting as well as greater opportunities for brand exposure and higher ROI.
**Also read** ➡️ [**How Exhibitor Events can help maximise value at your tradeshows**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-event/)
[**365 Online Marketplaces**](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)
*What is it?* 365 online marketplaces are virtual platforms that operate year-round and provide a digital space for exhibitors and attendees to connect, interact and conduct business beyond the physical tradeshow.
These marketplaces serve as convenient spaces to set up pre-booked exhibitor meetings, offering a range of benefits that enhance the trade show experience.
*How it works:* 365 online marketplaces extend the reach and duration of tradeshow interactions.
Exhibitors can maintain an online presence throughout the year instead of being limited to the time constrains of physical shows.
This allows them to engage with potential attendees and nurture relationships round the year – increasing the likelihood of setting up pre-booked meetings that align with everyone’s schedules.
They also provide a convenient and accessible platform for exhibitors and attendees to connect.
Through supplier tools, micro-communities and meeting and messaging scheduling tools, exhibitors can easily arrange pre-booked meetings with interested attendees.
This eliminates the geographical constraints and time limitations that often hinder in-person meetings and make it easier for both parties to connect.
**Learn how you can create a successful online marketplace for your events** ➡️ [**Download the Marketplace Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)
## **Case study – IMEX Frankfurt 2023**
The IMEX Group partnered with ExpoPlatform to launch a new platform for its flagship show at Frankfurt.
This platform featured advanced tools and solutions to drive buyer-exhibitor connections – including Hosted Buyer Management, Exhibitor Events, AI Matchmaking and Smart Event App.
More than 57,000 confirmed meetings were made during the event, with almost 48,000 being pre-booked one-on-one meetings. **[Read the complete case study.](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2023/)**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Clarion Events boosts digital strategy with new appointment](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230821/)
**Published:** August 21, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Clarion Events has stepped up its digital strategy by announcing a new appointment to its leadership team.**
The organiser hired a senior vice president (SVP) for digital strategy and products for its North America division.
Other stories in the world of events this week include:
**➡️ CloserStill Media to acquire UKI Media and Events to set up new division**
**➡️ IMEX Group unveils sustainability strategy for net zero**
**➡️ CBS Arena hires director for live events strategy**
Learn how you can also reduce your event’s carbon footprint with our **[Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)** initiative.
Read on for your full Week in Events roundup ⤵️
## Clarion Events appoint new SVP for digital strategy and products
**Clarion Events North America has named Narisa Wild as its SVP of digital strategy and products.**
Narisa’s new role will see her drive the company’s growth for media, events, technology and data.
She will also lead teams to work and collaborate to optimise digital initiatives and boost customer engagement in North America as well as support commercial teams in digital product development.
Liz Irving, CMO of Clarion Events North America said: “We are dedicated to the ongoing evolution that a digital focus brings to our business and harnessing its potential to connect with our audiences more effectively while driving business growth.
“Narisa Wild’s remarkable background and extensive experience makes her the perfect fit to lead our digital initiatives and continue to elevate the digital skillsets into our team.”
Prior to joining Clarion Events, Narisa worked with Informa in various leadership roles in digital tech and product development.
Narisa added: “I am thrilled to join Clarion Events and excited to see where we can take our digital presence.
“Embracing innovation, connecting with audiences, and driving business growth through technology are passions of mine, and I’m eager to lead our team towards a dynamic digital future.”
## **CloserStill Media to acquire UKI Media and Events**
**CloserStill Media plans to acquire UKI Media & Events to shore up its new vertical – Future Transport and Infrastructure Group.**
The acquisition is expected to help expand CloserStill’s global presence and strengthen its specialised portfolio.
> CloserStill Media to Acquire UKI Media & Events, Establishing New Future Transport and Infrastructure Group: [pic.twitter.com/vPJfWzU8BZ](https://t.co/vPJfWzU8BZ)
>
> — CloserStill Media (@CloserStill1) [August 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/CloserStill1/status/1692196744015040813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Tony Robinson, CEO of UKI, said: “CloserStill’s proven track record of high growth, coupled with their thoughtful commitment to quality and innovation, makes them the ideal custodians for our event and media brands and our exceptional team.
“I have full confidence in CloserStill’s ability to take UKI Media & Event’s achievements to new heights as they embark on this exciting new focus on future transport and infrastructure sectors.”
Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, said: “This strategic acquisition not only strengthens our size and geographical presence, but as a highly focussed and specialised group it now expands CloserStill into an exciting new vertical theme under Future Transport and Infrastructure.
“Future Transport and Infrastructure is experiencing significant disruption and innovation arising from digitisation, regulation, automation, and pressures to de-carbonise.
“Such dynamics allows us to tap into the tremendous further potential and expertise within UKI Media & Events highly specialised portfolio together with their talented team.”
He added: “We believe that uniting our collective strengths will enable us to unlock new opportunities to create a powerful platform that drives thought leadership and innovation in the transport and infrastructure space.”
## **IMEX launches Net Zero Strategy**
**The IMEX Group has outlined its roadmap for carbon reduction with the launch of a Net Zero Strategy.**
The exhibition organiser – an early signatory to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge – plans to collaborate with exhibitors and vendors to make shows more sustainable.
> [\#PressRelease](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PressRelease?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw): IMEX launches Net Zero Strategy – 2030 target depends on collaboration
>
> IMEX’s net zero roadmap is part of its commitment to the industry-wide Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) initiative – and IMEX intends to reach net zero by 2030. [pic.twitter.com/YHfc0Z7Vqr](https://t.co/YHfc0Z7Vqr)
>
> — IMEX (@IMEX\_Group) [August 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group/status/1692168012298699207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The IMEX team will also work with suppliers to collect data such as indirect greenhouse gas impacts from food production, attendees, exhibitors and staff travel.
This will help establish a detailed emissions footprint and help in future sustainability decisions.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “Our journey to net zero is about incremental steps.
“Initially we’re focussing on areas that we can fully control, such as the type of energy we use.
“Then we’ll expand to areas where we can have significant impact, for example waste management and the materials used in our supply chain.
“Finally, we will be measuring the impact of travel and when we’re able to, we’ll report on this further.”
She added: “Our roadmap isn’t just about IMEX achieving net zero, but encouraging and leading others to do the same.
“Our Vision is to support a thriving global events industry focused on positive change.
“This positive change can only happen if organisations look beyond their own journey to net zero and recognise that we’re all part of a wider ecosystem that needs to work together.
“The expression ‘be the change you want to see in the world’ has never been more relevant.”
Learn more about IMEX’s net zero strategy **[here](https://www.imexexhibitions.com/initiatives/imex-net-zero-strategy)**.
## **CBS Arena announces new operations director**
**Coventry Building Society (CBS) Arena has hired a new director to lead its live events operations.**
Industry veteran Claire Harkness will assume the responsibilities of operations director and drive strategy for in-person shows at the venue.
These include sports, exhibitions and live entertainment.
Paul Michael, managing director at CBS Arena said: “Claire brings with her a wealth of experience in the events sector and will be a real asset to our team.
“She will play a leading role in transforming our live events strategy and driving growth in that area to give long-term benefits to the venue.
“We have worked alongside Claire on major events in the past and it is brilliant to be welcoming her in a permanent role at Coventry Building Society Arena.”
In her career spanning more than two decades, she has held key roles in MTV, BBC, the Scottish government, UEFA, the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Claire said: “Coventry Building Society Arena is so dynamic with sport, exhibitions, conferences and live entertainment – with a particularly great concert portfolio. The venue is in a real development phase now and it is an exciting time to be a part of that journey.
“We want to build on the foundations we already have from the legacy of events such as City of Culture and Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
“A key area we are looking at is growing the indoor live entertainment offer at the venue, which will be fantastic for us but also for the wider visitor economy in Coventry.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Stage set for IMEX Frankfurt 2023](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/week-in-events-20230522/)
**Published:** May 22, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The stage is set for IMEX Frankfurt to open the doors to its 2023 edition.**
It promises a packed program of educational sessions and meetings to help shape future success in our industry.
Meanwhile, Informa has acquired food service specialist Winsight for $380 million and Isla has released a first-of-a-kind sustainability report.
**Find out how you can offset your carbon emissions with our [Meetings Make Trees initiative](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) – we plant a tree for every demo booked!**
Read on for your full Week in Events.
## **IMEX Frankfurt to open its doors**
**The stage is set for IMEX Frankfurt to open its doors as eventprofs descend on the German city for a packed program of industry insights.**
Eventprofs are descending on the German city for the 2023 edition of the show, with ExpoPlatform providing technology to make it a more valuable experience.
The show, taking place between Tuesday and Thursday, is set to welcome almost 3,000 exhibiting companies representing over 100 countries and more than 3,500 global buyers.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “After many months of preparation and working closely with the IMEX team on the delivery of the networking platform and mobile app, we’re looking very much forward to seeing it in action. Go IMEX, go!
“IMEX is one of the greatest business event showcases and a real force for good in our industry, so we are delighted to be working with them to make their events smart and seamless.
“Event planners are more tech-savvy than ever before, so we are excited to provide them with a strong digital-powered experience to improve the quality of in-person meetings.”
**Visit Team ExpoPlatform at Stand D750 if you’re heading to IMEX Frankfurt.**
The show’s learning programme has been stepped up with fresh formats, topical subjects and speakers who rip up the rulebook.
This includes the Encore Ideation Station where the team will turn traditional education sessions on their head with snappy seven-minute presentations.
Developments for the ExpoPlatform-powered event app include:
- **Free lead scanning for all buyers and exhibitors:** Traditionally an additional, paid-for service at trade shows only available to exhibitors, the new IMEX app gives all buyers and exhibitors the ability to quickly scan and connect to every individual they meet free of charge. The app also gives a clean and intuitive view of all leads in each person’s new IMEX account.
- **Networking before, during and after IMEX:** Buyers and exhibitors can now check out who’s attending IMEX and contact them pre and during the show via the IMEX app. They can also set up group chats with each other.
- **Recommendations:** Using the AI-enabled recommendation engine, finding exhibitors, products, learning sessions or potential business contacts with similar interests is faster and more accurate. (Unusually, IMEX does not offer, or *force* matchmaking).
- **Personal email and calendar integration**: Attendees can select and save their preferred exhibitors and education and sync appointment calendars to their personal schedules and preferred email provider (including Outlook and Gmail).
- **Bringing clients or additional colleagues to appointments:** A restriction of the old platform was that appointments tended to be only one-to-one. Attendees now have the flexibility to invite multiple individuals to their appointments.
- **A seamless desktop-to-app experience:** all system features are available on a web browser and via the app making it easier than ever for buyers and exhibitors to manage their show experience pre- show and onsite.
## **Informa scales up B2B offerings with Winsight acquisition**
**Informa has strengthened its B2B portfolio with the acquisition of food service specialist Winsight for $380 million.**
The fully cash deal will boost the company’s earnings and expand its service offerings in the B2B foodservice portfolio.
It has been argued that this foodservice market is large and growing, characterised by a fragmented supply chain and high levels of innovation.
Stephen Carter, group CEO of Informa, said: “Following on from the acquisition of Tarsus, we are delighted to further expand our B2B portfolio through the addition of Winsight.
“Alongside technology, life Sciences and aviation, this now adds foodservice to our roster of category leading B2B businesses with scale, international reach and an increasingly diversified service offering spanning live and on-demand events, specialist data/research, specialist media and related B2B digital services.
“This acquisition is fully funded by in-year cash flow growth and our balance sheet, and will further enhance revenues, margins, earnings and cash flow.”
## **Isla releases first-of-a-kind sustainability impact report**
**Events industry body isla has released a first-of-a-kind sustainability impact report.**
The Temperature Check 2022-2023 report explores the progress of sustainability in the UK events industry.
It is based on the combined insights from isla’s event carbon measurement platform and inputs from its broader membership community.
> isla’s industry-defining temperature-check report is here! The first-of-its kind globally, it’s packed with insights on the future shape of event sustainability.
>
> Download it today & join us on the journey to transformational change.[\#eventsustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventsustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/f8F1t5OTn0](https://t.co/f8F1t5OTn0)
>
> — isla (@weareisla\_uk) [May 18, 2023](https://twitter.com/weareisla_uk/status/1659189595190497282?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Anna Abdelnoor, isla CEO and founder, said: “The climate crisis is happening now, and action to address it must continue at pace. The industry has been crying out for the insight and guidance it needs to take meaningful action to address climate change.
“Achieving Net Zero faces a myriad of challenges ranging from a lack of coherent policy to perceived barriers to moving from ‘business as usual’ to businesses fit for the future. This report will act as a beacon for the industry.”
**Key highlights of the report include:**
- Carbon emission trends in events
- Steps the events industry can take for improvement
- Importance of climate literacy and carbon instinct for business transformation
- Reframing key challenges on the path to decarbonisation as opportunities and rewards
- How the events industry can collaborate for a better future
Rebecca Lardeur, climate strategist and report lead, added: “This report breaks new ground in event data. It is so much more than a collection of facts and figures. It is a coming together of an industry that has collaborated to put sustainability into practice and ask hard questions.
“The report shows where we stand, potential bold steps to take and how we can start defining a future tomorrow.”
## **Arabian Travel Market with record-breaking show**
**The latest edition of Arabian Travel Market was a record-breaker as organisers welcomed more than 40,000 attendees.**
This year’s show was a 5% increase on the 2019 numbers, with more than 2,100 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 countries taking part.
It was also 29% higher than the 2022, signifying a grand recovery for organizers RX and Dubai World Trade Centre.
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director at Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are thrilled that so many tourism professionals were able to join us in Dubai to celebrate the 30th edition of the show and shine a spotlight on our sector’s ongoing journey to net zero.
“The fact that we witnessed record attendance at ATM 2023 is extremely encouraging and a strong indication that the Middle East’s travel industry is once again in excellent shape.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [IMEX Frankfurt 2023 in numbers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-frankfurt-2023-numbers/)
**Published:** May 29, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The curtains have closed on IMEX Frankfurt 2023 and we’re thrilled to have been part of its success.
As the official tech provider of IMEX, ExpoPlatform provided a unique range of customised solutions for the show, including:
- **Mobile event app**
- **Event website**
- **Sessions**
- **Exhibitor events**
- **Meetings and messaging**
- **AI-matchmaking**
This set the stage for a vibrant networking experience, where meaningful conversations and meetings drove business collaboration and sales deals.
Here are the highlights:
➡️ 11,764 participants
➡️ 2,900 exhibition companies
➡️ 3,059 hosted buyers
➡️ 74,221 unique QR scans by exhibitors and buyers
➡️ 57,700 appointments (individual, group and stand presentations)
➡️ 12,767 app logins
➡️ 285,000 conversations
➡️ 284,000 profile favourites
Carina Bauer, IMEX CEO, said: “One of the main benefits was the ability for exhibitors for the first time to get leads before they came on site, so that’s their online leads. And now that they are here, they get free badge scanning through the app.
“One of the other things which made a major difference is that it’s a more personal approach now. Each staff member has their own schedule, is in the attendee list and all of the buyers are in this list.
“Being able to put a face to the name, that’s a feedback we have received that people have really enjoyed.”
She added the ExpoPlatform team had been real partners in helping exhibitors and clients to navigate the platform.
Read the complete **[IMEX Frankfurt 2023 case study here](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2023/).**
**Learn how ExpoPlatform supports organisers like IMEX Frankfurt pull off successful shows with event tech. [Talk to us](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) 🙂**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Highlights from IMEX Frankfurt 2023](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/imex-frankfurt-2023-highlights/)
**Published:** May 30, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**IMEX Frankfurt saw a packed programme of sessions for educating and entertaining eventprofs.**
Topics covered a wide range of issues including artificial intelligence, data-driven marketing, economic development and more.
But with so much on show, it was impossible to attend even half of these shows.
That’s why we’ve put together a quick summary of some of the best talking points at the Messe Frankfurt venue. Enjoy!
## **Event measurement can display ‘economic might’ of industry**
**Clear measurement of event impact would give planners “economic might” to speak with governments, according to a panel.**
Sherrif Karamat, president of PCMA, was taking part in a group debate when he highlighted how our industry would be the thirteenth largest country in the world, in terms of GDP.
However, it was heard its ability to argue its case was let down by poor data gathering on their outcomes.
He said: “It’s interesting that we measure our output but we’re struggling with measuring our outcomes – I feel we need to do that more.
“When you bring it together, it helps a client understand what their spend is and value it brings.
“It allows us to show the economic might within the industry.”
He added: “Without this we don’t have a framework to speak to governments, to actually have a good standing – it’s a position of power.
“We would be the thirteenth largest country in the world as an industry, in terms of GDP – that’s powerful.”
“Think about how we could leverage that as we go to cities and destinations.”
Event technology gives planners the ability to measure and analyse event performance using all onsite and online touchpoints.
This can then be used for highlighting the role it has for engaging and supporting businesses.
Sherrif was joined on the panel by Events Industry Council CEO Amy Calvert, ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath as well as Lyn Lewis-Smith, CEO of Business Events Sydney.
The discussion saw them debate the potential of the business events industry as a catalyst for global transformation.
## **AI has ‘a lot more to come’ for events – AMEX leader**
**The rise of AI in our industry has “a lot more to come” in the future, according to an AMEX expert.**
Kaori Pereyra-Lago, of American Express Global Business Travel, made the declaration when presenting findings from the company’s latest Global Meetings and Events Forecast.
She told how technology has already become a crucial for planners, with artificial intelligence having “a lot more to come” for our industry.
The head of strategic meetings management said: “AI is accelerating, it’s everywhere – there are chatbots and all sorts of things going on.
“One thing we can use more effectively is for optimising decision-making, to use AI communicate more effectively so it doesn’t have to be a human.
“We can automate it so those communications go out at regular times.
“You can personalise so it’s not a mass message – it’s very personalised.”
She added: “I think AI is going to have a lot more to come.”
**[Download the AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) for a free practical guide on how event organisers can best make us of data science.**
## **IMEX is ‘showcase’ for rapid adoption of new event tech**
**IMEX Frankfurt 2023 has been a “showcase” of how event organisers can rapidly adopt new technology, according to an industry leader.**
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, joined a panel discussion about the refreshed branding and digital offerings at this year’s event.
The organiser had launched its new image just before opening its doors, with ExpoPlatform as technology provider playing its own role in the update.
Tanya said: “IMEX is a showcase of how rapidly and event organiser deal with rebranding, launching new technology and adopting new technology after Covid-19.”
It was heard how adoption of the mobile app at IMEX was “very high”, with the majority of team members downloaded the app.
She added: “We developed new technology that we didn’t have.
“Our task was to bridge the gap and be on the same level that IMEX users are used to in their own lives, but bring something more.
“The most important aspect was to provide a seamless experience.
“This is exciting because it’s a partnership that’s evolving – we are already working on what can be done better.”
More than [55,000 meetings were pre-scheduled and in excess of 283,000 messages](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-frankfurt-2023-numbers/) sent using the ExpoPlatform technology at the event last week.
The brand refresh, timed to launch at the show, meant that visitors were greeted by a new look IMEX.
It features pastel colours derived from its legacy branding, set-off by navy and white and introducing a new motif – a symbolic handshake.
Anna Gyseman, design manager at IMEX, said: “The company had change so much over 20 years, we wanted to evolve the logo.
“A good brand can be your international language.”
## **Association planners must ‘arm themselves with insights’**
**Defining the importance of association events is like “arming yourself with data” to improve outcomes, according to an industry leader.**
Ed Byers, from the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE), told how this information allows planners to make small changes with a big difference.
He said: “Define how important your events are to associations.
“If you don’t know what your event contributes to your associations now, then go find out.”
Ed added: “It’s like you are arming yourself with that data, then giving your manager those insights.
“You can think differently about your events and how you can do better – maybe it’s not all big grandiose items, but the low hanging fruit.”
The audience also heard from the presentation that IMEX exhibitors could collect more leads because digital scanning had been made available for free.
This provides more value for exhibitors, but also allows the IMEX team to better measure and analyse engagement.
## **Why marketers should humanise data – panel**
**Understanding the human side of data is crucial for event marketers to attract audiences and improve offerings, according to an expert panel.**
The three-person discussion covered how and what information should be collected so that better engagement can be achieved for planners.
Christie Osborne, principal at Mountainside Media, urged marketers to shift their perspective on data so it becomes a way of measuring audience behaviour.
The audience was told to not think of this information as being “nerdy” but as a tool which can be easily used for improving outcomes, if done with a humanistic approach.
She said: “What’s important is those numbers report human behaviour and that human behaviour can tell you something about your business.”
Anthony Kelly, founder of Measurable Marketing Consultancy, told how this human side was at “the centre of everything we do” as event marketers.
The audience was told how it could be used to create personas so that better products and services can be delivered.
He said: “We are trying to get a better understanding of them so they can find us easily when they need us.
“The data is a channel to achieve that – we’re trying to find the data that will tell us most about them.”
**Want to learn more about data science in events? ? [Download the AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) for top tips and expert advice.**
Meanwhile, it was heard that emotional analysis technology can open the doors to giving real -in-person data about live show engagement.
Roman Heinrichs, head of sales at Avantgarde, explained how his company’s tool works by analysing gestures and expressions from participants – who remain completely anonymous.
This can be used to alert planners to any situations which may be detrimental to a show’s success so it can be resolved on the spot.
He said: “Now we can prove this with data, with numbers – that’s what the clients want.
“A sensor captures in real-time how and with what they’re interacting with – emotional reactions to what they’re reacting with.
“We have created a solution which is 100% GDPR compliant.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [IMEX Frankfurt 2023 'saw a lot of business' done](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230530/)
**Published:** May 30, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**IMEX Frankfurt saw eventprofs descend on the city with one thing on their mind – business.**
Tens-of-thousands of meetings took place with their being no doubt this year’s edition was a success.
We take a look at what’s behind that achievement and how technology played its part.
Meanwhile, other top stories this week include a new marketing director for RX as well as a new report from EIC.
Read on for your full Week in Events.
## **IMEX Frankfurt saw ‘a lot of business getting done’**
**Buyers and exhibitors entered the IMEX Frankfurt doors in their droves with ‘a lot of business getting done’, according to the group CEO.**
Messe Frankfurt hosted the international event with a [packed programme of educational sessions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/imex-frankfurt-2023-highlights/) to complement the more money-focused elements.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, told ExpoPlatform how participation in the event was scoring well, although full official figures are yet to be released.
She said: “Most importantly we’ve had a lot of buyers come through the door – there’s a lot of business getting done on the show floor, which is what it’s all about.”
ExpoPlatform, as technology provider, delivered a unique range of customised solutions for the show, including:
- **Mobile event app**
- **Event website**
- **Sessions**
- **Exhibitor events**
- **Meetings and messaging**
- **AI-matchmaking**
This set the stage for a vibrant networking experience, where meaningful conversations and meetings drove business collaboration and sales deals.
More than 55,000 meetings were pre-scheduled and 283,000 messages delivered during the show.
Meanwhile, eventprofs also had a wide range of educational sessions available to give them insights about the state of our industry.
We’ve put together a summary of some of the most interesting topics at the show. [Read it here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/imex-frankfurt-2023-highlights/).
## **UFI, AIPC, ICCA extend G3 partnership**
**UFI, AIPC and ICCA have extended their G3 partnership to signify “we are stronger when we work together”.**
The deal, established in 2019, aimed to boost collaboration and drive benefits for members of the three associations.
Since then, it has proved to be of immense worth for the business events industry and governments across the world.
Greg O’Dell, AIPC President, said: “During Covid-19, we demonstrated both the value and the impact our partnership has. Given the upcoming challenges for our industry, especially around sustainability, there has never been more need for collaboration like the G3 – only by working together, we will continue to grow.”
Marta Gomes, President of the ICCA Board, said: “By strengthening the G3 Partnership, we are sending out a clear signal to both the global industry and the policymakers, that we are stronger when we work together.”
Michael Duck, UFI President, said: “In an ever more challenging environment, good, constructive collaboration is the best way forward. That is why collaboration is such a core element of UFI’s genetic code.”
He added: “As the three global trade associations for the events sector, AIPC, ICCA, and UFI will build on the achievements since 2019, and continue to deepen the joint efforts – for the benefit of all the members of the associations, as well as for the global events industry as a whole.”
After a slew of advocacy initiatives to help G3 members and policymakers in aiding the global economic recovery, the three organisations have reviewed and strengthened their post-pandemic partnership.
## **Customer acquisition crucial to event success – EIC study**
**Relationship management and customer acquisition are the top indicators of event success, according to a new study.**
Findings come for the Events Industry Council latest study of the $1.6 trillion global business events sector.
The 2023 Global Economic Significance of Business Events study was undertaken in partnership with Oxford Economics.
Amy Calvert, Events Industry Council CEO, said: “Our comprehensive research and global events barometer forecasting model with Oxford Economics reveal the industry’s substantial value drivers.
“We know business events offer irreplaceable benefits like knowledge sharing, research collaboration and human capital development.
“These findings not only help industry professionals make more informed and effective decisions, but also deepen our relevance and connection with global society.”
The research was conducted among 1600+ meeting professionals across 50 countries.
It assesses the impact of business events in areas like knowledge sharing, innovation and employee engagement.
Highlights of the study include:
- Organisers prioritise relationship management, awareness and acquiring new customers as the top ways to measure the impact of business events.
- 67% said replacing relationship-building through face-to-face meetups was the toughest
- Nearly 22% of new customers are acquired through in-person events
- Significant loss of innovation due to reduction of business events due to Covid, 65% reported reduced priorities for R&D
- Organisers estimate a 44% revenue loss without in-person events
## **RX appoints new UK marketing director**
**RX Global has named a new marketing director for its UK team.**
Kathryn McCarthy, who is also part of RX UK’s senior leadership team, will lead marketing strategies for the company. Her role will be effective April 2023.
She has earlier served in different leadership roles in ADP and Zebra Technologies, where she drove demand generation and across EMEA.
Kerry Prince, RX Brand Director, said: “We are delighted to welcome Kathryn to RX. Kathryn is an accomplished, dynamic and successful marketing leader who brings a wealth of experience in building high-performing marketing teams, which will accelerate RX’s momentum in the months to come.”
Kathryn said: “My immediate priority at RX is to learn more about the business, our people and the nuances of our visitor and exhibitor ecosystem, and in true ‘event industry’ spirit I’ve hit the ground running by joining the team at two recent RX events – The London Book Fair and Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [How to make your live events more sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/how-events-more-sustainable/)
**Published:** February 3, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The live events industry faces a crucial challenge – how to make their shows more sustainable while delivering value to their clients.**
A **[report by AMEX](https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/meetings-events/meetings-forecast/)** revealed 80% of event professionals said their organisation considered this area while planning shows. Of these, 76% said they had a sustainable meetings program strategy in place.
Miguel Neves from Skift Meetings told the **[Event Tech Forecast](https://expoplatform.com/events/)** webinar that sustainability “should be” a crucial part of an organiser’s planning.
Companies striving for environmental stewardship are now rethinking the way their events are planned and produced.
Event technology has emerged as one way for organisers to reduce their carbon footprint and create a green roadmap to achieve net zero emissions.
In this article, we list out the different ways you can use cutting-edge solutions to implement sustainability initiatives and contribute to the fight against climate change.
? Also read: [**How industry groups like isla are helping the transition to green events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20221205/)
## **Environmental impact of live events ?**
Large-scale live events like exhibitions and tradeshows can have a huge effect on the environment.
This includes the multitude of participants who travel long distances to venues and the large number of materials consumed during its preparation and operations – the carbon footprint is often significant.
These live shows consume enormous amounts of resources with their rents, catering supplies, printed materials, transportation and electricity.
Addressing this problem is no straightforward task; however, an action plan rooted in event tech is an effective way for carbon offsetting.
## **How event tech can make your shows smart and sustainable ?**
An event management platform offers a number of tools that can help you plan a [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) while making it greener.
**\#1 Digital event management ??**
Online event management solutions offer innovative ways to reduce the environmental impact of live shows.
Transformation of traditionally analogue processes with digital platforms makes eco-friendly productions possible by removing waste.
You can automate and streamline entire processes, from [**registration**](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/) and networking to setting up [**hosted buyer programs**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/) and [**lead intelligence solutions**](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/).
This reduces manual work significantly and saves you time and resources so you can focus on other aspects of the event.
? Read more: [**Explore how you can use ExpoPlatform to power Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/smart-event/)
**\#2 Cut paper use with mobile event app ?**
The entire customer journey including check-in, onsite engagement and post-event feedback can be done seamlessly using **[mobile event apps](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)**.
You don’t have to worry about creating lanyards, lead retrieval devices or collecting data from physical forms – all processes can be carried out digitally.
This greatly eliminates the need of paperwork required in a traditional event set-up and helps you bring down your carbon footprint.
Matt Coyne, from Waves Connect, said: “Just being able to collect stuff through an app instead of carrying buckets of brochures reduces the amount of waste and makes the experience better.”
? [**Download the mobile event app checklist**](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/mobile-event-app-checklist/) to understand which features will give you maximum value.
**\#3 Use QR codes for engagement ?**
QR codes can be scanned by attendees at live shows to access e-catalogues and brochures from their phones.
This eliminates the need for printed marketing materials and makes the event more sustainable.
By using QR codes, exhibitors save time by avoiding manual distribution of print materials or having to engage personally with many people at a live show.
Plus, they can also track visitor engagement and gain insights to create scalable, tailored experiences.
According to Chris Pendley from Messe Frankfurt, a QR code initiative introduced at one of their badgeless, paperless events in New York drove up engagement.
He told how attendees had to download the app to access the digital materials and it also helped them show their event was sustainable.
? Also read: [**How you should use QR codes properly at an event**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/qr-codes-live-events/)
**\#4 Book demos and meetings, plant trees! ?**
Imagine being able to plant a tree from your fingertips by just booking a demo or confirming a meeting!
That’s what ExpoPlatform’s latest sustainability initiative **Meetings Make Trees** is all about.
You just need to put a [**demo request**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) or download our mobile app and start booking meetings – and we will plant a tree on your behalf.
Learn more about the program here ➡ [**Meetings Make Trees**](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)
## **Conclusion**
**Event tech solutions provide a host of other benefits, such as powerful analytics to help you make data-driven decisions.**
This means you can get detailed insights into attendee behaviour instead of manually collecting data through paper forms.
It also helps you plan for future events and provides yet another way to offset your carbon footprint.
And since you can access this information anytime and anywhere with ease, you can make decisions and delegate tasks more efficiently – while doing your bit for the environment.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Exhibitor Events - how you can maximise value](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-event/)
**Published:** June 16, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Repeat participation of exhibitors is possible only when they find real value in your events. Exhibitor Events is one feature that helps them make their offerings more attractive and boosts the value proposition of your show.**
Explori’s **[latest research](https://www.explori.com/exhibit-leaders-insights)** on exhibition professionals has thrown up some interesting – and concerning – results.
The good news – in-person tradeshows remain a valued marketing channel for event professionals.
The bad? Exhibitors might be attending fewer shows in the coming years due to budget cutbacks.
There are two main reasons – global inflation and an increase in exhibit-related costs like venue and vendor fees.
An absence of measurement data also means it’s becoming tougher to prove the ROI of tradeshows to senior leadership.
Chloe Richardson, VP of senior corporate relations at Explori, [said](https://expoplatform.com/blog/chloe-richardson-may2023/): “If measurement is done properly and we can demonstrate impact in all of those areas, it’s the real evidence senior leadership needs to sign off event budgets, allowing teams to continue changing hearts and minds with events – in short, justifying why we do events in the first place.”
This means there’s a real possibility exhibitors could be **attending ONLY high-priority events** in the coming years.
As a tradeshow organiser, your goal is clear – make your tradeshow the high-priority one that exhibitors would want to attend.
**Also read ? Our [case study on IMEX Frankfurt 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2023/) for which ExpoPlatform created special Exhibitor Events**
Here’s how Exhibitor Events can help ⤵️
## **What are Exhibitor Events? ?**
Exhibitor Events come as advertised – events that exhibitors create at tradeshows to build more personalised connections with buyers.
These events can be onsite, virtual or hybrid – made up of product demos, workshops or training sessions, networking sessions, one-on-one meetings or panel discussions.
Exhibitors can use different customisations to tweak their offerings while the overall experience is curated and controlled by the organiser.
Some of these customisations include ?
- **Creating and promoting private events:** Exhibitors can connect with participants in a more intimate setting by enabling private events. These are not visible to the average user and can be promoted by sending direct invite links.
- **Add more relevant entities to the event:** Option to attach more details to an event like speakers, moderators, sponsors, contact persons and child exhibitors. This improves the credibility of the event and creates more networking opportunities as the displayed profiles offer a direct line of communication.
- **View interested participants through booked events list:** Exhibitors can view all those attendees who have added Exhibitor Events to their schedule. This helps them pursue more targeted engagement strategies with a more qualified audience, increasing the likelihood of future collaboration or business opportunities.
- **Search filters to help attendees find different e**
- **vents:** A number of filters can be enabled in the marketplace to help participants search for an Exhibitor Event easily. These include Track, Date, Exhibitor Name and Product Category filters.
## **How Exhibitor Events add value ?**
Exhibitor Events forge opportunities for exhibitors to network, showcase, build relationships and gain valuable insights into their audience. Some of these are:
**1. Access to targeted audiences**
Exhibitor Events allow companies to target specific audiences that are more interested in their products or services. Through targeted invitations, exhibitors can invite prospects, customers and business partners to attend their event. This increases the number of qualified leads and potential sales.
**2. More intimate, customised experience**
These events are held in a smaller, more intimate setting that allows exhibitors to have more meaningful conversations with attendees. Companies can create more immersive and engaging experiences that showcase their products and services e.g. setting up product demos, offering exclusive discounts or hosting interactive sessions with industry experts. This fosters deeper engagement and relationship building for stronger business partnerships.
**3. Enhanced product education**
Exhibitors can go beyond the constraints of a traditional booth and provide training, workshops and educational sessions. They can set up a number of micro meetings for their team members who can showcase the value of their offerings to potential buyers – increasing interest and conversions.
**4. Greater brand exposure**
With Exhibitor Events, companies can create a buzz around their brand by promoting their meetings through social media and marketing channels. These can be exclusive invites, media coverage or even entertainment spotlight – maybe a cocktail session!
**5. Better ROI**
Exhibitor Events are a part of online event platforms and have tangible metrics that can be measured and shown to stakeholders. Through data analytics, exhibitors gain key insights into attendee engagement, preferences and behaviour. This empowers them to track leads, measure conversion rates and identify areas for improvement.
This goes a long way in convincing the senior leadership the worth of their investment and improves the possibility of repeat participation.
**Another great way to improve event ROI is by monetising through digital packages. [Download the Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) to learn how you can easily create one for your shows.**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Client need awareness 'top benefit' of 365 approach](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20230327/)
**Published:** March 27, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs believe the ability to find out more about client needs before and after an event is the key benefit of a 365 approach.**
This Community format has grown over the last few years as it allows organizers to engage with their audience year-round.
New research published by ExpoPlatform reveals the state of affairs for eventprofs when taking on this approach in 2023.
Download our [**Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) for a complete guide on this 365 model. Read on below for more of the top stories this week.
## **Client need awareness ‘top benefit of 365 Community’**
**A third of eventprofs believe learning about client needs before and after an event is a key benefit of a 365 community, according to new research.**
Findings from the ExpoPlatform Spotlight on Communities survey reveal 33% rate this as one of the top reasons for a year-round platform, while 25% say it is good for better promotion of shows.
The numbers are to be presented in full by ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk at the European Meetings and Events Conference in Brighton, UK, this week.
She will be joined by Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, as well as Richard O’Connor, CEO at B2B Marketing – Propolis, on a panel on Tuesday.
Other findings to be revealed at the session include illustrating where eventprofs are at with an event community, as well as the main challenges in this 365 approach.
## **Registrations open for UFI’s first US Global Congress**
**Registrations are now open for UFI’s 90th Global Congress in Las Vegas.**
The annual gathering will take place in Nevada city in November and is the first time it has been hosted in the US.
Curated content and networking events will explore ideas, innovations and strategies emerging throughout the industry.
> ?️Registrations for the UFI Global Congress are officially open!
>
> From 1-4 November, we will reunite with UFI members in Las Vegas to discuss how we "go beyond" in the exhibition industry.
>
> ?Secure your spot: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#uficongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/6rDXW9cvhC](https://t.co/6rDXW9cvhC)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [March 22, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1638465714712453122?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Michael Duck, UFI president, said: “Our industry has turned the corner on pandemic recovery and is once again in a resurging period of growth. Now is the time for us to come together as an industry to go beyond what we did before, what we were before, and evolve our role and proposition when bringing together global marketplaces.
“I could not be more excited about our industry’s future and to see us go where we have not been before – including our first time hosting the UFI Global Congress in the USA.”
## **New chairman at ExCel London**
**ExCel London has appointed a new chairman to its board.**
Humaid Al Dhaheri, CEO of ADNEC Group, takes on the position after Kevin Murphy decided to step down.
His work has already seen him leading the current expansion of ExCeL, which increases the venue’s total event space by 25% – approximately 25,000 sqm.
He said: “I would like to thank Kevin for his work and commitment at ExCeL London and helping to bring success to ADNEC Group on an international level.
“I’ve worked with Kevin for more than 15 years and he’s become a highly-regarded and credible thought leader for our industry.
“We wish him the best of luck in the future. I am now looking forward to a new chapter in ADNEC’s growth as we look to further strengthen the company’s leading position within the international events and business tourism industry.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Content is 'biggest hurdle for community' - how to crack it](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/mpi-survey-march23/)
**Published:** March 31, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The need to provide year-round content is the biggest challenge for eventprofs when building a 365 community, according to new research.**
ExpoPlatform carried out an exclusive study for the MPI Meetings & Events Conference in Brighton which saw 45% highlight this as their greatest hurdle.
A further 30% chose a lack of an in-house team to run it, 20% said the technology could not yet facilitate “meaningful” interactions, while 5% were unsure if their customers needed a community.
**What is the greatest challenge for an event community?**Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “All of us already have community tools – like news sections on websites or subscription to email newsletters, but we’ve rarely deeply analysed how they’re used, who sees them and what they do next.
“What an event community brings is expanded touchpoints, stronger connections and more meaningful interaction outside of our face-to-face events.
“Content is going to be at the core of driving any audience – we want to be informed, entertained, we want to find solutions for our problems and we want to make sure we’re fully up to date about what’s happening in our industry.”
Cracking the problem of content production is clearly one of the most important problems for eventprofs today.
[**The Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) is your complete guide to building this 365 approach, featuring expert guidance on tackling this issue.
It explores different formats and ways of distributing it to ensure you reach your engagement potential among your audience.
Distribution is also key to making a success of your community – you can have the best content in the world, but it is no use if nobody is reading it.
For instance, SEO-focused articles are aimed at getting those clicks from online searches. Listicles about topics such as who is most influential in your community’s industry are designed to be well shared through social media.
[**Download the Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) **for a complete guide to this content-fuelled 365 approach.**
Eventprofs can set themself apart from the competition by creative ways of publishing information – if everyone in your market relies on text-based articles, a more visual approach might work.
## **What is your current position with event communities?**
Meanwhile, 46% of respondents said they were thinking about or in the process of starting their own event community.
**What is your current position with event communities?**There were 23% who told how they were already organizing one and those who said they didn’t know if it’s right for their audience.
The other 8% do not know where to start with building this 365 approach.
## **What is the greatest opportunity for an event community?**
Eventprofs were also asked about the biggest benefits they see in creating an online community.
A third of respondents said the ability to better understand client needs was the greatest opportunity, while one quarter chose better promotion and event follow-up.
**What is the greatest opportunity for an event community?**Having a greater feeling of belonging for community members was chosen by 22% and 20% picked having more opportunities for sellers to promote products.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Five ways Interactive Floorplans boost visitor experiences](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/floorplan/5-ways-floorplans-boost-experiences/)
**Published:** April 11, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Attendees can be bombarded with tasks and talks when they walk through the doors of a tradeshow.**
But Interactive floorplans offer a more seamless experience when comes to event navigation.
Visitors can quickly move from location to another, find exhibitors and booths as well as gain crucial information about each stand and its offerings.
Moreover, this feature is not widely offered by event tech providers – with Skift Meetings’ latest [**Event Tech report**](https://meetings.skift.com/reports/event-technology-made-simple-2023-edition/) showing only 37.7% of vendors in the market offer floorplan building services.
So getting your hands on one will definitely make your events smarter! Here are five ways how **[interactive floorplans](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)** elevate the attendee experience.
## **\#1 Navigation becomes a breeze ?♂️**
Interactive floorplans provide attendees with an effortless way to navigate their way around the event space.
They can easily locate booths, stages, meeting rooms and breakout areas with a tap of their finger.
This makes them more confident about exploring different things at the venue instead of wandering aimlessly or being dependent on paper maps.
## **\#2 Create customized event itinerary ?**
With interactive floorplans, attendees have the freedom to customize their itinerary according to their interests.
These plans can bring a space to life by offering detailed visuals, such as maps and aerial views. With virtual tours, visitors can explore the layout of a venue before they arrive.
They can easily click on a session or booth they want to visit and add it to their personal schedule.
This allows them to plan their day accordingly and ensures they don’t miss out on any important information or experiences.
## **\#3 Get more info about exhibitors ?**
Another advantage of floorplans is they provide detailed information about each exhibitor and their offerings.
This includes company details, product info, content downloads, video walkthroughs, contact info, social media links and more.
This information is available at their fingertips and attendees can evaluate which exhibitors are most relevant to them and make informed decisions for their visit.
## **\#4 Enhance networking opportunities ?**
Once visitors have the necessary details, they can explore the venue at their own pace.
Attending different sessions and exploring exhibitor booths helps them gain valuable insights into various products and services.
This allows them to engage in meaningful conversations with exhibitors as well as other visitors, which helps build solid networking relationships.
## **\#5 Save time ?**
At tradeshows, every minute counts.
Interactive floorplans can help make the most of those precious minutes, allowing attendees to navigate exhibits quickly and efficiently.
With detailed information indicating where each booth is located, visitors can save time by charting the most direct route between exhibits of interest.
This enhanced efficiency allows more time to connect with exhibitors, exchange contact details and build new partnerships.
**Read more** ? [**The complete guide to Interactive Floorplans for tradeshows**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/interactive-floor-plans/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Floorplan
---
### [Travel must 'invest in sustainability now to protect future'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20230509/)
**Published:** May 9, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Sustainable travel has been given new sharp focus at the 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market.**
Leading economic and ministerial figures told how travel and tourism industry must “invest now to help protect the future”.
**Learn how ExpoPlatform can help [make your events more sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) with greener alternatives and a carbon offsetting scheme.**
Meanwhile, Informa Markets put diversity, equity and inclusion new prominence as it held a special event to mark a new awards category for the topic.
Find this and more in your full Week in Events industry news roundup.
## **Sustainable travel under industry spotlight in Dubai**
**World leaders gathered at the Dubai World Trade Centre to place the climate crisis under the spotlight for the travel industry.**
Ministerial and economic figures were at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 (ATM 2023), held in conjunction with RX, to address how businesses need to adapt to more sustainable practices.
The line-up of speakers included Sujit Mohanty, from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, managing director of Jordan Tourism Board as well as Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism for Lebanon.
Sujit said: “Globally, in the last 20 years, there have been $2.97 trillion in economic losses due to disasters. Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe climate-related hazards such as floods, heatwaves, cyclones and hurricanes.
“In turn, the tourism industry loses enormous amounts of money due to these hazards. Therefore the return on investment is clear – invest now to help protect the future.*”*
Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME for Arabian Travel Market, added: “The issue of climate change has never been more topical or urgent, and the strategies discussed at today’s opening session provided the perfect launchpad for ATM 2023 as we explore the future of sustainable travel under the theme of working towards net zero.
“We will be hearing from leading voices across diverse segments of the global travel and tourism sector, all aligned on a shared vision to improve the climate change situation and ensure environmental protection.*”*
## **DEI put under new focus for Informa Markets**
**Informa Markets staged a day-long event to mark the launch of a new award focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion.**
IMX Live: All In was an all-colleague hybrid show wrapped around the company’s colleague recognition ceremony.
It was open to all 3,900+ Informa Markets colleagues who were able to participate virtually or in-person in London.
Mike Sealy, director of Diversity and Inclusion, said: “I’m proud to take this step in our diversity and inclusion journey.
““There are so many ways I know Informa Markets can make a meaningful impact in this space.
“Whether it’s through creating a more diverse and equitable environment for our own 3,900+ colleagues – or through harnessing the power of our 450+ events and brands that bring together global industries and supply chains.
“I’m proud that we’ve announced this year’s areas of focus at our first all-colleague event focused on DE&I and I look forward to working with our talented colleagues around the world to bring them to life in 2023.”
The event was a day of reflection, inspiration and celebration with topics on issues such as colleagues’ experiences of neurodiversity in the workplace, age inclusion across a multi-generational staff as well as conversations about marriage in relation to the LGBTQIA+ community.
## **UFI names winners of next generation leader grants**
**Winners of this year’s UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant have been revealed.**
The recipients were selected by an international jury of experts, chaired by president of the global association of the exhibition industry Michael Duck.
It is aimed at promoting the next generation of professionals trying to establish their place in the sector.
Michael said: “The UFI NGL grant has aimed since its inception to foster the next generation of professionals who are looking to find an exciting career in the exhibition industry.
“The theme of the NGL Grant is carefully chosen keeping in mind topics that are of critical importance to the future of our industry.
“The overwhelming global response received for the UFI 2023 NGL Grant has shown how special this programme has been for those who are finding their place in this industry.
“The quality of winners we have seen over these years has been impressive.”
**Winners of the 2023 grant are:**
- Otero Finiti – Business Development Executive, Expo Stars Interactive, UK
- Elizabeth George – Sr. Lead, Content & Programming, HIMSS, US
- Tehchad Kittiboonya – International Sales Manager, VNU Asia Pacific, Thailand
- Aya Moatamed – Data Analyst, Informa Markets, Egypt
- Amy Saleh – Operations Director, Hannover Fairs, Australia
Mentorship and networking with the leading executives make grant among the most prestigious talent accelerator programme of its kind.
Applicants must have a maximum of 10 years of experience within exhibitions and must still be working in the industry.
The programme is sponsored by some of the leading global exhibition organisers: Clarion, dmg Events, Emerald, Informa Markets, RX and Tarsus.
Meanwhile, leading players from the Middle East and Africa region and beyond are currently gathered in Doha for UFI MEA Conference 2023.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Event budget crisis needs 'robust measurement system'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/chloe-richardson-may2023/)
**Published:** May 10, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event organisers need a “really robust measurement system” to justify spending amid growing financial restraints and global challenges in our industry, according to an industry analyst.**
Chloe Richardson, VP of senior corporate relations at Explori, believes soaring costs have contributed to “event budgets being absolutely squeezed within an inch of their lives”.
This has led to organizsrs having to be more reliant on hard evidence to support the need for their output, demonstrating the value it brings.
She said: “The only way to justify the spend and justify getting an increased budget is to be able to use robust, tangible data to back up your spend.
“The way everybody should be doing that is by asking their attendees – their audiences because after all, they’re the only reason why we put on these shows.
“Particularly for events where they’re employee events or they’re not revenue generating events.
“It can be really difficult if you don’t have the right metrics to demonstrate, justify and prove the impact, the value and the benefit of having an events function.
“What we suggest is that organisers of events make sure they have a really robust measurement system in place.
Chloe added: “We suggest that event planners first make sure that they’re asking their attendees the right questions, based on event objectives.
“What do you want attendees to think and feel by the end of the event? How do you want them to act? How can internal KPIs reflect this?
“This initial sense check will make sure planners are getting the right insights and metrics from attendee responses.
“They can then use those scores to really understand how well the event is performing.
“The right metrics robustly and proactively examine how propensity to purchase has increased, how buyers’ behaviours are changing, year on year trend analyses, the shift in brand awareness or brand perception, increased employee retention and customer satisfaction – all thanks to event attendance.
“If measurement is done properly and we can demonstrate impact in all of those areas, it’s the real evidence senior leadership need to sign off event budgets, allowing teams to continue changing hearts and minds with events – in short, justifying why we do events in the first place.”
Explori works to help event organisers demonstrate the impact of their offerings.
It includes a survey platform specifically for the live shows industry, with a focus on making reporting more efficient.
> Annual inflation has slowed following a rise in Feb 2023:
>
> ▪️ Consumer Prices Index including owner occupiers’ housing costs (CPIH) rose by 8.9% in the 12 months to Mar 2023, down from 9.2% in Feb 2023
> ▪️ CPI rose by 10.1%, down from 10.4%
>
> ➡ [pic.twitter.com/Ab0eVpqiiN](https://t.co/Ab0eVpqiiN)
>
> — Office for National Statistics (ONS) (@ONS) [April 19, 2023](https://twitter.com/ONS/status/1648567518854893568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Chloe’s comments come as the UK’s Consumer Prices Index rose by 10.1% in the 12 months to March, down from 10.4% in February and from a recent peak of 11.1% in October.
Data for April is expected to be released later this month, but rising costs have hit organisers across markets.
Latest preliminary data suggest the eurozone’s headline inflation rate rose last month.
Figures from Eurostat show it came in at 7% for April, having dropped to 6.9% in March.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, stood at 5.6% in April — down from 5.7% in March.
Meanwhile, Chloe set out three types of data an organizer should be gathering for an event to demonstrate performance. These are:
- **Demographic data** – collected from your registration tool.
- **Engagement data** – this can be made easier through event tech because you can understand more behaviours.
- **Sentiment data** – how people feel about their experience with your production.
This final category is most effectively collected through consistent and strategic feedback surveys.
It was claimed that it is the only way to understand the thoughts and feelings of attendees, but methodologies tend to fall short.
Chloe believes the approach to gathering feedback in the event space sometimes consists of asking questions that are “irrelevant to any strategic analyses” – such as attendee gender.
Other issues include lengthening surveys unnecessarily, which can potentially put off participants.
It was set out that these questionnaires should be designed with the overall event objective in mind.
[**REGISTER FOR THIS UPCOMING WEBINAR NOW**](https://www.linkedin.com/events/7057356443938693120/about/?utm_source=pipedrive_campaigns&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_May2023)Another common survey design mistake highlighted is the lack of follow-up questions to certain key components – critical when using them as a strategic analysis tool.
Chloe added: “What we need to do is make sure that our surveys are the right length, they’re sent at the right time and before we send them, we make sure that our attendees understand why we’re asking for their feedback.
“We want to close that feedback loop, we want to adapt our event design and our strategies to appeal to our audiences and make sure they’re having the best experience possible.
“Once you tick all of those boxes, typically you’ll start to see that more people start filling out your surveys.
“But they also start filling them out deliberately, they start sharing things and they start really making sure they’re clear on what they liked, what they didn’t like, how they perceive your brand and how they intend on behaving after the event.”
Another crucial challenge facing our industry is how to make shows more sustainable while delivering value to clients.
A [report by American Express GBT](https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/meetings-events/meetings-forecast/) revealed 80% of event professionals said their organization considered this area while planning shows.
Of these, 76% said they had a sustainable meetings program strategy in place.
Chloe told how some planners are now introducing a “carbon budget” into their decision-making process.
This could include measuring the amount of emissions produced by teams traveling or whether that can be justified.
She said: “What we’re seeing in the corporate space is that a lot of corporate event organisers are starting to have a carbon budget, as well as an event budget.
“So moving aside from just dollar spend and also looking at their carbon spend – ‘can we justify spending this amount of carbon on this journey to this meeting, or to this event or for our 5,000 employees that we’re sending out on an incentive trip? If we can’t justify the carbon spend, we won’t do it’.
“What that means is event organisers are paying much more attention to where they’re going, making sure they’re flying in the most sustainable way so that they don’t use up all of their carbon budget.
“I do know people in the corporate space who have hit their carbon limit by July, so they’ve not been able to travel for the rest of the year.
“It’s a really interesting thing that I think is going to start to become much more common and probably needs to be – it’s a different type of budget, but I still think it is linked to finances.”
Event technology has emerged as one way for organisers to reduce their carbon footprint and create a green roadmap to achieve net zero emissions.
It allows for automation and streamlining of entire processes, from [registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/) and networking to setting up [hosted buyer programs](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/) and [lead intelligence solutions](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/).
This reduces manual work, saving time and resources so planners can focus on other aspects of the event.
Even mobile apps make it possible to cut out the need for single-use physical materials – used in check-in, onsite engagement and post-event feedback.
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform offers a carbon offsetting program through its [Meetings Make Trees](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) initiative.
Every time a [demo request](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) is made or a meeting is booked through our technology we will plant a tree on your behalf.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** All
---
### [Exhibitor Manual - four questions successful organisers ask](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-manual-questions/)
**Published:** May 19, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**An Exhibitor Manual is a key cog in the success of tradeshows – if you know the right questions to ask.**
To execute a smooth show, you need your exhibitors prepped up for the launch.
This Exhibitor Manual equips them with all the logistics info and instructions for a smart exhibit set-up.
It includes details such as the show schedule, floor plan, and rules and regulations – and becomes the reference point for exhibitors to ensure their experience at the show is seamless.
Here’s a short video to give you a better idea how an Exhibitor Manual works ⤵️
We asked tradeshow organisers what questions they had about Exhibitor Manual for their show’s success:
Here is what they said ?
## **Qs #1 How do I activate the Exhibitor Manual for my show? ?**
Event tech providers catering to tradeshow organisers usually offer Exhibitor Manuals as one of their modules.
E.g. In ExpoPlatform, organisers can simply turn on the module called **Online Exhibitor Services** in the module management section under the admin panel.
The manual can then be reviewed and customised by the organiser as per their show needs.
Once the module is turned on, it becomes visible to exhibitors.
Different manuals are available based on the exhibitor profile, who can fill the info and upload/download documents as per the instructions.
## **Qs #2 How to upsell exhibitors using an Exhibitor Manual? ?**
The **[Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)** presents different marketing and promotional opportunities available to exhibitors.
It provides details on how exhibitors can take advantage of these opportunities to maximise brand exposure and engagement with event attendees.
These include:
**1. Advertising opportunities:** Offer exhibitors the chance to purchase ad space, digital signages or on the trade show website. Highlight the benefits of increased visibility and exposure to a targeted audience. Provide pricing details and clear instructions on how to secure advertising space.
**2. Sponsorship packages:** Showcase various sponsorship packages within the exhibitor manual. Outline the benefits of different sponsorship levels, such as prominent booth placement, logo placement in marketing materials, speaking opportunities, or exclusive branding rights. Present a tiered pricing structure and highlight the value and advantages each package offers.
**3. Enhanced booth services:** Offer exhibitors upgraded or enhanced booth services to enhance their presentation and attract more visitors. This can include options such as additional lighting, customised booth graphics, premium furniture, audio-visual equipment or interactive displays. Detail these services in the manual, including pricing and how to request them.
**4. Lead generation tools:** Introduce lead generation tools or services to exhibitors through the manual. Offer options such as lead retrieval systems, badge scanning devices, or digital lead capture solutions. Highlight the benefits of these tools for capturing and managing leads effectively. Provide information on pricing, features and instructions on how to request these services.
## **Qs #3 Can I set deadlines for exhibitors based on exhibitor categories? ?**
Completing various forms within specific deadlines is necessary for a smooth tradeshow experience.
Failure to do so can result in delays, additional expenses and even loss of exhibition space.
Some commonly used forms are:
**1. Booth order form:** Used to request booth space and any additional equipment or services needed such as electrical connections, internet access, furniture, signage, etc. The deadline to submit this form is usually several weeks before the show.
**2. Shipping and material handling forms:** These forms provide instructions on how to ship exhibit materials to the show site and how to arrange the handling and storage of these materials. Adhering to the deadlines is essential for timely delivery and efficient handling of the exhibition materials.
**3. Insurance and liability forms**: Exhibitors need to provide proof of insurance coverage and to acknowledge certain liability and indemnification clauses. The deadline to submit these forms is usually several weeks before the live show.
**4. Staff registration forms:** These are used to register booth personnel and to obtain badges for entry to the show floor. Exhibitors must provide the names and contact information of their staff members by the deadline set by the organiser.
**5. Marketing and promotional forms:** An Exhibitor Manual also includes forms for exhibitors to promote their participation in the show, such as advertising and sponsorship opportunities, press releases, and social media campaigns. Deadlines for these forms may vary depending on the specific promotional activity.
Setting submission deadlines for these forms helps organisers exercise more control over the Exhibitor Manual.
They can also set up email templates to set reminders for exhibitors if the deadline is approaching.
## **Qs #4 Can exhibitors use the manual to add members? ?**
The ability to add team members offers several benefits, such as:
**1. Efficient communication:** All team members are informed about important updates, deadlines and any changes related to the tradeshow. This leads to smoother operations and a more cohesive presence at the event.
**2. Improved collaboration:** Exhibiting at a tradeshow often requires a collective effort from the exhibitor’s team. Allowing exhibitors to add team members facilitates collaboration and division of tasks with shared responsibilities and exchange of expertise.
**3. Streamlined access and credentials:** Exhibitors can easily input the necessary information for each team member, including their names, titles, and contact details. This streamlines the registration and check-in process, reducing wait times and ensuring smooth access to the event for all team members.
**4. Training and preparation:** Exhibitors can ensure all team members are well-prepared and aligned with the company objectives by providing centralised access to training documents, guidelines, booth setup instructions and any other relevant materials in the manual.
In ExpoPlatform’s Exhibitor Module, the exhibitors can add team members within the allowable limit of their profile through their profile.
Organisers also have the option to add them through the admin panel.
Also read: [**The complete guide to making tradeshow onboarding easy with Exhibitor Manual**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/tradeshow-exhibitor-manuals/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Event organizers must be more 'cognizant' about DE&I](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/kaori-pereyra-lago/)
**Published:** June 22, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event planners need to be more “cognizant” about diversity, equity and inclusion, according to a corporate travel leader.**
Kaori Pereyra-Lago, from American Express Global Business Travel, told ExpoPlatform that findings from their recent study show this topic had become “key” for a lot of eventprofs.
The 2023 Global Meetings and Events Forecast revealed 87% of survey respondents say their organisations or clients actively strive to incorporate DE&I into their meetings and events.
She said: “It’s always been there but it’s never been vocalised as such. It has now become a really key topic – DE&I is everywhere.
“If you look at LinkedIn or any of the press in a professional environment, it is everywhere.
“We have a really good system called inclusion group. So it could be a diversity of certain sexual orientation or race or any of that – we have a disabled group called In-enable.
“One of my colleagues told me to always ask the question – just because somebody looks disadvantaged or something, that doesn’t mean they can’t do things.
“Never assume that they can or cannot – always, always ask the question.
“That’s a really good thing to say with pregnant women. Just because somebody’s pregnant doesn’t mean they can’t do things together with the rest of the group.
“Just be cognizant of the fact that we all have something – whether it is in educational background or accent.
“Accent is an interesting one. A lot of people feel a little bit intimidated to speak because of their their own accent.
“So those are the things that we can be a little bit more cognizant of to make sure that people feel included as well as being included actually.”
The [study](https://www.amexglobalbusinesstravel.com/the-atlas/american-express-meetings-events-forecast/) shows using minority-owned suppliers is the number one way globally that organisations incorporate DE&I into their meeting programs.
Meanwhile, there was also a continued trend for short booking windows with lead times 25% shorter than in 2019.
This is expected to spur innovation and automation for small and simple meeting bookings, the request for proposal process and other repetitive tasks.
Attendee experience technology continues to be in demand as meeting owners aim to meet attendance goals, connect in-person and virtual audiences and deliver unique experiences.
Kaori, head of strategic meetings management for APAC and EMEA, said: “Our organisation has a large business travel unit and they are really ahead with AI. Things like chat, when you open your your travel app, there’s automatically a chat bot where you can just type in questions – where’s my itinerary, what time is my flight, which terminal?
“Those are the things that can be can be answered without going through a human route and it’s become really strong and efficient too.
“In meetings and events, every everything has to be done offline, through emails, voicemails and phone – so we have to get there because we have less people in the industry.”
She added: “Our lead time has become so short since last year – it used to be a lot longer, even in the short lead time maybe a month, maybe six weeks. Now it’s half of that.
“So plan in advance and have a little flexibility built into it. Even if you think in August you want to go to Geneva, don’t be set on that.
“Think about maybe October maybe different months, maybe different destinations because there are a huge, huge cost implications around this.
“This significant increase in in vendor costs. So have visibility and have flexibility and plan early.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Marketplaces and the Omnichannel Future of Live Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/)
**Published:** February 4, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
*Online marketplace platforms are an essential part of the evolution of the exhibition model. Here’s a complete guide on how to get started.*
**Download the full ebook, [The Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)**
If 2020-21 has taught us anything, it’s that having all your business rooted in one particular channel comes with a high degree of risk.
The pandemic exposed the huge lack in resilience of an ‘Events first’ strategy, highlighting that supporting the community is what comes first, rather than any particular channel or time-based event, hybrid or otherwise.
While the move organisers have made from physical to virtual has brought with it some benefits, notably the amount of data about customer behaviour, it isn’t the full transformation required.
Virtual platforms have demonstrated strong performance for content and webinar experiences. Visitor engagement has been higher in many cases than the live event counterpart and successful in attracting new and international audiences who wouldn’t have been able to attend previously.
But when it comes to providing a platform for buying and selling – the critical need of exhibition businesses – they have fallen short. The industry benchmark for exhibitor Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for virtual events platforms seems to be averaging less than -40. It’s clear that including exhibitor profiles as part of a virtual event package is not the full answer to the more fundamental changes needed to drive exhibitor value through digital channels.
The retail industry evolved quickly from a reliance on the in-store channel to an omnichannel model, where the buyer has control of how and when they want to buy, whether shopping online from a mobile device, a laptop or in a brick-and-mortar store. This shows the real transformation that is required to for an exhibition brand to become a *true* hybrid of digital and physical.
Furthermore, organisers must recognise there has been a [generational shift](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/heather-holst-knudsen-event-marketing/) where this approach will be more expected and attracted.
In order to create this kind of omnichannel experience, an essential component is to have a year-round marketplace that can directly connect buyers and sellers throughout the year, which can work seamlessly to [support and enhance the event experience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/buying-and-selling-has-shifted-online-since-the-pandemic-heres-what-it-means-for-events/).Here are some pointers for how event organisers can think about [implementing a marketplace as part of their engagement with their community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).
## **What is a marketplace?**
A marketplace business is one that:
1\. **connects demand** (i.e. people who want a thing)
2\. **with supply** (i.e. people who have that thing)
3\. **to lead to a financial transaction.**
Marketplaces generally own any supply, do not provide products or services directly, and either deliver leads or handle the money being exchanged. Its role is to provide a trusted environment where the supply and demand efficiently find each other and transact successfully.Specialist B2B marketplaces are moving fast into the industries exhibitions traditionally serve. Even before the pandemic:
- **$1.86 Trillion** spent globally on the top 100 online marketplaces in 2018 and account for more than half of global online retail sales. *Source: Digital Commerce 360’s 2020 Top 100 Online Marketplaces Database*
- **80%** of B2B buyers now expect a convenient purchasing experience similar to those offered by B2C websites such as Amazon, Alibaba, Uber, AirBnb etc.
- **87%** of B2B Buyers (and 97% of Millennials) said they buy through marketplaces more than any other channels. *Source: Mirakl / Gartner*
- **300 B2B marketplace startups** with more than €3 billion funding in Europe according to [Point Nine](https://medium.com/point-nine-news/mapping-the-european-b2b-marketplace-landscape-the-2020-edition-48d72cb33d88)
## 
## **Why are marketplaces great businesses for event organisers?**
Marketplaces are the perfect example of the networked business which have risen to dominate the web. There are a number of reasons why marketplaces are an attractive line of business:
- **Network effects**: the more users you get, the more useful/cheap your product becomes, the more users you get (e.g. Lyft/Uber vs. taxis)
- **Barrier to entry**: Once they have a strong network effect, it becomes increasingly difficult to enter or replicate the marketplace (e.g. Airbnb vs. hotels). Ecoystems of users are the new source of competitive advantage and market dominance.
- **No inventory** means they are can be cheaper to operate (e.g. Airbnb vs. hotels), easier to scale (e.g. Rover vs. dog hotels) and easier to pivot (e.g. Uber Black -> Uber).
For event organisers, online marketplaces come with some specific advantages:
- **Audience growth.** Your brand(s) can become embedded into the workflows of buyers year-round by providing an essential tool for [finding and comparing products and services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), which can significantly grow your audiences.
- **Revenue growth.** Bundling recurring revenue subscriptions to a marketplace alongside exhibiting at an event is an opportunity to increase the value of exhibiting, gives suppliers more leads and ROI.
- **Brand protection**. Most importantly, having a marketplace in your portfolio presents the opportunity for forward-thinking organisers to embed themselves in the transactions between our visitors and exhibitor audiences outside the confines of an exhibition.
Marketplaces should be viewed as an essential part of the new omnichannel event model, creating seamless customer experiences across live and digital channels:**Do marketplaces compete with live events?**
An objection I have often met with colleagues over the years has been **“but won’t this compete with and replace the physical event?”**
Pre-pandemic my answer used to be twofold:
Firstly,
> “Disruption is already here. In your market, there are already likely several startups doing this and I’d rather we were the ones doing the disrupting.” – a statement which is more true today than ever.
Then I’d quickly follow ” But we’re underestimating the power of face-to-face events if we think an online marketplace can ever replace them”.
I’m less convinced today by this argument. Customers will have had 2 years of finding a purely digital way of doing business, rapidly accelerated the existing trend towards digital procurement in both B2B and B2C. For buyers and sellers that have found it to be a cheaper and more efficient way of working, this is unlikely to reverse when events reopen.
In my view, live events will always play a massively important role in bringing markets together to learn and connect with each other. But it is naive to think that buyers will always wait for an event if they have an important buying decision. To avoid becoming dis-intermediated by more agile, digital-savvy competitors we need to ensure that any buyers with intent come through one or more of our channels.
## **How to create an online marketplace alongside event businesses**
If you want to establish an online marketplace alongside your events, here are a number of points events organisers need to tackle:
1. ### **Start with a focus on 1-2 specific markets**
Marketplaces take time and focus to become established and need to solve a specific industry need, so concentrate on one or two industry verticals, rather than scaling the same technology solution across multiple markets too quickly.
When considering which markets to focus on, the good news is that conditions for successful online marketplaces are very similar to those for successful exhibitions, starting with having a large total addressable market, a fragmented market of suppliers, and by identifying an opportunity for technology to unlock new value.
Bill Gurley’s [**10 factors for evaluating a marketplace opportunity**](https://abovethecrowd.com/2012/11/13/all-markets-are-not-created-equal-10-factors-to-consider-when-evaluating-digital-marketplaces/) is a helpful framework for how this successful investor in marketplaces such as eBay, OpenTable and Uber evaluates opportunities.There is usually very different competition level between marketplaces for finished products- which are usually already well served by e-commerce stores – and supplier solutions relationships that require more consultation or raw ingredients. The latter area is more complicated and so tends to be less crowded space to break into.
When considering the overall size of the opportunity, it’s a mistake to allow internal silos between event brands, geographies and databases to get in the way. The objective is to provide your customers with the maximum number of products and companies in any given vertical as quickly as possible.
This can be easier to solve if you already have one recognisable international brand trusted by your industry which can be used successfully online. If your event portfolio trades under many brands in different names in different geographies, consider using a new name to unify them online with a standardised taxonomy.
2. ### **Determining the Product/Market Fit (PMF)**
Product-Market Fit is achieved when a product meets real customer needs and does so in a way that is better than the alternatives.
To be successful B2B marketplaces need to adapt their approach to solve a variety of industry-specific problems to be adopted by your customers. They may include:
- Slow purchasing cycles and decision-making
- Too many stakeholders
- Highly complicated payments
- Structural mismatch between commission-based vendor sales teams and current online buyer preferences
- Gated pricing information at the expense of product visibility
- Friction along the buyer’s journey: complex ordering, reordering, and fulfilment requirements
- A lack of automation, personalisation, and overall customer experience
Having defined the target customers on both sides of the marketplace, the next step in creating a successful marketplace is to understand what customers want and will pay for.
*Some questions to help determine and validate the customer pain points include:*
- What core problem(s) is the marketplace trying to solve?
- Who has the problem and how is this person dealing with the problem now? How often do you search for new products/services?
- How do you compare vendors to decide which products/services would be the best for you? Is it easy to book and pay for products/services?
- How do suppliers currently attract customers? How do you currently manage customers’ bookings and how do they invoice?
To understand an industry’s buyer-seller dynamics it can be useful to ask both buyers and sellers to rank the features that would be most useful to them.
3. ### **Value Proposition**
It is important to establish clear value proposition for both buyer and seller personas. Marketplaces are designed with core value exchange at the heart, the **“white-hot centre”** of the flywheel, which creates buyer and seller liquidity
As the platform grows, new kinds of interactions may be built on top of the core interaction, e.g. LinkedIn went from CV -> Job listings -> Thought leadership content
To successfully attract buyers, marketplaces must have some combination of the following factors:
1\. Trust and Quality Pre-vetted or rated suppliers
2\. Efficiency. Faster than using traditional methods
3\. Price. The cost of using the platform is significantly cheaper than the alternative
To attract sellers, the main value proposition is acquiring new customers and lots of them.
4. ### **Marketplace [Monetisation models](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/)**
A key distinction to make on the overall scope of the marketplace is whether it will process payment.
The two main options to consider are whether it should:
(1) mirror the model of most events by making the initial business connection in a **lead-generating marketplace**, usually based on a supplier listing fee or subscription
(2) deliver the entire order with e-commerce in a **transactional marketplace**Transactional marketplaces are widely used in B2C and have a major advantage as the cost to participate is buried in a percentage of the order, so is a model which has less friction to participate and can prove to be a scalable revenue model. However the order complexity in many B2B markets means a lead generating approach may often be a better solution for trade show organisers.
Here are the options to consider:
- **Supplier subscription/listing fee.** The most common model for directories which, like Classified ad platforms, charge a fee for new listings. Listing fees can be a form of quality control so your marketplace is less likely to be flooded with low-quality products and poorly written listings.This model has been most effective when combined with exhibition sales but if tied too closely to the fortune of the event has downsides in that a) it may not scale beyond the event’s health and b) can be viewed as a tax.
- **Transaction fees.** The commission model scales the best by building on the network effect. The best-known marketplaces, including Airbnb, eBay, Uber, and Etsy, all charge a commission from each transaction that takes place on their platform, either in the form of a percentage or a flat fee. This model is especially appealing for the suppliers or providers, as they only have to pay the marketplace operators if they sell something. It therefore encourages more suppliers to list their products or services and improves supply liquidity. Commission can range from 5-15%. However, this is not easily implemented in B2B industries have long lead times and complicated invoicing processes that the marketplace cannot facilitate easily with e-commerce.
- **Buyer membership fees.** If you’re confident that your marketplace will provide great value and warrant repeat transactions, you can charge a membership or subscription fee. However, this needs to be used carefully as mandatory fees can be a major barrier to users from signing up, potentially killing volume the leads your suppliers will receive.
- **Freemium.** The marketplace can be free for suppliers and/or buyers to get started with, but premium features come at an additional cost. Even with games, only around 2% of the total users ever pay for the premium offerings, but they may spend enough to make the venture profitable. The value-added services your marketplace offers need to provide enough value and be interesting enough for a wide audience, and coming up with the right mix can be difficult.
5. ### ****Constrain the scope of the marketplace****
While this can go against the instincts of organisers of large exhibitions covering multiple product areas, it is important to begin with a specific, focused niche.
Amazon started with books, AirBnb with airbeds. The majority of successful marketplaces start with constraints to more quickly get to critical mass and achieve liquidity of supply and demand.
> “The best marketplaces end up supply-constrained because they tap into an incredible amount of demand. The product/market fit is so strong that this demand puts pressure on supply.” Li Jin (partner at a16z)
A marketplace can be constraining by geography (launching in particular city or postcode) or by category (focusing on a particular niche) – likely both. If the service requires supply and demand to meet, e.g. Taxis, Food Delivery, it always started with a geographical constraint.*Source: [Lenny Rachisky](https://www.lennyrachitsky.com/)*
Furthermore, [AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/how-ai-matchmaking-is-reshaping-the-future-of-events/) helps provide curated options to filter through the noise and connect to content and products that are actually useful.
6. ### **Supplier quality management**
A two-side marketplace is often called a ‘chicken and egg’ problem, as they only work when both buyers and sellers are present.
However, 90% of successful marketplaces concentrated on building supply first, before introducing to buyers. Our primary role is to create a trusted environment which can become an essential tool for buy-side.
> “When I started looking at the evolution of how marketplaces like ours grow, the playbook is the same: Get restaurants -> Get delivery people -> Get customers. The largest growth lever has always been the supply — the restaurants. They bring the demand.” Micah Moreau, Door Dash
In the majority of markets, it’s clear that products and services themselves are of far greater interest than the companies supplying them. The vast majority of searches on marketplace platforms are for products or product categories, rather than a company. This means it’s critical that organisers find a way of getting comprehensive product information and data from their suppliers into a structured format.
Unlike exhibitor listings and directories of the past, this requires investment in building out a comprehensive, data-rich supplier and product profiles.
This will typically involve:
a. Customer success agents to onboard and support suppliers, year-round.
b. Supplier dashboards to make it easy for them to publish products and get feedback
c. Marketing automation as part of onboarding and nurturing process. Triggered email campaigns are far more effective than ‘batch sends’, none more so than in onboarding customers. In a recent benchmark report by Blueshift, triggered onboarding emails are +826% more effective.
To improve the quality of product and company listings further, here are some common techniques:
- **3rd party data sources** can be used to augment the listings with helpful data points.
- **Review system:** Having a review system was fundamental for maintaining a level of quality (and trust).
- **Onboarding Assets:** ‘How To’ Guides are a common tool in onboarding suppliers and used as a reference tool.
- **Standards and penalties.** To maintain quality in their marketplace, the most important factor is to define (and share) clear standards for the minimum level of service.
“We published community guidelines that outlined what kind of events were permissible on the platform and invested in a fraud/spam team to build technology to catch bad actors. We saw ourselves as the fair arbiter between guests and sellers.” Tamara Mendelsohn, Eventbrite
7. ### **Grow buyer acquisition and retention**
To optimise for buyers, a focus on audience acquisition through SEO is of the most importance. Organic search can be 70%+ of traffic, the site’s taxonomy, product profiles and content strategy designed around attract maximum funnel of users with intent to buy. The commercial strategy needs to be aligned building your search traffic. For example, make sure you don’t simply remove companies who are no longer paying, as this creates dead links which are damaging to your SEO, but instead move them down to a reduced basic listing.
Marketplaces generally spend too much time acquiring new users instead of focusing on retaining existing ones Attracting new customers costs 5 times as much as keeping an existing customer.
Consumer marketplaces such as Etsy attribute 78% of their sales to repeat purchases, and in B2B our buyers can be significantly more valuable.One of the most reliable ways to keep existing users engaged with your product is through emails, which become significantly more effective the more personalised you can make them based on their behaviour.
8. ### **Provide self-service [tools and transparent ROI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/tech-tools-to-build-an-online-event-community/)**
Modern marketers are used to getting real-time feedback to their PPC spend on Google or LinkedIn, and it is important that marketplaces can offer a similar self-service experience.
The more user-friendly the platform, the more users can see the return they are getting, the more products and news they will upload and the more time they will invest with us.
The omnichannel model means that we need to be able to show suppliers measurable ROI from all their engagement with us – digital or event- with dashboards of leads which they find of business value in one place. If we can prove the return, and make it easy to self manage, then this will help ensure that customers keep in on their digital marketing plans alongside other forms of measurable marketing.
Google AdWords Dashboard
9. ### **Focus on the KPIs that matter**
> “Liquidity isn’t the most important thing. It’s the only thing.” Simon Rothman, Greylock Partners (Ebay, Lyft, Tango etc)
Marketplaces are a data-driven business, and the most important metric is that of liquidity. Liquidity means the *efficiency* with which a marketplace matches buyers and sellers on its platform and any features, upsells or content which blocks or distract from that core purpose should be removed.KPIs should be established, measured and reviewed weekly to ensure that all team efforts are aligned to improving performance against this goal. Here are some useful KPIs to build into your dashboard when growing a marketplace business:Team responsibilities should be assigned across the customer journey to improve these metrics, to continuously testing to improve the proposition and platform with ongoing customer validation and A/B testing
10. ### **Choosing a marketplace platform**
Marketplaces include a number of specific features which are used by the operator, buyers and sellers.
Here are some of the features which may be important in building your marketplace:For exhibition organisers trying to create a seamless experience between the event and marketplace, there are some specific needs which need to be met, including:
- **Is the platform search engine optimised?** The number one lever to grow an online marketplace is search engines. Search is the best way of finding fresh buyers with intent and should account for at least 70% of your traffic. This is in direct contrast to how virtual event platforms typically hide their exhibitors and content within a logged-in environment that can’t be discovered through search.
- - **Can the platform offer one [seamless experience between event and marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/designing-hybrid-event-models-for-2021-and-beyond/)?** In 2021 the type of experience we should be aiming to deliver to our community allow for a seamless transition from community to event and back again. This works better both for customers, who don’t have to jump between platforms and for organisers who can progressively [build richer profiles of the audience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/serve-the-communities-that-comprise-your-audience/) and offer increasingly personalised products and recommendations. It is far easier to achieve a seamless experience one on the platform rather than stitching together several. Consider how the customer journeys of the event and the marketplace complement each other.
- The user profile should be consistent from community, to marketplace, to the event.
- Marketplace users should access profiles without friction, and be presented with calls to action to draw them into participating in the invent.
- Once an attendee is within an event, you don’t want to lose them from within the event environment when browsing exhibitors.
- Suppliers expect a joined-up journey with a consistent dashboard so that they don’t have to upload content in more than one place.
- At what point do we have to ask attendees to register to an event, if at all.
- - **Can the marketplace be customised for your industry?** There are specific needs that every industry needs has, and in the case of marketplaces, the procurement journey can be quite different from one market to another. For example, for some industries, the greatest need is to search by certification or other customer data fields, while in others it might be comparing of delivery times, in others it might be for a tendering process to send one quote to multiple suppliers and collate their feedback.Will it allow your team to run A/B tests and try different designs? It’s important to ensure that your partner is flexible enough to be able to customise the platform to meet your specific use case, and to grow with you over time.
- - **Keep your data** Data is the lifeblood of your community, so make sure that the contract ensures you keep your data remains your own – many don’t – and that it can be pulled back into your database.
**To have a conversation about how marketplaces can form part of your brand proposition, please [drop me an email.](l.bilton@expoplatform.com)**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [New appointment to spearhead growth across DACH market](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/jens-schindler-appointment/)
**Published:** July 21, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has appointed a new regional director to spearhead growth across Germany, Austria and Switzerland.**
Jens Schindler, based in Berlin, takes on the position overseeing the DACH market after more than two decades of experience in the events industry.
The move will see him promote the success of ExpoPlatform clients and partners across the region, helping them to deliver market-leading shows.
He said: “In today’s market, it is critical to get the digital strategy spot on.
“My work at ExpoPlatform will see me totally focused on enabling event organisers to navigate the online economy efficiently and deliver even more data-driven events.”
Jens has created multiple trade shows, content services and digital solutions all aimed at informing B2B decision-making.
He is an expert in monetisation of content through events and marketplaces with a keen interest in discussions about network dynamics, pricing and data strategy.
The regional director for the DACH market has already played an important part in supporting ExpoPlatform clients, including at shows such as IMEX Frankfurt 2023 and Associations World Congress 2023.
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [German trade fairs to hit nearly 13m visitors in 2023](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230717/)
**Published:** July 17, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The German tradeshow industry is seeing a strong growth in visitors with almost 13 million expected this year.**
New association forecasts reveal the surge in demand – with the number already increasing in H1 by a third when compared with the first six months of last year.
**Download the [Events Amplified marketing ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/) to learn how you can attract more visitors to live shows.**
Meanwhile, ExCel London has recorded its best-ever June, while UFI has named Hong Kong as host city for its 2025 Global Congress.
Read on for your full Week in Events industry news roundup.
## **German tradeshows poised for a strong finish in 2023**
**Germany’s trade fair industry is on track to regain pre-Covid growth levels in 2023, according to a new report.**
Forecasts from the annual **[AUMA Trends 2023/2024](https://www.unserebroschuere.de/AUMA_Trends_2023_2024/WebView/)** report show more than 180,000 exhibiting companies and up to 13 million visitors are expected this year.
The number of exhibitors rose by a quarter compared with the first half of 2022, while the number of visitors increased by one-third.
Jörn Holtmeier, managing director of AUMA, said: “Dates for trade fairs in summer are not taking root – a phenomenon that was seen in 2022 due to the backlog.
“Almost all 2024 trade fair dates will return to their long-established dates, which sit outside the big holiday periods.”
A total of 125 tradeshows are slated to be held by the year-end including Gamescom, Caravan Salon and IFA.
In H1 2023, 200 tradeshows were held with over 115,000 exhibitors and 6.8mn visitors.
## **ExCeL clocks 250k+ event visitors in June 2023**
**London’s largest venue ExCeL recorded its biggest month in June with more than 250,000 tech event arrivals.**
The list includes the likes of Salesforce World Tour London, Adobe Summit EMEA 2023, Infosecurity Europe 2023 alongside corporate shows like Amazon, Adobe and Salesforce.
A total of 89 events were held during the month – most being AI and fintech-focused.
ExCeL’s CEO Jeremy Rees said: “June has traditionally been a strong month for ExCeL but nothing quite like what we experienced last month.
“London and ExCeL has a long and successful affiliation with the technology industry, with worldwide brands drawn by the city’s world-class tech professionals and investors, complemented by our own world-class event venue.”
The venue is projected to hit more than one million arrivals this year, surpassing its previous best in 2019.
A 25,000 sq m construction expansion is also expected to complete by October 2024 – adding new convention facilities, conference rooms and exhibition halls.
Rees added: “The venue has also seen a steep rise in the return of the corporate event sector following the pandemic.
“In turn, this had led to hotels on our campus registering high occupancy, and increased international travel into London’s six major airports.”
## **NEC Group announces new chairman**
**Event firm NEC Group has named its CEO of 16 years as the new chairman.**
Group CEO Paul Thandi will replace outgoing chairman Peter Phillipson in September.
His experience with firm has seen him transform investment, digital and business intelligence strategies as well as signed new commercial partnerships.
https://twitter.com/thenecgroup/status/1679404809546354689
Thandi said: “To be at the helm of this incredible business for so many years has been an honour and I look forward to maintaining a key role in driving the growth of the Group.
“We have been lucky to secure Mel to take on the leadership position.
“The importance of our people and my belief in giving them the best leadership, support and strategy, are all values that Mel shares close to her in her business and personal life, and I look forward to working with her over the coming years.”
Meanwhile, industry veteran Melanie Smith has been appointed as the new group CEO.
Prior to this, Melanie served in various leadership roles at Ocado.com, Marks & Spencer, Bupa and TalkTalk.
A new CFO has also been announced, with Paul Reeve succeeding Richard Ashton in October.
Paul has previously worked in senior finance roles at AEG and AEG Europe.
## **UFI Global Congress returns to Hong Kong after more than two decades**
**The UFI global congress will take place in Hong Kong in 2025, the first time since 2000.**
AsiaWorld-Expo will host the 92nd edition of the event.
It will feature a number of activations throughout the “Greater Bay Area” to show the region’s potential.
UFI President Michael Duck said: “The UFI Global Congress will conclude a multi-year tour through the world’s leading exhibition markets in 2025 – after the USA in 2023 and Germany in 2024, Hong Kong will take the global UFI community to Greater China.
“We will also be able to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of AsiaWorld-Expo together with our hosts.”
AsiaWorld-Expo CEO Irene Chan added: “Located at the heart of China’s fast-growing Greater Bay Area, AsiaWorld-Expo is the perfect showcase of the synergies and rich potential of this vibrant market.
“2025 is also a landmark year for witnessing another major milestone in the region’s growth: the ongoing development of SKYCITY, where AWE is situated, and where new cross-border facilities are taking shape.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [A week of key leadership appointments](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230703/)
**Published:** July 3, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The past week saw several top appointments being made by leading tradeshow organisers.**
German trade fair Hamburg Messe announced a new managing director to lead business growth and innovation.
RX Global hired a new strategy leader while EventScotland named a sporting executive to head its operations.
Read more in your full Week in Events industry news roundup ⤵️
**Download now ? [Events Amplified: An insider’s guide to modern event marketing](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)**
## **Messe Hamburg appoints new managing director**
**Hamburg Messe and Congress GmbH (HMC) has named tradeshow veteran Heiko Stutzinger as its managing director.**
Heiko, who is currently the COO of Utrecht tradeshow organiser Royal Jaarbeurs will work together with Uwe Fischer, CFO at HMC.
Andreas Rieckhof, Chairman of the HMC Supervisory Board: “By filling the position of Managing Director, we are positioning Hamburg Messe und Congress to advance its positioning in national and international competition.
“The company has an attractive location, excellent connections and extensive experience with leading global trade fairs as well as innovative event formats.
“In addition to the acquisition and development of events, the integration of the trade fair and congress business into the overall marketing of the city will also be important.”
Heiko brings more than 25 years of experience to the table, having worked in different leadership roles at Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai, VNU Europe and more.
He said: “I am very pleased to be coming on board Hamburg Messe und Congress at the beginning of 2024 to set sail together with the team and set course for the future direction of the company.
“Hamburg is a fascinating and dynamic city with character and offers an attractive environment for sustainable business development.
“Formats on future topics such as wind energy, hydrogen and online marketing/digitization are already taking place successfully at the location – a good starting point for successively expanding HMC’s portfolio.”
## **RX announces new strategy chief to drive business growth**
**RX Global has appointed Peter Lindsay as their new global chief strategy officer.**
Peter will be responsible for the organiser’s profitable growth through myriad activities and strategic initiatives including mergers and acquisitions, market intelligence and advising on key business development objectives.
RX CEO Hugh Jones said: “This appointment marks a new chapter in RX’s story. We know that to grow and expand our offering to customers, we need a senior and recognised strategic leader to help design the future which is exactly what Peter delivers.
“He’s had tremendous success in driving operational excellence and business transformation for business and I couldn’t be more excited about the combination of customer-centricity and people-first leadership he will bring to RX in this role, across so many dynamic sectors and countries.”
Peter said: “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build on the terrific work that’s been done to grow and create momentum for RX.
“There’s never been a more exciting time to work in the exhibitions industry, and I look forward to partnering with teams at all levels to help our customers and our company find exciting new routes to growth.”
Prior to this, Peter led strategy for the Telegraph Media Group and also worked as a consultant for Bain & Company.
## **Senior sporting executive to join EventScotland as new head**
**VisitScotland Events Directorate has named a senior sporting executive to lead Scotland’s national event organisation.**
Rebecca Edser, a key consultant with UK Sport, will join EventScotland as head in September.
She has more than 13 years of experience at UK Sport where she was engaged in bidding and supporting the staging of major events and handling strategic partnerships.
Prior to that, she worked at London 2012 and Scottish Rugby Union.
She has also worked earlier as an events manager with EventScotland for different sporting and cultural events like Piping Live! and Glasgow International.
Rebecca said: “It is an exciting time to re-join the organisation as we look to review and refresh Scotland’s National Events Strategy, Scotland the Perfect Stage, and I very much look forward to establishing partnerships and relationships across Scotland, not only to deliver the new strategy but to ensure that this is a sector that continues to thrive.”
Her new responsibilities at EventScotland include leading strategy and partnerships to secure major sporting and cultural events – as well as positioning Scotland as an attractive destination for the events industry.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Sustainability spotlight: Green events roundup](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20230710/)
**Published:** July 10, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**It was a week of sustainability updates and a major associations’ event kicking off.**
Here’s a quick summary:
? European festivals and events got a new roadmap for sustainable actions till 2030
? EIN’s upcoming sustainability event found a new partner in isla
? Informa won this year’s sustainable award from UFI
? Association professionals gathered in Florence for the 2023 Associations World Congress
**Read on for your full Week in Events new roundup ⤵️**
Reduce your carbon credits with our Meetings Make Trees initiative. We will plant a tree for every meeting made through our app – **find out more! ?**
[](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)
## **European Green Festival Roadmap 2030 announced ?️**
**A sustainability scheme has been published offering European events a new path to cut their environmental impact.**
The European Green Festival Roadmap 2030 – a set of guidelines to pave the way for sustainable transformation by 2030 – was released by The European Festival Association YOUROPE.
It is based on the EU Green Deal to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030 as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals and industry requirements.
The roadmap been developed by a collaboration of YOUROPE’s GO Group think tank, A Greener Future and Greener Events Norway.
*Image source: Yourope.org*
Holger Jan Schmidt, general secretary of YOUROPE said: “Improving our festivals and increasing sustainability throughout the industry is an ongoing topic for YOUROPE and also for me personally.
That’s why it’s a particular pleasure to present the European Green Festival Roadmap as the icing on the cake of tools we recently published – all are open source, accessible to everyone and transferable to other cultural areas.”
“We believe that the Roadmap is a big step in the only right direction. Also, it serves as an excellent basis for further exciting and helpful projects.”
The roadmap been developed by a collaboration of YOUROPE’s GO Group think tank, A Greener Future and Greener Events Norway.
Claire O’Neill, CEO of A Greener Future said: “The roadmap helps prioritize and simplify the actions individual festivals need to take, and shines a light on areas for collective effort by the industry and beyond.”
Linnéa Vargen-Svensson of Greener Events Norway and co-founder of GO Group added: “It is time to act now – and this roadmap will guide you to get started or even to get more advanced. If you haven’t already, just start by starting!”
## **isla supports launch of Event Sustainability Live ?**
**Sustainable events firm isla has partnered with Event Sustainability Live (ESL) for its debut in November this year.**
ESL is a sustainability initiative by Event Industry News aimed at helping organisers set and achieve their sustainability goals.
> ? ? ? We are SO excited to announce our latest partnership and this one is a BIG one … [@weareisla\_uk](https://twitter.com/weareisla_uk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) are supporting the launch edition of Event Sustainability Live [\#eventsustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventsustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[\#ESLLondon23](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESLLondon23?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/F039h4bB7n](https://t.co/F039h4bB7n)
>
> — Event Sustainability Live (@ESLiveExpo) [July 6, 2023](https://twitter.com/ESLiveExpo/status/1676933329017270272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Toni Griggs, growth lead at isla, said: “We’re delighted to work with organiser Event Industry News (EIN) on the inaugural edition of Event Sustainability Live. EIN and isla have a shared mission to drive forward sustainability messaging in a way that is accessible and actionable across the whole events value chain.
The above mission will be weaved into the full ESL education programme and we can’t wait to welcome agencies, suppliers, venues and more to the stage and to the audience.”
“Held just two weeks before the start of COP28 we hope that ESL will provide the inspiration and impetus needed to keep the goal of event decarbonisation within reach.”
The event will be held at ExCeL, London on November 15 and 16 2023 and host a number of sessions, workshops and roundtables over a two-day period.
Adam Parry, co-founder of Event Sustainability Live, said: “Watching isla come together in and around lockdowns, the experience and innovation involved was inspiring and I’m so pleased to be working on ESL with such a dynamic partner.
“The show is about content, about creating a platform for the industry to learn from, and isla’s input is a real asset.”
## **Informa wins UFI Sustainable Development award ?**
**Informa has strengthened its green credentials by winning the UFI Sustainable Development award for 2023.**
The award recognises and awards creative strategies and initiatives that drive and support sustainable development in the exhibition industry.
This year’s topic was ‘Best engagement programme for stakeholders’.
UFI jury member Christian Druart said: “Congratulations to Informa for sharing their internal “Fundamentals Programme” and their Informa Markets Brazil Case Study; built to allow for the diversity of needs across 40 countries, it is very comprehensive and successfully addresses the challenge of changing stakeholders’ behaviours.”
Informa Markets CEO Patrick Martell said: “Sustainability is part of the fabric of our culture at Informa Markets, and something we are honoured to be a leading industry voice on.
“In addition to reducing our own carbon footprint and being an ever more sustainable, positive impact business, we are proud of our role in driving sustainable prosperity for the communities we serve, helping our customers seize opportunities to be more sustainable themselves, and inspiring a more productive and sustainable future for all.”
Informa will present their entry at the UFI Global Congress later this year in November.
Other finalists recognised for their submissions were Fiera Milano (Italy), Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from the US, RX (UK) and Taitra from Taipei.
## **Associations World Congress 2023 kicks off ?**
**The 2023 edition of the Associations World Congress (AWC) is underway in Florence, Italy.**
Organised by the Association of Association Executives (AAE), the congress brings together association professionals from the world to network, learn and share best practices in association management.
The three-day event kicked off on July 9 and will conclude on July 11.
ExpoPlatform is the official event tech partner for AWC 2023 – **[learn how you can level up your events with our smart platform](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [ChatGPT gives eventprofs a leg-up - tech expert](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/ade-allenby-chatgpt/)
**Published:** July 7, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ChatGPT can give organizers a “leg-up” when it comes to producing content but still needs the creative input of eventprofs, according to an industry expert.**
Ade Allenby believes the AI-powered chatbot can take some of the heavy workload, leaving them just to finesse the results of the tool.
The software, developed by OpenAI, can be prompted to produce a range of textual copy such as lyrics, marketing emails, academic reports and more.
The event technology specialist at [Allenby Advisory](http://www.allenby-advisory.com/?utm_source=ExpoPlatform&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=chatgptinterview) said: “To me, it’s like when I was told in third year at school that I was allowed to use a calculator to do the working out stuff really quickly.
“It’s like that with ChatGPT – it’s not that it’s taking over, it’s giving you a leg-up.
“The AI is helping you do things faster and get to value quicker so you can do things better – because a lot of the legwork in delivering content can be done for you.”
**Ade Allenby is one of the expert contributors to our new ebook about marketing, Events Amplified. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/).**
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/events-amplified/)
He works with clients to assess, deploy and maximize the benefits of digital engagement and event technology to increase revenue and NPS.
His background is in digital product management across sales, marketing and service, joining the events industry in 2015.
AI-generated and curated content can assist event marketers by automating content creation, personalizing messaging and optimizing distribution.
Tools such as ChatGPT can generate blog posts, social media updates and promotional pieces.
They can also curate relevant material from various sources to engage attendees and drive interest in events.
Almost a third of respondents to the study carried out for Events Amplified described content marketing as being quite challenging.
A total of 29% also chose AI-generated and curated pieces as an opportunity for eventprofs who are trying to cut through the noise.
Ade believes one of the main benefits of this AI-powered work is that it allows for your strategy to be played out in hyperspeed.
This is because it gives you “some ideas to work with” cutting dramatically the time spent researching or brainstorming.
Meanwhile, results from the survey show marketing automation received votes from 15% of respondents when asked about what areas event tech could help.
Ade added: “It’s giving you faster execution of projects, faster execution of campaigns.
“You can even populate exhibitor profiles with it, by asking it to collect information about a given company.”
Issues with finding, retaining and upskilling staff was highlighted as quite challenging by 43% of respondents to our survey.
But Ade believes any company which is offering AI-powered tools will have to have the right technical specialists.
He did argue that there was then an issue of organizers being able to explain the role of the features and make them easy to use for clients.
This includes giving advice on what prompts can be given to AI-powered tools so they can bring you the best value possible.
Ade added: “The fact that it’s got AI included in it is the thing that gives it that extra value, because it’s performing better – it can make better predictions, make better recommendations.
“In terms of some new tools coming out, as a tech advisor I think it’s a matter of seeing how we can guide you on what kind of questions you can ask a vendor – so you can figure out if the value a tool offers is aligned with the customer experience you are trying to create.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Arc appoints new CFO as part of strategic growth plans](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230626/)
**Published:** June 26, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Arc has appointed a new CFO to its top team to add strategic “experience and expertise” to its growth plans.**
Claire Corbett takes on the post following several high-profile roles in the industry, having most recently been in the same position for Informa Markets’ EMEA division.
Other highlights of the week:
? UFI Europe reports strong performance
? New children’s fashion fair to debut in NY next year
**Participate** ➡️ Event tech use is rising but what plans do organisers have for the rest of 2023? **[Tell us in our H2 Event Tech survey!](https://form.jotform.com/231703356654052/)**
Read on for your full Week in Events ⤵️
## **Arc appoints new group CFO**
**Global events, data and media firm Arc has announced a new group CFO.**
Claire Corbett will join the company’s top leadership team to drive growth and succeed Andy Crow, who will continue to work in an advisory capacity.
She has more than 20 years of industry experience and is the outgoing CFO of Informa Markets’ EMEA division.
Simon Foster, group CEO, said: “Claire‘s extensive B2B media and M&A experience and expertise in strategic planning will be invaluable as we continue our focus on organic growth and strategic acquisitions, like our recent acquisitions of Marketing in Partnership and Low Carbon Agriculture.”
Claire added: “Having previously worked with Simon, I know that this network is built on a genuine desire to serve communities, to help improve the businesses of people in those communities.
“The concept of the network, the focus on acquisitions in responsible sectors, and teams truly embedded in their communities, is changing the landscape of our industry.”
Claire has also donned several key financial leadership roles in All3Media, UBM plc and also worked with the UK Competition and Markets Authority.
## **Strong showing for UFI Europe events**
**UFI has successfully concluded its European chapter of events, with the participation of more than 300 delegates.**
The association’s event week in Maastricht, the Netherlands saw exhibition industry professionals converge for a series of events including:
- The UFI European Conference
- HR and Operations & Services Forums
- The Event Directors Summit
- The European Chapter meeting
> ? This time last week in Maastricht for our week of UFI events!
>
> ? The entire UFI team thanks the 300+ exhibition industry professionals who joined us for the UFI European Conference, the HR and Ops & Services Forums, and the Event Directors Summit [\#ufieurope](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufieurope?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufievents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufievents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/317KI0VuiR](https://t.co/317KI0VuiR)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 23, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1672149926401146880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI Regional Director for Europe, said: “We are extremely grateful to the whole city of Maastricht – from the Mayor and the Director of the Province, to our friends at MECC – for welcoming us with open arms.
“Our delegates were able to experience the best that Maastricht has to offer and will take away many fond memories and new contacts.”
## **Children’s fashion fair to debut in New York next year**
**A new international fashion fair for youngsters is set to launch in New York.**
Children’s Show will debut in Manhattan on February 11 and 12.
The event aims to connect childrenswear suppliers in different categories with buyers from high-end boutiques and major department stores across the US.
Virginia Zingone, show creator, said: “A show for children, since its name, anticipates the rich proposal of its offer and its goal is to express children´s fashion in all its aspects declinations, including lifestyle and maternity, inseparable categories in most family concept stores.”
Alberto Scaccioni, contact partner for the participation of Italian companies, said: “Today, wholesale distribution, with its widespread diffusion, is of fundamental importance for small and medium-sized Italian fashion companies.
“In this sense, trade shows and trade appointments are essential tools to effectively grow an interesting, but at the same time complex, market like the American one.”
A total of 60 leading companies from 12 countries are expected to participate in the tradeshow, organised by Igeco USA, the US branch of Deutsche Messe AG and Italian Exhibition Group SpA.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Spotlight on GED 2023 as eventprofs celebrate](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230605/)
**Published:** June 5, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Event industry professionals are in celebration mode as they mark Global Exhibition Day (GED) 2023 this week.**
This year’s GED will highlight the importance of exhibitions in shaping up the marketplaces for modern-age customers and its overall contribution to the business economy.
Other top stories include:
? Messe Frankfurt Middle East’s (MFME) new collaboration with 1st Arabia for Saudi-Arabia based shows.
? UKEVENTS chair Chris Skeith’s push for government incentives for the events sector.
? Arc’s acquisition of Marketing in Partnerships to expand its financial services portfolio.
Read on for your full Week in Events ⤵️
## **Exhibition industry gears up for GED 2023 celebrations ?**
**GED 2023 will officially happen on June 7 2023, though festivities are already underway.**
The annual celebration of the exhibition industry will highlight it as a tour de force that supports emerging sectors and evolving customer experiences amid the changing business landscape.
Organised by UFI, along with leading organisers Informa Markets, RX, Clarion, Comexposium and Emerald, GED 2023 will promote the people and businesses who run the show.
It will also showcase the crucial role exhibitions play in shaping and transforming future industries and economies.
Michael Duck, UFI President, said: “With the overarching theme, ‘We Run the Meeting Places and Marketplaces for Everyone,’ exhibitions have emerged as the driving force that propels economies, fosters connections, and ignites innovation.
“From zero to hero, our industry has raced out of the pandemic slump, defying all odds and confirming the strength of our business model.
“The exhibitions industry has not only weathered the storm but has emerged stronger than ever before.”
Check the official website of **[GED 2023](https://ged.eventmaker.io/en/index)** to get involved!
## **MFME partners with 1st Arabia ?**
**Messe Frankfurt ME has partnered with leading Saudi Arabia-based event management company 1st Arabia.**
The collaboration will include management of key events in Saudi Arabia on the lines of the quality and service offered by MFME.
It will also address the needs and demands of MFME’s international clientele in the region.
Intersec Saudi Arabia 2023 will be the first exhibition under the new partnership.
It will be hosted at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center on October 3-5.
Simon Mellor, CEO of MFME, said: “1st Arabia’s strong history and reputation as a highly experienced event organizer in the region further reinforces the prospects of our joint venture and the increased value our exhibitors can expect from MFME exhibitions.
“We have been thoroughly impressed with the quality of their staff and their internal expertise and look forward to collaborating with them as these events continue to grow in the Kingdom.”
Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO & Managing Director of 1st Arabia, said: ” “We are thrilled to be partnering with MFME and licensing such great brands as Intersec Saudi Arabia, Beautyworld Saudi Arabia, and Automechanika Riyadh.
“Our experience in event management combined with the expertise of MFME is the perfect recipe for success, and we are committed to delivering exceptional events in Saudi Arabia.”
## **Government incentives will benefit events sector: UKEVENTS chair ?**
**UKEVENTS chair Chris Skeith has suggested the events industry could benefit from government incentives similar to those offered to the UK’s film and TV industry.**
Chris recommended a national event strategy to help organisers plan shows when needed and not depend on market demand.
He stressed the need to support organisers, venues, promoters and other event stakeholders to ensure a robust, sustainable industry.
To achieve this, Chris said a range of measures including tax credits and financial support by the UK government would be a big help.
These measures could be along the same lines as offered to the film and TV industry, as well as other creative sectors like video games and theatre.
He also pointed out that any support should be earmarked for the appropriate stage of the event lifecycle e.g. early-stage funding would allow more new event startups to flourish.
## **Arc acquires MiP to boost financial services portfolio ?**
**UK-based events, data and media platform Arc has acquired Marketing in Partnership (MiP) to strengthen its financial services capabilities.**
The deal will see MiP serve as the events and marketing solutions partner for Arc’s initiatives in the asset management industry.
MiP’s addition to Arc complements the latter’s existing brands in the network – including Professional Adviser, Investment Week and Global AgInvesting.
Helen Wagstaff, co-founder of MiP, said: “Arc offers a great springboard for our future growth. The network provides us more opportunities to expand our business, whilst retaining our position as the trusted events and marketing solutions partner for the asset management sector.”
Simon Foster, Group CEO of Arc, said: “This acquisition, together with new products like Investment IQ, underlines our commitment to leadership in serving the financial services community. We look forward to welcoming the MiP team to the network and working with them as we continue our commitment to continually developing our offerings for the sector.”
The acquisition is Arc network’s third one in the financial services industry.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [AI for events: understanding matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/ai-events-matchmaking/)
**Published:** May 24, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**ChatGPT, Bard and Bing are a common topic in AI discussions. But did you know live events have been using these algorithm tools long before?**
AI-powered Matchmaking is an effective way to speed up networking and make more relevant connections, especially at large-scale exhibitions and tradeshows.
It works in a similar manner as Netflix and Spotify – however, the algorithm is more varied and can handle complex requests.
For example, ExpoPlatform’s **[AI Matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** tool uses person-to-object matchmaking that helps event participants connect with:
- Fellow attendees
- Exhibitors
- Products
- Content such as sessions, eBooks and videos
- News and webinars
This article demystifies the matchmaking process and explains step-by-step how AI recommendations are generated.
**Read more**? [**Six ways AI can help your events make more money**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/six-ways-ai-more-money/)
## **Step 1: Analyse preferences based on registration data ?**
AI matchmaking at events typically starts by analysing user preferences based on the registration data filled by them.
This data can include information such as job titles, industry affiliations, preferred topics, interests and even social media profiles.
These details are used to create attendee profiles and match with other users with similar interests, backgrounds and goals.
The AI algorithm uses this data to identify commonalities between attendees as well as with non-person entities like content, products and sessions.
## **Step 2: Detect peer groups based on similarity of data and demographic information ?**
This step involves identifying groups of attendees sharing similar interests, backgrounds and characteristics.
The AI matchmaking algorithm uses different data sources, such as attendee profiles, registration information and social media activity, to analyse and categorise attendees.
Clustering attendees into peer groups helps lock down on potential matches as well as suggest relevant content, products and sessions.
## **Step 3: Progressive learning through user behaviour ❤️**
This learning process helps the system to understand and learn more about the user’s preferences, interests and actions.
The AI tool monitors various interactions such as viewing pages, exhibitor profiles, product favourites, meetings requested, message sent, sessions viewed, selection or rejection of a match and more.
These interactions provide crucial data to helps the AI system evolve and improve its recommendations.
For instance, if the user spends considerable time viewing a particular exhibitor’s profile, the system will interpret it as a higher interest in that exhibitor.
Similarly, if a user requests a meeting with an exhibitor or a guest speaker, the system assumes the user is interested in that specific product or topic.
Continuous tracking and analyses of user behavioural patterns enables the AI matchmaking system to create better recommendations and a valuable networking experience
## **Step 4: Matchmaking filters to influence the recommendations ?**
Filters can be used to narrow down the recommendations further.
These filters can be based on various factors such as job title, location, company size, nature of services, investment budget and more.
For example, a small buyer should not be matched with a large supplier.
Or if the event is a tech conference, the AI system may apply filters to only suggest matches between participants working in tech.
Similarly, if an attendee has expressed interest in a particular topic or workshop, the system may apply filters to suggest matches with other attendees who share the same interest.
Narrowing down potential matches based on specific criteria allows more likely connections with participants having shared interests, goals and priorities.
This helps streamline the process and saves time.
## **Step 5: Display recommendations online ?️**
Once all the data is processed, the recommended matches are generated and displayed on the event website or app for users to view.
This is where the users can evaluate the recommendations and decide which matches they are interested in.
The AI matchmaking algorithm tracks user actions, such as clicks, swipes, and feedback, and use this information to adjust the recommendations.
For example, if a user clicks on a particular match, the system will consider this as a positive action and may prioritise similar matches in the future.
On the other hand, if a user swipes left or gives negative feedback, the algorithm may adjust and remove that match from the recommendations.
This continuous feedback loop ensures the AI matchmaking system constantly learns and improves its recommendations, making the matchmaking experience more accurate and personalised for the users.
Want to learn more about AI for events? ? **[Download the AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)** for top tips and expert advice.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking
---
### [Tech integration 'at the heart of everything' - IMEX leader](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/gary-coombs-march23/)
**Published:** March 30, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event tech integration “is at the heart of everything” allowing organizers to keep pace with the digital transformation of our industry, according to an IMEX leader.**
Gary Coombs, CIO at the group, believes it is impossible to know what the next development will be so it is crucial for a planner to be able to evolve and to adapt quickly.
Features like AI chatbots and facial analysis tech have been around for a while, but recent advancements in their capabilities demonstrate how organizers need to be flexible.
He said: “Integration is at the heart of everything – if you’re investing in a technology that doesn’t integrate you’ve got to question whether that is the right technology.
“None of us know what the next thing will be.
“It’s about being flexible to take advantage of those things and not be in a place where you’ve got to wait three years before your roadmap gets to building something like that.
“You should be able to just leverage the tool as soon as possible.”
**The first day of IMEX America 2022 in Las Vegas.**Gary added: “It’s less about technology and more about people. As a technologist, I think about the people and the processes first – the technology is almost the easy bit.
“If you’ve got people on board who can recognise the need and can identify what they actually need to do, getting access to the data is never the hardest.
“Making sure that the tool has open API structures to it so that you can get to all of the data, you can read right from the data – that’s the key when you’re looking at these tools.”
He explained how an “explosion” in digital touch points has meant event participants now expect much more from live shows.
The tech-fuelled transformation our industry has seen means there is now more than 20 times as much data due to digital tools, according to ExpoPlatform estimates.
Gary said: “If you go back a few years ago, exhibitors were happy with the number of people on site and number of leads.
“You did your scanning, you got your leads – that was it.
“I think the evolution of going through the virtual-hybrid world meant that exhibitors have a lot more data they can see.
“The technology was coming up but the exhibition space could get away with putting on an exhibition without doing anything more.
“Then that explosion gave us a lot more touch points and more insight.”
However, he explained that this boom in data was not the most important aspect of information being gathered.
Gary believes it is crucial the insights your participants are gathering are high quality.
He said: “Sometimes less is more – by having 1,000 quality leads versus 10,000 scans.
“They’re better, but it’s hard to measure that level.
“That’s ultimately what you care about. For me, it’s about that quality of engagement.
“A tool like ExpoPlatform allows us that kind of level of insight.”
His comments come after it was announced that [**ExpoPlatform would be the official tech partner for IMEX**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-launches-new-platform-with-enhanced-buyer-exhibitor-connections-at-its-core/) for its 2023 shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas.
The pair have been working to offer participants a new online platform enhanced with a range of tools designed to maximize seamless business connections.
This makes it simpler for exhibitors and buyers to find and meet each other in the run-up to the show and then to enhance those relationships face-to-face at IMEX.
Gary explained how features like these should be able to mimic those we see as consumers when searching for things like restaurants or movies.
He said: “Where some of these algorithms are helpful is trying to identify someone who’s similar to someone else you’re looking at, which is more like the model of how we are in our personal life.
“We look at recommendations we’re much more willing to accept – because this guy went to that restaurant and gave it five stars I’m more likely to go there.
“It shouldn’t be about us trying to match people to meetings, it should be about giving people insight of what other people are doing – that’s what ExpoPlatform does quite well.”
A lot of these recommendations can be built on by analyzing what content is being consumed by your participants.
For instance, it makes sense to recommend an exhibitor with strong green credentials if an attendee is looking to attend a series of sessions about sustainability.
Gary added: “What are the hot exhibitors that people are going to? What’s the hot content that people are following? Can you make recommendations on the back of them?
“That’s where I think that we should be looking at providing recommendations and helping the end buyer have a successful event.”
This tech-fuelled approach could even encourage exhibitors to be more proactive with the online tools to help them succeed at a live event.
Gary gave an example of two suppliers showcasing similar products with one of them using the tech platform to offer a compelling reason to visit the booth, such as a prize.
He added: “It can be both just as good a product, but it’s about how you sell yourself.
“That should be the same in the lead-up to the event as it should be at the show.”
Meanwhile, one of the most important topics for IMEX Group is how it can become more sustainable – and educate organizers how to improve their green credentials.
It published its first ever externally-verified Sustainability Report for IMEX Frankfurt, ahead of the tradeshow taking place between May 23 and 25.
The group has also tracked and published the environmental performance of IMEX America since 2012.
Gary explained how the IMEX wants to lead by example on this issue, while also getting ahead of competitors.
He said: “At IMEX we bring together a global audience, so we can have some sort of impact.
“If we educate our audience and we act how we think that the world should be, then that should ultimately roll out. I think that’s it’s key to everything.
“We do think about sustainability – our net zero commitment, how do we measure, where can we be responsible and where can we not because it’s really tough.
“It’s not an easy answer, but it’s how we can deliver an exceptional show experience in a highly sustainable way.
“I think that we will see people in time only wanting to deal with exhibitors that are more sustainable and demonstrate their sustainability credentials.”
Part of this includes how technology can help reduce waste and improve performances, such as paperless badges where appropriate.
Gary believes there are many ways digital tools are able to improve sustainable practices – but it requires constant reflection.
He said: “It should always be a question, do we need that interface or can we do that via technology?”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [3 ways AI can remarkably improve virtual event engagement](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/3-ways-ai-can-remarkably-improve-virtual-event-engagement/)
**Published:** March 11, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Last year, when live events businesses adopted virtual events as their primary marketing channel, customer expectations drastically changed across several industries, including events and exhibitions. To engage customers and provide immersive, personalised experiences, there is a growing need for event organisers to integrate modern-age technologies with real-time responses and improvements.
As global market research company Forrester’s VP Kate Legget suggested in a recent webinar:
> ***“To emerge stronger and leaner from the pandemic, you will have to reimagine your current strategy and long-term investments in digitisation, AI, and automation.”***
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a crucial tool fueling customer service transformation. AI and Machine Learning technology is increasingly used to analyse and predict attendee engagement patterns, offer suggestions based on audience preferences, automatically interact with customers and a lot more.
Here are three ways AI can transform attendee engagement at virtual events:
## **AI-powered matchmaking for networking**
According to B2B growth marketing blog Markletic, **[audience engagement and interaction are the two biggest challenges event organisers face during virtual events](https://www.markletic.com/blog/virtual-event-statistics/#virtual-event-engagement)**. A lot of it stems from the fact that virtual events tend to report massive attendee numbers, which dilutes the signal-to-noise ratio, i.e. the useful connections for people attending the event.
As a result, your attendees will need to sift through the noise and connect with relevant people, products and content that could lead to mutually beneficial business relationships.
With **[AI-powered matchmaking services](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)****,** you can customise recommendations for attendees based on the information they have filled in, such as their areas of interest, geographical location and professional seniority. This helps drive meaningful interactions, boosts peer-to-peer [networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) and aligns business goals.
The best part about AI matchmaking? If the user feels the match is not relevant, they can easily communicate their decision (*through a thumbs-down feature*) and the algorithm keeps adjusting and improving until a suitable connection is found.
## **AI-driven analytics and insights to improve interactions**
By analysing interactions in real-time, AI can improve attendee engagement and provide necessary assistance without human intervention. In contrast, conventional analytics only assess the content after the event concludes to identify what worked and what didn’t.
Using AI algorithms, you can track virtual footfall and pinpoint exactly which resources are meeting their targets, or which touch points are receiving the maximum engagement. By studying the different factors influencing attendee behaviour and analysing multiple simulated scenarios, AI can provide answers to questions like:
- Is the content being shared relevant to the attendees?
- Are the meeting and communications channels being used effectively?
- Are the correct attendees being targeted?
## **AI-powered chatbots for conversational marketing and language translation**
A scalable, user-friendly conversational AI solution with chatbots and language translation features can enhance virtual event engagement significantly.
It can automate customer support by facilitating conversations on thousands of industry-specific topics, rather than being a mere FAQ tool. For example, if the event is related to banking and financial services that have complex product offerings, it’s helpful to have a virtual agent that can answer questions and provide relevant information.
AI language translators can instantly and accurately translate any event communication, web pages and content resources into different languages. This enhances the global appeal of your virtual event and helps you reach out to a more diverse audience across different cultures.
**Conclusion**
By automating responses to frequent queries and improving audience interactions, AI saves your team precious time and energy, allowing them to focus on other crucial aspects of the event. With virtual events expected to be a key marketing channel for the foreseeable future, it makes sense for companies to invest in AI-powered solutions and deliver more engaging attendee experiences.
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking, Virtual Events
---
### ['New paradigm' of mobile event app as revenue generator](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/mark-maydon-ts/)
**Published:** February 16, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The exhibition industry is in a “new paradigm” where mobile event app technology can become a crucial revenue generator, according to an industry leader.**
Mark Maydon, commercial director at Crowd Connected, has set out his vision for how technology will spearhead innovation through [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) – and more specifically data.
This format is an in-person event that uses digital technology to increase the value of the experience for all participants.
A major element of this development will be through data-driven insights which can be gathered and utilised through mobile apps.
Figures from Crowd Connected show a typical exhibition has 65 missed opportunities for every 100 valuable conversations, but the event could be worth 20% more through better wayfinding.
Mark sets out how this mobile app component is no longer just about mapping and navigation, but also “discovering”.
He said: “Historically, mobile apps were frequently viewed as a discretionary cost by the marketing teams of organisers. Consequently, there was a race to the bottom on price and as a result they often had unsatisfactory functionality, limited usefulness and insufficient value to event visitors.
“Unsurprisingly, you got into a horrible vicious circle where the app wasn’t used as much as the organiser would have liked. Then an event’s organiser wonders why they’re spending so much money on the app and cuts the budget – or worse, cuts it entirely.
“But there’s a new paradigm – one where the app is viewed as a revenue generator and the show organiser invests in it. By making it really valuable to the user, the app gets more downloads, and is more widely used at the show.
“The value proposition for this new breed of event app is centred on navigation and discovery: helping visitors do more at the show, meet more exhibitors, get to where they want to on time, or realise that something else they are interested in is there.
“Crucially that increased usage results in hugely valuable data and insight for the organiser. They can monitor and measure footfall across the whole event environment, not limited to one or two components which is typically what you get from scanning or RFID.
“Whole show behavioural analytics allows the organiser to operate a better show – and ultimately an enhanced P&L – because there is insight into which elements of the show are performing well and which aren’t, which exhibitors are attracting footfall and which aren’t and how well the the show as a whole is operating.”
The interview comes as ExpoPlatform announced it has entered into a partnership with Crowd Connected, a UK-based technology provider focused on indoor positioning of smartphones.
Under the partnership, Crowd Connected will provide its full suite of tools integrated into Expoplatform’s platform, making the mobile app location aware for the benefit of organisers, exhibitors and visitors as live shows return post-pandemic.
## **Relentless march of technology**
The coronavirus-enforced hiatus of physical events has resulted in marketing spend being diverted online.
For exhibitors, so-called “Big Tech” such as Google or Facebook provide incredible amounts of data about the value of their advertising investment with them. The B2B events industry has also seen a massive growth in data since 2020, largely driven by the adoption of virtual events and online components.
That enables organisers to see how many sessions have been attended, how long attendees were part of that, where the hot spots were, who has interacted with who and much more.
Crowd Connected’s toolset brings this digital data rigour to the physical environment. This is a fundamental to the Smart Event agenda being pursued by the world’s leading organisers of real-world shows..
The provider’s technology – which is simple to deploy at any show – makes the mobile app more valuable for visitor, exhibitor and organiser through:
- **In-app blue-dot navigation and wayfinding, overlaid on an interactive floorplan**
- **Location-based personalisation and recommendations**
- **Footfall-based exhibitor performance insight for every stand/booth at a show (via Crowd Connected’s Bluebird product)**
- **Real time data visualisations such as heatmaps**
- **Industry leading visitor behavioural analytics**
Mark said: “We enable organisers to demonstrate to the exhibitors what return they’re getting on their investment, through the data we collect. We measure brand exposure and brand engagement for every exhibitor stand.
“What we’re helping the organisers do here is using the footfall data to address directly the thorny issue of exhibitor ROI, providing evidence of how well every exhibitor performed at a show.
“This is absolutely critical not just for rebook but across the whole sales cycle. It’s something organisers have been crying out for.”
The rise and rise of personalised consumerism is something which can’t be ignored in the world of B2B events.
All of us are used to being targeted with specific offerings through businesses like Netflix, Amazon or Spotify.
It is now clear that visitors to a trade show expect their experience in a professional capacity to be just as elevated.
Mark said: “We’re witnessing a relentless march of technology. Pre-Covid, many exhibitions were sitting in their comfort zone somewhat.
“They knew how to run a show, but it was, bluntly, an iteration from the early trade shows, such as the Great Exhibition show at Crystal Palace way back in 1851. Technology was largely feared, rather than embraced.
“There hasn’t really been much that has changed. Maybe there’s a bit of scanning, but otherwise it was pretty much the same thing year in, year out.
“Meanwhile smart technology has permeated into almost every facet of our everyday lives – largely through the universal adoption of the smartphone. So why shouldn’t the same apply to an exhibition or trade show?”
## **Using the mobile event app to gather data**
One of Crowd Connected’s major features is its blue-dot navigation technology for any indoor environment.
That means organisers can offer a user experience familiar to us all from Google or Apple Maps. This enables rich data capture which can be used to analyse performance of a show just like these navigation applications.
This all comes as attendees are now much more used to having a phone tell them where they need to be in their personal lives.
Mark said: “The ability for humankind to navigate has been ceded to the computer on our phones. Back when the world was analogue, map reading was a hugely valuable skill.
“Now, your phone tells you where you are, and gets you to where you need to go. -But that doesn’t work indoors because Apple and Google haven’t mapped the temporary show floor environment, while GPS – which is what the phone is relying on for the blue dot – doesn’t work indoors.
“We’re basically replicating that familiar experience for app users at a show. That makes the app really valuable to the visitor, so they’ll use it more.”
He added: “And that’s really valuable to the organiser because the app is gathering more data as app users move around the show floor – even when the app isn’t actively being used. It’s a win-win for everybody.”
Mark sets out how the business model for a typical trade show is about satisfying exhibitors, while charging them for the privilege of being there.
He said: “Organisers are running a matchmaking service where they create value by bringing participants together.
“However, exhibitors are paying much more attention to the return on investment they get from paying to be part of that experience. And visitors are increasingly time poor, and have high expectations. They need to be satisfied too, or they won’t return.”
## **Using event data**
Recent research from ExpoPlatform and the Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) Club show 40% of shows in 2022 will be Smart Events.
More than a third (35%) ranked location tracking as being important or very important. A further 26% rated this as being a medium priority for their business model over the next year.
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform estimates the amount of data being produced through shows is now 20 times more than it was in 2020, immediately pre-pandemic.
This explosion in information provides organisers with a wealth of insight into how they can shape their offerings and enhance their bottom line – as long as they know how to use it.
Mark references the rapid growth of Big Tech whose success has been based on data.
He said: “If you’re not making business decisions built on data, you’re probably not making the best decisions.
“The leading business organisations in the world are all data driven decision-makers.
“If you think about the really super valuable companies that have been built in the last 20 years – Google, Meta, Apple and all those digital businesses – they’re data businesses.
“Exhibition organisers are rapidly having to adapt to become data businesses. Those that do will win and those that don’t will wither on the vine.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Mobile Event App
---
### [Key takeaways from International Confex 2023](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/week-in-events-20230306/)
**Published:** March 6, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs from around the world descended on London lor a packed program of content at International Confex 2023.**
That’s why this special edition of the Week in Events places focus on all those sessions highlighting what’s happening in our industry.
We take a look at AI-powered tools, sustainability, taking on the “age of inflation” as well other key trends.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, was one speaker setting out innovations in our industry and findings from the [**Event Tech Forecast 2023**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) – download it now.
Read on for your full Week in Events.
## **CONFEX estimated to produce around 267 tonnes CO2**
**Around 267 tonnes of CO2 equivalent were produced at this year’s International Confex, according to estimations.**
The pre-show findings from event:decision were announced at a special session highlighting the environmental impact of this global gathering of industry professionals.
It was heard that the show at ExCel London was performing relatively better than other similarly sized shows due to steps by the organizer to reduce waste and less travel.
Matt Grey, director at the data and analysis firm, claimed being able to cut down on these emissions would be attractive to “number crunchers” and help the planet.
He said: “As event organisers and planners it’s very easy for us to concentrate on the things that are visible.
“When we look at an event as a whole, actually those factors are quite small. One tonne of CO2e is equivalent to filling up four double decker buses with bad stuff.
“When we look at the activity that we as organisers create, it’s immense.
“We owe it to the planet if we can deliver as good as or better events for less, it’s brilliant for event efficiency. The number crunchers are going to love it.”
The pre-show figures from event:decision estimate 38.8 tonnes will come from delegate travel, representing 15% of the total emissions.
The largest chunk of CO2e comes from bespoke build stands, where they bring all their stuff in.
This is due to them needing people to travel to build it then take it away.
Most of them were said to be from the UK, however it was said more regional conferences or big B2B shows have structures which travel for miles.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, spoke at the session highlighting how event technology can improve sustainability in four core areas.
These include cutting travel, reducing waste through a mobile-first approach and QR codes for everything as well as the Meeting Make Trees initiative.
## **Rise of the ‘tech-savvy’ planner**
**The events industry is witnessing the “rise of the tech-savvy” planner, according to an ExpoPlatform leader.**
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer, told an audience at Confex about the digital innovations our industry is witnessing.
That includes the growing importance of mobile apps for creating smarter and seamless live shows, based on findings from the recent [**Event Tech Forecast 2023**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/).
He also highlighted how those working in our industry are becoming more adept with using advancements to put on better productions and cut workloads.
Luke said: “We are seeing the rise of the tech-savvy event professional.
“Digital as an enabler is only going to increase – I can’t think of any industry set where software isn’t taking more and more of the value chain.”
He added: “It’s not going to be the thing thing that kills everything, it’s not going to be the thing that resurrects everything – it’s an enabler.”
Recent findings from the [**Event Tech Forecast 2023**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) were presented which show how digital tools will be utilised in the coming months, as well as what challenges need to be overcome.
Mobile apps came out on top of our survey as one of the key technology features for our industry, with 64% of respondents choosing it.
It was also shown how on-demand content had decreased in popularity, which Luke described as “unfortunate”.
Luke said: “This time last year, on-demand content was the number one feature everyone was talking about.
“On-demand has huge potential to extend the life cycle of an event and be used in marketing.”
## **AI-powered content creation for events**
**AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT offer an “extremely time efficient” solution for planners trying to create content, according to a panel.**
That was the claim of Adam Parry, editor of Event Industry News, speaking at a session about industry trends for 2023.
He highlighted how these tools can cut out a lot of the leg work when it comes to creating content for your audiences.
Adam said: “One of the most interesting technologies is ChatGPT and what that’s doing for content creation.
“We have taken that tool to create a foundation of abstract content.
“It’s an extremely time efficient solution – especially if you give it references to content that you have already done.
“Another thing is asking for key takeaways so your audience knows if they watch a piece of content on-demand that’s what they will get.
“Tools like that for me are really, really interesting.”
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, spoke on the panel about using AI-powered event tech to automate workloads.
This was described as the key area for digital tools to evolve and help participants make the most of their time at a live show.
She said: “Looking at the future of technology, that’s what’s most exciting for me – something that is helping delegates to maximise their time at an event.
“I hope tools like matchmaking get more useful as time goes on, as true AI gets embedded rather than tag-matchmaking – which is very different to AI.”
## **Know your event value in the ‘age of inflation’**
**Proving the value of your events is key to riding the wave of inflation the global economy is navigating, according to a panel.**
Speakers at the CONFEX session included Chloe Richardson, of Explori, Jennie Becker, of WeWork, as well as Sarah Zarywacz, of ECI Partners.
They were taking on the challenge of how to develop event strategy during the “age of inflation”.
Chloe, vice president of senior corporate relations at Explori, said: “The value and impact of your events is important – we’re having to evidence and justify who we are.
“We’re increasing that brand awareness, increasing loyalty, getting customers to come back year on year.
“The trends we’re seeing in the events space is how can we take that and translate it?
The panel also discussed how having good partnerships would be important for weathering the storm of rising costs.
This allows for longer term planning and special deals to be done with businesses a planner can trust.
Jennie, director of events and activations UKI at WeWork, said: “Are there things we can do to both benefit?
“Building relationships is massive as suppliers, we don’t work with people we don’t get on with.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Gunnar Heinrich: The Art of Smart Events and Metrics](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/gunnar-heinrich-transformation-stories/)
**Published:** February 2, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The “real art” of building a data-driven events business is to stick to the rule of “twenty’s plenty” when it comes to metrics, according to an industry leader.**
Exhibitions have witnessed a significant growth in the amount of digital information now available to organisers – with ExpoPlatform estimating it to have grown by a factor of 20 over the last few years.
Gunnar Heinrich, CEO of Munich-based adventics, believes the key to making a success of this is to focus your attention on metrics which can help you achieve your company’s goals.
This means aligning KPIs with your corporate strategy – if you want to grow in Asia , for instance, you need a measurement for that.
Gunnar highlighted how our industry is in a “new world” which required greater focus and recommended sticking to the rule of “twenty’s plenty”.
He told ExpoPlatform: “Event organisers are not always used to basing their decisions on data because sometimes it’s quite new for them, especially if we are talking about the new KPIs we can now derive from an events platform.
“It’s super easy to have tonnes and tonnes of numbers on your dashboard, but twenty’s plenty.
“There should be no more than 20 KPIs which drive your entire global business.
“The real art is to work on these 20 KPIs – what are the really important numbers for you and your business?
“These numbers must be derived from your corporate strategy – if your strategy is to internalise your business then you need a KPI to measure that.
“Otherwise you can’t see if you’re going in the right direction
“Especially now, we’re in a new world with the event industry – it’s super important that you think about the right KPIs and don’t have 100 different numbers.”
## **Convincing businesses to be data-driven**
Many German organisers are state-owned and play a key role in supporting businesses around their regions.
This can create a problem for those trying to convince shareholders to add digital elements as the link to how it meets this goal is not clear.
Gunnar believes the key to this is setting out how you will first play an important part in the community, but also make more profit.
He said: “If you are talking to organisers who are state-owned, they will tell you it’s interesting to be able to do part of their yearly revenue with digital business, but don’t know how to approach this new area.
“Because before the pandemic it wasn´t the objectives of their shareholders, as their shareholders told them they are a supporter of the local, commercial infrastructure so they should support the businesses in their region.
“This role is currently changing to first serve the community or industry in the community and to make profit from this enhanced business model.
“It’s then much easier to talk to these people about what we can do with digital strategy and monetising on data.”
## **Smart Events: Getting to the ‘real truth’**
Research by ExpoPlatform revealed that shaping products through customer insight is the most valuable opportunity for the event industry through data science.
Event professionals gave our survey feedback on how they see the digital revolution of our sector shaping up, with over two-thirds of respondents (68%) choosing this area as their top priority.
This was closely followed by being able to provide a 360 view of customers (65%) and personalisation of experiences (62%).
**The findings are included in ExpoPlatform’s new** [**AI Blueprint ebook**](https://bit.ly/3GDFoH4)**, which provides practical guidance on using data science in events.**
Gunnar echoes these findings by saying this information can give you an honest picture of an attendees engagement through their behaviour.
He said: “Their behaviour tells you the real truth – who did they meet, which stand did they visit, where was it, what did they search for, what topics did they read on the email communication, what websites did they visit, which products did they look at on the online platform.
“This has huge potential, where companies like ExpoPlatform can help in the future because they prestructure all the data for you to show you the real truth.
“Now you can profile your attendees much better and you can make more business with this information.”
The last two years of running virtual events have generated a huge rise in [event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/), familiarising organisers and participants with digital tools – all of which can be used to measurably improve customer experiences at live events.
A [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) is an in-person event that uses digital technology to increase the value of the experience for all participants.
This show format uses technology to enhance key points of the journey for visitors and exhibitors, pre, during and post event.
## **Competing for the right talent**
Once an organiser has decided to bring in digital elements, the next stage is to rework your business model and bring in data scientists to your team.
A real challenge for event organisers is being able to attract the right people to join their teams.
Businesses who can bring in real talent are then able to unlock insights into the data which they are gathering.
However, Gunnar sees competition and a lack of strategy as holding back progress in this area.
He said: “For the last few years we have been working within a digital transformation of our industry.
“We have been helping managers with their digital strategies, but of course there is still a huge lack of data scientists in our industry.
“There is still a war for talents – why should a very good data scientist go to a trade show or organiser?
“In Munich here we have Google’s German headquarter, Apple’s German headquarter, Microsoft’s German headquarter and BMW’s headquarter.
“So why should very smart data scientists not go there, where they pay double the money a typical organiser can pay?
“It’s a problem, but we need these people in our industry too.”
Gunnar believes the crucial first step in overcoming these obstacles is to “build a story” around how the industry can be attractive to talented data scientists.
That means explaining how much innovation and expertise there is involved in events and showing them how their skillset can benefit from that.
He said: “The first thing you have to have in place to attract potential candidates for this role is to build a story around that – make your industry attractive.
“We find the industry attractive because we work for this industry and we know how attractive it is.
“We should learn from the markets we deal with and build an attractive story, then we can also attract high potential people in the data segment.”
He added: “An organiser or exhibition company should know what the value of data is and what their strategy around data is – and this is definitely a topic for the C-level as well.
“It’s very common that you talk with managers and they describe it as the new oil for our industry or that attendee data are the gold nuggets of our industry.
“Quite often this is more a common feeling, but missing a detailed plan on how to monetise these assets.
“What’s the value of your golden nuggets? What are you doing with the data and how do you monetise the information you have?”
## **Keeping control of data**
Another finding from ExpoPlatform’s ebook research backs up claims from heads of some of the largest event planning businesses in the world that control of data must reside with them, rather than the technology provider.
An incredible 97% of exhibition organisers told the ExpoPlatform survey it’s at least very important to take control of their data.
Gunnar is among those top industry professionals to stand by the importance of taking responsibility in this area.
He said: “If you lose control of this data – or even worse if you allow other parties to use this data for their own purposes – you throw away your most important assets.
“It’s super short sighted.”
## **The threat of Big Tech**
There is huge potential for data science to help businesses in our industry to grow, but Gunnar believes there is a threat from Big Tech and other industries discovering the exhibition segment if organisers do not move fast.
He pointed to the likes of Alibaba, LinkedIn and Meta as being potential competitors who already have expertise in this area.
That’s why he sees event technology providers as playing a key role in supporting organisers on this journey.
Gunnar said: “You have different roles within organisations such as CFOs, CMOs, sales people and of course strategy people.
“They have this gut feeling that data is somehow important, but they cannot get a grip on how to really make a business out of it.
“We can and we should all help them because there are so many outsiders of our industry linked to this, so there is a threat coming.
“Maybe you have a nice venue, but you will not be in the power position.
“You will not automatically be in the driver’s seat driving the community, this will be left to others.
“We should take care as we are still in a good position, but we need to move forward.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Buzz about Hyve acquisition worth £481m](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230320/)
**Published:** March 20, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Another major acquisition was announced this week with a deal reached for the takeover of Hyve.**
The agreement between the international organizer and Providence Equity Partners is worth around £481 million.
It comes soon after Informa announced its move to takeover Tarsus Group.
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform has launched a new survey to shine a **[Spotlight on Communities.](https://form.jotform.com/230375056996365) [Take part now](https://form.jotform.com/230375056996365)** to give your insights.
In other news, a new set of events industry standards have been agreed by ASEAN tourism ministers and UFI has expanded its media team. Read your full Week in Events below.
## **Hyve deal takeover agreed for £481m**
**A deal has been reached for the takeover of global events brand Hyve worth around £481 million.**
US firm Providence Equity Partners has made an agreement for the acquisition of the UK-based organizer which will now go for approval to the group’s shareholders and is also subject to anti-trust clearance.
The news comes after Informa announced the acquisition of B2B events group Tarsus in a deal worth $940m (£770m).
Richard Last, chairman of the group, said: “The board believes the offer represents value for shareholders and that Providence, with their knowledge of the sector and belief in the business and management team, will be a good partner for Hyve.
“I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the exceptional contribution of our people, whose commitment and hard work have fundamentally changed Hyve for the better and place us at the forefront of our industry.”
Under the terms of the acquisition, each shareholder would be entitled to receive £1.08 in cash for each share held.
Andrew Tisdale, senior managing director of Providence Equity Partners, added: “We are delighted to be investing in Hyve and supporting Mark and the management team, including with capital to support their growth plans.”
Hyve’s global portfolio of market leading brands is divided across four divisions – RetailTech and FinTech, EdTech and Natural Resources and Retail, as well as Manufacturing and Engineering and Asia.
It consists of 33 in-person events and 23 tech-enabled products and includes brands such as Shoptalk, Spring Fair, Bett, Mining Indaba and the recently acquired Fintech Meetup.
Meanwhile, Providence is a highly experienced investor in the events sector having been the majority shareholder of CloserStill Media since 2018 and having previously invested in Clarion Events and GLM.
## **UFI expands its marketing and comms team**
**UFI has announced two new appointments to its marketing and communications team.**
Noor Shalghen has joined as coordinator working with regional directors and project managers to develop their international related activities as well as to help reach wider audiences.
> ? Welcome to the [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) team, Noor Shalghen and Molly Thornberg!
>
> Both Molly and Noor help to strengthen UFI's Marketing and Communications team and to facilitate the dialogue between UFI and its global community. [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#peoplenews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/peoplenews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufievents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufievents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/QbcVL4vwxW](https://t.co/QbcVL4vwxW)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [March 16, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1636290777956470785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Molly Thornberg is now social media and media relations coordinator, responsible for facilitating the dialogue between UFI and its global community as well as liaising with the association’s industry partners.
Adeline Vancauwelaert, UFI COO, said: “I am pleased to welcome both Noor Shalghen and Molly Thornberg to UFI’s marketing and communications team.
“Both bring a wealth of experience that, when combined, will help drive UFI’s communication forward. The entire UFI team looks forward to working closely with them to help UFI continue to grow.”
## **Spotlight on Communities survey**
**What makes an online event community tick?**
We want to know how organizers like you are handling this 365 approach, what are the challenges and where you see the greatest opportunities.
[](https://form.jotform.com/230375056996365)
That’s why ExpoPlatform launched the [**Spotlight on Communities**](https://form.jotform.com/230375056996365) survey to gather insights from eventprofs like you.
The findings will be brought together in a study and released at the upcoming **MPI European Meetings & Events Conference** in Brighton.
## **South-east Asia ministers agree events professional standards**
**A new professional standards scheme for the events industry has been approved by politicians in South-east Asia.**
The initiative will become effective across the region this year, having received backing from 10 ASEAN tourism ministers.
Approval of Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals for MICE Professionals and Event Professionals was made during the 26th meeting of ASEAN Tourism Ministerial in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau, said: “MICE industry is not only a sector experiencing consistent growth but also a driver of the national economy.
“Certified standards for MICE Professionals and Event Professionals in ASEAN will contribute more to the liberalisation of trade and services in the region and offer enhanced convenience for MICE professionals in their cross-border operation within ASEAN.
“Their talents and capabilities are collectively recognised at a regional scale, hence, promoting learning, instruction and capacity training based on a unified standard.
“With this, the competitiveness of MICE industry in Thailand and other member countries of ASEAN will be enhanced and upgraded.”
It is hoped the approved standards will enhance competitiveness and strengthen the potential of ASEAN MICE industry.
## **New Easyfairs Nordic CEO appointed**
**Easyfairs has revealed the new chief executive officer of its Nordic operations.**
Henrik Johansson takes on the position for the leading international events organizer, replacing interim CEO Joachim Warnberg.
He was recently CEO at the e-sports company Inferno Online and previously worked at Easyfairs as head of business unit.
Henrik said: “I want to thank Joachim for his tireless commitment to Easyfairs. During Joachim’s time as CEO, Easyfairs Nordic returned to a profitable business after the challenges of the pandemic, broadened its portfolio with new events and strengthened the company’s environmental work with certification according to the Swedish Environmental Base standard for environmental management systems. All of this provides a solid foundation for us to move forward.”
Joachim added: “During my time as interim CEO, we interviewed many candidates for the CEO role at Easyfairs Nordic.
“We are happy to announce that we now have found a person who deeply understands how to run and develop an innovative and fast-paced business.
“I am convinced that Henrik, with all his experience, will further develop our exhibition facilities and continue to build Easyfairs’ portfolio of sustainable and profitable events.”
Joachim will continue to take an interest in the business, with a seat on the company’s board.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Organisers 'missing out' on hybrid event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/)
**Published:** August 11, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Many organisers are missing the [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) of a hybrid event model because they are “hyper-focused” on in-person exhibitions, according to an industry leader.
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, believes physical shows – in their legacy form – no longer present the same opportunities as they did before the pandemic.
He pointed to the large number of virtual options now available which he thinks could put off a potential attendee from buying a ticket to a live event.
However, Timothy urged organisers to “embrace” the hybrid future by exploring what opportunities there are to further monetise audiences.
He told ExpoPlatform: “For the innovative event producer, hybrid events provide a blank canvas for reinventing the event experience – for attendees and sponsors alike – through unlimited formats, content and engagement opportunities.
“I have advised organisations to embrace hybrid events as an opportunity, as opposed to viewing them as a burden.
“I believe that hybrid events create new and measurable opportunities to enhance the attendee experience and drive increased value for sponsors – opportunities that are limited at purely live or digital events.”
Timothy believes not all organisers are willing to embark on this approach as the industry has not typically been good with technological progress.
He said: “There is a reluctance. Maybe it’s just because it’s ingrained in the minds of the event producer, an industry that historically has not been terribly innovative.
“I think many conference producers or organisers are still hyper-focused about delivering on the day of the event.
“They are missing opportunities pre and post-event to drive engagement and ultimately monetise both their attendees and sponsors.”
His comments come as an Event MB [State of the Event Industry Survey](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-update/) reports only 10% of event professionals have found new revenue sources from switching to virtual over the pandemic.
Meanwhile, 68% claimed future exhibitions would follow a hybrid model and 51% said their in-person events would be smaller.
Only 16% said their shows would be the same size when they return, with 12% saying they would remain virtual.
The digital transformation was put on turbochargers last year when the pandemic forced organisers to face up to a virtual future.
A number of formats were pursued and experimented with, including everything from trying to recreate a live experience to trying out augmented reality technology.
Despite “apprehension” from event producers, Timothy believes now is the time to capitalise on the potential brought through hybrid events.
He said: “Over the past year, event organisers have been forced to pivot from live events to virtual events, and are now forced with making the inevitable move back to – or inclusive of – live or hybrid events.
“There has been noticeable apprehension amongst conference producers as they make the shift towards hybrid events and this apprehension is understandable.”
He pointed to a number of questions organisers might have about this growing format.
## ‘I see them as terrific opportunities’
Among these include what the definition of a hybrid event is, whether expectations of attendees differ from those at a purely live or virtual event, as well as how to create and measure value.
Timothy added: “As an organiser considers the expectations of both attendees and sponsors, they must be mindful of the return on investment (ROI) of both of these constituencies.
“From an attendee’s standpoint, it’s their time – for sponsors, event sponsorships represent a significant marketing investment.
“For event producers, the apprehension comes around how they can ensure that they are meeting their sponsor and attendee expectations.
“Beyond that, what can they improve upon the typical experience?
“With hybrid events – going back to what I see as an opportunity to implement technological innovation that have really scaled over the last year – there’s some apprehension from companies about which technology solutions to partner with, how to implement, how to get the most out of them.
“These are just new challenges that they need to operate around, but I see them as terrific opportunities they need to exploit.”
An example of how opportunities from a hybrid format are being missed can be found in the Event MB survey, which had 9% saying there were no positives from the switch to virtual.
However, 38% said they had experienced an increase in reach and 9% said it gave them “long-term community engagement” – as well as the 10% who said they had found new revenue sources.
*For more information about planning a hybrid event [read our complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/).*
Timothy believes one of the biggest opportunities for organisers arising from this transformation comes in user data.
The managing director said he “recognises” the concerns around how that attendee information is used, but told event producers to focus on how it can be used to improve experiences for the visitor and sponsor.
His comments come amid an industry debate over control of this data, as not all event technology platforms handle this information in the same way.
It was sparked after an [UFI panel discussion](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) involving online event platform leaders who set out their stances, which was then followed by an [UFI Connects debate](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/) involving organiser CEOs.
An organiser-led model sees the organiser own the relationship with their customer as data controller, with the technology platform as the processor for the duration of the contract.
This information can be used for a single event or multiple events in a portfolio to make for a seamless journey.
In a vendor-led model, it is the platform that can own the direct relationship with your customers and share that data with other organisers.
Timothy added: “I appreciate the concerns over attendee data – especially given the ongoing questions related to ownership of attendee data – but I would focus on the opportunity.
“You have such detailed, nuanced and actionable data points available which didn’t exist a year ago.
“From my standpoint, it’s less about ownership and more about how an organisation leverages this data to learn more about their attendees to ensure that they can meet their individual needs – based on what the data tells them – while providing increased value to sponsors.
“It’s about being able to deliver content in real time, based on certain data points that you are able to collect – whether it is collected during the registration process, through a pre-event nurturing process, post-event – whatever it might be.
“To me it’s more about how one identifies and acts on these new opportunities that this influx of data provides.”
*Here is our quick summary of the data policies from some of the main event platforms:*
ExpoPlatform estimates there is around 20 times more attendee information available through online vendors than purely physical shows.
This growth in information opens doors to a number of new ways to increase value for attendees and sponsors, according to Timothy.
But to do this event producers need to start thinking about options which are available to them “pre-event and post-event”, which he believes must involve creating a 365 community through an online event platform.
The benefit of such an approach is it can increase engagement year-round by delivering “always on” content, marketplaces which can traffic leads over 12 months as well as virtual or hybrid events.
Vendors such as ExpoPlatform allow organisations to target potential customers and engage existing ones throughout the year, with a seamless experience from articles, to webinars, to hybrid events.
Timothy added: “From a monetisation standpoint, I think there’s much less of an opportunity to monetise your attendees on the day of the event than a year ago.
“Attendees can be overwhelmed by virtual event options – many of which are free of charge – and as such, they are less likely to buy a ticket.
“Event producers must force themselves to think beyond the day of the event and find opportunities to engage and monetise their audience pre-event and post-event.
“To provide opportunities for their sponsors to engage with attendees pre-event and post-event, thereby extending the value of sponsor investment from one day to, ideally, 365 days.”
The Event MB survey – which had 401 responses from event professionals – found almost 50% reported an increase in attendance since switching to virtual, with 9% saying it was a “dramatic” rise.
However, 24% of the respondents raised engagement as the biggest challenge to switching to virtual – an area where Timothy sees massive potential.
He believes the route to making a success of a hybrid future comes through delivery of high-quality live events and then continuing to create opportunities to engage with customers afterwards.
This could be through content programmes, subscription opportunities as well as future paid-for events.
In terms of sponsors, he believes their expectations are the same from a virtual event as they are in the physical sphere.
This is that they still want to gain access to a targeted audience, share their thought leadership and expertise and drive qualified leads.
## ‘Event producers need to decide what they are trying to accomplish’
Timothy said: “By creating an incredible event experience and keeping attendees engaged post-event, event organizers can create additional opportunities to monetise their audience post-event – extending event investments for all stakeholders well beyond the day of the event.
“It’s about understanding what’s important to attendees today that might not have been a year ago.
“What expectations do attendees have that they may not have had a year ago? The same is true with sponsors.
“Ensuring that, as an event producer, you remain aligned with both your attendee and sponsor expectations.”
Organisers can also use tools to engage audiences before an event, thereby building anticipation and interest of what is yet to come.
Timothy added: “Event producers need to decide what they are trying to accomplish.
“What is their end goal? What value are they attempting to drive? What competitive differentiation are they trying to achieve? What sponsor experience are they trying to deliver? What attendee experience are they trying to create?
“From there – what tools, solutions, resources, and strategy do they need to implement to get there? And ultimately how are they measuring success in a quantifiable way?”
*Download ExpoPlatform’s [Hybrid Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) and learn how to make a success of hybrid events.*
***Transformation Stories is a six-part series with exclusive insights from industry leaders about the future of events.***
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Organisers have 'responsibility' to deliver personalised events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/liz-irving-smart-events/)
**Published:** February 9, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Organisers have an opportunity and “responsibility” to deliver personalised Smart Events through data, according to an industry leader.**
Liz Irving, executive vice president of Clarion Events, believes the huge volume of information now available presents great avenues for planners who know how to use it.
ExpoPlatform research suggests there are now 20 times more data points available since the digital transformation our industry has witnessed over the last two years.
In this exclusive interview, she also explains how planners can take advantage of community engagement and use this information to curate better in-person experiences – known as [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) – while not being afraid to make mistakes.
***Download your [free AI Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to make the most of data science in events.***
She said: “We have a real opportunity to use data to help tell a story – use data to guide what your customers want. Always ask what they want and do that first, but also see how they’re engaging and responding to it.
“It’s allowing us to open our eyes and see there’s a much bigger audience out there that we can reach, and even more tailored and bespoke opportunities – and we can do it differently.
“We have to ensure that the content is right, the platform is right, the experience is right in order for them to be able to get value.”
[Event data management](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) helps organisers understand which parts of their event resonates with audiences so they can create more relevant, personalised experiences.
It also provides actionable insights into audience behaviour, allowing marketers to make informed decisions about future campaigns and product development.
**Key benefits include:**
- **Understand where your target market spends time online**
- **Identify areas of interest within your content**
- **Gain a deeper understanding of user behaviours across multiple channels**
- **Create customised marketing strategies based on individual interests**
Liz added: “It’s okay to not get it right the first time, the idea is that you want to try and the more you truly understand what your customers want you can deliver and iterate from there.
“This is an area that we’re still learning and you have to be a little risky by being okay with not having all the answers.
“It’s okay to try but learn what’s working – do more of it and where you see something not working, or customers not engaging, move quickly to let it go.
“We’ve done that over the last year, that’s a hard thing personally to do as a leader but what is so rewarding as you learn as you go, you improve as a team but most of all you deliver new value to delight your customers providing the product they need.”
## **Concentrate on client’s concerns**
**A wealth of options to help improve experiences have revealed themselves amid the digital transformation our industry has been through since 2020.**
This includes extending the lifecycle of your in-person show through online content, driving up digital revenue and [engaging with communities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) year-round. Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on [digital monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
It is expected this technology-driven component is going to rise from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward. Stand sales are also expected to drop from 78% to 50% of the revenue mix.
But Liz highlighted how an organiser can [use these technology advancements](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/smart-events-in-2022/) to improve the live experience for customers through immediate behaviour data.
She said: “It always starts with the customer first – your stakeholders, your target audiences. Understand what their needs are, understand what they want to see and how they want to see it, then go and help create it.
“One of the things I’ve learned over the last 18 months is it always has to be about what the customers want or what your market needs.
“The great thing with digital is you have immediate results, you’re not waiting until after the show – you actually have that data at your fingertips and you can improve as you go and be dynamic in your approach.”
## **Benefits of digital**
**Liz identified two areas in particular where the digital landscape has been working well for Clarion.**
The first of these is through hosted buyer programmes, which include pre-set appointments between a set of pre-qualified people and interested sellers to facilitate business quickly.
Exhibitors get to interact in a more efficient manner for an allocated time period, allowing for maximum sales potential while helping the buyer make better purchase decisions.
Liz added: “We’re finding sponsors are willing to pay for the right meaningful connections – you can give them an opportunity to talk to people who are very well vetted.
“They’re open to buy and they have more information about what they’re looking for. Customers will pay to have those meetings.”
Another area brands have been keen to invest is in thought leadership. This helps promote a company’s image and builds a community which is more likely to buy into products.
Liz described it as making sure they are “being part of a conversation where people are coming to hear what’s going on in our industry.”
She added: “Again, it’s about not creating huge nets, but creating the right net to capture the right target audience and help personalise the experience. But then even go further and move into an individual conversation – I think that’s a huge win.
“As organisers we have such a great opportunity and, honestly, responsibility to deliver personalised experiences for all of our customers.”
This can mean a planner concentrating on bringing in an audience who is best suited to their client, rather than focussing on higher numbers.
Clarion has done this where thought leadership sessions have happened digitally before holding small breakout rooms with keynotes.
Liz added: “It’s a great way to keep targeted conversations happening, but get the right people in the room.
“It’s not about quantity of audience, it’s about the quality. You have the right people together and as an organiser you can help them make the connections they need.”
## **Driving year-round revenue and engagement**
**Online communities have emerged as a way to drive year-round revenue and engagement with audiences, as well as improving the experience of your event.**
Many in our industry were cautious when their businesses were forced to shift to the digital space due to the pandemic.
However, the benefits with online components became all too evident – flexibility, accessibility, lower operational costs and year-round opportunities.
Liz said: “For years I’ve been talking about community and events. Now we’ve got a real opportunity to build it, whether it’s taking on what we’ve learned from live and repurposing pieces or new online discussions.
“But really that accessibility is what organisers can really leverage to provide customers a different digital experience.”
Clarion has been developing their own 365 communities as it provides the business with opportunity to keep conversations happening outside the few-day lifecycle of an event.
The organiser is now capable of giving its clients room to continue talking through a platform after the show has finished.
Furthermore, they can engage before the in-person experience so the ice is already broken when they meet. This allows them to move “closer into the sales funnel towards real business”.
Liz Added: “We’ve become the platform where connections happen, where information is shared, where we come together with exhibitors to learn and share ideas.
“You can have conversations during a show and then as an organiser you can provide a platform and continue those conversations after the event.
“Or vice versa – you can start that conversation digitally and then when you come together face to face. That conversation is much different and much more meaningful, because you’ve already done the pre-screening of each other.”
## **Reshaping your team**
**This digital transformation of our industry saw Clarion adapt the skillset of its team so they were in a strong position to make a success of it.**
Liz said they needed to ensure their teams had what they needed to be able to not only interpret the new data they were acquiring but also use it to improve a customer’s journey.
She added: “We’ve added new skill sets – with data, with digital skill sets, customer journey mapping that is rounding out an already strong marketing team. I think those are big things that we as event organisers have to leverage.
“It’s no longer that just running a multi-channel marketing plan, we also need to augment our team to be much more data centric and be able to harness insights and trends to deliver more personalised results for our customers.
“We have to really understand the customer journey and how to define it and make it better every time. We use a lot of our digital skill sets to help us get there so I think it’s huge for us.”
## **Influencer marketing online**
**Liz believes one area where digital has an edge over in-person for marketing is through the use of influencers.**
Research from [Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1092819/global-influencer-market-size/) puts this market size as having grown from being worth around £1.25 billion ($1.7bn) globally in 2016 to a projected £10.1bn ($13.8bn) in 2021.
Influencer marketing uses endorsements and product mentions from people who have a dedicated social following. They are often viewed as experts in their field.
This model makes use of the high amount of trust that social influencers have from their following. Recommendations from them can be great for promoting your brand to potential customers.
Liz said: “When you’re in digital you’ve got such a great opportunity to use your platform, your speakers, your sponsors, your exhibitors and even other attendees to help get the message out there. It’s an untapped piece for us.
“When we did influencer marketing with live events it wasn’t always as successful as it could be. I think now as we go into digital we’ve got so much more at our fingertips – and people are willing to share and talk.
“That’s a great thing for organisers to think about as they start to leverage both going back to live but also their digital platforms.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Event tech is 'absolute necessity' to satisfy CMOs - Brian Field](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-tech-brian-field/)
**Published:** September 8, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Event technology is an “absolute necessity” to satisfy modern-day chief marketing officers, according to an industry leader.
Brian Field, chief operating officer at Emerald, believes organisers need to explore how technology and data can maximise a return on investment (ROI) or risk being left behind.
In this interview with ExpoPlatform, he reveals the thinking behind the world-leading organiser’s move towards data-driven solutions along with the company’s Digital Market, which offers 365-day business-to-business (B2B) access to product sourcing and ordering.
Brian has more than two decades of experience in B2B and business-to-consumer (B2C) industries.
## ‘Technology is an absolute necessity’
Now he is responsible for Emerald’s data and digital initiatives and product innovation, among other areas.
Emerald is the largest B2B event organiser in the US and would normally stage around 140 events a year pre-coronavirus.
Brian told ExpoPlatform: “Covid-19 has forced everyone into realising that technology – whether it’s rented or owned – is an absolute necessity.
“Organisers can’t just go back to a pre-Covid-19 way of doing things because the way things used to be done – coupled with the absence of performance data – has been increasingly challenging for chief marketing officers (CMO) seeking hard calculations of ROI.
“Being able to [use data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) and supporting tools to generate clear measures and metrics around ROI is required. We have to do it.
“Covid-19 has accelerated the need for broader technological adoption, which is something the industry was going to have to do anyway.”
During the past 16 months, Emerald has been focused on data and has consolidated this information to create a single view of a customer’s behaviour across the organisation’s products and platforms.
This means everything they have learnt from their digital assets as well as in-person events is contained in one platform.
Brian gives an example of how this can be utilised for a potential customer who self-reports interest in one topic, but whose actual behaviour onsite and online may demonstrate a host of different interests.
The technology allows for analysis of what their behaviours suggest would suit this person, similar to the way Netflix suggests certain TV shows based on what a user has already watched.
Using this approach, there are whole new types of products that can be suggested to Emerald customers.
If a customer begins to interact with these suggestive mechanisms, then the profile becomes increasingly robust over time.
A picture emerges of the user which is also clearer, allowing for a personalised experience both digitally and in-person.
Furthermore, this kind of insight is said to be increasingly attractive for paying customers who seek to reach specific audiences.
One the company’s latest moves has been the acquisition of Elastic Suite and the introduction of Digital Market, a platform which provides year-round access to product sourcing and ordering.
*Download ExpoPlatform’s [Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) for a complete guide to creating a successful online marketplace.*
This is aimed at complementing Emerald’s “unified” data strategy.
Brian added: “Now we have the ability to not just see leads exchanged, but actual transactions that are made between buying and selling customers.
“We now know that a certain number of dollars actually materialised as a result of these customer exchanges.
“We now have the ability to not only report on leads created, but also on actual transactional value, which creates a huge benefit in quantifying ROI.”
Brian believes the B2B industry historically had been trailing technologically because the business model of tradeshows had been working so well: money was being made and people were continuing to return to events.
He said: “It created a degree of hubris and lack of willingness to change and invest – because why bother, if it’s working so well?
“Some organisers put their heads down and pretended not to believe that the world was changing beneath them.
“Even though the customers kept saying ‘well, I’m going to take less space this year’ or ‘I’m going to take a pass this year and maybe I’ll come back next year’.
“Meanwhile, that same company’s CMO was demanding more data on the investment that they had been making.
“Others were trying to approach in slightly different ways by dabbling in technology improvements – a little bit of matchmaking here and there trying to make the customer experience a little bit different.”
It comes as surveys show event planners are remodelling their business models to shape budgets to be made up of around 25% digital – whereas it is reported to have been closer to 2% in 2020.
Brian claims there is now more acceptance of how technology has progressed and how it can be utilised by organisers, but that realisation has come slowly when compared with other industries.
For instance, channels that sell directly to consumers have evolved a much more data-driven and sophisticated marketing approach over the last 15 years.
Direct-to-consumer marketers have been more advanced in using data to understand the importance of behaviour and emotion which can influence buyer decisions.
Online consumer marketplaces such as Amazon have grown at pace by using features that can build up a user profile and suggest items they might like.
Those in the top 100 – such as Amazon and eBay – took in £1.92 trillion ($2.67 trillion) over 2020 and a 62% share of worldwide digital sales, according to research from [ComprarAcciones.com](https://compraracciones.com/blog/2021/04/06/top-three-global-online-marketplaces-accounted-for-nearly-two-thirds-of-2-67-trillion-2020-gmv/).
That is an increase of 29% year-over-year in gross merchandise sales, while those for non-marketplace sites grew by 25% over the same period.
B2B marketers have so far been slow to develop a strategy that mimics the success found by those who sell directly to consumers.
A [study by B2B International](https://www.b2binternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/B2B-Superpowers-Architecting-The-Ultimate-Customer-Experience.pdf) used an example of how industries with more direct exposure to consumers – such as technology and finance – were more likely to see interactions with a target customer end before they even asked for a quote.
The market research suggests people are now so used to smooth consumer experiences in these sectors that they want the same performance when they are buying for their business.
## ‘The dash was on to try to support customer needs’
Furthermore, there has been a surge in subscription-based consumerism which values outcomes over ownership.
The subscription economy has grown by 437% over nine years, with the move in that direction looking like it will keep accelerating,[ according to Zuora](https://www.zuora.com/resource/subscription-economy-index/#mktoForm_2180).
Brian believes a gap has emerged between what CMOs and marketing leaders inside of B2B organisations were paying for and their expectations.
This became clear when coronavirus forced a global halt to in-person events.
He said: “Suddenly we had this shock wave across the world through Covid-19, which displaced everything live from sporting events to retail, certainly into B2B trade shows and conferences.
“The dash was on to try to support customer needs and resulting revenue wherever possible with whatever solution one could muster up.
“Many of the available solutions were many years old and frankly hadn’t matured and evolved because there wasn’t money to do it.
“Suddenly, people became intensely interested in solutions, and we’ve now seen a proliferation of platforms and solutions of various types.
“Some of these solutions have a video component and content scheduling while others tried to create a carbon copy of face-to-face tradeshows in a virtual environment.”
*Read our [complete guide on event data management](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/).*
Virtual offerings can provide additional engagement and [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/), year-round.
They can also enhance live shows by giving organisers and exhibitors real-time information about what is working or not.
Whether live or virtual, the data gathered allows the production of clear mechanisms and metrics around ROI to better satisfy a CMO.
## ‘Embrace the outputs that technology can provide’
Brian believes organisers who want to succeed must accept the industry will have digital components – and make the most of it by educating or recruiting tech-savvy staff.
He told ExpoPlatform: “Embrace the outputs that technology can provide, which is data demonstrating success or a need for change.
“A lot of times, certainly operating in the analogue world, you’d put on an event and then you’d send a post-show survey a week after.
“Then a couple weeks after you get some results from some subset of those customers and then you think about it and make some changes – and then you try again next year, 11 months later.
“So the cycle of data collection and what you’re going to do with that data is fairly long.
“With many of these technology platforms today, you can gather the data and look at it and analyse it in near real time.
“It means you can continue to iterate, change, get better, improve, pivot, test and learn.
“With all of those things you need to make sure that the people inside of whatever organisation is adopting technology are equipped and staffed with people that understand that and can take action on what they’re saying.”
***Transformation Stories gives organisers exclusive insights from industry leaders about the future of events.* *For more in the series so far, read here******:***
- *[Association events ‘will reinvent’ to meet digital expectations](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/)*
- *[Organisers ‘missing out’ on hybrid event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/)*
- [*Events ‘must adapt to generational shift’ – that means FOMO*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/heather-holst-knudsen-event-marketing/)
- [*How an online community can nurture ‘next great global thinkers’*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-charlie-cracknell/)
- [*Hybrid booths: how to convert leads without attending events*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-booths-donna-shaw/)
**Categories:** Data
---
### [The 'million dollar question' about event data algorithms](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/eleni-lialiamou-feb23/)
**Published:** February 8, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The “million dollar question” facing organizers right now is over how event data can create high-quality recommendations, according to an industry expert.**
Eleni Lialiamou, executive vice president of product management at Informa Markets, believes the way we live our lives has been transformed through technology – and exhibitions deserve the same.
But how close we are to introducing smart, data-driven algorithms for recommendations was described as the “millionaire dollar question”.
She said: “There are so many things that are happening in our everyday life which are driven by data – and hopefully using data for the right for optimization.
“When you think of exhibitors, their intention is to leave an exhibition with quality connections.
“Quality I think is a very significant word – it’s not just the number of connections, but it’s the quality of connections.
“That’s where data can make the difference, really using data to create these powerful recommendations – that’s not an easy thing to do.
“When Spotify recommends songs or Netflix recommends movies, that’s a very elaborate piece of work.
“It is not just the data – it’s the element of curation, it’s the element of understanding of past behaviors, it’s the element of feedback loops, it’s the element of an event organizer being an expert in that vertical.
“That’s where the value comes – those recommendations, those abilities to find each other in the digital space to assess the fit to understand the product, understand the profile of the exhibitor.”
She pointed to how “transformative” the past few years have been in bringing technology into our private world – through shopping, recreation, banking and more.
However, it was claimed the rise of online events during the pandemic has not dampened desires to meet face-to-face.
Research from Informa shows professionals still really value the ability to connect and do business in person.
Eleni added: “Look at the experiences of the past three years and how transformative it has been on how we use technology every day.
“That applies for all age groups, all demographics, people that didn’t necessarily use technology on a day-to-day basis.
“That’s the great opportunity for the event industry – it’s how data technology enables people to connect and meet each other to drive business forward.”
## **AI-powered recommendations**
Eleni believes organizers have to move away from asking participants a “very long list of 25 questions” for registration, as their research suggests respondents don’t pay attention to it.
She set out how it is more important to understand how both sides operate contextually, in the same way Spotify algorithms can work out types of music you enjoy at different times of day.
This can then be further improved by building up more data about an event tech users by gathering information from additional or adjacent live shows as well as holistic behavior.
Eleni added: “At the foundation of it is the data – what do we know about our buyers and sellers? What do we know about their intent? How do we gather that information? When do we gather that information? How do we ask the questions? Are they contextual?
“Also understanding deeper their products and everything around their company profile sets the foundation for better recommendations.”
The “feedback loop” was highlighted as key to the success of the algorithms by training them through curation.
An organizer can do this by analyzing how people react to the recommendations, whether they are connecting and meeting each other based on those suggestions.
She said: “That’s where you create high-quality signals – the signal-to-noise ratio is increasing dramatically and that’s where people get quality.”
Eleni claimed this area is what Informa is “doubling down on” through “rethinking the entire journey” buyers and sellers.
It has brought in a “rigid approach” of gathering data and consistently remembering both visitors and exhibitors throughout its event editions, making sure it can understand behaviors across all touchpoints.
She added: “The quality of the data and the quality of tracking past behaviors, is going to be even higher.
“We understand what connections did happen and then feed that into what we recommend of what connections could happen.
“The deeper you go, the more quality outcomes you get in these types of recommendation algorithms.”
## **Getting data from a live setting**
Informa has been running a number of “experiments” for gathering data at hundreds of events with thousands of attendees.
This gives them a vast amount of information about connections being made onsite, which can then tracked digitally.
Lead retrieval is one example of how this can be done, with an event app being used to exchange information.
Eleni said: “Ideally, what we want to get into is the ability to see the connections that people are making while in the event so you can get real-time, contextual recommendations.
“It’s not just what data you put into the algorithm, but taking it to the next level.
“Netflix knows exactly the time of day, it knows exactly the context – and in the context it offers a recommendation.
“Event tech should be at a similar level – if I exchange a badge with you and a specific product, it only makes sense that it’s contextual recommendations to say you should be meeting another person.
“It is about taking it to the next level, bringing it to the point where you really have in your hand the power of data.
“We absolutely do deserve to have it. If that experience throughout the event gives you that confidence that data can enable you to be more productive to leave with more quality connections, it allows us to create value before and after the event as well.”
## **How to make it work**
This more tech-led approach to events could be much more seamless and user-friendly within the next 12 months, according to Eleni.
She explained the importance of partnering with ExpoPlatform to make many of these digital dreams a reality.
It was set out how the removal of industry-standard features such as physical badges should no longer be seen as a hurdle, but as the new normal.
She said: “I would hope that in a year’s time some of the things we’re talking about will be real – you walk into an event and we wouldn’t ever hear again ‘it’s so difficult’.
“I would imagine it’s not something we wouldn’t see in the next 12 months. That’s our goal – to bring these things to life.”
Making this data-driven transformation possible requires a working approach of repeated testing, according to Eleni.
An iterative process with the apps and website was set out as crucial to helping Informa develop its technological capabilities.
Eleni believes a growth mindset helps the organizer to keep up with this transforming landscape in our industry and get ahead of competition.
She said: “It’s a lot about doing the research, being very diligent on the feedback, being very careful to synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to understand really how your product fits with customer needs.
“Then iterating, constantly evolving, constantly innovating, constantly challenging how you’re solving problems – and not only keeping up to speed with every other technology solution, but trying to be ahead of them.
“How can we set the pace? How can we set the example for these new norms or these new behaviors?
“For me, that is the biggest foundation for a successful transformation – the way we work and how we really engage with our customers to make sure that we are really ahead with our tools, with our platforms to create experiences they really value.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Events 'must adapt to generational shift' - that means FOMO](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/heather-holst-knudsen-event-marketing/)
**Published:** August 18, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
A generational shift means events industry buyers now expect a “business-to-consumer experience” which creates a fear of missing out, according to an industry expert.
The digital transformation of exhibitions and conferences has accelerated over the last 18 months due to restrictions forced by the pandemic.
Traditional in-person events were halted, which saw organisers focus their energies on making a success of virtual alternatives.
But the habits of Millennials and Gen Z were already shaped by the world they grew up in: one of convenience, connectivity and quick content – all delivered online.
Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO of H2K Partners, believes organisers have to be willing to recognise and act on this to succeed in future.
## ‘They’ve got to feel this fear of missing out’
She told ExpoPlatform: “In the past, events could get away with some content, a big trade show floor or sponsor area, a cocktail reception and all that kind of stuff.
“But because of this demographic change that’s happening with the Millennials and Gen Z in this new workforce, you want to get their attention.
“They want much more of what I call a business-to-commerce (B2C) experience, they expect to be delighted and inspired across the entire customer journey.
“That means much better content – shorter and punchier – stellar entertainment, an elevated experience and knowing that the who’s who of their industry will be there.
“They’ve got to feel this fear of missing out (FOMO).”
Millennials are those who were born between 1981 and 1996 whereas Gen Z are people who were born from 1997 onwards, according to the [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/).
More than half of the global workforce will be made up of these cohorts by 2025 before rising to around three-quarters by 2030, according to ExpoPlatform analysis of UN population projections.
These age groups have an affinity for technology which has already reshaped the retail industry.
Product information, reviews and price comparisons are at their fingertips through smartphones or tablets which has seen them turning to brands that offer the most convenience at the lowest cost.
Furthermore, the recently launched [Community Leaders Institute](https://www.communityleadersinstitute.com/) recognises the direction of travel towards a “direct to consumer economy” model.
But these generational cohorts are also enthusiastic about using the opportunities that technology brings for their own professional development.
Research from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) shows around one-quarter of millennials and 27% of Gen Zs claim to have embarked on professional improvement during their free time throughout the pandemic.
Meanwhile, 32% of those in senior positions and 37% of those in leadership roles spent time improving their skill set outside of working hours.
This was all carried out when in-person opportunities for professional development were limited.
Heather believes an event organiser must clearly promote how taking part in an event – physical or virtual – can help them in their careers.
She added: “The value of an event is ‘how are you going to make me better as a professional?’
“I went to this event, I met these people, I gained these relationships – I’m doing this for my company, I’m doing this for my career.”
However, Heather said many organisers have been too complacent in trying to transfer the networking format of a physical show into the virtual world.
She believes the majority of digital experiences have been “poorly done and very misunderstood” by event producers who simply live-stream meetings to make up for a lack of in-person exhibition attendees.
*Read our [complete guide to networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) in a virtual or hybrid event.*
Heather said: “I hate to break the news to everybody, but there’s no trade show floor where people are walking in a virtual environment – you are on a screen.
“It is different, so how do you take that physical activity of walking and being able to get someone to come to your booth when that whole experience is different?
“I think curation of meetings and embedding sponsors into thought leadership on the virtual side is a big aspect of being successful.
“Maybe the virtual side shouldn’t happen during the face-to-face, maybe it happens after.”
The H2K Partners CEO gives an example of how the live content can be recorded and then be made available on-demand for digital consumption afterwards.
## ‘Meaningful, relevant and on-point’
However, these offerings would be repackaged and refreshed where new elements can be added and viewed by the attendee and their colleagues.
Heather said: “How great would it be if you were able to say ‘I know you came to the face-to-face, but if you thought it was so good, guess what, you can go to the next phase of the event journey which is in a virtual format.
“‘We are going to have new content there as well as some of the things you may have missed at the face-to-face event – and invite your team to the virtual event so they can also benefit from what you learned’.”
Continued engagement after a show can be helped through using [information gathered from an organiser’s event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) to better target and customise promotion towards an attendee.
This creates more “meaningful, relevant and on-point” marketing content as opposed to a “spray-and-pray” email campaign.
Heather said this can be done through studying the [attendee’s data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/how-to-attendee-data/) by looking at previous behaviour to promote other sessions they might be interested in.
This is similar to how a video streaming service such as YouTube will promote content to a user based on what they have already watched.
It allows for more relevant advertisements on the channel to be shown to the viewer – in the same way sponsors can have their thought leadership and brand awareness promoted through suggested sessions.
But Heather also believes too many organisers are missing out by failing to continue making connections with their audience before an event, after they have registered.
## ‘How do you get them invested in their participation?’
Examples of how this can be done include informing them of new speakers, asking them if they have invited colleagues to the show, and inviting them to host a meetup during the event while also providing things of interest to be shared with them if not.
She said: “You’ve got to continue to market to them with relevant content about what’s going on.
“More importantly, how do you get them invested in their participation?
“Don’t overwhelm them, but you have to keep them interested as the earlier they register the more likely they are to drop off.”
B2C marketers have so far been more advanced in using data to understand the importance of behaviour and emotion which can influence buyer decisions
Those in the top 100 – such as Amazon and eBay – took in £1.92 trillion ($2.67 trillion) over 2020 and a 62% share of worldwide digital sales, according to research from [ComprarAcciones.com](https://compraracciones.com/blog/2021/04/06/top-three-global-online-marketplaces-accounted-for-nearly-two-thirds-of-2-67-trillion-2020-gmv/).
That is an increase of 29% year-over-year in gross merchandise sales, while those for non-marketplace sites grew by 25% over the same period.
Business-to-business (B2B) marketers have so far been slow to develop a strategy which could mimic the success found by those who sell directly to consumers.
A [study by B2B International](https://www.b2binternational.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/B2B-Superpowers-Architecting-The-Ultimate-Customer-Experience.pdf) used an example of how industries with more direct exposure to consumers – such as technology and finance – were more likely to see interactions with a target customer end before they even asked for a quote.
The market researcher suggests people are now so used to smooth consumer experiences in these sectors that they want the same performance when they are buying for their business.
*Download our [Marketplace Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) for a complete guide on creating an [online marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/).*
Furthermore, there has been a surge in subscription-based consumerism which values outcomes over ownership.
The subscription economy has grown by 437% over nine years with the move in that direction looking like it will keep accelerating, [according to Zuora](https://www.zuora.com/resource/subscription-economy-index/#mktoForm_2180).
Millennials and those in Gen Z are more likely to be subscription-based consumers and are more used to watching new blockbusters through a streaming service than at a cinema.
## ‘Community is taking that to the next level’
But Heather claims there’s a difference between an organisation having a subscriber and a community member who will be continually engaged with a brand.
She said: “I can subscribe, I can buy an annual pass to your events and to exclusive content and it does still have what I call a very linear relationship with me and the brand.
“Community is taking that to the next level – curating connections with like-minded peers and building and moderating an active community that is consistently engaging, sharing, posting and adding value to their peers.
“You need a website that enables these things and you’re going to need to have community moderators that are on your team that are helping to generate that, to light the fire.
“A lot of event organisers really do not [understand what a community is](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).”
Heather believes this can be done by providing those subscribers with exclusive access to content, intimate networking events and connections that can’t be found anywhere else.
There may also be a programme for industry leaders of the future included in an organisation’s offerings.
She added: “You’ve got to think through what you’re giving them to create a community and what are you going to charge them to join the community.
“You can have some free aspects but again – how do you get people coming back if they don’t think there’s value?
“If you’re creating content for this community and no one’s not paying, really you’re putting content out on your website for everybody.”
Heather believes building an engaged relationship with an audience can then lead to greater revenue through community referral marketing.
This involves an organisation getting its target audience energised by its offering to the extent that they promote it to their peers.
Gmail, Evernote, Dropbox and Trello all had huge surges in growth early after their launches by utilising the power of this form of marketing.
Heather said: “This is super relevant for Millennials and Gen Z because they love to refer – it’s FOMO.
“How are you getting those people – your micro-influencers – to talk about your event and say ‘you’ve got to be here because of x y and z’ both to internal peers and external.”
***Transformation Stories gives organisers exclusive insights from industry leaders about the future of events.* *For more in the series so far, read here******:***
- *[Association events ‘will reinvent’ to meet digital expectations](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/)*
- **[Organisers ‘missing out’ on hybrid event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/)**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Association events 'will reinvent' to meet digital expectations](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/)
**Published:** August 3, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Association events are going to be designed in a “very different way” in future to meet the new expectations of attendees, according to an industry leader.
Virtual and hybrid event platforms have spearheaded the digital transformation needed when coronavirus put a hold to in-person shows.
But as things start to open up, a number of challenges are still facing these membership-based organisations as they try to bounce back.
James Hampton oversees a team which helps associations create strategies for growth and he recognises the “battering” the industry has taken during the pandemic.
Figures from the [MGI Membership Marketing Benchmarking Survey 2021](https://www.marketinggeneral.com/knowledge-bank/reports/) show 47% have suffered a decline in membership numbers over the last year.
## We’re going to be better than we were before
The MCI UK director of operations sees the emergence of [virtual and hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/virtual-and-hybrid-events-guide-for-associations/) – as well as 365 communities – as offering growth opportunities to associations who can capitalise on them.
He told ExpoPlatform: “We’re a resilient bunch, we love what we do. We haven’t been able to do it the way we wanted to for a while now.
“But now we’ve learned these new skills, we’re going to be better than we were before – we’re more skilled now than we were before.
“I think it’s an exciting time, because you can see events are taking a new shape, people are engaging in a different way.
“We need to make sure the design of our event can fit that.”
He added: “We’re going to design events in a very different way in the future from what they’ve been before, because attendee behaviours have changed.”
MCI Group has created two strategic documents named [D.I.V.E.](https://divebymci.com/) and [F.A.S.T.](https://www.fastbymci.com/) to help “futureproof” associations.
The former of these is aimed at helping membership-based organisations to thrive in the digital space.
It gives advice on transitioning from purely physical meet-ups to a virtual or hybrid event and “having the right success from that”.
James believes this depends on understanding how expectations from sponsors and attendees have changed.
He said sponsors may not commit as much funding as they would have previously, amid a time when organisations may be looking to make cutbacks and savings while still wanting a return on investment (ROI).
The MGI report found 43% of all associations said a fall in member or employer budgets was one of the biggest challenges they face to growing membership – almost 10% higher than the total who said the pandemic, at 35%.
MCI UK has chosen to place emphasis on working out the key elements each different sponsor is expecting, rather than just producing a “general package document” before emailing it with a hope they will buy something.
James added: “It’s a conversation with a sponsor about, first and foremost, what are your objectives? How do you want to engage with the audience?
“A lot of sponsors have very much focused on content – ‘what opportunities can you sell me that involve content so we can get our message directly in front of a crowd of individuals?’
“Being an advisor to our clients, we’re not just not just accepting a brief and responding with a generic answer, but maybe challenging that brief.”
## Content is king, it’s a cliche phrase but it’s true
James used an example of how a symposium can be held at a physical event, but also live-streamed and recorded for virtual attendees.
The footage can then be used on-demand to watch later, extending the value of the event for the sponsor.
This is similar to how a music artist might use a platform such as YouTube, where they can promote a live show to subscribers while also making it available on their channel to be watched whenever a viewer chooses.
He said: “Content is king, it’s a cliche phrase but it’s true.
“It’s what sponsors want more than anything, more than the typical advertising or the banners – it has to be engaging.”
When it comes to changes of expectations from attendees, James believes the upcoming [International Confex](https://www.international-confex.com/welcome) in September will give him an opportunity to personally compare the virtual and physical handling of content.
The world’s leading exhibition for the events industry has been delayed on several occasions because of coronavirus restrictions and was last due to take place between June 22 and 23 before again being delayed due to a rise in UK Covid-19 cases.
He said: “I’m going to go in person one afternoon and then maybe the next day I’m going to attend virtually.
“I’m just going to see how that experience goes, to see what engagement you can get between the two audiences as well. So I’m interested to see how that goes.
“As an industry, we need to make sure we’re doing that very well.”
James believes the drastic alterations which were brought about by the pandemic have made attendees – and sponsors – realise there are other options to get value from a conference, be it physical or virtual.
MCI Group has been studying event data over the last year to see what types of content a membership typically engages with at a digital conference.
## People’s priorities have changed and it’s going to be interesting to see how that affects the industry
Their findings have reinforced a belief that attendees prefer having a virtual option to watch on-demand.
James said: “Even though we have a large number of people registered, there wasn’t necessarily a large number of people tuning in for the live sessions.
“They were more comfortable around the on demand, they were happy.”
He added: “It might be that now you’ve got that virtual element, people don’t want to spend five days away from home.
“They might decide to go for the day as they’ve been working on this deal or project with someone.
“Someone might take me out for dinner if they’re trying to sell me something great and then I’ll come back home the next morning.
“I’m not spending loads of money on accommodation or expenses, I’m not spending time out of the office, I’m not away from my family.
“People’s priorities have changed and it’s going to be interesting to see how that affects the industry – and how people are going to return to events.”
One of the most important tactics for building engagement within a membership – as well as custom – is through 365 communities, James believes.
This technology is brought through vendors such as ExpoPlatform to connect buyers and sellers, grow communities and drive business every day of the year.
*[Read here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/how-to-build-an-effective-engagement-strategy-for-a-365-community-hub/) for information on building an effective engagement strategy for a 365 community through ExpoPlatform.*
Figures from the 2021 MGI report show 43% of associations raised concerns over member budgets, 50% said there was a lack of engagement, 26% cited poor brand awareness and 33% highlighted issues with competing information sources.
Despite this, many of these organisations make no use of an online community.
James said: “You need that extended engagement outside of the period of the event, because it really allows you to bring in more members.
“You might create an online community, that’s a free community to join, therefore you could potentially have 10,000 customers that are interested in what you’re talking about.
“You may only have 1,000 people that pay a subscription to be an actual member, but all the rest of the 9,000 were just happy to be part of the community.”
This approach allows them to become more engaged through reading articles or taking part in discussions – making it more likely they will become a paying member.
Exclusive research from ExpoPlatform has analysed and ranked around [420 association websites by digital engagement](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/digital-ranking-association-websites/), using tools Buzzsumo and Spy Fu.
It reveals a huge gap between those who are using content well to engage their community and other associations which get minimal traffic and engagement.
The top 10 associations each have around 330 times more social engagement on average a year than those outside the top 100.
This is 392,778 social engagements on average each year while those outside the top 100 are getting 1,174 each on average every year, according to the research.
ExpoPlatform’s study also shows the top 10 websites are each getting 136,519 estimated clicks on average a month from people who have used a Google search, which is crucial when trying to build site visits.
Those outside the top 100 are only getting 1,117 – meaning the leading group has 115 times more in this form of traffic.
Longform articles with terms aimed at boosting search engine optimisation (SEO) is the sort of content which has so far been working best.
However, James expects those who want to innovate in the industry to start learning from other sectors – such as news and broadcasting – to improve their online output as well as their virtual event experiences.
He told ExpoPlatform: “I think we’re going to bring more new skillsets into the industry, in terms of content creation and content producers.
“We need to learn a lot from the broadcast business, the TV studios, the news programmes, they all do it so well.
“We need to adopt those sorts of techniques as well.”
The MGI report found 63% of association executives believe that members most often join so they can network with others in the field.
This was higher among trade and combination associations, who both came in at 69%.
A 365 community can increase member engagement year-round by delivering “always on” content, [marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) which can traffic leads over 12 months and virtual or hybrid events.
Vendors can allow membership associations to recruit potential members and engage existing ones throughout the year, with a seamless experience from articles, to webinars, to hybrid events.
Having all the interactions take place on a common platform avoids having data in silos, allowing associations to create a personalised journey for members.
[*Read these 12 reasons*](https://expoplatform.com/12-reasons-to-choose-expoplatform-associations/) *why ExpoPlatform is the preferred choice for the world’s largest exhibitions, conference organisers and membership associations.*
James added: “Some of the platforms – certainly ExpoPlatform – we like the fact they give the exhibitor or the sponsor statistics within their own dashboard.
“They don’t need to come to us to ask for those – they can see them themselves.
“They can see who has interacted with them, what products these people have been looking at, if someone’s favourited them and if someone’s requested or held a video meeting with them.
“They’re really powerful statistics that they wouldn’t have necessarily had in a face-to-face event.”
***Transformation Stories is a six-part series with exclusive insights from industry leaders about the future of events.***
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [How hybrid event meetings can drive year-round leads](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-event-meetings-for-more-leads/)
**Published:** June 29, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The main concern exhibitors and sponsors have regarding virtual or hybrid events is whether they can generate enough quality leads and justify the ROI, compared to physical meetups.
With in-person events reopening and digital interaction becoming more prominent at B2B conferences and exhibitions, organisers need to figure out how to harness this hybrid format and turn it into a lead generation engine.
*Read our [complete guide on hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) here.*
An effective lead generation strategy starts with making the right connections, and nurturing prospects into your sales pipeline.
With hybrid events, organisers can use a number of ways to engage prospects and customers, hold focused meetings and leverage the 365 community model to drive leads throughout the year.
Let’s see how this works.
## **Use AI matchmaking to meet the right people**
According to [**B2B growth marketing blog Markletic**](https://www.markletic.com/blog/hybrid-event-statistics/), 81 percent of event organisers believe that [networking opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) at hybrid events contribute significantly to audience satisfaction. Having the right networking tools makes it easier to connect with a broader audience because many attendees log in virtually, increasing the chances of generating more leads.
AI-powered matchmaking algorithms play a crucial role in connecting attendees to relevant exhibitors and vice-versa before, during and after the event. These tools also help the audience find the right products and content, following which they can schedule online or face-to-face meetings with product experts, visit the virtual or in-person stands to meet the sales rep or book demos.
Once the connections are made, exhibitors can use onsite lead capture technology and analyse the virtual attendee data to qualify relevant leads.
**[*Learn 3 ways how AI can significantly improve virtual event engagement.*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/3-ways-ai-can-remarkably-improve-virtual-event-engagement/)**
## **Pre-schedule appointments through hosted buyer programme**
A great way to get quality leads at hybrid events is through a [hosted buyer programme](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/), where pre-scheduled appointments are held between qualified buyers hosted by the organiser or sponsors and interested sellers during the event. Such hosted buyer programmes provide numerous advantages to exhibitors by providing direct access to valuable leads, increase their sales potential without going through the traditional funnel approach, and measure ROI clearly by matching sales to the pre-booked appointments.
Even if a hosted buyer programme is not part of the event, organisers can encourage both in-person and remote attendees to book their meetings and appointments in advance, sign up for demos, consultation calls and register for training and workshops to get more information on the products and technologies on offer. This helps exhibitors to capture the details and qualify the right buyers for their business.
[***Read this guide to understand how to create ROI-driven events with a hosted buyer programme.***](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/)
## **Offer C-Suite meetings for VIP attendees**
At times prospects and customers might need more information about a product than from the official salesperson. Hybrid event organisers can set up exclusive one-to-one ‘Meet the CEO’ or ‘Meet the Executive’ sessions as part of the premium or VIP packages for both attendees and exhibitors. While attendees get critical insights and business information straight from the horse’s mouth, exhibitors can use this strategy to get high level leads, accelerate their sales pipeline and boost revenue potential.
## **Onboard to 365 community**
Finally, once a database of high quality leads has been built, onboard them to a 365 community platform. Keep these leads in active circulation. The face-to-face and online interactions at the hybrid event can be extended to the entire year on the platform, where the existing pool of leads can refer new prospects, discuss upsell and collaboration opportunities with listed exhibitors and act as brand advocates for the next event.
By keeping the community engaged, organisers can create a year-round lead generation model and keep adding a fresh set of engaged prospects and leads.
[***Learn how you can build an effective engagement strategy for your 365 community.***](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/)
## **Conclusion**
Gone are the days when lead-generation strategies were restricted around traditional in-person events with attendees and exhibitors meeting in a limited timeframe. With the onset of hybrid events and the increasing adoption of 365 community models that enable ‘any time engagement’, the opportunities to meet new prospects and generate quality leads have increased manifold.
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [A week of changes at the top](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230515/)
**Published:** May 15, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The past week saw a slew of top appointments in the events industry.**
The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), which operates the largest exhibition venue in the Middle East, named a former Reed Exhibitions head as its new CEO.
Messe Berlin also appointed a new chief executive while UFI named a former sports broadcasting professional as its new content and communities manager.
Find this and more in your full Week in Events industry news roundup.
## **ADNEC Group appoints new CEO**
**UAE’s ADNEC Group has appointed a new CEO for its subsidiary, Capital Events.**
Darren Johnson will spearhead the group’s efforts to boost its events portfolio in the region and develop the company as an international organiser platform.
Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, group CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “I would like to extend a warm welcome to Darren and wish him great success in his new role. With his wealth of experience and unique skills, I am confident that Darren will make a valuable contribution to the success to Capital Events.”
Darren added: “I am thrilled to take on this new challenge to drive the Capital Events to new realms of excellence and success. Capital Events has cemented its position as one of the leading events companies in the region.
“I look forward to developing the company’s portfolio of high-profile events and exhibitions, while providing our exhibitors and stakeholders with best in class events capabilities.”
He was earlier CEO and divisional managing director at Reed Exhibitions, and has served on the board of major companies and industry forums.
Some key show organised by Capital Events include the International Defence Exhibition & Conference, the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition, the Unmanned Systems Exhibition & Conference and the Global Media Congress.
## **Mario Tobias joins Messe Berlin as new chief exec**
**Messe Berlin has named Mario Tobias as new chief executive of its group of companies.**
The announcement was made at the exhibition firm’s recent supervisory board meeting.
Mario will work along with managing director Dirk Hoffman to drive leadership for the Messe Berlin group of companies with its eight subsidiaries and nine international holdings.
> Der Aufsichtsrat der [\#MesseBerlin](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MesseBerlin?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) hat Dr. Mario Tobias zum neuen Vorsitzenden der Geschäftsführung der Unternehmensgruppe bestellt.
> ℹ️ Mehr Infos in unserer Pressemitteilung: [pic.twitter.com/A1WEEWq7BK](https://t.co/A1WEEWq7BK)
>
> — Messe Berlin (@MesseBerlin) [May 10, 2023](https://twitter.com/MesseBerlin/status/1656232515776987143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Eric Schweitzer, chairman of the Supervisory Board of Messe Berlin, said: “With Dr. Mario Tobias we are gaining an outstanding personality with more than 20 years of experience in corporate leadership, economic policy and management.
“With his strategic skills and excellent competence in organisational development, customer and service orientation, coupled with his leadership and transformation experience as well as his network in important future fields such as digitalisation and sustainability management, he is the ideal appointment.”
Mario had previously been CEO of the Potsdam Chamber of Industry and Commerce since 2014.
He was instrumental in transforming IHK Potsdam and in growing the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies as its secretary general.
## **UFI appoints new programme manager for content and communities**
**UFI has bolstered its content and community initiatives with a new hiring.**
Nidhi Grelaud joins the group’s Paris headquarters as programme manager for content and communities.
The position will see her working with UFI’s marketing and communications team to drive industry-relevant content.
She will also work on the group’s outreach programmes as well as lead the Next Generation Leadership Grant project and the Marketing Work Group.
> Join us in welcoming Nidhi Grelaud to the UFI team! ?
>
> Nidhi joins as Programme Manager for Content and Communities. Her role will be to enhance UFI’s reach in building communities while also increasing and sustaining the members, sponsors and wider industry.[\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/IAdxraz1Fl](https://t.co/IAdxraz1Fl)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [May 12, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1656930275043995649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Adeline Vancauwelaert, UFI COO, said: “We are excited to welcome Nidhi Grelaud as our Programme Manager for Content and Communities. This newly created role at UFI signifies the importance we place on fostering connections and building communities within the global exhibition industry.
“Nidhi’s expertise and leadership will be instrumental in our mission to both strengthen and also drive our industry forward.”
Nidhi added: “I am thrilled to begin this journey and eager to work with the UFI team to develop the objectives of my newly created role. My primary focus will lie on crafting compelling and relevant narratives that meets the needs of our members and wider industry community.”
She has previously worked in the sports broadcasting industry and driven CSR initiatives for international sporting events.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [What will shape global business travel in 2023?](https://expoplatform.com/trends/global-business-travel-in-2023/)
**Published:** May 2, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
A new poll by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) has revealed the key factors and trends that will shape global business travel in 2023 and beyond.
The business travel industry is expected to continue its growth momentum, with worldwide spending projected to reach $1.16 trillion in 2023.
Meanwhile, the UK is set to witness the biggest exhibition on robotics and automation in the next month.
Other stories cover a key partner sign-up by The Business of Events, refinancing by GL Events and a new appointment by UFI to boost its advocacy efforts.
Read your full Week in Events below.
## **Poll unveils drivers shaping global business travel**
**GBTA’s latest Q2 2023 Business Travel Outlook Poll has uncovered the top drivers that will define global business travel.**
These drivers are based around – new distribution capability (NDC), rebuilding the industry workforce and the business traveller experience.
Here are the highlights:
**Evolution in Airline Retailing**
**Current scenario** ? 48% haven’t implemented NDC yet. Around 1/3rd intermediary stakeholders are facing challenges in implementing NDC. And 81% said they required more information on NDC.
**Industry opinion**
**➡️** 47% of poll respondents do not support efforts to expedite NDC vs 34% who support and 20% who aren’t aware of what NDC is.
**➡️** 36% said their travel programme has been affected by the move to implement NDC; 29% said it hasn’t impacted them
**Rebuilding the business travel workforce**
**Current scenario** ? The biggest barriers to setting up a robust workforce are salary and benefits (69%), lack of desired candidates (50%) and hiring and training people outside the industry (46%)
**Industry opinion**
**➡️** 58% of respondents said they are facing labour shortages or hiring challenges. However, 36% said they weren’t facing any significant issues.
**➡️** Most in-demand roles are in tech (31%), entry level/operations (26%), sales and account management (24%), travel consultants/agents (17%)
**State of business travel experience**
**Current scenario** ? Domestic travel booking have reached to 72% of 2019 pre-pandemic levels, with spending recovering to 74%. International bookings have rebounded to 63% with spending levels back to 66% .
**Industry Opinion**
**➡️** 31% said their recent travel experience was somewhat pleasant, 29% said it was very pleasant.
**➡️** 41% said concerns about travel disruptions had somewhat reduced their willingness to travel for work while 9% said this was a major factor.
## **Automation UK poised to be the largest robotics exhibition in the UK**
**The UK is set to witness the largest exhibition on robotics and automation in June 2023.**
Organised by the British Automation & Robot Association (BARA), Automation UK will showcase key aspects of robotics and system integration.
Key names exhibiting at the event will be **ABB, CKF, FANUC, Festo, KUKA Robotics, Mills CNC** plus 40 other companies.
Automation UK will highlight the latest innovative tech in the automation and robotics market as well as hold live demonstrations of the latest machines.
Also held alongside will be the UK Industrial Vision Association’s (UKIVA) Machine Vision Conference (MVC).
It will showcase the latest key developments in industrial vision and imaging systems.
Mark Stepney, managing director of Schubert UK said: “Automation UK and MVC will be the largest annual event in the UK to showcase leading robotic and vision suppliers.
“Aside from being able to view live demonstrations of the latest machines, talk to exhibitors face-to-face and gain the latest market intelligence from industry experts, we have a very competitive offer for exhibitors and one we believe they will find very attractive, not least because the show is open to all suppliers and prospective purchasers.”
The events will be hosted at the Coventry Building Society Arena between June 20-21 2023.
## **The Business of Events confirms ICC Wales as key partner for 2023**
**UK-based think tank The Business of Events has confirmed ICC Wales as its new [official partner](https://expoplatform.com/blog/expoplatform-official-technology-partner-of-arabplast-2015/) for 2023.**
ICC Wales is a leading events player in the UK and has hosted high-ticket shows like International Golf Travel Market, the Independent Schools Bursars’ Association annual conference and the 2023 BetVictor Welsh Open Snooker.
Martin Fullard, Director, News and Content, The Business of Events, said: “ICC Wales is a key venue in the UK, located at the gateway to Wales. It represents the future of the sector, with the multi-million-pound venue placing strong emphasis on sustainability, future-building, and excellence in service.
“ICC Wales are at the coalface of business and event sentiment in the Western Gateway region and that experience makes them a valuable partner to support our work in developing policy initiatives for wider events sector.”
> We are delighted to confirm [@ICCWales](https://twitter.com/ICCWales?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as a key partner for our 2023 activity. Opening in 2019, it has hosted high-profile events including Intl Golf Travel Market, Independent Schools Bursars’ Association annual conference and the 2023 BetVictor Welsh Open Snooker | [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/kJRA0GKcRP](https://t.co/kJRA0GKcRP)
>
> — The Business of Events (@TheBizofEvents) [April 26, 2023](https://twitter.com/TheBizofEvents/status/1651235893745790982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Ian Edwards, CEO, ICC Wales said: “With its direct connections to Government and the public sector, The Business of Events provides an excellent platform for leaders to convene and discuss critical issues, solutions, and best practices.
“The events and intelligence generated by The Business of Events is excellent for sharing with our clients and for shaping our future approach and ideas for the business. I look forward to continuing our partnership with The Business of Events in 2023 and attending its programme of events.”
The think tank plans to announce more major partners soon.
## **GL Events announces early refinancing of £132m RCF**
**France-based event industry group GL Events has announced early refinancing of its £132 million revolving credit facility (RCF).**
The RCF refinancing includes a five-year maturity and an optional two-year extension.
The group has also secured a new loan to the tune of £60mn, repayable over five years.
Olivier Ginon, Chairman-CEO of GL events Group, said: “GL events welcomes the conclusion of this refinancing agreement which extends the maturity of its financial debt and reflects our strategy of further reducing our gross debt at the end of 2023 and supporting the Group’s development.
“It is also a testimony to our banking partners’ continuing confidence in our business model and I sincerely thank them for their unwavering support over the years.”
## **UFI appoints Peirui Tan as new Programme Manager**
**UFI has strengthened its advocacy efforts with the appointment of former Business Events Sydney (BESydney) director Peirui Tan.**
Peirui joins UFI as Programme Manager for Advocacy and Alliances.
She will drive advocacy efforts for the global exhibition industry and industry-wide initiatives while working with UFI members and partners.
Hailing from Singapore, Peirui has earlier worked with the Singapore Tourism Board and more recently with BESydney, bringing expertise in government engagement, strategy development and relationship management.
Adeline Vancauwelaert, UFI COO, said: “UFI’s work around advocacy issues has multiplied in recent years, so we decided to create a new position that will focus on such activities.
“As our industry continues to evolve, we must work together to strengthen our networks, collaborate on an international scale, and advocate for the interests of our members.
“We are excited to have Peirui on board and look forward to the positive impact she will bring to UFI and the entire industry.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [ExCel London revs up security with new partnership](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230417/)
**Published:** April 17, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**London’s largest event venue has tightened up security measures with a new partnership.**
ExCel London has teamed up with Safer Business Network to bolster safety at the premises as well as its 100-acre campus.
Meanwhile, Registrations for IMEX Frankfurt have surged with the show to take place between May 23-25 – around 3000 buyers from 60+ countries have signed up so far.
The tradeshow has been working with ExpoPlatform for the past year and will unveil a new event platform and tech tools at IMEX Frankfurt – a partnership applauded by Miguel Neves of Skift Meetings.
Get more details in your full Week in Events below.
## **ExCel London beefs up security with new collaboration ?**
**UK’s leading exhibition and conference centre ExCel London has entered a new partnership to boost security.**
Safer Business Network is a leading CIC in London that administers business crime reduction partnerships (BRCPs) for businesses across the city.
BRCPs are private membership schemes that bring key stakeholders together – including the police and the council – to reduce crime and disorder that can impact business.
Henry Havis, head of security for ExCel, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome the BCRP team in to the ExCeL security family and we look forward to working in partnership with the Safer Business Network and the Metropolitan Police who are also investing in the project.
“Our hope is that this partnership will move beyond the campus and help to support the local community in the Royal Docks, keeping our streets safer and investing in the future of the area.”
Hannah Wadey, CEO of Safer Business Network, said: “We are so pleased to expand further into Newham. A partnership between Safer Business Network and ExCeL London will ensure we can proactively identify and tackle emerging trends quickly, before they escalate.”
## **IMEX Frankfurt registrations surge ⤴️**
**Registration for IMEX Frankfurt 2023 is on the upswing, with more than 3000 buyers signing up for the upcoming event.**
The show will host exhibitors from 60+ countries, with key industry players expanding their presence
The surge in registrations represents buoyant demand for in-person events as global businesses putting in more investment in refurbishments, technologies, properties and innovations.
IMEX Frankfurt will also see the launch of a new event tech platform – developed in partnership with ExpoPlatform.
According to Miguel Neves of [Skift Meetings](https://meetings.skift.com/event-technology-implementation/), this level up in IMEX’s tech stack presents an “evolved approach to integration in the meetings and events industry.”
Register for IMEX Frankfurt **[here](https://imex-frankfurt.com/register).**
## **CEIR releases new report on attendee acquisition trends ?**
**The CEIR has released its latest report on Attendee Acquisitions driving growth.**
This second report focuses on marketing channel mix, messaging and other tactics that drive recovery.
The first report covered planning, performance metrics, cost and gross revenues.
Some takeaways from the new report ?
- 91% organisers are using one or more relationship/collaboration approaches
- 90% organisers said they were using one or more traditional channel tactics
- 98% organisers are using digital marketing channels for their attendee marketing efforts
- 79% found easy registration for repeat attendees and international delegate discounts effective
The report can be downloaded [**here**](https://www.ceir.org/attendee-acquisition-trends-driving-growth/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Event data overload 'needs philosophers over scientists'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/enrico-gallorini-mar23/)
**Published:** March 22, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs are faced with an overload of information which needs “more philosophers than data scientists”, according to an industry expert.**
Enrico Gallorini, co-founder of GRS Research & Strategy, believes organizers need to go back to basics with the questions they ask their audience, in order to really understand their needs.
It comes after his company acquired the Info Salons ME registration company with the aim of better “humanizing” the information gathered during this process.
He said: “The most unexpected question is always the most basic one – the why of something.
“This is the key but unusual question, because it is not quantitative – it is a qualitative way of doing research.
“Here is where our industry is going – blending the quantitative approach to a more robust and strong qualitative approach.
“We have to have the courage to go back to the why of things – as a research company, we have to have more philosophers than data scientists.
“Today we live with data obesity. To overcome having so much data we need to have a number of things.”
**These include:**
- Specific industry benchmarks
- Deep analysis and understanding
- The ability to visualize thoughts into useable action plan
- Integrate different but comparable data
- Asking the right questions
- Investing in qualitative interviews
- Having the time to create a strategy based on data
## **Humanizing data is ‘future of event research’**
Exhibitions are the highest collective moments for a specific industry – companies, competitors, suppliers, opinion leaders and more come together to build.
Enrico, who is also president of Info Salons ME, believes the “unique experience” of registration is where a participant’s data becomes humanized – manifesting with the person appearing arriving on the showfloor.
This is partly behind the reason for the move to acquire the registration company.
He said: “That onsite moment is magic, it is unique and is the secret to what makes an exhibition wonderful and the most exciting business generator – that person becomes real.
“I feel that registration is an Art – it is very, very, very difficult to humanize data.
“This data humanization is something that we really need to care about.
“The human touch in our industry is the core value.
“The brand, the history, the reputation as the best registration experience is for sure Info Salons ME.”
Enrico set out that larger events have a greater complexity to make the participant experience a good one.
The ability to make that happen comes down to solving any last minute problems, having procedures in place and the ability to data into “a person that enters the door of the exhibition”.
Enrico believes this humanization process is the “future of the research industry” which can drive human experience at shows.
He added: “If data is the currency of our industry, Info Salons ME is the bank of the industry and GRS is the financial expert.
“Many organizers are thinking of internalizing many activities, including the registration.
“I believe that having the right partner that can help and be solution-oriented instead of only technology-oriented is a unique asset, and Info Salons ME is the best in this.”
## **Digital evolution, not revolution**
Enrico believes the technological uptake of our industry has so far been so far been slow, in part due to it having a strong business model.
That is why he has argued that little will change for exhibitions by the time we hit 2030.
However, the market’s need to focus on customer experience will lead to an evolution in tech tools, rather than a “digital revolution”.
He said: “To think about the future, we have to consider the trajectories that our element of dissertation has.
“As a researcher I want to focus on methodology and theories to predict the possible future, so not giving my point of view, but fact and element to reflect.
“One of the most interesting theories that I feel it is very suitable to apply to our industry is the Lindy Effect.”
The theory proposes the longer something has been and continues to be used, the longer its remaining life expectancy.
It argues that longevity implies a resistance to change, obsolescence or competition and has a greater odds of continued existence into the future.
He added: “So I expect that the actual business model that has centuries of resilience will still be valid in 2030, seven years from now.”
Enrico describes this as “good news for our industry”, however the resistance to change can be negative for innovation through tech.
Despite this, he believes organizers will begin to invest in elements that can support the best customer experience.
The starting point for this process of “empowering” the exhibition would be through “useful digital and tech innovation”.
Enrico said: “I want to be clear, I feel that already our industry is aligned with the main needs of the markets – so I do not see a huge revolution.
“I feel there will be many evolutions, especially on sustainability and the use of data.”
Enrico believes our industry has emerged from the pandemic stronger than before.
That is why he has argued now is a good time to experiment with ideas and make changes – as long as it is backed up by figures.
He said: “To promote innovation it is fundamental to arrive with numbers, best practice and methods – not with ideas and opinions.
“It is important to ask for a specific budget to test, try and experiment with new elements.
“That’s not to change the business as it is, but to increment and adapt to the new needs of users and beneficiaries – exhibitors and visitors.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Top tips for efficient event planning in Ramadan](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/ramadan-2023/)
**Published:** March 24, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Ramadan is a month of reflection, prayer and fasting for Muslims around the world.**
For event organizers who fast from dawn to dusk during this month, their task is cut out.
That’s because they need to ensure they are on track to deliver a successful show while also fulfilling their religious obligations.
Here are some tips and ideas to make your Ramadan experience more productive:
## **\#1 Plan ahead ⏯**
## 
Ramadan is a busy time, so it is crucial to plan the details of your event early.
This will give you time to figure out logistics like booking the venue, hiring vendors as well as marketing your event effectively.
Plan your event schedule to avoid overlapping with Iftar or Taraweeh prayers – for yourself and your audience.
## **\#2 Delegate smart ?**
## 
Delegate tasks to your event team – with clear time-bound objectives.
This reduces the workload but also charts out a clear path to bring together different moving parts of the show.
Communicate your expectations clearly so you don’t have to waste energy on any possible misunderstandings.
## **\#3 Outsource tasks ?**
Outsourcing can streamline event planning.
Delegate tasks to specialized vendors who concentrate on specific responsibilities for a seamless outcome.
Shrewd allocation saves time and ensures optimal utilization.
Moreover, third-party providers usually have experts and efficiency that in-house teams might lack.
## **\#4 Prioritize self-care ?**
During Ramadan, it is essential to take care of yourself to be mentally and physically fit.
Get enough rest and eat healthy meals during Suhoor and Iftaar – you will find yourself better equipped to handle the demands of event planning.
Avoid overexerting yourself and take breaks when needed to avoid stress and burnout.
This ensures you are well-rested and improves your productivity and creativity.
## **\#5 Use event tech tools** ?
## 
Event tech tools are an effective way to save time and plan shows more efficiently during Ramadan.
Many manual processes can be automated through solutions like **[online registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)**, email marketing, **[exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)**, AI-powered matchmaking, **[mobile apps](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** and many more.
From registering attendees and sending automated emails to onboarding exhibitors and driving networking – these tools massively cut down on the time and effort needed to create a unique attendee experience.
In addition, the data analytics mapped to these tools give a granular view of the attendee’s journey during the event.
These provide crucial insights to exhibitors, helping boost event ROI.
Also read ? **[How automation can reduce event stress](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/automation-for-mindfulness/)**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Five ways to delight exhibitors at your events](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/five-ways-delight-exhibitors/)
**Published:** March 17, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Corporate events like tradeshows offer immense opportunities for exhibitors to expand brand awareness and generate leads.**
But without adequate ROI, participating in one can be a costly undertaking.
Focusing on exhibitor value is a must to create successful live shows that resonate with your audience.
Using event tech solutions is a huge help in addressing the different pain points and needs of your exhibitors.
**[ExpoPlatform research](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/)** shows proving exhibitor ROI is among the biggest opportunities for event tech to develop in 2023.
This article highlights five ways organizers can delight exhibitors using technology.
**Also read:** **[The event industry is witnessing the “rise of the tech-savvy” planner – Insights from Confex 2023 ](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/week-in-events-20230306/)**
## **Why you should prioritize exhibitor value at events**
Getting your events to work means locking in long-term relationships with your exhibitors.
They should feel informed and energized – and be confident about their investment in your show.
Seeing clear value in their participation and a quantifiable increase in their returns will encourage exhibitors to invest additional resources into future events.
Here are a few reasons why prioritizing exhibitor value is a must:
- **Repeat business**: Exhibitor satisfaction is the bedrock of an event’s success. A positive experience will ensure they return for future editions of the show.
- **Increased revenue**: Happy exhibitors will be willing to raise their investments on sponsorships, booths and other activities, driving up event revenue.
- **Word-of-mouth marketing**: Satisfied exhibitors are more likely to spread the word about the event to their industry peers. This attracts new exhibitors and boosts attendance.
- **Improved event credibility**: Events that leave no stone unturned to make exhibitor participation worthwhile get a good industry rapport. More high-value attendees and exhibitors become interested, which boosts industry credibility.
- **Higher attendee satisfaction:** There’s a palpable energy at the venue when exhibitors are delighted with their experience. This translates into a more vibrant and engaging show for attendees, who further enhance the reputation of the event through positive reviews and social validation.
**Download**: **[The Event Tech Forecast 2023](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/)** – how the digital evolution of events will shape business this year
## **Five ways event tech can help you delight exhibitors**
Improvements in exhibitor ROI indicate a well-planned event – but you need to consistently put your best effort at every event.
In fact, ExpoPlatform’s Event Tech Forecast highlighted it as one of the biggest challenges for organizers in 2023, with more than half of respondents polled reporting it.
Here are five ways event tech can help:
**\#1 Create a seamless onboarding experience**
? *Pain point:* There are many challenges involved in onboarding different exhibitors to your event. Lack of information, inconsistent communication, confusion over requirements and time spent figuring out the logistics can be major hurdles to the success of your show.
*? Solution –* An **[exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)** is a detailed document that serves to streamline onboarding to events.
It contains all the information and guidelines exhibitors need to know before, during and after the event.
For organizers, it helps manage the complexities of set-up, operational requirements and regulations.
An exhibitor manual acts as a central hub to explain and remind exhibitors to fill the necessary details and follow the relevant steps.
This reduces friction onsite and establishes a sense of preparedness and trust while maintaining consistency across all participants.
Read more ? **[The Exhibitor Manual guide to making tradeshow onboarding easy](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/tradeshow-exhibitor-manuals/)**
**\#2 Provide advanced networking options**
*?Pain point:* Limited time, crowded venues, lack of personalization and difficulty in identifying the right contacts – these are just some of the challenges faced while trying to network at events.
*?Solution –* **[Intelligent matchmaking solutions powered by AI](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** can help connect buyers to relevant exhibitors and vice-versa.
These connections aren’t limited to just people, but also products and content using a ‘people-to-resource mapping’ algorithm.
Organizers can also match high-value buyers to exhibitors using the **[hosted buyer program](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)**.
Such a program pre-qualifies buyers and uses a personalized concierge experience to set up meetings and appointments.
This fosters deeper engagement between buyers and exhibitors through focused sales conversations that ultimately leads to better deals for both sides.
**Download ?** **[The Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)** – a complete guide to creating ROI-driven programs
**\#3 Intelligent lead capture solutions**
*? Pain point:* Capturing and qualifying leads can be a cumbersome process if you don’t have an event tech system in place. There are problems aplenty, such as:
- Difficulty in identifying the right booth visitors – genuine prospects vs tire kickers.
- Inaccurately recorded data – potential customers might slip through the cracks
- Time-consuming – Manually collecting leads and entering the data into the system requires too much time and effort.
- Unorganized – Exhibitors aren’t properly equipped to streamline siloed data.
*?Solution –* **[Lead intelligence solutions](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)** provide an easy and efficient way to capture quality leads and accelerate your sales pipeline.
A quick QR code scan of the visitor’s badge uploads their contact information to the exhibitor dashboard where it can be sorted and exported.
This helps eliminate the manual time needed to retrieve leads.
Exhibitors can qualify, score and follow up on leads more quickly as well as capture and transfer prospect notes into their exhibitor records.
**Also read**: [**Why Lead Intelligence is a must to see measurable results on investment**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-roi-showcase/)
**\#4 Data analytics and insights to measure ROI**
*? Pain point:* The absence of data analytics at events can deprive exhibitors of many critical insights. Some common issues are:
- Lack of visibility – Miss out engagement patterns that can be used to optimize and adjust marketing and sales strategies.
- Inefficient lead management – Miss valuable sales opportunities without a system to track leads.
- Limited targeting – Difficulty in targeting the right audience for their campaigns.
- Inability to measure ROI – Justifying future investments can become tough if there is not enough data to measure the event’s performance.
*? Solution –* Data analytics tools like an exhibitor dashboard provide invaluable insight into the customer experience at events.
It gives them a deeper understanding of their audience’s preferences, behaviors, sentiments and interests.
This in turn allows them to enhance their strategies and make more informed decisions to market their products and services.
They can also use this data to track consumer traffic at their booth so they can adjust exhibit elements to maximize foot traffic.
Additionally, analytics also helps exhibitors build customer profiles for follow-up marketing activities.
**Further reading**: [**Five top benefits of event data and analytics**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/benefits-of-event-data-analytics/)
**\#5 Enable year-round connections with buyers**
*? Pain point:* Tradeshows are often crowded affairs and a typical three-day timeframe is not enough to make meaningful conversations and connections. This could make exhibitors lose out on business opportunities and drive down ROI.
*?Solution –* **[Online 365 marketplaces ](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)**provide an easy way for buyers and exhibitors to track business opportunities and stay connected throughout the year.
These platforms help continue the conversations from the live show and provide buyers with insights related to emerging markets, new products and services.
Exhibitor visibility increases dramatically when using a marketplace platform as they are not dependent solely on physical events.
They can 24/7 connect with potential customers who can review product catalogs, watch videos and interact in real-time with exhibitors online via live chats or instant messaging.
Moreover, data collected through visitors’ interactions can be analyzed by stakeholders to share useful insights about customer preferences and predict potential trends for the future.
**Also read:** [**How to make your events more profitable with 365 marketplaces**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/make-your-events-profitable-with-marketplaces/)
**CASE STUDY ?**
> ➡[@GITEX\_GLOBAL](https://twitter.com/GITEX_GLOBAL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Case Study: 1 million leads with 500,000 scanned ?
>
> Learn how ExpoPlatform helped [@DWTCOfficial](https://twitter.com/DWTCOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) improve exhibitor ROI at the biggest tech event of the year: [pic.twitter.com/d1h7IWAz6G](https://t.co/d1h7IWAz6G)
>
> — ExpoPlatform (@ExpoPlatform\_) [January 31, 2023](https://twitter.com/ExpoPlatform_/status/1620390075833143299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Informa's Tarsus takeover worth $940m](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20230314/)
**Published:** March 14, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The acquisition of Tarsus by Informa represents one of the biggest takeovers our industry has seen in recent years.**
More than 160 brands will come into the group’s business with hopes to strengthen its position in the B2B market.
We take a full overview of the deal and what it means for the future of both organizers.
Meanwhile, IMEX has [**announced ExpoPlatform as its official technology partner**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-launches-new-platform-with-enhanced-buyer-exhibitor-connections-at-its-core/) to improve participant experiences.
At its heart will be the new app helping to drive lead retrieval, networking and more.
Mobile tools came out top in our Event Tech Forecast. [**Download it now**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) to find out more.
Read on for the only event news roundup you need.
# **Informa’s Tarsus takeover worth $940m**
**Informa has announced the acquisition of B2B events group Tarsus in a deal worth $940 million.**
The move is one of the largest takeovers in recent years with a portfolio of more than 160 live and on-demand brands to be brought into operation.
It will also see a number of high-level staffing developments, including the Tarsus CEO Douglas Emslie becoming a senior advisor at Informa through the “combination program”.
> Today we announced the proposed addition of B2B events company @TarsusGroup, a combination that enhances Informa's presence in growing regions and specialist markets. Hear from Informa CEO Stephen A. Carter below and read our news release here: [pic.twitter.com/a3CnBDdXCI](https://t.co/a3CnBDdXCI)
>
> — Informa Plc (@InformaPLC) [March 9, 2023](https://twitter.com/InformaPLC/status/1633829504094437379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He said: “I am extremely proud of the Tarsus business, our people and our customers. I could not think of a better partner than Informa to lead our brands and colleagues through the next phase of growth and expansion.”
Stephen Carter, group CEO at Informa, added: ”We have long admired the Tarsus business which, like Informa, has been built around major brands in attractive, specialist B2B markets in the growing regions of Asia, China, the Middle East and the Americas.”
Combination of the groups is expected to generate around $20m annualised operating synergies by 2025 through efficiencies in procurement, real estate, technology, event contracts and other areas.
The Tarsus portfolio places a focus on specialist B2B markets with fragmented supply chains and high levels of innovation.
Combination of the two group’s live and on-demand events brings together leading brands, exceptional talent and deep customer relationships in a range of attractive sectors.
It will also give a boost to Informa’s first party data engine IIRIS with an additional marketable audience of around 1.4 million from Tarsus’ top 10 exhibitions.
These brands – attracting a total of around 515,000 attendees and more than 8,350 exhibitors – will further expand the portfolio to more than 85 names.
https://twitter.com/TarsusGroup/status/1633879080616460288
A “combination program” has been agreed with aim of reaching three key objectives by January 2024.
1. **Deliver:** Maximise 2023 performance, minimizing disruption and distraction in what is a key year of return, growth and acceleration for live B2B events
2. **Discover:** Make growth-focused people, brand and business combination decisions
3. **Combine:** Ensure the portfolios enter 2024 successfully, operating as one company under the Informa brand.
Informa colleague Mark Temple-Smith will step in as executive chair of Tarsus from completion through to the end of the Combination Programme in January 2024.
He is currently Informa Markets Chief Operating Officer and was formerly the CEO of Asia for Tarsus.
Douglas Emslie, current CEO of Tarsus, will become a senior advisor to the Informa Group through the combination program – guiding on talent, brands and partnerships.
Informa reached agreement with Charterhouse Capital Partners and other shareholders to acquire Tarsus.
Its board believes the move is commercially and financially compelling, with strong portfolio alignment that will deliver enhanced value for customers, additional opportunities for colleagues and attractive returns
Robert Leeming, partner at Charterhouse, said: ”We are proud to have supported Tarsus’ development since 2019 and are confident that Informa is exceptionally well placed to deliver the next stage of the company’s growth strategy. We look forward to becoming a shareholder.”
# **IMEX announces partnership with ExpoPlatform**
**IMEX has announced ExpoPlatform as its [official tech partner](https://expoplatform.com/blog/expoplatform-official-technology-partner-of-arabplast-2015/) with the aim of enhancing buyer-exhibitor connections at its core.**
Participants at [IMEX Frankfurt](https://imex-frankfurt.com/register?utm_source=group_web&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=if23) this May will have access to a brand-new online platform designed to add further value to their time at shows in 2023.
The organizer has been working with event management company ExpoPlatform to offer an enhanced range of features designed to maximize business connections and ease of use.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “At their heart, our shows are marketplaces, designed to connect the right people to each other and help them do more business.
“Alongside our new official tech partner ExpoPlatform, we’ve created a new platform and online experience that truly powers this up, and at a time when new business is more prized than ever.
“Our buyers and exhibitors will find it easier to meet and track new or existing contacts and kickstart conversations and deals ahead of meeting face-to-face on the show floor.
“Our intention is for our buyers and exhibitors in particular to enjoy a simpler, more intuitive networking and appointment experience.
“We’ve done our very best to streamline our platform so that buyers and exhibitors can find and meet each other more efficiently – and we’re committed to continuing to learn and enhance the platform over the coming months and years.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, added: “IMEX is one of the greatest business event showcases and a real force for good in our industry, so we are delighted to be working with them to make their events smart and seamless.
“Event planners are more tech-savvy than ever before, so we are excited to provide them with a strong digital-powered experience to improve the quality of in-person meetings. We can’t wait for IMEX Frankfurt and then IMEX America.”
# **DWTC sees visitor numbers grow almost 30%**
**The Dubai World Trade Centre saw almost two million delegates through its doors last year, according to company figures.**
Numbers from the organiser and venue reveal it hosted 1.98 million visitors, representing growth of 29%.
Results were driven by 244 events which included 97 exhibitions and conferences attracting 1.18 million attendees – of which 38% were from overseas.
Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “DWTC’s 2022 results are an unequivocal endorsement of the emirate’s efforts in driving post-pandemic economic recovery and leveraging opportunity, delivered through strategic collaborative stakeholder commitment, across all sectors of the economy.
“An unprecedented year for the MICE industry, 2022 underlined Dubai’s leadership, with its dynamic events sector, an acknowledged global platform for impactful knowledge sharing, effective networking and game-changing innovation.
“We will build on this momentum by reinforcing Dubai’s position as the capital of the MICE industry, and continue our contribution towards achieving Dubai Economic Agenda D33 goals.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [IMEX launches new platform with enhanced buyer - exhibitor connections at its core](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/imex-launches-new-platform-with-enhanced-buyer-exhibitor-connections-at-its-core/)
**Published:** March 9, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Attendees and exhibitors at [**IMEX Frankfurt**](https://imex-frankfurt.com/register?utm_source=group_web&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=if23) this May will have access to a brand-new online platform designed to add further value to their participation at IMEX shows.
Ahead of the show taking place 23 – 25 May, IMEX has been working with event management company ExpoPlatform to offer participants a new online platform enhanced with a range of features and tools carefully designed to maximize business connections and ease of use.
At its core, the new platform makes it easy and simpler for exhibitors and buyers to find and connect with each other in the run-up to the show and then to enhance those relationships face-to-face at IMEX.
The new platform also means that all attendees now have their own personal account for all future IMEX shows – enabling a fast, single sign-on for both IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America.
Developments include:
- **Free lead scanning for all buyers and exhibitors:** Traditionally an additional, paid-for service at trade shows only available to exhibitors, the new IMEX app gives all buyers and exhibitors the ability to quickly scan and connect to every individual they meet free of charge. The app also gives a clean and intuitive view of all leads in each person’s new IMEX account.
- **Networking before, during and after IMEX:** Buyers and exhibitors can now check out who’s attending IMEX and contact them pre and during the show via the IMEX app. They can also set up group chats with each other.
- **Recommendations:** Using the AI-enabled recommendation engine, finding exhibitors, products, learning sessions or potential business contacts with similar interests is faster and more accurate. (Unusually, IMEX does not offer, or *force* matchmaking).
- **Personal email and calendar integration**: Attendees can select and save their preferred exhibitors and education and sync appointment calendars to their personal schedules and preferred email provider (including Outlook and Gmail).
- **Bringing clients or additional colleagues to appointments:** A restriction of the old platform was that appointments tended to be only one-to-one. Attendees now have the flexibility to invite multiple individuals to their appointments.
- **A seamless desktop-to-app experience:** all system features are available on a web browser and via the app making it easier than ever for buyers and exhibitors to manage their show experience pre- show and onsite.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, explains: “At their heart, our shows are marketplaces, designed to connect the right people to each other and help them do more business. Alongside our new Official Tech Partner ExpoPlatform, we’ve created a new platform and online experience that truly powers this up, and at a time when new business is more prized than ever. Our buyers and exhibitors will find it easier to meet and track new or existing contacts and kickstart conversations and deals ahead of meeting face-to-face on the show floor.
“Our intention is for our buyers and exhibitors in particular to enjoy a simpler, more intuitive networking and appointment experience. We’ve done our very best to streamline our platform so buyers and exhibitors can find and meet each other more efficiently. And we’re committed to continuing to learn and enhance the platform over the coming months and years,” explains Carina.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, adds: “IMEX is one of the greatest business event showcases and a real force for good in our industry, so we are delighted to be working with them to make their events smart and seamless.
“Event planners are more tech-savvy than ever before, so we are excited to provide them with a strong digital-powered experience to improve the quality of in-person meetings. We can’t wait for IMEX Frankfurt and then IMEX America!”
**IMEX Frankfurt takes place 23 – 25 May. To register – for free – click** [**here**](https://imex-frankfurt.com/register?utm_source=group_web&utm_medium=press_release&utm_campaign=if23)**.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [How to effectively measure engagement at virtual events?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/how-to-effectively-measure-engagement-at-virtual-events/)
**Published:** February 11, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
If you go by the industry chatter around virtual events, a lot of it revolves around effective attendee engagement, or as[ event industry blog EventMB reported](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/attendee-engagement-virtual-events) – the lack of it.
In previous articles we have discussed how challenges like screen fatigue and distractions can be overcome to[ improve attendee engagement at virtual exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/), or the different[ post-event activities you can plan to stay connected with your remote audience](https://expoplatform.com/3-post-event-follow-up-activities-to-engage-your-virtual-attendees/).
Now, a more pertinent question arises: how do you quantify this digital engagement and derive insights to create better events in the future?
This is where you can leverage the huge advantage virtual events have over physical ones – **EVERYTHING CAN BE MEASURED**.
From the moment attendees log in, to the time they spend at a session, the people and digital booths they interact with or the meetings requests they make, every interaction can be analysed in granular detail.
Drawing on our experience of organising numerous virtual exhibitions and trade shows with our clients and partners, here are the key engagement metrics you should look at:
## **\#1 Drop-off rate**
How engaged were attendees during different sessions in your event? The drop-off rate, which is the rate at which people start leaving a session, gives you an idea of how effective the session was: the quality of speakers, the structure and interest in the topic. Training sessions and educational workshops usually have a lower drop-off rate than other types of sessions without such content, for example.By analysing the drop-off rate, you can make recommendations for future events, such as:
- Sourcing better quality speakers for future events or re-inviting those whose sessions were popular.
- Improving in-session engagement by having dedicated moderators.
## **\#2 Total engagement**
Audiences at virtual events ask questions through the chat feature and participate in live surveys and polls if the sessions are compelling enough. Similarly, interactive virtual booths with language translation features for attendees who are not native English speakers would see higher engagement in the form of unique views and chat queries. To calculate the engagement rate, you can count the summation of interaction activities like **TOTAL answers in chats, Q/A and polls** and **divide** it with **TOTAL number of attendees in the session.**
You can also set up a leaderboard by gamifying activities, including practices such as quizzes, virtual scavenger hunts, virtual selfies through the mobile event app, each of which provides its own unique way to measure attendee engagement.
## **\#3 Favourites made through AI matches**
Virtual event platforms with AI matchmaking capabilities can connect attendees to different people, products and content, as per their preferences. By using the ‘favourite’ feature, an end user can indicate whether the recommendation by the AI algorithm is relevant or not. The match relevance is improved on the basis of choices made by the attendees; a higher number of ‘favourites’ means the attendees are making an effort to filter through the noise and find their desired match.
## **\#4 Number of meetings requested, confirmed meetings**
Attendees can put in a number of meeting requests, but you need stats for confirmed meetings to see how many of these eventually converted into online meetups.A higher number of meetings requested indicates active engagement from attendees, that they are making use of the [networking features](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) in the platform. Healthy numbers for confirmed meetings reflect the fact participants are showing interest in exploring new opportunities.
## **\#5 Sponsor and exhibitor analytics**
You can track real-time sponsor statistics on interactions shown by prospects, such as a click on an exhibitor or sponsor profile, banner adverts, pop-ups or just a regular search in the directory.This data shows sponsors and exhibitors the details of the exact person who interacted with their material, helping them craft their strategies for smarter lead generation.
## **Conclusion:**
These audience engagement metrics skim the surface of the total data generated during a virtual event. Click here to learn [about the major KPIs you need to track for a successful online exhibition or trade show. ](https://expoplatform.com/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/)
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [Top Event Planning Skills to Manage Virtual and Hybrid Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/top-event-planning-skills-to-manage-virtual-and-hybrid-events/)
**Published:** February 3, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
Ever since virtual and [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) became the hottest buzzwords in the meetings and events industry, questions have lingered around the responsibilities of organisers and the event management skills they need in the post-COVID era.
With more virtual elements coming into play, organisers need to plan events in a purely digital ecosystem or by creating mixed experiences that combine physical and virtual events. While the end goals remain the same – the events must resonate with their audience, empower their target customers and add more value for stakeholders – the means have changed and so have the desired skills to envision and execute great events.
It’s not enough to just be a smart decision-maker or a skilled negotiator, but be well-versed with the digital landscape to deliver the event your audience needs.
Here’s a lowdown on the skills needed to be a successful event planner:
## **Get familiar with virtual event platforms – quickly!**
According to leading event industry website EventMB’s [*The Future of the Event Industry 2021 Outlook*](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/event-statistics#6), 53 per cent of event professionals consider themselves “comfortable or savvy” with virtual event technology.These numbers are expected to rise as virtual and hybrid events become pivotal to connecting people worldwide. For organisers, it is essential to get acquainted with the technology that powers these experiences and understand the different virtual event platforms that best suit your event, for example, one with AI-matchmaking technology would be a better fit if you want to connect attendees to different products, people and content at online/hybrid exhibitions and trade shows.
Familiarity with basic troubleshooting is also recommended to handle any technical difficulties and onboard your remote audience.
*“It’s important to start training on the latest technology available to us. We have been using AI-powered matchmaking platforms to connect with potential customers and have meetings throughout the year, which eventually results in a face-to-face business opportunity at a live exhibition,”* says Nick Dugdale-Moore, European Regional Manager, UFI.
## **Think like a TV producer**
*“We are TV producers. We are suddenly creating television. The new rules need to be applied now to events,”* –[ Mark Jeffries](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HB0WaJCAS4&feature=youtu.be), author, keynote speaker and leading event moderator.Your events are happening live and also being broadcast to a remote audience. As an organiser, you need to understand the technical aspects of production and create high-quality experiences that provide more value to both the live and virtual audience. Two things you should consider:
- Learn how to transition your content from physical to virtual settings with an aim to maximise engagement with the remote audience.
- Improve your production knowledge base and hone in-house talent, improving the production quality while also saving on costs.
## **Leverage data as much as possible**
Equip yourself with data analytics tools to paint a more detailed picture of your attendees – how long they are staying online, which sessions they are interested in the most and what content formats are getting the maximum engagement. Gain deep customer insights through predictive analytics and use this data to build and improve events that your audience will favour in the future.[Stuart Ledden, Group Marketing Director at Tarsus explains further](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/):
*“It’s important to meet our customers’ objectives, like selling lead-generation packages, education packages and creating revenue streams around multi-touch points. Generating analytics through digital platforms can become a [new monetisation strategy](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).”*
## **Listening skills – keep your pulse on the industry**
As an event organiser, you need to stay abreast of the latest industry trends, changing attendee needs and updates on COVID-19 safety guidelines. It’s better to be informed in advance and make the necessary adjustments than scramble around for a last-minute fix. You should also be well aware of the requirements for hybrid events: which venues are equipped with the facilities required to host one, including technical infrastructure like A/V, wifi, digital signages as well as safety arrangements for physical distancing, protective equipment for personnel, hygiene stations and more.
## **Crisis management skills**
Even though organisers are used to dealing with last-minute changes, the pandemic proved a detailed crisis management plan is crucial to prepare for any unforeseen scenario.Develop an emergency action plan for different situations – from strategy and response management to fine-tuning your event according to your stakeholder needs. Shape your crisis communication strategy and ensure your audience remains informed and up-to-date, allowing you to stay on top of things while maintaining business continuity.
These are some of the skills to help you organise virtual and hybrid events that stand out from the competition. It’s recommended to further explore the latest technologies (such as virtual and augmented reality) as well as changing industry trends to ensure you always stay a step ahead of the curve.
**Categories:** Conferences, Exhibitions, Hybrid Events, Virtual Events
---
### [Crucial Tips You Should Keep in Mind While Planning a Hybrid Event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/crucial-tips-you-should-keep-in-mind-while-planning-a-hybrid-event/)
**Published:** January 27, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
While the international events industry moves towards crafting[ hybrid event ](https://expoplatform.com/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)strategies that balance physical with virtual components, it is important to remember that in most parts of the world, the chance to physically attend an event is some way off yet.
[Or as Annabel Rake, CMO of Deloitte in the UK and North South Europe puts it:](https://www.b2bmarketing.net/en-gb/resources/blog/12-predictions-b2b-marketers-are-making-2021)
> *“In 2021, while the vaccine roll-out offers hope of a return to physical events and meetings, many virtual experiences will remain. People have grown to value the flexibility online experiences offer – allowing them to tap-in to expertise from anywhere and often on-demand*.”[ ](https://www.b2bmarketing.net/en-gb/resources/blog/12-predictions-b2b-marketers-are-making-2021)
The concept of hybrid events carries with it opportunities to generate value from both online and offline channels. And for those able to operate partially physical events despite the challenges and complexity currently curtailing so many of our shows, here are some aspects of hybrid event development we thought you might like to consider:
## **Pay attention to the production value**
The quality of production and interface plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your hybrid event. With a significant percentage of attendees logging in virtually, it is imperative to give them an experience that has a premium, cinematic feel to it.Hire a great production team – it is easily as important as selecting a venue and online platform that offers great AV assistance and support. Set up and test computers, audio/video (AV) equipment, camera, lighting and microphones days ahead of the event.
Consider the way a live broadcast of a football game to millions of people is conceived. Live events may be unmatched for that emotional connection with others, but intelligent production and accessibility will give your audience at home a better chance to get all they can from the content.
*“I really see hybrid events as an extension of live events. I think it works much better both for the organiser and for the exhibitor, as one can expand their brand visibility to a global audience and cater to live business opportunities at the same time,”*[ says Stephan Forseilles, Head of Technology and Digital transformation, EasyFairs.](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/)
## **Make sure your remote audience stays engaged**
Live events provide a sensory experience. A physical venue, exhibitor booths and tangible interactions each play a big role in keeping attendees engaged.
By comparison, a virtual audience is located in different time zones with different languages, accessing the event through an online link with many other tabs open on their internet browser. So merely streaming hours of back-to-back sessions or setting up a general Q&A session is unlikely to stop them straying elsewhere.You can keep your remote attendees engaged by:
- Creating personalised virtual journeys shaped by their preferences
- Offering language translation support
- Having dedicated on-camera hosts to encourage participation
- Online event moderators to handle queries and comments in live chats
- Gamification and incentive-driven activities like quizzes and virtual scavenger hunts using mobile apps and social media tools
## **Find a reliable, secure event technology platform**
A hybrid event has a complicated delivery set-up. Select an event platform that aligns with your event goals and creates a seamless integration of virtual and physical experiences. This technology should be secure, scalable and have built-in features including registration, hosting different meeting formats for online and physical attendees, speaker management, audience engagement, video conferencing, [online networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/), lead capture and more. Multiple providers can lead to multiple headaches.
## **Present and direct people towards networking and sponsorship opportunities**
Live event attendees can rely on random interactions, coffee breaks and breakout sessions to connect with each other, but what about your remote audience? And what about the [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) – how do you convince sponsors about the value of digital sponsorships?Create dedicated networking sessions to get physical and virtual attendees together. Use AI matchmaking services to connect attendees to each other, content and products.
Make a video, or stage a webinar for attendees on how they can get the most from hybrid meetings.
The better the opportunity you present to them, the greater the chance you have of [monetising the digital elements of your event](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-event-monetisation-for-maximising-revenue-sponsorships/).
**Categories:** Conferences, Exhibitions, Hybrid Events
---
### [Listen, Co-Create, Distribute - 5 ways to embrace and feed your event community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/conferences/embrace-and-feed-event-community/)
**Published:** February 16, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
*The need to adapt and digitalise the exhibition model was already dominating headlines before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. A rising average age of visitors and a decline in Net Promoter Scores told us the industry was struggling to entice the next generation of attendees long before international events ground to a halt.*
*Key to our success in this new approach will be the ability to use data in an intelligent way and provide more targeted results, embracing our communities as we evolve towards an increasingly digital, year-round proposition*
*Here,* ***Luke Bilton,*** *ExpoPlatform’s newly appointed Chief Growth Officer, suggests five ways to help you grow an online community as part of your event business.*
## **1) Keep yourself central to the conversation**
There is a risk in stepping away from your market for one or even two years. It creates a gap in the market that your audience may seek to fill with other sources of news, workflow tools and [networking technologies](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/).
This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to run the event. But you have to find meaningful ways to keep yourself at the heart of the community, solving their problems through a mix of digital formats. Strategic consultancy AMR International has been saying for some time organisers should “no longer think of themselves as pure event organisers. Rather, they need to become community catalysts – facilitating business, connections, education and advocacy”.
Start by asking yourself what value proposition we contribute in this market, and how this can be delivered through digital channels.
## **2) Mind the gap**
A major pain-point is the disconnected experience organisers (and I’d include myself in that) were delivering last year. To move quickly we all grabbed different technologies and tried to integrate them, with varying degrees of success. It’s hard to get that right, and the downside is data gaps between platforms, constantly re-registering, and a customer who is treated anonymously with very little personalisation.
Aim for a seamless experience so that customers don’t have to jump between platforms. This means organisers can progressively build richer profiles of the audience and offer increasingly personalised products and recommendations.
## **3) Listen and learn more about their needs**
The community feedback loop starts with listening and responding to data. Listening to the challenges and hopes of community members is the first step to communicating in a way that will resonate, bringing you closer to finding the ‘secret sauce’ for your community,
By using a mixture of customer interviews, surveys, web analytics, social listening tools you can come up with powerful insight into what your community cares about.
## **4) Co-create content with the community**
Communities should help to tell the story of whatever is important, to shine a light on members’ most pressing concerns, and to suggest solutions.Aim to solve common challenges by co-creating content with other community members who have overcome a similar challenge – identifying the most helpful and influential people in your ecosystem.
Community-driven content should be the authentic voice of people within the ecosystem, giving the mic to those who have first-hand experience. Their insights can be repurposed into a variety of formats, webinars, ebooks, articles, videos and infographics.
## **5) Distribute and measure**
The next stage is to package and distribute that content across digital channels and measure the response. Certain channels, such as search engines, are more important than others and should play an important role in your strategy. With upwards of 70 per cent of B2B media traffic coming from search engines, make sure your site is optimised to attract buyers with intent.
The Community Feedback loop is not particularly different to the way that event organisers and brands have worked in the past. The difference is the *speed* of learning which is now possible. Both at listening and at distribution stages, there is a huge amount of data available to learn from and shape the next iteration of the cycle.
Every article and social post is an opportunity to gain insight into what resonates with your community.
This is a pivotal time for our industry to future-proof our businesses. With the right adaptations to our value proposition and by integrating new technologies, there’s no reason why we can’t accelerate fast out of this strange period.
**Categories:** Community, Conferences, Marketplace
---
### [3 Post Event Follow-up Activities to Engage Your Virtual Attendees](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/3-post-event-follow-up-activities-to-engage-your-virtual-attendees/)
**Published:** January 29, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
With the jury still out on hosting physical meetups, most event professionals are organising their yearly event offerings by including more virtual elements to it. But even as these types of events gain greater traction in 2021, [questions persist around the value they offer](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/) for networking, leads and revenue.
Virtual events are a potent means of driving higher ROI, given their wider audience reach and cost-effectiveness. However, their success depends on your engagement with remote attendees, especially when the event comes to its conclusion.
Once the log-out button is clicked, your virtual audience will be subject to a world of distractions, their interest in the event they just sat through fading as the next one as they schedule their attendance at another. It becomes imperative for organisers to have a solid post-event plan that keeps the connection going and creates a steady stream of potential leads.
Here are some recommended post-event engagement activities:
## **\#1 Send follow-up emails**
Emails are the oldest – and one of the most effective – tricks in the marketing playbook for post-event engagement with your event audience. Create a well-crafted email that summarises the biggest talking points and takeaways of different sessions and panels. Encourage them to engage further by:
- Offering a downloadable eBook or on-demand webinar
- Directing them to a content hub, where they can find related videos, presentation decks and other materials
- Offering incentives for next year’s invite
*Pro-tip: Don’t forget to send emails to attendees who were not able to attend. Provide them the dates for the next event or share interesting content to make them interact further.*
## **\#2 Use engagement scores to qualify and nurture leads**
Attendees can be assigned an ‘engagement score’ based on their interactions and actions during and around the event – from registration to post-event survey. Some of these engagement metrics can be based around the number of sessions attended, meeting requests sent and time spent at different virtual booths.The higher the engagement score for an attendee, the greater the chance to convert them into a lead.
Based on this score, you can:
- Pitch them a live demo and offer an extended free trial of your product
- Schedule a consultation call to assess their needs in detail
- Share relevant, helpful content to support their needs
*Pro-tip: Make sure you have a dedicated mobile event app to boost engagement.*
## **\#3 Increase online engagement with your community**
When you build an online community around your event and keep it engaged, you get a ready-made group of potential attendees once the time comes to start selling tickets. And you may even be able to recruit loyal brand advocates to help extend your reach.Here are some tips to[ build an engaged community](https://expoplatform.com/5-tips-to-build-an-engaged-online-community-for-b2b-events/) and increase post-event conversations:
- Get industry leaders to participate regularly and hold focused discussions before, during and after the event
- Share content that interests and engages your audience. Build a content hub with eBooks, white papers, how-to guides, product videos and blog posts, and encourage participants to leave their feedback and share it in their network
- Organise contests and giveaways to keep interest levels and enthusiasm high
*Pro-tip:* *Build the community forum into your website, mobile app or on LinkedIn – whichever is easy to use, more accessible and fosters increased engagement.*
## **Conclusion**
Remember – you can create a rich, enhanced experience for attendees by adding more bells and whistles to your virtual event. However, you also need to stay in sight of your goals and convert these attendees into potential leads – a task easily achievable in the form of a small nudge through these post-engagement activities.
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking, Community, Hybrid Events, Marketplace, Virtual Events
---
### [5 Virtual Event KPIs to Measure the Success of Online Exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/)
**Published:** November 25, 2020
**Author:** Tanya Pinchuk
**Content:**
The success of virtual exhibitions depends on aligning your event goals with the business goals of your exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees. Identifying the key performance indicators (KPIs) for event coordinators and organisers can ensure real-time tracking of these goals and assessing the return on investment.
With virtual events opening doors to anyone with an internet connection, the KPIs have evolved from mere registration and attendance statistics to [**the real demonstrable value your online trade show provides**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/carry-the-true-value-of-your-events-online/). Here are some crucial metrics to measure your virtual event’s success:
## **1. KPIs for Audience Engagement**
Engagement has become a vital measurement in the virtual environment. A poorly structured virtual event with fatiguing content can be identified with lower time-spent in each session, and lesser attendee participation in Q&A sessions, live polls and other activities like quizzes and contests. Virtual event success metrics like total chat volume and messages sent can also reflect the level of **[audience engagement at the exhibition](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/)** and whether the content and conversations were appealing enough.
## **2. KPIs for Brand Visibility**
Another major objective for your sponsors and exhibitors at virtual exhibitions is brand visibility and awareness. Using social listening tools, you can track the overall social media engagement (shares, mentions, likes, retweets, follower count). Another indicator can be the total reach of branded and sponsored content like emailers, sessions and virtual gift coupons. Tracking web search and direct traffic numbers on sponsors’ profile pages, banners and video ads also gives a clear idea of brand outreach.
## **3. KPIs for Lead Generation**
For potentially transactional events like exhibitions and trade shows, quality leads are perhaps the clearest indicator of success. Key metrics to evaluate the success of lead-generation activities are the number of meetings or demo appointments requested, the average meeting time and the average rating of those meetings. The total number of people engaging with [networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) profiles, banner ads, and promotional content through clicks, bookmarks, messages, visits or video views also helps qualify better leads.
## **4. KPIs for Knowledge Sharing**
High engagement with sponsor and exhibitor content is another key indicator of the virtual event’s success. This can be determined by the number of visits to the content hub, total downloads of company brochures, media, information and publications, and attendee requests to access premium content. You can also track how many attendees are registering for training sessions like webinars and live workshops, or have requested access to digital libraries and continuing education stores.
## **5. KPIs for Overall Satisfaction**
A simple way to gauge the success of your event is to just ask your attendees, exhibitors and sponsors through post-event surveys and feedback. These satisfaction surveys can include questions about their experience with different sessions, virtual meetings, online navigation and whether the live stream worked smoothly. Based on their responses you can come up with a Net Promoter Score (NPS), identifying which participants are most likely to return to the next edition of the event and recommend it to their peers and colleagues.
## **Conclusion**
The success of virtual exhibitions and trade shows ultimately depends on how much ROI they generate for their exhibitors and sponsors. Using the KPIs mentioned above, you can gather insight from your data and improve your next event to help the audience derive greater value from their investment.
**Categories:** All, Exhibitions, Hybrid Events, Virtual Events
---
### [5 Tips To Build an Engaged Online Community for B2B Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-tips-to-build-an-engaged-online-community-for-b2b-events/)
**Published:** December 16, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
Business-to business events, whether held in-person, hybrid or virtual, provide a strong foundation for a thriving community of like-minded industry professionals. Even before the event starts, organisers can leverage the power of social media to establish community groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. Aside from creating pre-event buzz and helping with post-event activity, these groups allow participants to interact, learn, network and add value to the event.
To maximise business opportunities and derive real value from such groups, here are some simple steps to build an engaged social media community for B2B events:
## **Share content that interests and engages your audience**
While LinkedIn and Facebook groups are an effective way to communicate details about your event (dates, timings, venue, speakers), they can also be used to publish content of interest to the broader community. You can post links to website resources including eBooks, white papers, how-to guides, product videos, blog posts and recordings of the presentations during the event. Other ways to engage participants include highlighting the *‘virtual experience of the day’*, *‘most popular exhibit*’, or posting short videos to promote speakers and sessions. Make sure to use a dedicated and popular event hashtag in all your posts. [Learn more on how you can improve your content strategy for virtual and hybrid events. ](https://expoplatform.com/improve-content-strategy-for-virtual-and-hybrid-events/)
## **Share customer success stories and testimonials**
Nothing establishes your credibility more firmly than receiving positive feedback from customers. A glowing review from a delighted attendee or an exhibitor who had a great experience at a virtual exhibition can do wonders for your event. These successes can be turned into shareable moments on your social media groups, putting your customers – real people – in the limelight and attracting prospects interested in what you have to offer. Remember – attendees will have a delightful experience at your event if you play it smart and [avoid some common mistakes while organising one](https://expoplatform.com/mistakes-virtual-event-organisers-should-avoid-in-2021/).
## **Ask your audience for help**
Make your group members feel they matter. Ask for their opinion on a blog post or report you have been working on. Take their inputs on various aspects of your event, for example how it could be improved, what they would like to see in the next edition and the ways in which it may be able to provide more value. You can also co-create resources with attendees and exhibitors, perhaps crowdsourcing an event tech manual on best practice, or what participants should be doing to get the most from a virtual trade show.
## **Organise giveaways and contests**
Sponsored contests and giveaways are a great way to engage your community. They provide enough eyeballs for your sponsors before the event gets underway and increase audience interest and participation in your event. You can have quizzes, photo contests, guessing games, caption contests, tag-a-friend or repost giveaways and many others. You can also rope in a social media influencer to promote your contests and reach out to a wider audience.
## **Humanise your event**
Social media communities can also be used to humanise your event. Showcase the inner workings of your event; the people who are working behind the scenes to get it all done. A short video or dedicated post of your team members highlighting their background, hobbies and interests can help create a personal connection with your audience and put a friendly face on your business.
## **Conclusion:**
Social media groups can be effectively leveraged to promote your event and foster community engagement, whether you are hosting a conference, exhibition or trade show. An engaged community will encourage conversations towards more value-driven topics, boosting collaboration and ultimately improving business outcomes.
**Categories:** All, Community, Hybrid Events, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [4 Ways to Improve Attendee Engagement at Virtual Exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/4-ways-to-improve-attendee-engagement-at-virtual-exhibitions/)
**Published:** November 20, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
The mainstream acceptance of virtual events has introduced a new chapter in audience engagement. Attendees are now able to attend virtual exhibitions and fairs on different continents from their devices, without even having to step out of their seats.
However, this phenomenon has also limited the audience’s interaction to a screen, depriving them of the engagement associated with an in-person exhibition and trade shows. Complete reliance on the digital medium has made it difficult to keep attendees engaged and active.
*Source: [EventMB Research](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/attendee-engagement-virtual-events)*
For a smaller close-knit event, this problem might not hurt a lot. However, for online events with huge attendee numbers e.g. large-scale B2B exhibitions, how do you keep your audience engaged?
Here are some useful tips for improving engagement at virtual exhibitions:
## **1. Initiate attendees & build communities before the show**
Even before the virtual doors of your exhibition open, you can set up online communities to give attendees a teaser of what to expect during the same, allow them to share pre-event experiences and build anticipation.
a) Direct attendees to **online groups/forums** where various topics are covered under your event. Identify **brand champions** from these groups who can advocate for your event. For their contribution, these brand champions can be offered some incentives e.g. a free stand, curated meetings, early access to product demos etc.
b) Use **referral marketing** to entice people who fit naturally within the trade show, but sit outside your contact list. Your little black book may need a revamp, given the events of 2020.
## **2. Work on the structure of your virtual exhibition**
Organising virtual exhibitions means the entire attendee experience takes place on the screen of a digital device. It’s important to ensure the event experience is structured in a way that maximises engagement.
a) Re-structure your event into **shorter bite-sized sessions** with **snackable content presentations** to combat screen fatigue and disseminate relevant information. There is greater scope for serialising a presentation into natural sub-topics at a virtual event.
b) **Invest in the production value of your content**, especially for key notes and sessions with industry leaders. Production quality can be the key difference between high and low engagement rates.
c) **[Preserve the elements of a live event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/carry-the-true-value-of-your-events-online/)** to ensure your online show is not completely divorced from the traditional event model. Live events happen within a certain time period and if you extend the timeframe indefinitely, audience participation can decline significantly.
## **3. Provide personalised options to cut through the noise**
Personalisation can help both attendees and exhibitors engage more effectively in a virtual environment. Based on the preferences filled by participants during registration, you can create a custom event journey for attendees.
a) Use **AI-powered matchmaking** to provide attendees (as well as exhibitors) with customised recommendations to connect with people, products, and content most relevant to them. These connections are based on preferences filled out before logging into the event and can be changed if the user doesn’t find a suitable match.
b) Employ **multilingual** **chatbots** to create quick, real-time personalised experiences. Apart from onboarding and troubleshooting, chatbots can be used effectively on product and exhibitor profiles associated with a transactional value, as well as a personal guide.
## **4. Improve two-way communication**
Two-way communication is key for effective engagement. You can create more opportunities for information sharing in the following ways.
a) Use **virtual breakout rooms** to set up and nurture small focus groups, which can be created on the basis of different session topics. Representatives from each group can be selected to moderate the discussions and provide suggestions from the audience to the speaker(s).
b) Provide facilities for interactive **Q&A sessions, surveys, polls and live group chats** to ensure active attendee participation during the exhibition.
c) After the session, representatives from various community groups and forums can raise questions to speakers and voice recommendations, suggestions, or the general viewpoint of their group.
## **Conclusion**
Apart from these, focus on introducing elements of entertainment such as contests and quizzes, and wellbeing such as virtual happy hours. These can help attendees to unwind effectively from the exhaustion.
Attendee engagement is one of the most crucial metrics to determine your show’s success. The more people stay engaged, the more insights you get to build an attendee persona, generate better-qualified leads and drive ROI.
**Categories:** All, Community, Exhibitions, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [Monetising virtual events to maximise ROI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/how-to-monetise-virtual-events-for-maximising-revenue-sponsorships/)
**Published:** June 10, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
While seeking recuperation from the current crisis, event professionals have started evolving traditional norms governing the industry. These rapid reforms are a domino effect of event digitalisation and are transforming various facets of hosting events.
Event monetisation is one of the areas where these reforms are outrightly visible. The once mighty offline revenue stream that relied on in-person engagement or the sale of square metres has become impossible, paving way for online monetisation.
Here is a primer on how event organisers can [monetise virtual events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) with the help of event technology and improve ROI for sponsors and exhibitors.
## **1. Offer Extended Visibility to Sponsors**
In purely offline events, sponsored displays are limited to the venue location, the booth size and the presence of the sponsor. On the other hand, digital mediums provide better outreach to parties seeking brand exposure. Sponsorship information can be communicated to the virtual audience, even before the event begins, and carried over to post-event activities. Online mediums help event organisers to provide 24/7 coverage to their sponsors, a big limitation of offline sponsorship. Subsequently, they allow for [quantitative analysis of events](https://expoplatform.com/what-are-the-kpis-of-the-future/), which can then be shared with the sponsors.
To garner a significant number of eyeballs and provide maximum exposure to sponsors, the virtual ad placement needs to be thought out carefully. Strategically place the sponsor logos and ads in areas visited more frequently and by the highest number of visitors. These can be displayed on the event website and incorporated into the official communication channels – before, during and after the event.
Sponsored listings on prominent web-pages like the homepage, registrations page and various information listing pages is one way to improve sponsors’ visibility. Here, sponsors can utilise banner ads, marquee texts, or even push notifications to reach out to more visitors than ever.
Organisers can also offer opportunities to sponsor news and articles in the blog section of the event website. Similarly, they can host sponsored sessions to improve visibility amongst the attendees. Prepopulating virtual event goody bags with sponsored content (e.g. user guides, onboarding manuals, discount coupons, access to exclusive workshops) is another great way to monetise on sponsors’ branding.
*Placing sponsored content on high-traffic pages like the homepage, registration page, news page and session-listing page can yield maximum visibility for sponsors.*
## **2. Offer Targeted Outreach Opportunities**
Targeted marketing is not a new concept. Google and various e-commerce websites, social media channels and even OTT platforms are minting money from this business. Native advertising is instrumental in maximising the average revenue per user and is adopted by industry counterparts. However, the event industry still lags on this front, despite the readily available technology.
The matchmaking functionality offers a good solution to implement targeted promotion by not just matching person-to-person, but also person-to-object. Adding a self-learning capability to this technology for simulating user behavior can ensure the dissemination of advertisements to relevant users only. This will allow organisers to serve parties with a niche offering or in some cases, budget constraints.
Taking cues from previously mentioned activities, advertisements in the form of display banners, videos, push notifications, and marquee texts can be shown to relevant attendees whose preferences match the context of the respective advertisement. The same approach can also be applied to sponsored search results, showcased when a user applies a particular filter on listing pages. These initiatives can easily be [fuelled by the smart learnings of the event matchmaking algorithm](https://joom.ag/WFVe/p64), derived from the registration details and user behaviour on the platform.
*With AI-powered matchmaking, organisers can put sponsored content in search results, listings, or meeting rooms for targeting relevant users.*
## **3. Offer Onsite Retargeting Opportunities**
Visitors often require gentle reminders to complete a particular transaction or resume engagement on pages they seemed to be interested in. Onsite retargeting solves this problem and helps pave the way to lead nurturing and conversion. By using onsite behavioural data, exhibitors can implement targeted campaigns aimed at repeated customers and capitalise on their interests. For this, event organisers can offer a push notification facility. Once the users click the notification, they are taken over to the profiles of exhibitors, products, speakers, or delegates, where they are shown a popup card. This popup card can contain more information about the respective profiles, along with a call to action (CTA) like – ‘message’, ‘set a meeting’ or ‘buy a product’.
*Retargeting strategies like push notifications and pop up cards can help in nurturing customers and coax them to take relevant actions.*
## **4. Offer a Freemium Registration Model**
Most events have a fixed pricing registration model for visitors. However, one way of encouraging visitors to increase their basket size is by using a freemium registration model. This allows organisers to segment the audience and [provide a more personalised, immersive, and engaging experience](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/2018/07/03/the-personal-touch) to those who are willing to shell out a few extra dollar bills.
Similar to the airline industry which offers ‘first class’ and ‘economy class’ tickets, event organisers can use event-tech to offer ‘premium tickets’ (with VIP Access) and ‘basic tickets’, to differentiate attendee journeys. Premium ticket-holders can receive additional benefits in the form of access to extra sessions/workshops, comprehensive learning material, or even exclusive previews of product launches.
*Offering a freemium registration model helps to increase attendee basket size and also create separate attendee journeys for different ticket holders.*
## **5. Implement a Capping On Resources**
Event resources are very limited. The best way to ensure they are utilised well and at the same time transformed into an additional revenue stream is to associate a monetary value with the extra resources, particularly for the ones deployed digitally. Event organisers can set a standard availability for various resources of their virtual event and levy charges if participants require more. For example, they may levy an additional team member cost on participating exhibitors (after a certain limit), or a cost for additional product listing or even for hosting webinars beyond a specified number.
*Adding a capping on the number of team members added or products listed can help event organiser in monetising event resources.*
## **Conclusion**
Scaling up the virtual monetisation strategy is a pressing need of the hour. The crisis arriving from COVID-19 demands the implementation of newer virtual ways to not just mitigate the costs for event organisers but also widen the scope to maximise the ROI for sponsors and exhibitors.
Sponsors invest in the event because of the quality and accessibility to a wide (but relevant) audience. It is important to offer them various opportunities to extend their reach to their customers. Simultaneously, delivering measurable results and the desired return on investment is a must.
A virtual event will only become a commercial success if it involves a win-win situation for all. [Selecting an event technology partner that aligns with the vision of the event](https://exhibitionnews.uk/seek-partners-over-vendors/) and who can help create a user-oriented monetisation flow is the key.
**Categories:** All, Conferences, Exhibitions, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [US and Western Europe lead market growth - AMR](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20221107/)
**Published:** November 7, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The US and some Western European countries are leading market growth back to its pre-pandemic high, according to new figures.**
Findings from AMR International show these nations will exceed 2019 levels by 2024, hitting up to 110% of that trade.
Meanwhile, IMEX has announced a strong performance for its latest show with 76% of hosted buyers coming from corporate and agency planners.
To learn more about how to deliver your own top value curated meeting programmes, download our [**Hosted Buyer Playbook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/).
You can your full Week in Events below.
## UK, US and France leading market growth
**Businesses in Western Europe and the US are spearheading market growth for the events industry, according to a new study.**
Figures from the [AMR’s Globex ](https://amrinternational.com/)forecast shows global trade will rebound to 97% of its 2019 levels by 2024.
However, nations such as the UK, France and US are set to exceed those numbers by hitting up to 110% of their pre-Covid high.
> Good news for the global [\#exhibitionindustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitionindustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! Our annual [\#Globex](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Globex?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) report highlights recovery is accelerating with most regions (excluding China) forecast to reach 97% of its 2019 size by 2024. Read more [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#AMRGlobex](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AMRGlobex?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — AMR International (@AMRIntl) [November 1, 2022](https://twitter.com/AMRIntl/status/1587453351750471682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Athan Siah, Globex 2022 co-editor, said: “We expect recovery to accelerate in 2022 as many large exhibition markets – Western Europe and the US – are free of Covid-induced restrictions.
“Given how the Covid-19 crisis has affected countries differently, recovery rates will vary by market and depend on many factors, such as restrictions on international travel, vaccination progress and underlying macroeconomic growth.”
“For some countries such as the US and the UK, exhibition activity is back in full-swing and is being bolstered by highly domestic shows.
“On the other hand, countries such as Germany and Southeast Asia are rebuilding from a highly disrupted 2021.”
Emerging markets such as Brazil and Mexico are also forecast to experience strong recovery to around 105% of their 2019 size, driven by a combination of volume recovery and inflation
China and Hong Kong are projected to reach around 90% of their 2019 size by 2024, but this would depend heavily on future coronavirus outbreaks and government response
AMR expects Russia to be the biggest laggard by far, recovering to only c. 70% of its pre-Covid size by 2024. This is due to fallout effects from the war in Ukraine and the resulting international sanctions.
## **How blue-dot wayfinding has transformed visitor experience**
**Blue-dot wayfinding is “transforming” the visitor experience at events, according to an industry leader.**
This tool – which displays the location of a user on their phone – has become second nature due to the growth of apps such as Apple and Google maps.
Mark Maydon, director at Crowd Connected, sets out how bringing this feature into the events industry has unlocked “millions in value for visitors”.
The issue had been that technology used by Big Tech players does not map temporary locations – such as exhibition halls.
He wrote on LinkedIn: “Back in January the trade media picked up on our research that suggested that the value of a typical exhibition would be 20% higher if visitors had no problem finding everything they were looking for.
“Since then leading app vendors have repeatedly told us that wayfinding is a key driver that has resulted in mobile app adoption jumping 100% at some events.
“Organisers are even retitling their mobile apps to major on the navigation element, promoting the floorplan with blue dot as killer functionality.
“If 2022 has been about first movers and early adopters, 2023 promises to be the year when blue dot navigation at large-scale indoor events moves into the mainstream.
“So, no more ‘where the hell am I?’ frustration. No more getting lost. Outdoors your phone sorts that for you. Now ditto for any indoor event.“
## **Corporate and agency planners made up 75% of IMEX hosted buyers**
More than 75% of hosted buyers at IMEX America came from corporate and agency planners, according to new figures.
Numbers show business is on an international level with over 4,000 buyers from 69 countries attending the event in October.
Agency and corporate planner numbers, representing 56% and 20% of hosted buyers respectively, were on a par with last year.
> What a week it's been! We loved sharing your [\#IMEXperience](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMEXperience?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! [\#IMEX22](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMEX22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/fgM3lpEOvW](https://t.co/fgM3lpEOvW)
>
> — IMEX (@IMEX\_Group) [October 13, 2022](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group/status/1580704429073842176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “While last year’s show was the celebratory ‘coming back together’ the industry craved, this October’s edition was the business-fuelled ‘bounce-back’ we’ve all been waiting for.”
A total of 62,000 appointments between buyers and suppliers were over three days. including individual, group meetings and open-to-all booth presentations.
Meanwhile, Sarah Lloyd, director of hosted buyer programmes at IMEX, gave her insights on these curated meeting programs in our latest ebook.
Download the [**Hosted Buyer Playbook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/) for more key insights from industry experts.
## **BVEP rebrands as UK Events**
**BVEP has unveiled its rebrand with the aim to reflect the group’s values after a consultation period with members.**
The umbrella body and advocacy group will now be known as UK Events to strengthen its position as the collective single voice for the nation’s industry.
This change will include a retitle and a refreshed brand identity which will be gradually phased into operations and communications in the coming months.
Chris Skeith, chairman of UK Events, said: “We are delighted to reveal the UK Events identity to our peers, members, and the wider industry and truly believe the changes better reflect the diverse nature of the events sector our partners represent which has grown to not only include meetings, conferences, exhibitions, and trade shows, but also incentive travel, event hospitality, ceremonies, sporting, cultural, outdoor and festivals.”
## **Montgomery chairman steps down at five decades**
**The chairman of international exhibition organiser Montgomery Group has stepped after over five decades at the heart of the business.**
Sandy Angus will start work as non-executive director, while in his position at Angus Montgomery Arts.
Group managing director Damion Angus has now taken on the additional role of chairman.
Sandy said: “As Montgomery Group continues to diversify into new industries and geographies, it feels like a perfect time to step down to enable younger ideas and energy to take hold. I am delighted that Damion has agreed to step up to take on the role of chairman.
“He is perfectly equipped to take the Group forward and ensure our relevance and contribution to the communities we serve.”
Damian added: “It is a great honour to become chairman of the group and to follow in the large footsteps of Sandy and Bryan Montgomery before him.
“Whilst the pandemic certainly challenged the Group on every level, I really feel we have come out of it as a much stronger business and I very much look forward to delivering on our post-Covid strategy.”
Sandy has previously served as president of UFI, chairman of the UK’s Association of Exhibition Organisers and chairman of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [A green roadmap for events at Cop27](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20221114/)
**Published:** November 14, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The next step on the route towards a sustainable future for our industry has been taken.**
Cop27 saw the launch of the Net Zero Carbon Events Roadmap, setting out a pathway towards reducing environmental impact.
It was described as the “biggest, most inclusive action” ever taken in our industry.
**Download our free [Sustainable Events Checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/sustainable-events-checklist/) for an easy guide on how you can make more sustainable live shows.**
Meanwhile, new research has been launched as part of efforts to uncover how digital tools will help our industry next year.
Take part in the [**Event Tech Survey 2023**](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/8y36f967rlltuj3z62i4kov2f/vx0wprjdeo) to give your insights into how things will shape up moving forward.
Read on for the events industry news you need to start your week.
## Net Zero Carbon Events roadmap launched
**The path towards a sustainable future for our industry was set out at Cop27.**
World leaders gathered in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in a bid to tackle the growing climate crisis facing the planet.
Representatives from our industry were there to publish the Net Zero Carbon Events Roadmap, one year after beginning work on the project.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of [UFI](https://www.ufi.org/), said at the launch: “This is the biggest, most inclusive action ever from our industry. At Cop26 we just got started with our pledge and a lot of momentum.
“Now, at Cop27, we are launching the roadmap.”
The plan has been designed to help eventprofs discover their own route towards sustainability through following best practices and recommendations.
Standard metrics for measuring the carbon footprint of events is one goal of the project, as a way to avoid duplication of efforts and better reporting.
Key takeaways for the industry were set out as:
- Focus on obvious changes first
- Apply measurements of carbon footprints and establish a baseline
- Educate stakeholders
- Join the initiative and work together across the industry
- Encourage buy-in across the company
## **How will event tech develop in 2023?**
**A new survey has been launched to uncover the digital future of our industry.**
The Event Tech Survey 2023 will establish how new tools can help live shows improve engagement, experience and value.
It is seeking input from eventprofs to establish what the biggest priorities, challenges and key features will be next year.
[](https://campaigns-events.lon-1.sendpdr.com/track/link/2d5e3vmrdy/8y36f967rlltuj3z62i4kov2f/vx0wprjdeo)
Conor Riordan, content editor at ExpoPlatform, said: “The events industry is going through a digital renaissance.
“Lesson learned from the pandemic mean there is now more technology than ever before, meaning more opportunities to improve our live shows.
“But there are also a number of challenges to bringing in this new generation of digitally-fuelled events.
“That’s why we want eventprofs to give us their first-hand experiences and insights into how technology will develop in 2023.”
## **Arab Health explores the metaverse**
**Arab Health has announced plans to explore the healthcare market in the metaverse.**
The event is set to launch the Intelligent Health Pavilion and host the Future Health Summit under the proposals.
It comes as the healthcare market in the metaverse is expected to hit $5.37 billion in value by 2030.
Ross Williams, exhibition director at Informa Markets, said: “The healthcare industry has witnessed incredible changes in recent years, with technology and innovation the driving force behind how the industry is elevating patient care.
“These latest advancements are expected to increase further by utilising the metaverse and looking at how we interact with technology to utilize artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality to improve patient outcomes.”
Arab Health, established 48 years ago, is the Middle East’s largest healthcare event hosted by Informa Markets.
It provides a platform for global manufacturers and distributors to connect with the medical and scientific community in the subcontinent.
The pavilion will be unveiled at the Dubai World Trade Centre between January 30 and February 2.
## **AMR International acquired**
**AMR International has been taken over by a global strategy consultancy firm.**
The acquisition by Stax represents its first expansion into London as part of its growth strategy.
It specialises in commercial due diligence, value creation and exit planning within private equity firms, PE-backed companies, hedge funds and investment banks.
Jayson Traxler, president of Stax, said: “In the midst of global disruption, private equity continues to expand in the UK and Europe – and this move represents part of our planful growth strategy to better serve London and EMEA.”
> AMR is now a part of the [@Stax](https://twitter.com/stax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) team!
> We look forward to combining our complementary offerings and expertise with Stax’s to better serve current and future clients. Read more about the acquisition here:
>
> — AMR International (@AMRIntl) [November 8, 2022](https://twitter.com/AMRIntl/status/1590000637311610881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Denzil Rankine, executive chairman of AMR International, added: “We at AMR are delighted to become part of Stax. We look forward to expanding relationships that our team has built over the last 30 years and serving our clients even more fully by benefiting from Stax’s value-added, resource-driven infrastructure.”
AMR is a leading European strategy consulting firm focused on guiding strategy and creating value for private equity firms, hedge funds and global corporations.
This is through commercial due diligence, value creation and exit planning engagements.
## **New online community for eventprofs**
**Mash Media and Guild have partnered to create an expert online community for eventprofs.**
Events 365 aims to provide support to those in our industry who want to create more valuable year-round experiences for stakeholders.
Its launch comes as part of a rebrand for Coronavirus Response for Event Organisers community, which started as a peer support group for those in the events industry affected by the pandemic.
Jack Newey, group portfolio director at Mash Media, said: “Partnering with the Guild mobile app and team brings a unique set of benefits for our events community and a complementary set of skills to ours.
“Events 365 will support the events, exhibition and conference industry by setting the standard in community.
“As we move away from typical events models to one where there is a clear value proposition for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors 365 days in the year it is the central hub of discussion, debate and best practice in the events industry.”
Guild is a mobile-first and ad-free community platform, while Mash Media is an organiser and publisher.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [The Battle for Event Data: How safe is your data?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/)
**Published:** June 14, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
## What are the differences between the data policies of virtual event platforms such as ExpoPlatform, Swapcard, Grip and Hopin? Have the world’s largest event organisers inadvertently given away their valuable customer data?
Explori co-founder Mark Brewster hosted a lively debate at the 2021 [UFI European Conference](https://www.ufi.org/ufievent/ufi-european-conference-2021/) about the data that virtual event platforms are collecting, its implications for the role of organisers, and the very real power struggle between organisers and some of the platforms they employ.
The session pitted CEOs from ExpoPlatform, Swapcard, Grip and Info Salons together to debate their viewpoints on data control and usage – and it makes for interesting reading.
### **Who controls your data?**
ExpoPlatform founder and CEO Tanya Pinchuk began by explaining ExpoPlatform’s [Data Manifesto](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data-manifesto/), setting out her belief that event organisers should retain full and exclusive control of their user data. Tanya maintained that platforms should be the processor: using it for the sole purposes of their event, and giving organisers the ability to delete as they wish.
“The organiser allows users to interact on the platform and if the organiser wants to stop the relationship with the vendor, they can easily extract all the data that they passed over to the vendor and move to another platform,” she explained, adding that:
*“We don’t need to take control of user data to continue to provide the best AI matchmaking. It’s enough to get hold of the anonymous usage data.”*
Swapcard CEO Baptiste Boulard set out a different vision, in which Swapcard controls the data that organisers share with the platform, feeding all organisers’ data into one large database of attendees and exhibitors spanning all events on their platform.
“Every individual using Swapcard has the same log in across all events, no matter if it’s a white label solution or not. If an \[event organiser\] terminates your contract, you cannot delete that data.”
Attendees can then manage multiple events through a single account. The participant data is segmented and stored at an event level so there is no direct data sharing among clients – one client of Swapcard won’t have direct access to the participants of a competitor also using Swapcard.
“We will store this data for three years and after three years, if that attendee didn’t log in again in his or her account to any event powered by Swapcard, we will delete that account,” said Baptiste, adding that Swapcard is also deleting the account on attendees’ request at any time. If the organizer request the deletion of attendees’ account, Swapcard will do so only if an organiser can provide “proof that a specific attendee has asked for his or her account deletion”. That way the attendees are the only one in control of their account and data.
Mark asked Baptiste to clarify the position on data sharing between competitors. He responded that it was a non-issue, stating that “Now that we’re moving to a community approach, I think that would no longer be a concern of the industry. ”
*“\[Swapcard customers\] love AI and they are okay with having us analyse AI across all events. So where they used to see competition between them, now my clients are okay. You know, they all signed to Swapcard, the major exhibition organisers. If you delete data you are impacting other events that rely on Swapcard.”*
Swapcard has additionally stated that event content and data pushed in the platform are not shared with other organisations and the AI is only using anonymised data to create matchmaking results.
Jo-Anne Kelleway, CEO of Info Salons commented that registration companies such as InfoSalons “don’t own the data. And I think that’s the biggest risk that we have to think about right now. I understand why you want to do it Baptiste, but I think the organisers need to find out what they want to do themselves and what it means for them? You’re saying that all the large organisers are pleased to use your platform, but I think it’s something that they have to consider.
“I’m not sure that many organisers fully appreciate what a lot of the third-party platforms are doing with their data. So it is good to hear that you’re very open and upfront about it Baptiste, but I hope that they are listening to understand exactly what’s happening.”
Tim Groot explained that Grip’s position, like ExpoPlatform’s, is that the sole data controller is the event organiser. “Grip is not a co-controller, Grip is a sub-processor to the organiser.”
Tim compared the situation to what would happen if Amazon and Ebay decided to share user data.
“I mean, how crazy would that be? That would be a huge business decision for Amazon and for eBay in this case. And organisers need to look at themselves in the same way,” he said.
*“If you are Informa, the biggest organiser in the world, you are subsidising the growth of all other event organisers that are smaller than you, because you’re putting all your millions of participants onto a platform that all the others can now benefit from.”*
“So it is actually something that negatively impacts the larger organisers. The smaller organisers and corporates are benefiting most from the likes of Hopin and Swapcard.”
Tanya explained that by giving up control of their data to platforms, organisers could be giving themselves issues in the years ahead.
Recalling how Google dropped their once-famous motto ‘Don’t be evil’, she explains that once a company has all your user data, they can do what they like with it. “Technology platforms can enable other competitors with all this amount of data, becoming an [event networking platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) where all organisers are just renting the place.
*“As with Facebook, “it’s a case of ‘Buy Now’ but ‘Pay Forever’ . There are a lot of risks here with incoming private equity and venture capital; the situation can be changed, management can be changed – and the nature of business can be changed.”*
### **How can organisers protect themselves?**
Mark asked the panellists if their future owners might be tempted to then exploit that data and potentially take a competitive position against organisers, and how the event industry can prevent this from happening.
“I think the only genuine way to prove that the data will not be used in any way other than we meant to use it, is to have this written in our agreement,” said Tanya. “And if we have the consent from the organiser, that they are happy to opt in, to participate in this shared pool of data owners and share their data with their competitors, then this is their decision. There has to be awareness about this and there has to be an open discussion. The only way to prove that it will not be used in their own way is to have it written.”
Tim Groot made the point that awareness is critical. “That’s why it’s great that we’re having this session. I think the risk of a VC coming in and changing the entire business model of an event tech company is highly unlikely. It won’t happen. But I agree with Tanya that actually it’s super important to write this into the contract.
“Organisers need to invest in independent advice from data consultants in order to really understand what the different positions are. There’s a fundamental difference that I think all of us are very aware of. It needs to be written into contracts and clearly communicated with clients,” he added.
Mark concluded that ultimately, there are risks.
“No one has a crystal ball to see exactly what’s going to happen in future, who’s going to acquire who, whether or not an organiser will acquire one of these platforms or any of the others out there” recommending that organisers become “absolutely aware of who owns what” and to get strong, independent, advice.
---
## **TLDR: How do virtual event platforms use your data?**
If you want to know who does what with your data, here is our quick summary of the data policies of the main event platforms. There are two main approaches: the control of the data either stays with the organiser or the control goes to the vendor who can as they wish, subject to applicable privacy regulations as is the case with every relationship:
Keeping control of data is incredibly important for the future of events. and never more so than now, given the rapid accumulation of online event data over the past 18 months. Make sure you are clear on what you are signing up to, and all that this implies to your business – now and in the future.
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Top tips for a seamless event arrival](https://expoplatform.com/blog/top-tips-for-a-seamless-event-arrival/)
**Published:** March 3, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
A smooth arrival process is the cornerstone of successful live events like tradeshows.
It sets the tone for an ideal attendee experience and is the first and often lasting impression on visitors.
Visitors want a quick, efficient check-in, and long queues can be quite annoying for their event plans
Setting up a seamless arrival process also allows organizers to commit more energy and attention toward vital engagements that matter most for business conversions.
Such a process requires a smart combo of event tech and human touchpoints to get the maximum number of people through the doors.
Here are some tips organizers should keep in mind to plan smooth event arrival:
**\#1** **Pre-Register attendees ✍**
Encourage attendees to pre-register online through the **[event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)**. This will enable them to check in quickly and avoid long lines. Visitors can also set their preferences so organizers can create a journey more tailored to their interests.
**\#2** **Use online registration tools ?**
**[Online registration tools](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)** help create a customized registration journey with functionalities for sending automated emails, password set-up, badge design and more.
**\#3** **Set up** **QR Codes and self-service kiosks ?**
QR codes help streamline the registration process. Attendees can scan these codes with their mobiles to check in digitally, eliminating the need for paper tickets or manual processes. Using self-service kiosks allows for contactless check-in and minimizes waiting times.
**\#4** **Create a dedicated Mobile Event App ?**
A **[mobile event app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** provides attendees with real-time updates and information about the event such as session info, parking information and directions. Attendees can plan their arrival and get last-minute updates through push notifications to avoid any confusion.
**#5 Set up digital signage sign ?**
Use digital signages to direct attendees to the check-in area, event venue and parking lot. These signages can also display real-time event information, including speaker schedules, booth locations and upcoming sessions.
**\#6 Use RFID Technology ?**
RFID technology enables attendees to check in with a simple tap of their RFID-enabled badge. This reduces the waiting time and improves the event arrival experience.
**\#7 Interactive floorplans ?**
A **[digital floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)** of the event venue with clearly marked exhibitor booths, speaking halls and breakout rooms helps visitors navigate the area efficiently and saves time.
? Learn how you can use **[Smart Event technology](https://expoplatform.com/smart-event/)** to improve all aspects of your event.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** All
---
### [One tree planted for every meeting at Confex](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/confex-trees/)
**Published:** February 23, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A tree will be planted for every meeting booked at International Confex, setting it up to be the greenest ever edition of the show.**
The event at at ExCel London has signed up to ExpoPlatform’s Meetings Make Trees initiative as well as utilizing its full suite of industry-leading digital solutions as official app partner.
All meetings booked through the platform or app will lead to a tree being planted by the technology provider, as part of efforts to offset the show’s carbon footprint.
Jack Newey, event director of [International Confex](https://www.international-confex.com/), said: “As we strive to improve on the show’s sustainability programme, partnering with ExpoPlatform’s initiative will help drive more engagement at the show whilst simultaneously helping offset the show’s carbon footprint.”
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “We are honored to support MashMedia’s events with our Smart Event solutions.
“As a world-leading events media company, Mash Media has been an important partner for ExpoPlatform over the course of the last six years and we are happy to start a new page of our cooperation, delivering valuable interactions to the events community.”
It comes as part of a range of sustainability steps taken by Mash Media to set International Confex up to be the greenest ever edition.
UK-based vendor ExpoPlatform will also be the tech provider for a variety of the organizer’s other live events for 2023.
Both have previously worked together on International Confex – which brings together eventprofs to learn and do business – but this move marks a major development in the relationship.
The full list of events in the partnership includes:
- International Confex, March 1-2
- The Event Production Show, March 1-2
- The Publishing Show, March 1-2
- The PA Show, March 1-2
ExpoPlatform is a UK-based event tech provider that operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers due to its innovative and reliable technology.
It has helped deliver high-profile Smart Events and 365 Communities companies such as RX, Informa Markets and Dubai World Trade Centre.
The business has also released a range of industry-leading ebooks under its **Future of Events** **[series](https://expoplatform.com/resources/?utm_source=mash&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=mash_pr)**, as well as its latest research into the digital future of exhibitions through the [**Event Tech Forecast 2023**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Community Blueprint sets out 365 business model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220502/)
**Published:** May 2, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Most event organisers agree that being able to bring people together year-round is a clear path to growth – growing audiences, engagement and revenue. So this week marks a major development for eventprofs who want to do just that, with ExpoPlatform launching its Community Blueprint.**
Other news this week includes the return of the NAB Show after two years of silence, as well as the return of incentive groups to Victoria for the first time since border restrictions were lifted.
Here’s everything you’ll find in your event industry news roundup:
- The Community Blueprint launched
- NAB Show returns after two years
- Majority of event venues to recover by 2023
- Incentive groups return to Victoria for first time since lockdown
- New eventprofs training scheme launched
# **The Community Blueprint launched**
**A complete guide to building a 365 Community business model and reaping the benefits has now been released.**
**The Community Blueprint** is ExpoPlatform’s latest ebook in the Future of Events series, bringing together exclusive insight from industry experts.
This 47-page in-depth resource contains advice on how to grow engagement, revenue and reach. [**Download it now for free.**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/)
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer, said: “A strong digital community offers organisers the adaptability to steer their business through these challenging times.
“No less importantly, it presents an opportunity for significant audience and revenue growth.
“Event organisers – with the benefit of their existing relationships with speakers, suppliers and visitors – are in theory perfectly positioned to make the leap into this model.
“In practice however, many have struggled to generate engagement, finding that the same offering they provided at in-person events does not necessarily translate into a thriving online community.
“The Community Blueprint provides collated best practice advice on how to avoid the tumbleweed and successfully create year-round communities alongside an event portfolio.
“No two communities are the same, so the most important principle is to take a data-driven approach to finding the areas of whitespace where you can create new value for your industry.”
**Here are some of the topics covered:**
- Finding your value proposition – the Three Cs of Community
- Key tips for unlocking engagement
- How to drive year-round revenue
- Case studies from world-leading success stories
- Checklist for choosing the right technology supplier
Findings shown in the ebook highlight how going from an event to a community model can lead to a +300% increase in digital revenue.
The estimates are based on modelling for revenue a community could deliver based on a show of 1,000 exhibitors and extending their participation year-round with a marketplace and some simple upgrades.
Going from an event to a year-round model can lead to a huge increase in digital revenue, of which annual marketplace listings – basic and premium profiles – can represent 66%.
It also involves building the community around Smart Events – a tech-enhanced in-person show which uses data to increase the value of experiences for all participants.
***Get in touch with ExpoPlatform’s* [*Smart Event Clinic*](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/?utm_source=xlive&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=communityblueprint) *to find out more.***
# **NAB Show returns after two years away**
**More than 52,000 attendees flocked to Las Vegas for the return of the biggest broadcast and media technology show after two years without an outing.**
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has announced preliminary registered attendance of 52,468 for the 2022 NAB Show last week.
It is the world’s largest annual convention for broadcasters and the broader media, entertainment and technology industries.
Curtis LeGey, NAB CEO, said: “We are thrilled that our exhibitors, attendees and partners from all corners of the world turned out in force this week in Las Vegas. The enthusiasm and engagement on the show floor, in sessions and throughout the entire event have been invigorating.
“We thank the NAB Show community for making this year’s convention an incredible experience as we get back to doing business in person.”
- **Registered attendees**: 52,468
- **International attendees**: 11,542
- **Countries represented**: 155
The show has been held in Las Vegas every year since 1991, but was forced to call off the event in 2020 and 2021 due to fears over the pandemic.
Organisers decided to cancel both outings rather than putting on hybrid or virtual offerings, bucking the trend followed by many other large annual conferences.
# Majority of event venues to recover by 2023
**Revenue for business event venues is expected to rebound strongly and could reach 2019 levels within the next two years, according to a new study.**
Research from IACC’s annual [Meeting Room of the Future Barometer 2022](https://www.iacconline.org/iacc-meeting-room-of-the-future) shows that two-thirds of respondents say they will reach those levels by 2023.
The findings show average global revenue in 2021 was 45% below 2019, while it is projected to narrow to just 8% in 2022.
IACC surveyed top event venue operators in Americas, Europe and Australia to understand the pace of recovery and level of optimism for a three-week period in March 2022.
**Read our [Chart of the Week](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220429/) analysis to find out how event tech can can help most of this in-person comeback.**
# **Incentive groups return to Victoria for first time since lockdown**
**Six international incentive group have been secured for a region in Australia – marking a first since lockdown.**
The delegates for Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) come from from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and New Zealand.
It will be the first time the city and regional Victoria welcome back incentive groups since Australia’s international borders closed in 2020.
MCB chief executive Julia Swanson described their arrival as encouraging for the Victorian visitor economy following a lengthy hiatus of international travel.
She said: “We’re thrilled to once again welcome back international corporate incentive groups – both large and small – to Melbourne. MCB works to boost hotel occupancy in the traditionally quiet shoulder periods with visitors staying mid-week.”
Business events are a major driver of regional visitation for Victoria and provide a substantial economic contribution enhancing local communities.
Pre-pandemic, Melbourne attracted on average just over 100 incentive groups with approximately 55,000 international delegates each year spending on average $1019.00 per day, across accommodation, tourist attractions, local shops and cafes.
These latest delegates will visit an array of attractions in the city and Victoria, including some of the region’s most popular attractions.
# **New eventprofs training scheme launched**
**More than 200 sector-specific training courses have been launched to support budding eventprofs.**
The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has announced the move as part of a a strategic partnership with Exceed Global Learning.
Courses include developing skills in general management, revenue management, security and risk, marketing and sales.
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the mia, said: “We’re pleased to have joined forces with Exceed Global Learning to provide the sector with easily accessible courses that can immediately increase the skills, confidence and productivity of those working in the sector.
“Thanks to the easy on-demand access, delegates can learn from anywhere and on any device and crucially at a time convenient to them. They will then receive a certificate on completion of each course.”
Matthew Stephens, managing director of Exceed Global Learning, said: “The people are what make any business successful, and we look forward to this exciting time in which professionals will be empowered to develop new skillsets that will help us rebuild stronger than ever before.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [365 Community and live events is like 'Netflix and cinema'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/365-community-and-live-events-is-like-netflix-and-cinema/)
**Published:** April 20, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Building in-person events alongside a 365 Community is like providing “cinema and Netflix” for your audiences, according to an industry leader.**
Simon Albert, managing director at Messe Frankfurt UK, believes organisers need to stop thinking of themselves as just tradeshow planners, but as “enablers of communities doing business together all year round”.
He told ExpoPlatform the data now available to organisers is the “nectar” which can provide insights about customers to improve offerings.
This information-fuelled live format has come to be known as **[Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)** – in-person shows which use digital tools to improve value for all participants.
# **Think 365 Community, think Netflix**
Simon previously held senior executive positions in Disney and Samsung Mobile. It means he looks at the role of an organiser slightly differently from the traditional approach.
This can be “very sales-led” and often pushes products into markets “that aren’t required or don’t work”.
He said: “Tradeshows should be unmissable events for members of communities, but they are only part of the solution they require.
“Tradeshows are a fantastic networking opportunity and enable attendees to physically touch and see products and solutions – that’s very, very important. But they can’t deliver everything to a community because attendees need information and to interact all year round – at times that suit them.
“Putting on a virtual event for only a few days doesn’t work –the compromise of accessing products, information or networking online needs to be offset by it being available 24/7.
“I see a clear comparison to cinema and Netflix. The experience of a cinema is amazing, but they want to be able to watch movies all year round.
“We want to be able to watch a film whenever we want on Netflix and for that we are prepared to forego the cinema experience. Consumers don’t want to only have window of three days to watch a series on Netflix – in the same way as a virtual event.”
One of Messe Frankfurt’s major shows is Automechanika Birmingham, which brings together representatives from the entire value chain of the UK automotive industry
Its next outing will not be until June 2023, having been unable to be held since 2019 due to lockdown restrictions and its cycle with its sister event in Frankfurt.
The organiser has managed to keep its audience engaged despite this through the launch of its own community platform – auto:resource.
Simon said: “We were already thinking very clearly once the 2019 event was finished about how we could provide more than just an event platform for our community.
“We looked at our assets and we had great knowledge of the automotive industry, we had the ears of the industry because we’d organised a credible event which had been very successful over many years and a brand that people recognise and trust.
“Then of course we had the data of the whole community – all of the supplier data and all of the visitor data. So we had all those core assets.”
# **Work out what your tradeshow community needs**
Messe Frankfurt worked out that this audience was not really interested in just a networking platform. Their research highlighted the community wanted a “permanent portal of information”.
Simon said: “Garages have a massive hunger for information and training, but the event is only every two years.
“There are also a lot of people who can’t attend the event or don’t want to attend the event. So we were clear there was an opportunity there for them to obtain the information elsewhere.
“On the other side of the coin, you have the manufacturers of all the products who actually want to get closer to educate those garages. So we had a real hunger to interact on both sides.”
The site now has around 10,000 unique visitors every month, with content being key to keeping engagement levels high.
This is what keeps social media channels active, it’s what makes email newsletters get opened and what starts to pull in new audiences through search engines.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7ZgM8br0ns
However, it’s getting increasingly hard to compete with the sea of online content – every day there are 720,000 hours of YouTube videos uploaded, 7.5 million blog posts published and 835 million Tweets tweeted.
There are dedicated news organisations for all sectors which means publishing press releases is not enough to cut through the noise. Success is determined by whether content is useful and different enough to add real value to your community.
Simon said: “We have to work very closely with the manufacturers, the people paying to make sure they’re making the most of their subscription by updating content all the time.
“That’s really, really important – because that’s what gets the engagement.”
He added: “The key thing is to really understand the community, understand the ecosystem of the community – who are the different individuals and companies in the ecosystem of buying and selling?
“Is there a networking element? What do they want from each other? Do they want to network or is your resource actually about information?
“A lot of people have just jumped straight to proving a networking platform without fully understanding what their community wants and needs. Once you’ve understood that, then you can deliver what they really need.
“We need to think of ourselves not as event organisers – we are enablers of communities doing business together.”
# **365 marketplace**
Connecting buyers and sellers year-round online is important – they can’t afford to wait for a one-off event.
Recent McKinsey & Co research shows that omnichannel B2B sales are now felt to be equally or more effective by 94% of B2B decisionmakers, up from 65% in 2020.
Moreover, another study has found 83% have become comfortable with transacting entirely online. Having an ecommerce option in your portfolio is now an essential building block to create an omnichannel experience.
It means allowing a combination of in-person, remote and digital transactions – the world of retail has talked about this for some time.
Combining your physical tradeshow with an ecommerce platform means a B2B tradeshow planner can also offer this kind of experience.
Simon said: “Organisers can become marketplaces to enable people to buy and sell. Messe Frankfurt has its own consumer goods marketplace – Nextrade.market
“These are the things now that people might be starting to think about. I can see this as being a change in the future.”
# **Data is nectar for event planners**
This mix of online and onsite can help to improve your in-person offerings due to the much greater amount of information available – it’s the “nectar” which allows you to understand your audience.
ExpoPlatform research suggests there is around 20 times more data now available in our industry since 2020.
Using this information correctly allows eventprofs to move from thinking of themselves as planners, but more as “enablers of communities doing business together”.
Simon said: “The data that we have – which all organisers have – is our nectar. You can provide insights to customers. You can go and use that to do market research and then provide data analytics to your customers.
“There’s a myriad of things we can do, because we have the data. You just need to understand what people need and want – the data and the knowledge of the communities is your asset.”
Simon believes that diversifying your offerings is one way of futureproofing your business, given the last few years and ongoing uncertainty ahead.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** All
---
### [How to build an effective engagement strategy for a 365 community hub](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/)
**Published:** June 3, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Adopting a 365 community-based approach has become the next crucial step in accelerating digital engagement and building a resilient event strategy.**
For event organisers, engaging with such an ‘always online’ community is quite different from planning engagement activities for a one-off live or virtual event. It has to be a constant engagement process with numerous low-stake interactions as well as high value experiences that drive networking and business conversations.
To create a year-round, online community engagement strategy, it is recommended to set up a content hub where members can read, discuss, and interact with all the updates and resources being shared. Members could receive notifications from this hub as soon as the latest content is published and view updates, engage in a discussion or follow up a call to action.
In a broader sense, here’s what you can do to develop an effective engagement strategy for your community:
## **Regularly publish content like blogs, eBooks, presentations
To engage and grow your audience, you need to regularly share content that is interesting and adds value. This can be a relevant blog post, eBook, infographic, white paper, presentation or a video that creates intrigue and evokes interest in the reader about the business or industry. These content pieces can also generate leads by encouraging the community members to fill out a form or get directed to a call of action like a product demo or consultation call.
## **Share details of upcoming events through micro-sites
Setting up a micro-site is a great way to generate enthusiasm for upcoming events like conferences, exhibitions and trade shows. Some ideas include creating a teaser video, highlighting the special attraction (like a celebrity speaker who will be delivering a keynote) and providing early access to members. You can also get people’s attention by giving discounts on training and workshops as well as other exclusive deals, which could be sponsored by different suppliers or partners.
## **Access to premium content, such as paid webinars with industry leaders**
For event professionals, the chance to interact with the key executives and industry leaders is something most of them ask for and value. You can keep your community engaged by providing exclusive access to paid webinars with industry leaders. These webinars also offer premium, curated content, in-depth insights, and networking options so attendees can extend their learning and growth opportunities.
## **[Online marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) for year-round company profiles with exhibitors**
Offer a year-round online marketplace to help buyers and sellers connect with each other and discover new products easily. These marketplaces can showcase company profiles 365 days of the year and help explore members new opportunities for collaboration and partnerships, while also providing a seamless omni-channel experience for your event. Learn how you can create a successful online marketplace with [**this comprehensive guide**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/).
## **AI-powered recommendations for people, products and companies
Use [**AI-powered matchmaking solutions**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) to recommend your community members relevant people, products, companies and content to connect with. These recommendation engines are a powerful way of keeping the audience engaged and have become crucial tools in the e-commerce industry for generating suggestions tailored to a user’s needs and preferences.
Consider the example of Amazon where you see recommendations for ‘*Customers who bought this also bought*’ or ‘*Other movies you may enjoy’* in Netflix to keep the user interested as per their browsing, viewing and purchase habits. A similar recommendation engine for your event community can remarkably boost engagement among members.
[**Learn more about AI matchmaking and how it is reshaping the future of events.**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/how-ai-matchmaking-is-reshaping-the-future-of-events/)
## **Set up discussions groups around a specific topic**
One of the best ways to improve engagement within your community is to set up discussion groups focusing on crucial issues related to your industry. This is a great way for your members to share their knowledge and for you to share your expertise. In order to encourage participation, make sure you have a safe and open environment for productive conversations. Encourage members to share their opinions, ask questions, and connect with others within the community. Some ideas to do this: host Q&A sessions, AMAs, member spotlights, contests, giveaways and running community leadership programmes.
## **Conclusion**
A thriving online community strongly depends on the way it is moderated – by sharing quality content, providing networking opportunities and exclusive access to event programmes as well as other benefits only a member could avail. With a robust engagement strategy in place to drive community participation all year round, you will be able to generate a ready supply of leads and brand advocates that will help you grow your business.
At the core of any 365 community programme lies a robust hybrid event strategy. **[Download ‘The Hybrid Blueprint’](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)** and learn how you can blend physical and digital experiences to offer the best of both worlds.
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Tour of ExpoPlatform 365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/tour-of-expoplatform-365-community/)
**Published:** April 21, 2020
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
We recently showcased our new AI-powered 365 Community platform to membership of the Virtual Event Institute.
In this short video, Luke Bilton highlights some of the features and functionality you can offer to your community to allow them to:
1. **Connect** with AI matchmaking, video meetings and messaging
2. **Discover** new products and suppliers from the marketplace
3. **Learn** through regular content, webinars and meetups year round
A few of the features of our new 365 Community platform include:
- **AI Matchmaking** with our industry leading smart person-to-object matchmaking software to make Amazon-like product and content recommendations
- **Content Hub** to allow you to become the source of news and insights for your community. The hub brings together digital content, On-Demand sessions and products in one place.
- **Fully customisable design**. Use our drag and drop editor to design interactive marketing pages.
- **Host unlimited webinars** and meetups to bring the community together every week.
- **Create a Marketplace** for your industry. Platform to promote exhibitors products year-round when a potential buyer needs them and generate leads
- **Buyer Lead generation** through our new ‘Product Finder’ tendering system.
- **Seamless integration** with your online and virtual events, so exhibitors can upload products and visitors can register one time only.
- [**New monetisation opportunities**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) by providing exhibitors with year-round advertising, lead generation and content solutions year-round.
- **Video Meetings and Messaging** to connect your industry pre, during and post the event with video meetings and messaging.
- **Global support** in 10 languages, multilingual platform.
**Categories:** All
---
### [Tech and team: All you need for a 365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/tech-and-team/)
**Published:** May 25, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The benefits of building a 365 Community are clear. They offer year-round opportunities to do business and forge relationships.**
Events are a powerful tool to bring people together, but they are not the whole picture. Participants also need to keep those relationships alive all year long and digital platforms offer a way to do that.
Live shows can build trust face-to-face at an annual celebration of the industry, while an online community can reinforce that year-round. They benefit each other.
But they don’t build themselves. An event organiser needs to make sure they have the right capabilities in their technology and workforce to do it well.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to explain how you should structure your team and technology to create a successful 365 Community.
**Download your free copy of the [Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) for more on how to build a 365 business model around your events.**
# **Technology requirements**
We’ve previously explained how an event organiser can [build the right value proposition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/value-proposition/) for a 365 Community. Now is the time to find a technology platform that can deliver that.
Technologies you need should be based on your value proposition, so you are prioritising the right features that will be of value to your community. These could be any of the following:
## **Hub and spoke model**
The needs for most event-led communities will be something like this:
1. **A strong central digital hub.** One community per vertical should be the goal. A portfolio of fragmented event brands may make sense, it is far better to focus your precious resources into one community when it comes to digital. A single 365 destination for your community will perform better than lots of small sites. It will be a more comprehensive user experience, with a better chance of performing well on search engines. More content and more company profiles will make a better user experience and bring more advertising inventory.
2. **Various events connected to this hub.** Exhibitor information and products get uploaded once and can go into each of the events they are participating in. The community and event websites should be able to be on different website URLs if that’s the most logical user experience.
3. **SSO.** This should all be connected with Single Sign On so users do not have to login multiple times. Remember: you’re trying to create a **seamless experience**.
## **Minimum viable product**
An important concept to start with is a minimum viable product (MVP), an idea popularised by entrepreneur Eric Ries. This is a version of a new product which allows a team to collect the maximum amount of validated learning about customers with the least effort.
Your aim should be to get an MVP into the market as quickly as possible to prove your assumptions. It is better to get something imperfect live quickly than to spend a lot of time striving for perfection before launch. This way you can review, adapt and improve.
Try and find a platform that can cover 90% of what you need for your MVP stage. Make sure the vendor you choose is open to working with you on your future roadmap. You want to be able to work on this with your platform as you discover product improvements over time.
**Download your free [365 Community Tech-list](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/) to discover what your requirements are.**
# **How do you build the right team?**
RD Whitney, CEO of the Community Leaders Institute, told ExpoPlatform: “The skillset has traditionally been about operations in an event. The skillset here clearly shifts towards content strategy and marketing. I fully believe that skillset exists within the industry, they’re just going to be re-emphasised.”
**Build your online community team like this:**
## **Editor**
Your first hire is usually your editor. Journalism skills are still the bedrock of quality content. A digital-savvy editor, ideally with experience from within your industry, is the catalyst for things to start to happen. Their day-to-day role will be to interview, write and edit copy as well as managing the calendar of content coming in from contributors.
## **Content producer(s)**
It makes sense to then start to build a team around the editor who can support on managing the site and producing content with the community. This can be on a freelance or in-house basis.
## **Industry influencers**
A key component of a successful community is to develop a network of industry influencers and advocates who can contribute in some way. This can include contributing columns from time to time, but you should assume their time will be precious so don’t expect too much. The best way to get value from them could be to share the editorial calendar with them, involve them in advisory boards, panel discussions and interview them.
## **Data-driven digital marketer**
It is important to have someone who can analyse and optimise the performance of your efforts. Areas of expertise are search engine optimisation, lead generation, creating reports and leading efforts to optimise the performance of the site against the agreed KPIs.
## **Multimedia designer**
As visual content becomes increasingly important, so too is the ability to tell stories with video, audio, infographics and layout ebooks. Finding someone able to cover all these bases is useful.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [How to find a 365 Community value proposition](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/value-proposition/)
**Published:** May 12, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Building a 365 Community is about more than just having the right technology – you need a purpose.**
A value proposition should be an easy-to-understand reason why your product meets a customer’s needs.
Too often the 365 value proposition is simply connecting any type of industry together, but you need to go deeper to find something that resonates.
That’s why ExpoPlatform joined with Rob Millar, director at Devonshire & St Andrews, to show how an eventprof can find a route which will benefit them and their audience in a 365 community.
It came as part of the latest in our Showcase Series on the digital transformation of our industry. **You can** [**watch all sessions on-demand here**](https://expoplatform.com/events/).
# **Why build a community?**
**The first thing that needs to be considered is why you should have a community – what is it’s purpose?**
Making yourself define your purpose is critical because it is the foundation of the community you want to build.
It allows you to define who to target, how to approach them, how you talk to them, where you have those discussions and how you measure their value.
Luke Bilton, chief growth officer at ExpoPlatform, told how this year-round model can work alongside in-person events to produce revenue from other sources.
He said: “Someone once compared the very idea of 365 engagement to expecting the Easter Bunny to come around every day, which really is missing the point.
“We shouldn’t be talking about an event that never stops or a platform that somehow magically keeps on going without any resource. What we should be thinking about is how can we create a new online value proposition in my industry.
“Because while it may not be Easter eggs every day, the last time I checked I’m pretty sure everyone needs to eat something every day.”
Luke added: “Having a 365 Community as part of your portfolio can generate 300% more digital revenue than just selling digital around events on their own. So there is a very good financial reason to have 365 business model as part of your portfolio.”
# **How to identify your community**
**A community is a “very special type of group” with a keen focus based on strong relationships built over time.**
There is a sense of belonging and ability to make impact for each member. So a good starting point is to work out what are the wants and needs or your audience – get to know them.
Traditional ways of identifying participants include using demographic data of an attendee by their income or location, while for an exhibitor it may be revenues or types of products they sell.
Rob, who was an expert contributor to our [**Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/), said: “Segmentation like this is very powerful, but can also be very blunt. This is because the segmentation doesn’t really look at the wants, the needs, the desires, the motivations of each exhibitor and attendee – and this is really, really important.
“I could split a multibillion dollar company from a smaller niche company. But actually, when you look at what their wants and needs are, what their motivation is, they actually might end up being very, very similar. This is where the concept of a persona comes in as opposed to a segment.”
## **‘Stop asking how to improve the event, start asking what keeps them awake at night’**
A persona is a research-based profile about your typical target customers. It tends to describe what your ideal buyers are like, what their days look like, what challenges they face, how they make decisions.
It’s trying to define **the needs, the goals and the observed patterns of behaviour** they’re exhibiting.
Rob described how exhibitors place themselves into “four very specific groups” – the Cautious Colin, Worried Warren, Developing Dan and Advanced Anna.
He said: “When you actually split it into those four different types of groups you end up finding each one of has a couple of things in common.
“They all want to generate leads, but they also have a lot of things that differentiate each one of them – which means that when I’m talking to exhibitors and trying to understand what kind of attendees they’re going after, I’m then able to then think about how I look at different packages I can sell them.”
Rob added: “Your event focuses on three days of your exhibitor and attendee lives. They have 362 other days a year where they’re actually having to worry about their business.
“What you need to do is move away from this concept of talking about how to improve the events and moving on to the concept of asking them what keeps them awake at night.
“Because actually, you tend to to realise that if you can understand those key motivations as to what keeps them awake at night, you can start to think of a much more holistic model that starts to talk about 365 days a year – not three.”
# **Data-driven experimentation**
**We’ve established that your most important job is to find out what engages your community. So you can use insights and creativity to refine your formula for doing this.**
An existing event will have a good database of visitors and exhibitors to go to. But most industries also have an over-supply of news. One of the best starting points is to use your database and find out the answer to this question: **how can I add value to this already crowded competitive landscape?**
Surveys are a useful way to get an overview of what opportunities exist. They can then be followed up with a series of product discovery calls to dig into the details and flesh out what the results actually mean.
Rob set out that you should divide your research into a qualitative and quantitative approach – starting with the former.
## **Qualitative – get a feel for things**
Researching your audience using qualitative methods tends to start with interviewing exhibitors and attendees.
The best way to do this is to go about it using a semi-structured approach – have an idea of the questions you want to ask but allow the respondent to go in a different direction.
Rob added: “Yu have a lot of open-ended questions because you want to listen to them talk, get them to sit back and think about what their worries and ask them about those questions.
“What are their goals? What are their motivations? What keeps them awake at night? That provides a lot of unstructured information, but there are tools and techniques that allow you to basically start feeding that information into groups of needs that start to then coalesce around those personas.”
## **Quantitative – using surveys to find priorities**
You next step should be take those responses and find common themes you can put to your audience to find their priorities.
Put together a survey around some topics – it might challenges, opportunities or concerns in their industry – and ask respondents to rank them
The example below shows how a pharmaceutical event surveyed visitors on the product features that would be useful to see in a supplier marketplace.
Regulatory approval came out on the top, which could then be followed up with more research into what was meant by that and where the pain points are.
Another interesting element to this study was how important price discounting was seen for the buyers – it came as the second-highest concern important, but exhibitors ranked it is a very low priority.
Rob added: “That is an incredibly valuable piece of insight, because what you can do then is educate a lot of the exhibitors about things they should be focusing on that they may not realise they do. This is where simple insights can end up being worth a fortune in many ways.”
The key takeaway from this is you’re now able to show what the needs, wants and size of issues are facing your community. It allows you to start prioritising where your customers need help.
## **How do you work out how to add value?**
**There are two key problems when trying to work out what to offer clients – working out what is valuable and too much focus on your own expertise.**
But the work we have already done to develop different personas allows us to prioritise where to look. We can also identify core offers that different communities are interested in.
The **Key Revenue Additions for Communities and Networks** (Kracn) approach tries to do just that. The areas of focus include:
- Commerce
- Training and accreditation
- Content marketing
- Marketplaces
- Events
- Information solutions
- Research and insights
- Professional services
Work out what things your community requires for it to flourish. It is likely that choosing two, three or possibly four of these categories will be enough.
# **Bringing it all together**
**The next stage is to bring it all together into a value proposition. This is a statement that summarises why a customer would choose your product or service.**
It is a positioning statement that highlights the benefits – it is more than a logo. Well known value statements include:
- Grammarly – great writing, simplified
- Trello – helps make teams move forwards
- WordPress – the world’s most popular website builder
You should build the value proposition based on combining your understanding of who the customers are and what needs they have.
Rob added: “If you understand what those needs, then you can start to build out the features and the solutions, the products and services you want to offer them and bring it all together in the value proposition.”
## **Create a manifesto**
Let’s go beyond the ordinary. Create a mission statement for your community based on all you have learned about them.
Establish what the higher purpose is this community can serve – find out that your target audience can get behind.
This becomes more powerful if you ask the industry to help you. Shape this into something they believe in using their own words.
Luke said: “This for me is where it gets really exciting. We pull together all those different data sources, conversations that you’ve had with customers and really try to get under the skin of what actually matters to that community.
“Then you try and bring that together into something. It’s the creative leap you take based on all of that data and bring that into a manifesto.”
**A Modern Marketing Manifesto, by Econsultancy** is is a manifesto for change. It sets out what old marketing and new marketing is with an aim to reconstitute the practice with “digital and classic fully fused”.
Twelve areas are listed showing how their community can adapt to the modern world. It then invites readers to give them feedback and gives a hashtag people can use to share their thoughts with others.
## **Measure and review**
Research will only get you so far. Testing different types of content and messaging allows you to find out more every day: once your community is live, every post is a chance to learn.
Make sure the culture of your team is to measure and review. Encourage experimentation with different types of content, different marketing channels.
Luke said: “The community feedback loop is all about listening by using different analytical tools to learn what’s resonating with the community.
“You’re not wasting time creating articles that nobody wants. Just concentrate on the biggest, most engaging articles or topics which are out there.”
# **Using 365 Community technology**
**Technology is by no means the most important thing about creating a community.**
However, its digital existence makes event tech a fundamental building block to your value proposition.
There are three main main parts which your platform will have to deliver for anyone who’s got a community alongside events – the [Three Cs of Community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/the-three-cs-of-a-365-community/).
It is crucial that this is done in a way which creates a seamless experience for the user when moving between each of those areas.
Luke said: “You want to find some way of having a consistent, seamless experience. You want to avoid a situation where all visitor and exhibitor data is in different silos.
“Usually the ecosystem would include a central community hub, various different events and a way of connecting through SSO.”
# **Conclusion**
**Just because an event lasts for three days, doesn’t mean you can’t create value for the other 362.**
The digital transformation our industry has witness presents new opportunities to bring people together – which is the real role of an organiser.
Rob said: “It’s a very big space that we’re opening up, particularly if you’re an events person. The benefits of having learned a little bit about the digital side is that there’s so many other opportunities.
“The point is trying to make sure you’re focusing on the ones that your customers need. That’s where, if you can get the research piece right, everything else will follow.
“It’s just a case of being able to test and learn as you go. Trial those new ways of being able to deal with customers that allow you to build a bigger relationship across the rest of the year. That’s where I think there’s so much opportunity moving forward with the industry.”
**You can find out more about how a 365 Community can drive growth – growing audiences, engagement and revenue – with our Community Blueprint. [Download it for free now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/).**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Attract 'the right event attendees' with a 365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/carina-bauer/)
**Published:** May 11, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Building “strength and depth” in a 365 Community can make it easier for an organiser to attract the right event attendees, according to an industry leader.**
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, told how pursuing this year-round approach can create a “foundational layer” which will boost numbers at an in-person show.
This 365 model is a way of keep audiences engaged year-round using the [Three Cs of community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/the-three-cs-of-a-365-community/) – content, connections and commerce – on an online platform.
She told ExpoPlatform: “The important thing is to build strength and depth in your community to help people build these connections. That will have a positive effect, but it might take a while to kick in. One of the difficult things about a community is it’s hard to measure the success.
“There are of course some measurements you can try to do, but I think you’ve got to spend three to five years building before you can expect to see a real direct impact.
“Exhibitors are paying us to meet new clients – we can measure that. We can do a lot of things to make sure that happens. But there’s a foundational layer underneath that which means it is easier for us to attract the right people to attend the show over time.”
It is important to think about the ecosystem of events and communities you are creating so visitors and exhibitors can move seamlessly between experiences.
**The needs for most event-led communities will be something like this:**
1. **A strong central digital hub.** One community per vertical should be the goal. A portfolio of fragmented event brands may make sense, it is far better to focus your precious resources into one community when it comes to digital. A single 365 destination for your community will perform better than lots of small sites. It will be a more comprehensive user experience, with a better chance of performing well on search engines. More content and more company profiles will make a better user experience and bring more advertising inventory.
2. **Various events connected to this hub.** Exhibitor information and products get uploaded once and can go into each of the events they are participating in. The community and event websites should be able to be on different website URLs if that’s the most logical user experience.
3. **SSO.** This should all be connected with Single Sign On so users do not have to login multiple times. Remember: you’re trying to create a **seamless experience**.
Carina added: “You can’t be a true community just by having a KPI to bring more people to an event – you have to build true value for that community.
“You’re going to have to have passion projects that are important to them and be a true part of the industry with them. Otherwise, you’re communicating at them rather than with them.
“Successful communities are communities that have a life of their own. They’re run by the community for the community. If you can foster a community like that, all you can do is provide a platform for it. You never control it – it’s community members helping community members.”
# **Growing with your community**
**Carina, who also contributed to our [Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/), set out how IMEX offers eventprofs a platform to connect so they can grow professionally and personally within the industry.**
The group has also placed a focus on providing information about topics they believe are important to the development of our sector.
She said: “IMEX really is a platform for the global business events sector. That community is very broad and diverse, but really it is anybody within the sector who is interested in development – whether that’s professionally, personally or business development.
“Because we have supported and run a lot of industry initiatives throughout the year, that has led to us having a community of people around the world that we work with all the time for more than just bringing them together to do business and trade.”
A value proposition should be an easy-to-understand reason why your product meets a customer’s needs. Too often the 365 value proposition is simply connecting any type of industry together. You need to go deeper to find something that resonates.
***Download your [free copy of the Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) for more expert insights.***
IMEX Group now has two shows each year across different continents – one in Frankfurt, Germany and another in Las Vegas, US – with the aim of educating, innovating and helping build powerful connections.
But it also offers [initiatives](https://www.imexexhibitions.com/imex-initiatives) outside of those shows which span advocacy, CSR and [sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/), career development and the recognition of excellence. This has led to it having an engaged and loyal following.
Carina said: “We’ve always made a conscious effort to invest in different areas that we knew were important for the industry to develop and work beyond what we were doing at our trade shows. We are dedicated to this sector. We’ve always seen ourselves as business event professionals first and then tradeshow organisers second.
“As a result of that, we’ve always been thinking about how to develop the industry – and of course that’s good for us as well. We’ve also had our passion projects that we believed in, that were important to us and that we felt would it be important to the industry.”
# **An efficient event experience**
**The role of an event organiser at its core is to bring people together for business. But our industry has witnessed a drastic digital transformation which means the traditional serendipitous approach can be made better.**
Carina believes the pandemic turbocharged a lot of trends which were already emerging in our sector. One example can be found in McKinsey & Co findings which show 94% of decision makers think an omnichannel sales approach is at least as effective as the traditional model – up from 65% in 2020.
Another area can be seen in how the amount of data now available to organisers is around 20 times higher than it was before the first lockdown, according to ExpoPlatform estimates.
The IMEX CEO now believes event technology must place a real focus on using this information and digital tools to make great connections – rather than focussing on “gimmicks”.
She said: “Technology enhances live events. If we do well utilising event technology, it won’t be the gimmicky things. The real key will be how it can improve the connections that are made at an event and extend the life of the event.
“People want to have an efficient experience at an event, they don’t want to just leave it to chance – they do want to make sure they meet the right people, they do want to keep that contact afterwards and I think that will be where event tech can definitely help.
“That’s the future of how tech can really enhance an event over and above the gimmicks. Some of the production that you can do – with things like hologram technology – it’s all amazing, but ultimately it’s quite fleeting. The real value is in increasing the connections.”
AI is fundamental to the success of these data-driven businesses and should be just as important for exhibition organisers moving forward. It is an approach which can be applied to people, content, products and exhibitors.
This allows for targeted recommendations in your community year-round and at the physical event. A community can do this by pulling together information from a variety of data sources.
Carina believes in-person events will now need to up their game in creating “shared experiences” so that buyers will feel much more comfortable with transactions online.
She added: “There are some people that have never been to an in-person live event that suddenly you can attract into your broader community. That’s a great benefit of virtual and also improves diversity. But there are also huge amounts about tradeshows that are just not very viable online.
“People have voted with their feet about how they want to do business – people want to do business face-to-face.
“In-person events will need to do a really high-quality job of creating shared experiences for people. The desire of people to have a shared experience – to really get to know each other – so they can be more transactional online is going to become more and more important.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [The Three Cs of a 365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/the-three-cs-of-a-365-community/)
**Published:** May 5, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**There are three crucial components to cultivating a vibrant 365 Community – content, connections and commerce.**
This guide will show you how to tackle each area and build a business model which works year-round. However, every event audience is different and should be treated so in how you move towards this approach.
It means the weighting you put on each component should vary depending on customer needs. Now let’s go into some real detail on each.
**Download the [Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) for your full in-depth guide on how you can build a year-round events business.**
# **Content**
**Content is the lifeblood of your community. It is where you make your value proposition real every day, with new useful content to engage your industry.**
It’s content that keeps your social media channels active and engaging. It’s content that makes your email newsletters get opened. It’s content that starts to pull in new audiences through search engines.
But there is a problem: the market is saturated. It’s getting increasingly hard to compete with the sea of online content. Every day there are 720,000 hours of YouTube videos uploaded, 7.5 million blog posts published and 835 million Tweets tweeted.
There are dedicated news organisations for all sectors. Publishing press releases is not enough to cut through the noise. Your success is determined by whether your content is useful and different enough to add real value to your community.
Listen hard to find out what your audience’s painpoints are and find the best possible way to solve them.
## **Content formats**
Set yourself apart from the competition by creative use of content formats. If all your competition relies on text-based articles, a more visual approach might work.
Creating tools like cost calculators or checklists can be far more useful than the written word. It’s worth testing a range of content formats to see what resonates with your audience.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s Chief Growth Officer, set out how he generated more engagement with a story by a simple change of approach.
He said: “A few years ago I wanted to test a hypothesis that it was possible to take a lot of the guesswork out of creating content, to make sure that time wasn’t being wasted.
“To do this I used a social listening tool to identify the highest trending story in the security industry over the last 24 hours. Then we created a 60-second video about it and uploaded it to Twitter.
“The results were pretty conclusive – the interactions on Twitter were 28 times higher than average and by far the most engagement we’d ever seen on this account.”
This shows that you do not need to have a huge editorial team. Adopting a data-driven approach so you can know which horses to back can make a massive impact.
Simon Albert, managing director at Messe Frankfurt, [said](https://expoplatform.com/blog/365-community-and-live-events-is-like-netflix-and-cinema/): “I see a little bit of a comparison to Netflix and the cinema. You constantly want to be able to watch a film whenever you want. Yet, we still love the experience of a cinema. The experience of the sound and everything else is great.”
## **Who do you need?**
Content needs a dedicated specialist. Their role is to garden your community, nurturing it with high-quality content which keeps your audience engaged. Here are the skills your editor will need:
- Hard journalism skills such as copywriting and interviewing members
- Willingness to experiment with different multimedia formats e.g. infographics or videos
- Curiosity about what analytics are telling them
## **How can you distribute it?**
“If content is King, distribution is Queen – and she wears the pants,” are the words of former BuzzFeed employee Jonathan Perelman.
You need to think about the best way to distribute everything you make. Creating the best content in the world is pointless if no one knows about it.
Some content campaigns have distribution baked in from the start. SEO-focused articles are aimed at getting those clicks from online searches. Listicles about topics such as who is most influential in your community’s industry are designed to be well shared through social media.
Everything else should be included in email marketing and social media. Get your editor and marketer working closely together, meeting each week to review the results and try new things.
Content funnels are a useful way to align content and marketing efforts. Take your main topics and create a network of output which can acquire, convert and engage your audience around them.
For more on how to do this **[read our interview](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/joe-pulizzi/) with Joe Pulizzi**, founder of the Content Marketing Institute.
# **Connections**
**The role of an event organiser is making connections. We bring people together. But the way people do that really has changed – and so has the job of an organiser.**
Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, put it like this: “I couldn’t sleep being the CEO of an event company right now – I think that’s probably one of the worst jobs in the world. Conversely, being a CEO of a connections company I think is probably one of the best jobs in the world right now.”
What do some of the most successful companies of the last decade all have in common? They put machine learning at the core of the experience they offer customers.
Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to improve its accuracy. The algorithms can be trained to take a huge library of stuff and make it personalised to you – no two people have the same experience.
It’s how Spotify makes 70 million tracks into a playlist of songs you might like, it’s how Tinder finds potential dates from a list of 57 million people, it’s how Amazon can turn 350 million products into targeted recommendations.
AI is fundamental to the success of these businesses and should be just as important for exhibition organisers moving forward. It is an approach which needs to be applied to people, content, products and exhibitors.
This allows for targeted recommendations in your community year-round and at the physical event. Your community platform should do this by pulling together information from a variety of data sources.
One of your goals is to create a year-round networking experience similar to what audiences are familiar with from attending virtual events. However, experience has shown us that simply having the technology available to allow people to connect is not enough. How do you make sure your community is going to use the platforms?
Event organisers have some advantage over massive horizontal players like LinkedIn. This is because they know the subject matter knowledge of an industry and how different micro-communities can connect.
**There are a few tools at your disposal to create networking opportunities:**
- **Community Groups** can be used to encourage discussion to continue around niche topics.
- **Hosted Buying** is where your team can schedule meetings on behalf of buyers and sellers with a concierge service. It can be a really effective way to encourage meetings.
- **Online Meet-ups** for a particular micro-community which can be categorised by topic or by geography.
# **Commerce**
**Connecting buyers and sellers year round online is important. But why? The answer is simple: buying and selling does not wait for an event.**
When a buyer has a problem, they want it solved quickly. That’s why 95% of B2B sales start with online search.
The move towards online has only been accelerated by the lockdown restrictions. Ecommerce adoption increased by a decade in the first six weeks of the pandemic, according to a McKinsey & Co study.
Marketplaces exist in every vertical to connect demand from buyers with a carefully curated list of sellers, creating year-round business connections. It’s also important to realise the competitive online landscape your brand exists in.
There are likely already many marketplaces in your space. But where exhibition organisers have a head start is twofold: your brand is trusted and you have relationships with suppliers.
RD Whitney, CEO of the Community Leaders Institute, said: “Event organisers have the right ingredients to work with: they have a brand that’s recognised and trusted, they have an active readership and attendees, they have content – and they’ve got buyers and sellers that want to connect with each other.”
Having a marketplace in your portfolio is now an essential building block to create an omnichannel experience. The world of retail has talked about this for some time. It means allowing a combination of in-person, remote and digital transactions.
A customer can begin their journey in one channel, purchase through another, then receive customer service through a third. This allows buyers to flow seamlessly between digital and in-person experiences at their own convenience.
Combining your physical tradeshow with an online marketplace means you as a B2B organiser can also offer this kind of experience. Bear this in mind: a recent McKinsey study found 94% of B2B decision-makers say the new omnichannel sales model is as effective or more compared to the sales model they used before the pandemic. For context, that’s up from 65% in April 2020.
**What kinds of marketplaces are there?**
A key distinction to make on the overall scope of the marketplace is whether it will process payment. The two main options to consider are whether it should:
- Mirror the model of most events by making the initial business connection in a **lead-generating marketplace**, usually based on a supplier listing fee or subscription.
- Deliver the entire order with e-commerce in a **transactional marketplace**.
**For more on this download our** [**Marketplace Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)**.**
# **Conclusion**
**No two communities are the same, so the most important principle is to take a data-driven approach to finding the areas of whitespace where you can create new value for your industry.**
Putting data at the heart of your community means researching **the** **Three Cs** of your value proposition. It also means having the capabilities to test new content approaches and measure results in a fast feedback loop where every headline is an opportunity to learn.
You can find out more about how a 365 Community can drive growth – growing audiences, engagement and revenue – with our **Community Blueprint. [Download it for free now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/).**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Building a 365 community around a mental health tradeshow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/wilfred-krenn/)
**Published:** August 17, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A new mental health B2B brand is using the power of a community platform to help workplace leaders make key buying decisions in person.**
Emerald launched [Mentera](https://joinmentera.com/) to tackle the issue within businesses across the US, as figures show the topic is becoming increasingly important.
The 365 community and in-person brand aims to create and foster a more connected audience through a [year-round digital platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) and live forum.
> A new era in mental health begins today. It’s time for a better workplace where making a living doesn’t come at the cost of making a life. We're a community of leading mental health and wellbeing innovators, thought leaders and disruptors. Learn more at . [pic.twitter.com/mTggJnmt27](https://t.co/mTggJnmt27)
>
> — Mentera (@JoinMentera) [June 1, 2022](https://twitter.com/JoinMentera/status/1532013952921657345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Wilfred Krenn, brand leader, believes the sensitive nature of mental health makes it even more important that trust is built using the tool ahead of those key buying decisions at an exhibition.
He told ExpoPlatform: “We all have the need to care for our mental health, but it’s a very personal decision and discussion for everyone involved.
“We’re really focused on creating that space for our audience to come and connect and feel they can get their needs met.
“Building trust through that 365 experience is really important to us. When you build a relationship with a brand, you’re building trust and that creates openness to those types of experiences.
“Then we can prove that business case to our exhibitors and sponsors by showing that this is the place to find open and honest conversations.
“The audience that we are targeting – the people who are making the buying decisions for these companies – are not just buying it for a few people who might need it right now, they’re buying it for everyone in the company.
“What we’re really trying to do is de-risk that conversation for both parties. De-risk it for the audience by saying this is a place where you can get the information and make the connections you can trust. We have the opportunity to connect them with the best people for their needs.
“For our exhibitor and sponsor companies who are selling B2B, we have the exact audience that they’re looking for right here – and you can be confident that you’re talking to the right people.”
**Download our [Community Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) for a complete guide on growing your reach and revenue year-round.**
Wilfred explained that Mentera is a “diversified platform” that makes use of all forms of marketing such as social media, its own website and other engagement.
> Mark your calendars – Mentera is coming to Salt Lake City for our inaugural conference and exhibition, May 16-17, 2023. This event aims to help you connect with mental health service and solution providers. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated: [pic.twitter.com/ZxyP0TbpUY](https://t.co/ZxyP0TbpUY)
>
> — Mentera (@JoinMentera) [July 27, 2022](https://twitter.com/JoinMentera/status/1552293071404109825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
This will be used to build enough confidence in the brand to position it well for a real launch on the digital community after its first live show next year.
The inaugural conference and exhibition is scheduled for May at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, Utah, with hopes for progress in tackling workplace mental health issues.
Wilfred added: “We see our big live event next year as really the opportunity to launch the digital community in an effective way.
“If you have something like that too soon or if you try and force it on people who are not ready for it, they don’t yet see the value, it’s hard to build that trust.
“Having those key points like a live event as an opportunity to launch that digital community platform is really an essential piece of doing that in an effective way.”
## **Why mental health matters**
**The development of Mentera comes as numerous reports have recently shone a spotlight on the worsening impact of mental health issues in the workplace.**
Findings from [show](https://www.mindsharepartners.org/mentalhealthatworkreport-2021) more staff have been leaving jobs for mental health reasons than ever, due to factors like overwhelming and unsustainable work.
Wilfred said: “Business leaders, HR leaders and CEOs are hearing that their employees have wanted comprehensive mental health support.
“For a long time it’s been what we’ve been calling a one-size-fits-all solution.
“Unfortunately, those services, while amazing in their own right, haven’t been well utilised and a lot of that’s because it hasn’t met all the needs out there.
“There are all these amazing mental health companies out there now that have really been accelerated through technology.
“The use of telehealth, the use of digital therapeutics, even using data and analytics to really have a better understanding of mental health.
“This is a big part of how we start to individualise and make sure that every person gets mental health support no matter where they are in their journey.”
Wilfred explained that it was about making sure there was preventative work available right up until and including when an employee reaches crisis point.
That could be someone in their family experiencing addiction, an eating disorder or if they are going through a difficult time and starting to have harmful thoughts.
Mentera aims to show that there’s a solution out there for any issue by getting people connected.
Wilfred added: “That’s where we really see our role is bringing all of those people together – bringing in those thought leaders, those companies that really excite us, that have that same passion for making the change in mental health in the workplace that we want to see, that our audience wants to see.
“Part of that is building that brand. Over the next year, our goal is to start to bring together each part of that audience so that when we get to Mentera 2023 people have already started to build those relationships.
“People are already starting to build a trust and a comfort level with Mentera and the community that we’re putting together, we want to come to that experience from a very open place.
“Mental health is such a personal and important thing to people. We want to make sure that any experience we do is really respectful of that and gives people the chance to connect – not only with their business needs but their own needs as well.”
## **Emerald’s Xcelerator division**
**Mentera comes as part of Emerald’s Xcelerator division which blends online and onsite components to build strong audiences around companies.**
It is dedicated to launching and transforming brands that curate year-round communities through face-to-face and digital experiences.
It builds B2B and B2C businesses in emerging industries with a focus on commerce and connection.
Wilfred said: “We’re really trying to build off of what Emerald as a whole is doing and the direction that Emerald is going with the development of the Xcelerator, which Mentera’s a part of.
“The Xcelerator programme is really exciting and definitely a big part of why I felt confident in joining and doing something brand new.
“My background is in mental health. I’ve been a therapist my entire career, I’ve worked in clinical treatment – both in individual therapy and in treatment centres – and worked in the mental health focused insurance industry.
“It was very new to me, going into media and events. But it was exciting and I felt like I really bought into what Emerald was trying to do.
“The mission of Xcelerator is a lot about using technology to create new opportunities for people to connect beyond those once-a-year events – using community as a way to build a brand and create opportunities for people to connect throughout the year.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Top benefits of a 365 strategy for events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/five-benefits-365/)
**Published:** October 5, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Events are a great way to connect people, but they’re not the only solution. It’s important to nurture those relationships all year long, and digital platforms can help.**
Live shows play an important role in building trust through in-person meetups, while online communities can reinforce these relationships year-round. Both formats benefit each other.
A 365 strategy is invaluable for event organisers as it helps build trust throughout the year for your brand. As a result, any new competitor has difficulty grabbing a piece of the market share.
Building on year-round engagement provides opportunities to make deeper connections with your audience. There’s no drastic dip in engagement once the live show gets over – one can simply continue the conversations on the 365 Community platform.
Read on for five ways a 365 strategy can benefit your events.
## **Create a bigger, more engaged audience**
**A total of 95% of B2B buyers begin their search for products and services online, making it crucial to have a strong digital presence.**
Your target audience is online and doesn’t have time to always for your next event, so it makes sense to have an always-on approach to steadily grow your database.
This means your potential customers should have access to content, companies and products any time of the year – boosting your [**community engagement**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) 365 days a year.
Consistently invest in targeted outreach and content marketing initiatives to attract new buyers and followers.
## **Increased data, better insights**
**A study by ExpoPlatform found digital tools provide 20 times more data about a user than without.**
This gives key insights into the behavioural patterns and interests of the target audience – allowing you to make more informed content and product decisions.
You can create more personalised buyer experiences in the same way that Netflix, Spotify or Amazon do by creating different user journeys based on their interests.
## **Higher revenue**
**A [365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) provides opportunities to create alternative revenue streams through multiple digital options.**
For example, you can give a year-round presence to exhibitors and create paid options to set up vendor resources – content libraries, product catalogues and more.
Special subscription offers for members, sponsored ads, content and webinars will also bring in more money. This helps diversify your income and reduce reliance on physical shows in case of poor sales or cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.
Figures from ExpoPlatform showed a massive increase of 300% in digital revenues when one shift from an events-only approach to a community model.
More than two-thirds of this revenue was generated by annual marketplace listings, which include basic and premium profiles.
## **Provides flexibility**
One of the biggest advantages of a 365 approach is its flexibility. The digital medium is pandemic proof, location-agnostic and allows you to reach a global audience.
Consider these scenarios: A new variant of the virus appears? Just shift to a virtual event and put the physical show on the back burner. Potential customers are unable to attend the event? Make your sessions on-demand for later viewing.
It’s also much easier to pivot to new formats, adjust to changes and communicate to your audience through a 365 community.
## **More sustainable**
Growing awareness around [**sustainable events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) has brought digital tools and platforms like 365 communities to the forefront.
Organisers are making efforts to reduce the carbon footprint by incorporating online communities in their overall event strategy.
It increases participation from international audiences and also contributes to sustainability initiatives, including the [Net Zero Carbon Pledge for the Events Industry](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/the-pledge/) that aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [How to make your events more profitable with 365 marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/make-your-events-profitable-with-marketplaces/)
**Published:** February 10, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Online marketplaces are fast becoming the go-to models for tradeshow organizers to get more buy-ins for their businesses and drive revenue year-round.
According to **[Research and Markets](https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5337745/b2b-ecommerce-platform-market-research-report-by)**, the global B2B e-commerce platform market value stood at $8,916.6 million in 2022 and is expected to grow to around $10,059mn this year. It is further projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.9% to reach $23,618.3mn by 2030.
For B2B events, online marketplaces serve as a digital extension to ensure market visibility 365 days a year ⭕
Organizers can use these platforms to connect buyers and sellers regardless of their geographical boundaries and time zones.
In this article, we will understand the different ways an online marketplace can help your events generate more revenue.
**[Learn more about ExpoPlatform’s 365 Marketplace solutions](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)**
## **Why 365 Marketplaces are a must-have for your event tech stack ?
Online marketplace giants like Amazon and eBay are retail juggernauts that have played a key role in helping digital sales go mainstream ?
The advent of new event tech and the increasingly digital nature of events present an opportunity to create similar marketplace platforms for exhibitions and tradeshows.
Conor Riordan, editor at ExpoPlatform said: “The real transformation events need is to seamlessly transition between physical and digital experiences.
“The first step toward this omnichannel approach is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers 365 days of the year.”
Such **‘always on’** marketplaces can unlock a wealth of potential for B2B event organizers. Here’s why they should be a part of your tech stack ?
- You can anchor your flagship event around marketplaces – create an engaged pool of buyers and sellers before, during and after the show.
- Exhibitors can showcase products, engage directly with potential buyers and close business deals – anytime, anywhere.
- Drive revenue by streamlining processes and increasing sales opportunities. Make it easier by integrating services like **[lead intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)** in the supplier dashboard.
- Help niche businesses thrive by creating micro community groups for engagement and networking.
- Facilitates upsell opportunities by using content targeted toward the buyer’s preferences and needs.
- Creating your own marketplace gives you full flexibility in design options and control of site settings. You can devise dynamic visual merchandising capabilities and new monetization streams while elevating the audience experience.
These efforts add up—if done right—ultimately unlocking greater ROI throughout all stages of a tradeshow’s lifecycle (pre-, at-, post-event) ✔
Moreover, you will be able to stay agile and prepared in the ever-evolving and shifting industry landscape. Any adverse scenario will be mitigated once you have a well-oiled system to run your business.
? Also read: [**10 ways online marketplaces are a bonus for eventprofs**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-advantages/)
## **Marketplace monetization opportunities ?**
An online marketplace presents a plethora of opportunities to make money. They are infinitely scalable and offer customization options that cater to every budget.
**Here are six ways you can monetize your marketplace and boost the profitability of your events** ⤵
**1. Supplier listing fee:** Any supplier who wants to exhibit their wares on your platform can be charged a listing fee. This can be in the form of a monthly subscription option as well as extra charges for new listings.
**2. Buyer membership fee:** A well-curated marketplace that focuses on quality and acts against mediocre and poor products can gain solid traction with buyers. These buyers would be willing to pay a small fee to get quality offerings.
**3. Transaction fees:** Charge a commission or a flat fee on every transaction that happens on the platform. This helps sellers to scale up their business and get more visibility.
**4. Freemium model:** Buyers and sellers can get easily started on the marketplace using the basic features that are available to all. More value-added services can be availed at additional costs.
**5. Customization options:** Endless options exist to monetize through customization. For example – there can be sponsored listings, an extra fee to display more products, paid content etc.
**6. Sell ad space:** Any advertisements for promotions and offers can be charged. Different fee structures can be available for the website version and mobile.
Did you know? You can also make money for your events using AI ? [**read more**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/six-ways-ai-more-money/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Organizers need strategic plan to 'engage in a 365 world'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/rob-millar-feb23/)
**Published:** February 14, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Organizers need to be build a strategic plan to properly “engage in a 365 world” instead of wasting money at a “non-existent problem”, according to an industry expert.**
Rob Millar, director at Devonshire and St Andrews, believes organizers have struggled to make the most of this year-round approach due to poor vision.
This comes despite nurturing a community around event offerings being [**highlighted as one of the biggest opportunities**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) for eventprofs in 2023, with almost two thirds choosing it at 63%.
He said: “Even shows that have made a reasonable success of 365 are finding it hard to maintain. They are unsure whether this is a temporary set-back or something more long-term.”
It was set out that when “you dig under the bonnet” to see what they actually mean they have to either:
- Replicate the show format online in some way – either virtual events or at least improving their directories of exhibitors
- Build a content plan, but without really understanding whether there was any value in it
He added: “My view is both approaches still fundamentally fail to understand the value of skills required to build communities. In both instances they were throwing money at a problem that did not necessarily exist – therefore, I can see why major organizers are now pulling back.
“A community manager or specialist could be an absolutely massive help in most cases, but other skills may also be needed – an example would be you can develop a 365 offer by creating a marketplace where people can buy and sell year-round.
“That does not need a community manager, but absolutely needs skills around developing and maintaining marketplaces.
“The solution: build a more strategic plan about how you engage in a 365 world, rather than getting existing staff to build on their core knowledge – replicating shows online – or throw money at a non-existent problem – content development.”
Rob is a strategic advisor with over 20 years’ experience of working globally at board level with major brands across multiple industries.
His area of expertise is in helping businesses create sustainable growth by focusing on strategic transformation – combining the ability to develop long-term strategies with the more practical actions required to deliver change.
Meanwhile, digital monetization and proving exhibitor ROI both came out with 50% of respondents saying it offered room for growth.
The results can be found in our [**Event Tech Forecast 2023**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) report, which took feedback from eventprofs from around the world to show the state of our industry.
A follow-up webinar to this study brought together a panel of experts to discuss its findings, with engagement from viewers around the world.
Community came out second in an audience poll of where the best opportunities for digital revenue lie, with 18% of respondents choosing it.
Chris Pendley, of Messe Frankfurt North America, highlighted how this 365 approach leads to better engagement, making it easier to get sign-ups to your live event.
The director of data and digital services said: “When you have that, you’ve got these people engaged year-round – they’ve already signed up for the content that you’re putting out, even if there are many events a week that will really be doing pop ups and more localised smaller events.
“Doing things like that throughout the year, when it comes time for the big exhibition, the barrier of entry is going to be a little bit lower.”
But Dahlia El Gazzar, of DAHLIA+ Agency, warned organizers not to approach this model with money as the main focus from the beginning.
She said: “You have to think of it in the sense of how you’re building this group of people that have something in common, that have an emotional connection of some kind.
“You bottle that energy and then you promote it, that’s how you build the community – not thinking that you’re going to make $10 million from the get go.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [A manifesto for event data: why organisers must keep control of their most important asset](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/)
**Published:** April 6, 2021
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
*Who now owns the customer – is it the event organisers or virtual event platform? Data is the lifeblood of any event, but too many organisers are giving away this vital resource without knowing. Make sure you aren’t giving your most valuable asset to a potential competitor.*
The international events industry sits at a crossroads. The move to digital platforms over the last year has been rapid, creating an explosion in attendee information and event data that is redefining the way organisers understand and shape the communities they serve.
But in this rapid advance something has been forgotten: who actually ‘owns’ the customer, and why aren’t all platforms sharing valuable usage data with the organiser?
To understand what is happening to your data in more detail, we must first define the types of event data handled by virtual event platforms:
**User data** – The unique demographic data to identify a customer (name, email address, job title etc). This is typically uploaded to a platform through a visitor or exhibitor registration process, and can be used by the organiser to communicate directly with the customer.
**Usage data** – The behavioural data that is generated by all the user interactions on the platform. This includes who met with who, which content sessions they attended, which exhibitor profiles they viewed and so on.
Online events grant us access to a gold mine of data we’d never know about in physical events, including who meets who and which visitors are matching with which exhibitor products and sessions, powered by sophisticated AI algorithms.
As an example, an event may have 10,000 visitors (user data). Previously their registration data would be all that was known about them. For events conducted on a virtual or hybrid event platform these visitors might generate 300,000 interactions and 20,000 meetings (usage data), providing valuable insight into how the industry is connecting and doing business – an exponential increase in volume which has yet to be properly mined and understood.
Both forms of data are incredibly valuable to organisers, who will want to suck this enriched data back into their own database to learn from it and use in future campaigns.
What if this data belonged not to the organiser, but to the event technology platform that hosted it? More to the point, what purpose does it serve for this data to be owned by the technology platform – and how could they use it independently of the organiser?
As can be seen in this infographic, not all event technology platforms handle user data in the same way
In an Organiser-led model, the event organiser owns the relationship with their customers as data controller, with the technology platform as the processor for the duration of the contract.
This data can be used for a single event or multiple events in a portfolio to make for a seamless journey.
Yet, in an increasingly common Vendor-led model, it is the platform itself that can own the direct relationship with your customers, and share that data with other organisers.
## **Nurturing the next Facebook for events**
The vendor-led model positions the technology platform at the centre of the relationship, in a similar way that Facebook, LinkedIn or ClubHouse own the relationship with their users, and event organisers merely ‘rent’ the space.
The platform is then able to monetise your customers’ data and intellectual property through various means, including reselling it to other brands or competitors launching rival events. While this is great for the VC backers of these platforms, it’s bad news for the organisers losing control of their data.
In the same way that the publishing industry now bitterly regrets how they helped direct their audiences to follow them on Facebook a decade ago, the early 2020s could become a moment the event industry also looks back upon with regret, having nurtured a competitor.
It’s worth highlighting that Usage data, tracking the customers’ behaviour on the platform, must be handled slightly differently. Once anonymised, this usage data is an important part of how vendors improve and optimise the online experience for customers.
We believe organisers should have co-ownership of this data and be able to extract it whenever required.
## **Knowledge is power; Read the fine print**
Without due diligence, organisers can find themselves nurturing a direct competitor with their most valuable data.
To ensure that your data isn’t at risk, make sure your contract includes the following:
1. ### **Make sure you control the user data**
When it comes to data, an event technology platform should only ever serve as a data processor. Control of the user data itself should belong to the organiser and the organiser alone.
Without an event organiser’s express permission, data sharing must be restricted to your immediate brand. No external companies or third-parties should have access to your data.
There is no need for a technology partner to store any data that identifies an individual by name, unless it plans to monetise this information down the line.
2. ### **Share control of the usage data**
While it is true that an online event platform needs to retain ownership of the anonymised usage data it generates for strictly limited purposes (i.e. in order to function and improve the customer experience), the organiser must have co-ownership and be able to access this data whenever and however it likes.
And this should not be only in the form of reports or representations; the platform should share the raw data itself.
3. ### **Make sure you own the IP**
Any Intellectual property (IP) that is shared during your event by speakers, attendees or exhibitors should also belong to the organiser rather than the technology platform.
Yet, as is the case with social media platforms, some virtual event platforms also now own your IP.
Ask yourself, if it’s your customer, your usage data and your intellectual property; why should anybody else own it?
ExpoPlatform’s mission is to support – not compete – with event organisers on their digital transformation. To find out how our AI-powered virtual and hybrid events and 365 community platform can support your business objectives visit us [***here***](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Drive out the Data Barbarians, says UFI panel](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/)
**Published:** July 15, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Organisers have been asked if they are “seriously paying to let the barbarians in” amid an expert panel discussion over control of event data.
Five industry leaders took part in the latest UFI Connects session on Thursday, chaired by journalist Danica Tormohlen, giving their views on data control.
The debate came in response to a [previous discussion](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) at the 2021 UFI European Conference, which focussed on how virtual event platforms use the information they are collecting.
On Thursday, leaders from Tarsus Group, Clarion Events, RX Global, Informa Markets and Emerald all gave their views on the topic.
Douglas Emslie, group CEO of Tarsus Group, said the industry needs to “drive out the bad players” amid talks over platforms that take control of the information.
He said: “We should be very, very clear – the barbarians are at the gate.
“We do not know what these platforms are doing with this data.
“Are we seriously paying to let the barbarians in?
“Should we be worried? Absolutely, because we are one data breach away from a disaster for our industry.”
Douglas added: “Who owns that company today might not be the owner tomorrow and we don’t know what they’re going to do with that data tomorrow.”
Trust and responsibility were raised as crucial issues for organisers when it comes to how that information is looked after.
Charlie McCurdy told the panel that it was the customer who owns the information and they are giving organisers “consent” to use it.
The Informa Markets CEO added: “We are stewards or custodians of this data.”
Lisa Hannant highlighted that although there would be no legal repercussions if the information is not controlled by the organiser, there were still reputational issues.
The Clarion Events group MD said: “Being a data controller – whether us or an external party – comes with responsibility.
“If we are the data controllers it’s clearly important that there’s a strong awareness of what that means.”
On what it means when vendors control the data, she added: “The reputational risk does still remain with the organiser.”
Mark Brewster, Explori CEO, asked the panel whether it is “okay” for vendors to co-own identifiable customer data, to which Lisa replied: “No.”
She added: “The only way I can bring this down to its simplest terms is we don’t need to own the highway, but we do need to own our cars that are on the highway.
“That’s kind of the basic principle of which I think that we can start to think this through.”
## Trust must be earned
The panellists highlighted the way that registration companies have earned the trust of organisers over the years, with InfoSalons’ Jo Anne Kelly commenting that “there should be an understanding of the difference between managing the data versus owning the data”.
Herve Sedky, Emerald CEO, described how organisers have a responsibility to protect the customer data which is “critical” to an “extraordinarily complex issue”.
Herve added: “Trust is earned and it’s earned over time – you don’t just ask for trust and get trust.
“In the realm of customer data we have to have this diligence.”
Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global, described the industry as being at a crucial moment as more events take place in an online format.
He said: “It’s critical now more than ever that we as an industry come together and that we need to protect that data that’s entrusted to us to ensure our future in this area.”
The discussion comes after a rapid move towards digital platforms over the last year.
This move has created an explosion in attendee information and event data that is redefining the way organisers understand and shape the communities they serve.
However, not all event technology platforms handle this information in the same way.
An organiser-led model sees the organiser own the relationship with their customer as data controller, with the technology platform as the processor for the duration of the contract.
This information can be used for a single event or multiple events in a portfolio to make for a seamless journey.
In a vendor-led model, it is the platform that can own the direct relationship with your customers and share that data with other organisers.
## What’s next?
It is clear the industry needs to come together to find a way through this, with the support of Associations such as UFI and the VSef data initiative playing key roles in the landscape of event data for the future.
ExpoPlatform’s [manifesto for event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/) sets out in more detail the importance of organisers keeping control of the data, rather than giving it to platforms.
*If you want to know who does what with your data, here is our quick summary of the data policies of the main event platforms.*
*There are two main approaches: the control of the data either stays with the organiser or the control goes to the vendor who can do as they wish, subject to applicable privacy regulations as is the case with every relationship:*
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Nine event data questions for organisers choosing an online platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organiser-questions/)
**Published:** July 20, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Event data is one of the biggest potential benefits to organisers to emerge from the digital transformation of our industry.
At ExpoPlatform, we estimate 20 times more information is being generated from attendees since events moved to online event platforms.
This includes who they are meeting and how they are matching with exhibitor products and sessions – all powered by sophisticated AI algorithms.
Following the latest [UFI data debate](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/), we have set out what questions an organiser should ask about event data before choosing an online platform.
## **\#1 Who controls user event data?**
“This is the Amazon moment going into the bookstore, this is Facebook coming after the media companies 10 years ago. We should be very clear here: the barbarians are at the gate.”
That’s how Douglas Emslie, group CEO of Tarsus Group, described the position the industry is in when it comes to who controls customer data.
GDPR – a regulation on data protection and privacy – draws a distinction between a controller and a processor.
A controller chooses the purposes and means of the processing of this data, while the processor does this on their behalf.
For any organiser wanting to futureproof their business, it is critical to remain in control of your customer data.
There are two approaches out there: one led by the organiser, the other controlled by the vendor.
An organiser-led model means the organiser owns the relationship with their customers as data controller, while the online event platform acts as the processor.
This is similar to how registration platforms work, the customer data is “siloed” for your brand alone and the vendor does not have control of it.
In a vendor-led model, it is the platform that takes over the direct relationship with your customers and can share that information with other organisers.
This is similar to setting a group on Facebook or LinkedIn and inviting your contacts to join – the platform is acting like a social network.
Many in the publishing industry now regret directing their audiences to follow them on Facebook a decade ago – the early 2020s could become a moment the event industry also regrets nurturing a competitor.
Although an organiser may not face any legal issues for how this information is used in this case, Clarion Events group MD [Lisa Hannant told the latest UFI Connects session](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/) that a reputational risk remains for the company depending on how that data is used by a platform.
## **\#2 Can organisers delete event data afterwards?**
Can you scrap your car? If not, is it really yours?
An organiser can’t remove information about their customers when they have entered a vendor-led model about who controls the data.
This is because the platform retains ownership of that relationship with users.
Meanwhile, an organiser-led model allows the company putting on an event to remove that information after it has concluded, if they choose to do so.
## **\#3 Can users delete their accounts?**
GDPR means the customer should always own their data, while platforms or organisers should act as custodians of that information.
Therefore, the user should be able to delete any information of theirs which has been gathered through an event platform. This can be done by deleting their account.
However, it is important to consider what might have happened to that data before it is removed.
A vendor-led model could allow the platform to pass that information on to competing firms, while the organiser-led model sees those putting the event on remain in control.
## **\#4 Do users have the same account across events?**
Online event platforms are capable of allowing users to have the same account across multiple events.
This can be useful to allow a customer seamless access to several events within a portfolio.
However, it should be up to the organiser whether this should be done when they control the data.
This approach is known as “siloed data”, meaning the organiser decides which events or communities the information can be used with.
Meanwhile, a vendor-led model can allow the virtual platform to use the same account for any number of events whenever it wants.
This approach often means messages, contacts and notifications from multiple events feed into a single profile and inbox.
The vendor-led model sees the relationship become Facebook-like, as the user can dip in and out of the various events running on the platform – rather than it being a single experience overseen by one organiser.
## **\#5 Can platforms promote events and advertising services to users?**
The organiser-led model makes it impossible for vendors to promote other events or advertising services to users, as the platform has no control of the data.
A vendor-led model means a platform could promote other events or advertising services when it controls the customer data.
This can be used by the vendor itself or passed to a competing organiser.
It is important to consider whether you as an organiser would wish your customers to receive adverts from competitors – especially when the platform has been paid by you to process that data.
## **\#6 Who owns the IP?**
Some vendor-led platforms own the intellectual property, including the content shared by your speakers.
This could have massive ramifications for those sharing their ideas through your event.
## **\#7 Are you VSef compliant?**
VSef is a universal data format for hybrid and virtual events.
Developed collaboratively between event organisers and online event platforms, VSef helps this information move more freely between platforms, business intelligence tools, CRM and marketing systems.
The VSef initiative is a step towards better standards of data sharing, making it easier to export user and usage data through APIs.
## **\#8 What can I do with anonymous usage data?**
Anonymised usage information tracks all interactions a customer has with the platform.
This “firehose” of click and interaction data is an important part of how vendors optimise the online experience for users.
An online event platform needs to retain ownership of the anonymised usage data it generates for strictly limited purposes – to display analytics reports, to function properly and continue to improve.
If an organiser has co-control they are able to access this data whenever and however it likes.
Many organisers choose to feed this usage data directly into their database for further insights.
## **\#9 What about the future?**
“We are still in testing mode, and will be far more mature in the future years – I have no doubt – about what we do as an industry with that valuable customer data,” is what Hugh Jones, CEO of RX Global, told that UFI Connects session.
Even if a platform is not actively selling your customer data now, could they in the future?
Once you have given away control of your data in the vendor-led model you have no control of how it will be used.
The influx of VC and private equity money means that it’s uncertain who will own these companies in the future – and to what purposes they have for visitor and exhibitor data.
## **Want to know more?**
ExpoPlatform’s [manifesto for event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/) sets out in more detail the importance of organisers keeping control of the data, rather than giving it to platforms.
*If you want to know who does what with your data, here is our quick summary of the data policies of the main event platforms.*
*There are two main approaches: the control of the data either stays with the organiser or the control goes to the vendor who can do as they wish, subject to applicable privacy regulations as is the case with every relationship:*
**Categories:** Data
---
### [How to use attendee data at virtual and hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/how-to-attendee-data/)
**Published:** August 3, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Knowing how to use attendee data to better target your audience is key to achieving your organisation’s goals.
Virtual and hybrid events provide thousands of information points to track the user’s digital footprints before, during and after the show.
You can analyse their needs better and solve their pain points by studying this exhibition data in detail.
Here, we explains how organisers can best use attendee data at virtual and [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/).
## **What attendee data should you collect?**
Data sources at events are often integrated with customer relationship management, marketing automation and other systems.
With such a wealth of data at your disposal, it is important to know which virtual event metrics should be tracked.
*Get more details on [ virtual event KPIs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/) for audience engagement, brand visibility, lead generation, knowledge sharing and attendee satisfaction.*
Some of these data points include:
**Session length** – How much time did each participant spend on their chosen sessions?
**Attendance rate** – What percentage of participants actually showed up to an event?
**Dwell Time** – The amount of time people spent viewing content within a given session
**Page Views** – How many times were people directed to specific parts of your website while attending a virtual event?
*Read what world-leading organisers think about exhibition data control and why there is a need to* *[“drive out the data barbarians”](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/)*.
Here’s how you can leverage this information to improve your events and enhance your value proposition.
## **Prove the impact of hybrid events**
Attendee data metrics are used to demonstrate measurable proof of an event’s success.
These metrics include:
- **Total registrations and actual check-ins**
- **Number of sessions meetings scheduled**
- **Most downloaded content resources, most viewed videos**
- **Most visited virtual stands**
- **Level of sponsor participation**
- **Feedback forms and surveys**
- **Net promoter score**
- **Social media likes, subscribes and shares**
- **Online visits, SEO traffic**
Communicating this information to stakeholders strengthens faith and potential for investment in the event, which can be positioned as a critical marketing strategy for business success.
## **Understand the customer journey and improve the attendee experience**
Exhibition data provides a granular outlook into all aspects of a virtual or hybrid event – from registration, engagement at virtual stands and sessions to post-event feedback and analysis.
You can easily create better attendee experiences with so much information at your fingertips – through the event website, mobile apps and in-person modes like interactive wristbands and smart badges.
The ability to measure how customers interact with an organisation’s digital channels helps you identify where improvements can be made.
This information also allows you to track and report on marketing campaigns so you know which parts are working well and which need improvement.
The insights gained from this process can help marketers make informed decisions about future campaign strategies and content delivery.
Based on registration information, attendee engagement and response rates you can:
- **Build a more complete picture of your prospects and customers – including their age, gender, location, job title, education, interests and hobbies**
- **Craft personalised buyer journeys through audience sentiment analysis**
- **Shape your event messaging through relevant data-crunching**
- **Implement real-time feedback during the event**
- **Get recommendations from post-event surveys to improve future events**
- **Provide crucial insights to exhibitors and sponsors to target buyers**
- **Measure success rates across all touch points**
## **Promote events, generate leads, find speakers**
**Promote your next virtual conference** or meeting by showing attendees who are interested in attending, as well as those that have already registered. This will help you reach out to them more effectively with targeted messages.
**Identify new leads** from past participants. You may find it useful to identify which people attended multiple times, so you know they’re likely to return again.
**Find potential speakers** based on previous attendees. If someone has been an active participant at several conferences, chances are they know other experts in their field. Reach out to these individuals directly to see if they would like to speak at your upcoming event.
**Build relationships** between companies and industry associations. Attendees often share information about what organisations they belong to, so this could provide valuable insight into how best to market to them.
*Looking for an event tech platform for your next virtual or hybrid event? Here are* [*nine questions you should ask*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organiser-questions/) *before choosing one.*
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Event data: a complete guide for organisers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/)
**Published:** August 10, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The increased use of digital technology has led to an explosion of event data.
This move towards virtual formats was brought on by lockdown restrictions, but is now being viewed as a permanent feature to connect with audiences all year long.
Figures from research firm MarketsandMarkets show the global online event platform market size is projected to [increase to nearly £13.6 billion ($18.9 billion) in 2026](https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/virtual-event-platform-market-198777256.html) from £74.7 billion ($10.4 billion in 2021).
While this rise in data helps organisers gain crucial insights to achieve better results, it has also created concerns on how best to manage this information as well as ensuring compliance to security regulations.
Our guide to virtual event data provides a comprehensive outlook on the use of attendee information at digital and hybrid events and [answers questions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organiser-questions/) an organiser may have.
**Here’s what we will cover:**
- [**Importance of event data management**](#stepone)
- [**How to collect event data?**](#steptwo)
- [**Measuring and analysing event data**](#stepthree)
- [**How to use event data to create better experiences**](#stepfour)
- [**event data features technology platforms should offer**](#stepfive)
- [**Implications of data ownership and control in B2B events**](#stepsix)
- [**Data privacy questions organisers should ask before selecting an event tech platform**](#stepseven)
- [**Data policies of leading event technology platforms**](#stepeight)
## Importance of event data management**
Event data management helps organisers understand which parts of their event resonates with audiences so they can create more relevant, personalised experiences.
It also provides actionable insights into audience behaviour, allowing marketers to make informed decisions about future campaigns and product development.
Key benefits include:
- Understand where your target market spends time online
- Identify areas of interest within your content
- Gain a deeper understanding of user behaviours across multiple channels
- Create customised marketing strategies based on individual interests
Furthermore, COO of Emerald Brian Field [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-tech-brian-field/) it is now a must-have ability to be able to use this information.
He said: “Covid-19 has forced everyone into realising that technology – whether it’s rented or owned – is an absolute necessity.
“Organisers can’t just go back to a pre-Covid-19 way of doing things because the way things used to be done – coupled with the absence of performance data – has been increasingly challenging for chief marketing officers (CMO) seeking hard calculations of ROI.
“Being able to use data and supporting tools to generate clear measures and metrics around ROI is required. We have to do it.
“Covid-19 has accelerated the need for broader technological adoption, which is something the industry was going to have to do anyway.”
## **How to collect event data?**
Collecting and analysing attendee data happens through the event tech platform – including the event website, mobile app and lead capture solutions.
Here is a brief explanation of each:
**Event website**
[Event websites](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/) are the most common way to collect information about attendees. They allow you to easily gather all relevant details in one place, but you can also ask questions that will help you understand what your audience wants from your event.
You should analyse which pages and sections receive higher traffic by keeping track of how many people visit your event website.
Consider making changes if some sections aren’t getting enough attention. For example, you could add different types of content or change up the layout.
**Mobile event app**
Organisers should consider using a [mobile application](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) to collect information from attendees before, during and after the event.
This allows you to get feedback on content, speakers, sessions and other event offerings.
It also shows how many people are downloading your app each day or week.
Send out emails with download links to the technology as part of your marketing strategy.
**Lead capture solutions**
These are software tools through which organisers can scan attendee information and build their contacts list.
The interactions can be contextualised with additional notes and each lead can be assigned a score to qualify them for follow-ups and discussions.
**Polls and Surveys**
Polling and feedback surveys are a great way to receive valuable suggestions from your audience.
They can share their experience with you or your brand during an event, but it’s also a good tool for measuring interest in future content you create.
Polls are easy to set up on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter as well as email marketing tools such as MailChimp – features which are usually available with online event platforms.
Event data captured through these tools includes demographic details such as age, gender, location, occupation, income level, marital status, education levels, hobbies and more.
This information also captures behavioural metrics like website visits, social media activity, search engine queries, app usage, purchase history, email open rates, visits to virtual stands and session participation.
Asking more questions of you audience will increase your feedback, meaning you will get more insights into their needs and preferences.
Here’s a list of event metrics you can consider:
**For audience engagement**
- Time spent in sessions and meetings
- Live polls and survey response rates
- Participation in Q&A, chats, contests, giveaways
**For brand visibility**
- Social media likes, shares, follows, subscribes
- Downloads of branded content like eBooks, brochures, white papers
- Engagement on paid ads
**For lead generation**
- Meetings and demos booked
- Engagement rate with company, members and content
- Interaction with promotional content, sign-ups for training and workshops
## **Measuring and analysing event data**
This event data is used to build up detailed accounts of each attendee which contain everything from basic demographics to specific interests, habits and behaviours.
Organisers are then able to identify trends and patterns among their audience to create richer, more personalised experiences.
Here’s how event organisers can measure and analyse attendee data:
- Attendees are segmented by demographics, interests, behaviours, attitudes, opinions, values and motivations
- Compare different segments against one another using statistical analysis. For example, we can see whether there’s any difference between various generations such as baby boomers, millennials and Generation Z when it comes to certain topics and exhibition stands
- This knowledge lets you develop targeted messages and offers that resonate most effectively with your audience. This information is also usable for remarketing purposes as well as crafting sponsorship strategies
## **How to use event data to create better experiences**
Event data provides crucial insights to help you improve the overall user experience in live, hybrid and virtual events and conferences.
It allows you to better understand how attendees are engaging with the content onsite, which sessions and speakers they find the most interesting – and the level of participation in polls, surveys and giveaways.
This information will help you make better decisions about future improvements that could include:
- Personalising the attendee journey at all touchpoints
- Developing effective training programmes by identifying areas of improvement
- Improving customer service by learning the most effective ways of reaching out to attendees and providing quick solutions
- Increasing revenue opportunities by targeting new audiences based on previous attendance patterns
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, believes one of the biggest opportunities for organisers arising from the digital transformation of events comes in user data.
He said he “recognises” the concerns around how that attendee information is used, but told event producers to [focus on how it can be used to improve experiences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/) for the visitor and sponsor.
Timothy added: “I appreciate the concerns over attendee data – especially given the ongoing questions related to ownership of attendee data – but I would focus on the opportunity.
“You have such detailed, nuanced and actionable data points available which didn’t exist a year ago.
“From my standpoint, it’s less about ownership and more about how an organisation leverages this data to learn more about their attendees to ensure that they can meet their individual needs – based on what the data tells them – while providing increased value to sponsors.
“It’s about being able to deliver content in real time, based on certain data points that you are able to collect – whether it is collected during the registration process, through a pre-event nurturing process, post-event – whatever it might be.
“To me it’s more about how one identifies and acts on these new opportunities that this influx of data provides.”
## **Event data features online event platforms should offer**
Organisers who want to host a secure virtual event must choose a vendor that has been vetted by third parties and meets industry standards.
Here are some things to look out for:
**1)** **Data protection compliance**
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organisations to comply with strict rules regarding the collection, storage, processing and transfer of personal data. Ensure the vendors shortlisted adhere to this legislation.
**2) Third-party audits**
Platforms conduct regular audits of their systems and processes to verify the organisation adheres to its obligations under GDPR.
They also regularly test them to make sure they’re compliant with new requirements. Ask for audit reports or connect with previous buyers to get detailed insights.
**3) Security features**
Online event platforms offering cloud solutions often include additional layers of encryption and authentication to protect sensitive data during transmission.
These measures may not always be enough so organisers should check the system is capable of protecting their data as well.
**4) Privacy policy**
Technology platforms must provide clear details about what kinds of data they gather, why they gather it, where they store it and how long they keep it.
It’s best practice to publish these policies online so that anyone interested can read them.
**5) Customer support**
It’s essential that organisers get answers to common questions quickly and easily.
Platform providers should offer 24/7 customer service via phone, email and live chat.
They should also have social media representatives to reply to enquiries.
**6) Data export capabilities**
Event data exported from different platforms may not always match up perfectly.
Organisers need to ensure data collected during registration matches what was entered into the system.
They also need to make sure that the format of the data doesn’t change after being uploaded.
## **Implications of event data ownership and control in B2B events**
The shift to digital events has resulted in more data being generated than ever.
An attendee’s journey can be tracked at every stage of the event then throughout the year if you include [365 community platforms](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) and marketplaces.
With such a massive amount of data floating around, questions arise over ownership and control of this data.
Organisers may wonder what are the roles they and event tech platform have in handling this information?
*Read ExpoPlatform’s [event data manifesto here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/).*
To learn about this, let’s understand the type of event data handled by online event platforms:
**User data:** This is unique demographic information that identifies an attendee – name, email address, job title etc.
This data is uploaded by the visitors or exhibitors to the platform through the online registration process and is used by the event organiser to engage directly with the attendees.
**Usage data:** This is information generated by users who interact with the platform showing who they meet, different sessions they attended and which exhibitor or sponsor profiles they viewed.
Organisers can use both forms of data to enhance their own databases so they can use this enriched information for future events.
But what if this information was controlled by the online event platform and not the organiser? Furthermore, what purpose would it serve for the event tech platform to own this data – and could it be used by a competitor?
There are two event data models that can help us understand this:
The **organiser-led model**, the event organiser controls the attendee data, with the technology platform being the ‘processor of data’ as long as the contract lasts.
The second model that has led to concerns among event industry players is the **vendor-led model**, where the event tech platform owns and controls the data, and can also share that data with other organisers.
Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, [told an UFI event data debate](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/): “The organiser allows users to interact on the platform and if the organiser wants to stop the relationship with the vendor, they can easily extract all the data that they passed over to the vendor and move to another platform.
“We don’t need to take control of user data to continue to provide the best AI matchmaking. It’s enough to get hold of the anonymous usage data.”
**How should organisers protect themselves in future scenarios?**
Tanya advises: “I think the only genuine way to prove that the data will not be used in any way other than we are meant to use it, is to have this written in our agreement.
“If we have the consent from the organiser, that they are happy to opt in, to participate in this shared pool of data owners and share their data with their competitors, then this is their decision.”
Charlie Cracknell, managing director of Inspired Minds, told ExpoPlatform [this data is the “beating heart”](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-charlie-cracknell/) of any organisation.
He added: “We are data businesses. Without it, we haven’t got a business – or we’ve got a weakened business.
“Look after it, build it, care for it, clean it, nurture it, treat it with care – it’s the beating heart of your business.”
Meanwhile, members from more than 15 event organisations have grouped to [develop a new industry standard for digital events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/industry-standards-digital-events/).
The BPA Reporting Standards for Digital Events (RSDE) project aims to create a reporting framework for virtual shows to tackle the lack of standards for online.
It is hoped the initiative – led by global assurance provider BPA Worldwide – can provide a foundation for the exhibitions industry to develop and grow, while sharing its work with the Virtual Standard Export Format (VSef) for its consideration.
## **Privacy questions organisers should ask before selecting an event tech platform**
Organisers must do their due diligence before selecting an event technology platform as there is [so much attendee information](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/big-data-in-your-pocket/) available at virtual and hybrid events.
Privacy concerns over the use of personal attendee information must be factored in while shortlisting an online event platform.
Here are some privacy-related event data questions organisers should ask:
**Who controls the attendee data?**
GDPR rules clearly state the difference between **data controller** – those who chose how the data should be used- and **data processor** – those who process the data on behalf of the controllers.
An UFI Connects [debate on event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) set out the concerns and policies of leading events organisers when it comes to user data and exhibitions technology platforms.
It also prompted fears over how attendee information could be controlled by event tech platforms, with the users having no say in how their information is being used.
Select a vendor that is a data processor – not data controller – to avoid any possible reputational risk.
**Can the event data be deleted by organisers or attendees?**
A vendor-led model allows the platform to control the user information as they deem fit, including selling the information to third parties.
Meanwhile, an organiser-led model gives you full control of the data which can be easily removed by you or the attendees after the event.
**Will attendees have the same accounts across different events?**
Event tech platforms can enable users to have the same account for different events.
While this allows for seamless access to a variety of events, the organiser should be able to decide how the attendee data can be used across events and communities.
The other option is the vendor-led model where the event platform can use the data for any event it hosts.
**Can the online event platform promote third-party products and services?**
In an organiser-led approach, the event tech platform can’t use the data for promotional services – such as third-party ads. The reverse is true for a vendor-led approach.
It’s recommended you safeguard your attendees from any third-party adverts, which can potentially leave them vulnerable to security threats such as phishing and cause massive trust issues with your audience.
**Who owns the IP?**
The intellectual property – for instance videos and content shared by speakers and audience – should not be owned by vendors.
**Is the platform VSeF compliant?**
The [VSef initiative](https://vsef.io/) was developed by organisers and event tech platforms to create a universal data format for virtual and hybrid events. It aims to ensure better standards of data sharing and make it easier to export user and usage data through APIs.
**How is anonymous data used?**
Anonymous data usage at an event should be limited for an online event tech platform, mainly for analytics and generating reports to improve their product.
Organisers can use this data directly and feed their database to get in-depth insights on the performance analytics of the event.
## **Event data policies of leading event technology platforms**
Virtual events are a goldmine of information, but don’t lose sight of critical issues like privacy and data security.
Selecting the right online event platform plays a crucial role in this, as it defines who will actually be in control of the user information.
Here is a quick summary of the data policies of major technology platforms for events, exhibitions and conferences:
It is recommended to opt for a vendor that just processes data and allows organisers to retain full control of the attendee information.
[**“The data barbarians are at the gate”**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/) – *read what industry leaders have to say on virtual event platforms using attendee information they are collecting.*
**Categories:** Data
---
### [UFI Panel: Debate over data control is over - so what next?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-ufidec2021/)
**Published:** December 7, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The debate over who controls attendee data has been “pretty much settled” but organisers must ensure they use it in a way customers want, an UFI panel has said.
On Tuesday, leaders from Clarion Events, RX, Informa Markets and Easyfairs all gave their views on the topic – with the consensus being that the planner should be in care of it.
This latest instalment of UFI Connects came after two previous discussions, with the first at the [2021 UFI European Conference](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) focusing on how virtual event platforms use the information they are collecting.
It was heard that companies need to learn how to use data to improve customer experiences while also being transparent about why they are collecting it.
Stephan Forseilles, head of technology at Easyfairs, said: “The question of the data ownership itself is pretty much settled now – we know where we’re going, everybody has discussed it with their providers, everything is clear now.
“The volume of data that we get has just increased by a factor of maybe 10 or 100, because of those digital events and how we collect data on those events, so we have to learn how to use that.
“It’s very tempting to use the data in any way we can to try to achieve any objective we want.
“There’s a difference between what is legal and what our customers actually want – it’s a challenge now to make sure that the data is used in a way that our customers would want the data to be used.
“What are the rules and policies that you want to put in place, not just to be legally compliant?
“Of course everybody wants that, but to have a fair use of the data and use it in the way that our customers would like it to us to use it.”
James Samuel, portfolio director at Clarion Events, also agreed that it was about using the information in a way that would satisfy customers.
However, he added it was also about using it to learn and adapt future offerings so that services remain “relevant”.
He said: “If we don’t listen to them, don’t engage with them, then our community starts to decrease and once our community decreases, our value and our assets diminish and therefore actually our proposition starts to falter.”
Jo-Anne Kelleway, international industry ambassador for Freeman Company, agreed with the panel that the debate about data ownership was “over”.
However, she wanted to know more about how the biggest organisers in the world were monetising this avenue.
She said: “Other big companies -like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and everybody else – have already learned that and are even building in ways to allow you to click and say ‘I really don’t want to see any more of that particular product because I already purchased it’.
“Have organisers started to look at that and do they know if they’re going to be doing that in house themselves or do you think they will have to outsource that to a tech provider who will be potentially better able to monetise it for them?”
**Download your [free Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) to learn more about driving digital revenue.**
Stephan believes the industry is not at the position yet, pointing out that it was not even one of their top priorities.
This is because the main ambition is to learn how to use this new information to improve customer experiences.
Sinead Davies, head of legal EMEA at Informa Markets, described this as not “a scary prospect” – but an exciting one.
She said: “The idea that you can get real time insights is very valuable and I think our customers would be very interested in that – and it will be really helpful to them.
“It’s about us having slick operating practices and technologies which allow those real time insights to become available in real time but in a format in which people can use and which is helpful to them.
“There’s some investment there – it’s all very well kind of getting the data instantly, but putting it in a format that is helpful for people also requires an additional level of work.
“I think it’s an exciting prospect and I think it’s something that our customers now expect.
“We live in a very real time instant world and on the consumer side, you would expect instantaneous insights.
“So just because we operate in predominately in B2B businesses doesn’t mean that is not also the expectation – because it’s how we live the rest of our lives.”
> There's still time to register for today's final session of [\#uficonnects](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficonnects?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for the year! We're looking forward to Continuing the Conversation on [\#DataOwnership](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DataOwnership?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) with our pannellists! Go to to register! [pic.twitter.com/mJhkAInUKX](https://t.co/mJhkAInUKX)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [December 7, 2021](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1468180679020228610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Merilyne Davies, data protection officer at RX, said: “Whenever data increases and we get excited, the idea is that it will be like kids in a candy shop and we want to take it all.
“Actually, there needs to be a cause around what actually do we need to drive our growth strategy.
“Because actually, we don’t need everything – just because we can doesn’t mean we should.”
She added: “You can get so much insight from the data, which is fantastic from a commercial perspective.
“But does the individual necessarily know or expect us to have that kind of insight?”
However, Sinead claimed organisers had to be “very transparent” about why that data is needed and what the benefits of it will be.
This includes showing them how it will improve their experience onsite and enable them to get a return on investment.
She said: “It’s not cheap coming to the shows, so better for them to be there and for them to meet the right people and connect in the right way.”
The discussion comes after a rapid move towards digital platforms over the last 18 months.
This move has created an explosion in attendee information and event data that is redefining the way organisers understand and shape the communities they serve.
However, not all event technology platforms handle this information in the same way.
An organiser-led model sees the organiser own the relationship with their customer as data controller, with the technology platform as the processor for the duration of the contract.
This information can be used for a single event or multiple events in a portfolio to make for a seamless journey and is the model followed by ExpoPlatform.
In a vendor-led model, it is the platform that can own the direct relationship with your customers and share that data with other organisers.
## What’s next?
It is clear the industry needs to come together to find a way through this, with the support of Associations such as UFI and the VSef data initiative playing key roles in the landscape of event data for the future.
ExpoPlatform’s [manifesto for event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/) sets out in more detail the importance of organisers keeping control of the data, rather than giving it to platforms.
**Categories:** Data
---
### [The AI Blueprint Digest: reshaping events with data science](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/ai-blueprint-digest/)
**Published:** January 19, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) is ExpoPlatform’s practical guide on how an event organiser can use the wealth of data now being created in our industry to reshape their business.***
Events have witnessed a digital revolution which has produced an information-rich environment for organisers all around the world.
Research shows new business models forged on the success of virtual and hybrid events as well as always-on communities have increased the number of data points on each participant by a factor of 20 – but we want to show you how to use it to improve in-person events too!
Our [**free ebook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) brings together exclusive insight from industry experts into how things have changed and how to shape up for the future, with instructions on how to make the most of the new opportunities brought through this information.
Here, we want to show some of the key points included in our complete **AI Blueprint:**
- **Opportunities for event data and analytics**
- **Role of AI in event personalisation and matchmaking**
- **How to keep control of your data**
- **Performance metrics event industry should focus on**
- **Expert insights on creating a data driven team and business**
## **Opportunities for event data and analytics**
Being able to unlock the power of data can have a transformative effect on a company s success.
ExpoPlatform’s research shows being able to uncover customer insights to help shape product development was ranked as the top opportunity, with 68% of survey responses.
Other areas for utilising this information include providing a seamless experience across the customer journey, AI-powered recommendations for personalised online experiences as well as building [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) agendas.
Studying the data can give you insight into the trends within your community, which can be useful in making your upcoming events and online products more impactful.
These patterns could be related to the type of content being consumed by a group or the fundamentals of supply and demand within your community.
## **Role of AI in event personalisation and matchmaking**
Machine learning – the branch of artificial intelligence (AI) which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to improve accuracy – has huge potential in the conferences and exhibitions industry.
It’s how Spotify makes 70 million tracks into a playlist of songs you might like, it’s how Tinder can turn 57 million people into a list of potential dates or Amazon can transform 350 million products into targeted recommendations.
AI matchmaking has changed the way connections are made at events.
This technology can be used to turn a large-scale event into something highly relevant and personalised, providing focused recommendations for better, higher quality experiences for visitor and exhibitor alike.
It means an organiser can cut out the randomness of an event and maximise the most of a user’s time at the show.
## **How to keep control of your data**
Our industry saw a major debate take place about who should control attendee data – the organiser or the event technology provider.
But a series of sessions and our own research clearly shows that issue has been settled – it should reside with planners.
An incredible 97% of exhibition organisers told our survey it’s at least very important to take control of their data.
That is a major example of its value amid the explosion of digital options for events.
The organiser-led model, the event organiser controls the attendee data, with the technology platform being the processor of information as long as the contract lasts.
This is similar to how registration companies have worked and generally considered to be in the best interest of the planner.
## **Performance metrics event industry should focus on**
There are a number of key metrics which our industry can pursue to help create events of the future.
- **Proof of ROI** and return on time is the main priority for the event industry, with 44% of responses. Organisers want to understand “the amount of business done” and any data points that indicate the value an exhibitor has received such as quantity and quality of connections, meetings, RFIs.
- **Engagement** across the full customer journey: 28% of responses related to customer engagement – across all stages of their involvement with the business. Comments were about “tracking full customer journey from start to finish”, “conversion of online-visitor to in-person visitor” and measuring “engaged data and customer retention rates across all digital channels and events”.
- **Net Promoter Score** is still relevant, even though it is a lagging metric. This score should be top left of your dashboard.
- **Revenue** will always remain an important metric to measure the performance of the business.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Stephan Forseilles: use event data to grow and retain your audience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/stephan-forseilles/)
**Published:** January 26, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The “pool in which we fish is not infinite” so event organisers must use insights to grow but also retain their existing audiences, according to an industry leader.**
Stephan Forseilles, head of digital transformation at Easyfairs, believes there has been a wealth of new opportunities brought through the technologic revolution our sector has seen in recent years.
This includes creating a seamless experience for your attendees, identifying the perfect buyer and gardening an engaged, loyal audience.
Our industry has witness an explosion in event information which ExpoPlatform estimates to be generating around 20 times more data points than early 2020.
Data-driven marketing allows you to develop a much deeper understanding of your audience and potential for growth by defining a target demographic.
Stephan said: “For the past 10 years, doing marketing for an event has been sending as many emails as you could – but those days are gone.
“You have to optimise your marketing to be multichannel and be able to track people across different channels – which is not always easy, especially when you’re dealing with the B2C versus B2B world.
“Have an intelligent data platform that can actually tell you an area where you can optimise your costs and be more intelligent in where you spend money.”
**Stephan is an expert contributor to our AI Blueprint. [Download it now](https://bit.ly/3G2bdbz) to make the best of event data.**
It is fantastic to grow your audience using new information available – but Stephan believes it’s more important to keep them coming back.
He added: “Rebooking rates for exhibitors are a standard metric in our industry so the level at which people keep coming back to a show should be too. You as an organiser will manage to build a loyal fanbase which is certain to turn up and please exhibitors who are investing in space.
“This is another area where a data team can be used to measure what has been successful with those who do come back to an event.
“The pool in which we fish is not infinite and the strategy to say we will always acquire new visitors and not make efforts to retain the old one is a shortsighted strategy.
“At some point you’re going to run out of new visitors to address, but also considering that acquiring a visitor is much more expensive than keeping an existing one.”
# **Giving away data control is a mistake**
But he set out why he thinks [data control](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) is paramount to being able to make a success of these new opportunities – the organiser should be in control rather than the technology provider.
He told ExpoPlatform: “We don’t want all our data collected at our events on the platform that we have paid for to serve a competitor. That competitor can be another tradeshow, but it can also be the platform itself if it one day decides to create community events or things like that online.
“We don’t want this data to be used by the platform to make their algorithm better – even in an anonymised way. Because that would increase the experience of our competitors that use the same platforms – using our data to train an algorithm.
“It’s like hiring someone, spending six months training them in organising trade shows and then they go work for a competitor – it’s exactly the same thing.”
His comments come after a rapid move towards digital platforms over the last 18 months. This transformation has created an explosion in attendee information and event data that is redefining the way organisers understand and shape the communities they serve.
However, not all event technology platforms handle this information in the same way. An organiser-led model sees the organiser own the relationship with their customer as data controller, with the technology platform as the processor for the duration of the contract.
This information can be used for a single event or multiple events in a portfolio to make for a seamless journey and is the model followed by ExpoPlatform. In a vendor-led model, it is the platform that can own the direct relationship with your customers and share that data with other organisers.
The third and most recent UFI Connects debate on this topic saw an expert panel describe the conversation over who should have control as “over” – responsibility should reside with the organiser.
# **Build a team to derive meaning from the data**
Easyfairs began their journey of creating a team to derive meaning from the data by hiring one specialist. Their role was to begin building the “infrastructure” and looking for others to join in the project.
Stephan said: “You say ‘your role is to construct a team and an infrastructure over time’.
“First you need the team, then you need the infrastructure – but you also need to have all of the other systems in your organisation to be able to send data to the data lake.”
He added that the fruits of their labour took some time to show, but their patience paid off and is now showing some clear results for the company.
This is because they now have a core hub where all of the data they gather is located and interpreted in the same way. It builds up enough information to successfully train algorithms which can lead decision-making within the business.
Stephan said: “All of the reporting that we make almost exclusively has moved to that point, so everybody works with the same one version of the truth and all of the data is there.
“This is where we calculate all of our KPIs – it looks obvious, but it’s not. If you speak to five different organisers, or even to five different event managers in the same organisation – they will have, for example, five different ways of counting visitors.
“So the fact that you concentrate everything in one place when you have a definition of how to calculate the number of visitors – that’s actually a huge step forward in terms of understanding how the business works.
“We have at hand all the data to train our AI algorithms and we have a bunch of those which run on the data lake. They have access to all of the data of all of the events that we have organised.”
# **A seamless experience with a unified profile**
An omnichannel experience benefits from having a seamless transition from community to event and back again.
This works better for customers as they don’t have to jump between platforms, while organisers also benefit as they can progressively build richer profiles of the audience.
It means they can start to offer increasingly personalised products and recommendations as well as facilitate successful [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
However, Stephan sets out that it is critical to have a unified profile for this to be possible.
He said: “Create one profile which is the same for online and onsite. Everything you do online and anything you do onsite all ends up in the same place.
“That means the people you interact with can be online or be onsite. But it all happens on the same platform and you can decide to share your profile across different events.”
# **Identifying the perfect buyer**
As any event professional should know, not all visitors are equal in their buying power.
Being able to identify the right target means sellers and planners can prioritise their time and energy towards more useful potential transactions. Data analytics allows event professionals to do this by providing insights into behaviours and profiles.
Stephan added: “It’s about being able to let exhibitors concentrate their efforts in marketing and in the time they spend seeing the right person.
“An exhibitor on an event of two days may see 100 different people, but out of these maybe 10 will be really interesting. What if you could say instead of spending 10 minutes with people, you can spend one hour with each of the 10 people who are a much more effective usage of your time.
“That’s a very interesting proposal for the exhibitors.”
**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**](https://bit.ly/345RZo6) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [The Week in Events: Data Science Survey published](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/week-in-events-20220131/)
**Published:** January 31, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This edition highlights findings from an exclusive study about data science in events, while a new survey reveals how ecommerce has become even more important for B2B industries. There’s also been a successful Arab Health show in Dubai and the confirmation of a reporting standards initiative for digital events.**
**Here’s everything you’ll find this week:**
- New Data Science Survey published
- Strategic thinking for events
- Exhibition is back to full health
- Reporting standards for virtual events
- Further growth in B2B ecommerce
# **New Data Science Survey published**
**An exclusive survey of event professionals has revealed the scale in which data has become a major focus in our industry.**
[The new study](https://expoplatform.com/research/the-data-science-survey-results/) from ExpoPlatform found that 52% ranked getting the data foundation right as the biggest hurdle, while 24% said this was organisational issues.
More than two-thirds of respondents (68%) chose shaping products through customer insight as the most valuable opportunity for the event industry.
Mykyta Fastovets, Chief Technology Officer of ExpoPlatform, said: “As the industry goes into its third year of the pandemic, we are seeing organisers grappling with how they will make the best of the data they have collected with digital platforms and at in-person events.
“It’s interesting to see how this is leading to an increased maturity around product management, and how insights derived from participants’ behavioural data can be used to unlock new opportunities.”
This was closely followed by being able to provide a 360 view of customers (65%) and personalisation of experiences (62%).
In this exclusive report, we share key insights from our data science survey, revealing how AI and data can have a transformative effect on modern event businesses.
Since 2020, the events industry has generated an estimated 20 times more data. We asked event professionals for their perspectives on this digital growth and how they expect to navigate this emerging landscape of data science.
Download this research to find what they have to say about the following subjects:
- Greatest opportunities for data science
- Greatest challenges going digital
- Key metrics to focus on
- Importance of data control for organisers
- Plans on building an in-house data science team
We have also created the AI Blueprint to assist planners in accelerating the digital transformation of their businesses. Get your free copy [**here**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/).
# **Strategic thinking for events**
**Exhibition strategies and innovations will be the focus of the latest Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) Club’s new mission, it has been confirmed.**
The series will kick off on February Thursday an continue until March, giving industry professionals the chance to share insights, knowledge and experiences.
ExpoPlatform will be working alongside ETT-Club as a Gold sponsor tom help with deliver the content.
Members come from different sectors and countries but come together to share their expertise, vision and insights – with about 80% of the sessions held for free to help improve inclusion.
The “big philosophy” of the organisation is to give everyone an equal say in the direction these projects will take.
The previous two missions were centred around the topics of reopening the industry and marketing.
ETT’s community also includes group leaders based in different regions around the globe who provide monthly updates about how the sector is performing where they are.
They gather feedback from what members in their groups are interested in and want to talk about in the organisation’s sessions.
ExpoPlatform will also be working alongside ETT and will produce in-depth guides to help industry professionals navigate the changing landscape of events.
# **Exhibition is back to full health**
**Arab Health was back to full health after a quieter 2021, giving further proof of the importance of live shows.**
The Informa Markets show was held in Dubai last week alongside Medlab Middle East at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
It saw around around 4,000 exhibitors from more than 60 countries and an estimated of 60,000 attendees.
This marks another major return to live shows as the world continues to grapple with the Omicron variant.
One of the topics announced was Mubadala Health’s plans to enter Dubai, with its first facility already in progress.
Meanwhile, Emirates Health Services launched what it is calling the “world’s first healthcare metaverse platform”.
It is aimed at offering solutions particularly to those who are unable to physically commute to a clinic or hospital.
# **Reporting standards for virtual events**
**A new industry initiative for virtual events has been launched with a major focus on building a better picture of data.**
The Reporting Standards for Digital Events (RSDE) has been developed nearly a year after UFI aimed to give a framework for online shows.
It comes after members from more than 15 event organisations grouped together to develop the new scheme led by BPA.
This project aims to create a reporting framework for virtual shows to tackle the lack of standards for online.
Glenn Hansen, BPA’s president and CEO, said: “The goal for these standards is to serve as a guide for digital platforms to adopt to help organisers accurately and efficiently report on metrics.
“With RSDE, event organisers, exhibitors, digital event platforms and data analysts now have the tools to bring more trust and transparency into the digital event marketplace.”
The project comes after an explosion of [event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) and a working group has now [invited the industry at large to review](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P2t1zuvqcTD1-DcRbeLP_wqbCKKoiVWho9grfUP_uRA/edit?usp=sharing) its latest stage and comment.
# **Further growth in B2B e-commerce**
**Online marketplaces in the B2B world has seen further growth, according to a new survey.**
Findings from the latest McKinsey & Company poll shows nearly two-thirds (65%) of companies across industry now offer e-commerce capabilities.
This is up from 53% in early 2021 and has been spearheaded by the massive wave in digital adoption over the past two years.
It comes after research by ExpoPlatform and LECTURA showed heavy machinery sales have significantly shifted online as digital and remote transactions have become the preferred channel for buyers.
The findings highlighted high levels of spending has moved online for industries such as construction, agriculture, materials handling and transportation.
The McKinsey study also found that that e-commerce now drives more than 18% of all revenue for the average B2B company, putting it on par with in-person sales and ahead of all other channels.
Meanwhile, two-thirds of corporate customers were said to favour digital or remote engagement when given a choice.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [New phase for event data standards](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/week-in-events-20220411/)
**Published:** April 11, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Believe it or not, we’re entering a new phase for data standards. That’s the declaration from VSef as it launched its latest industry framework for organisers. We take a closer look at what this updated initiative means for eventprofs.**
**Meanwhile, Arc Network has made a major acquisition to expand and diversify its portfolio. There’s also news from ExpoPlatform as we launch our Smart Event showcase series – showing you how to make more money through our in-person tech.**
**All this and more in your Week in Events.**
# **New phase for event data standards**
**The next phase of a global data format has been unveiled with the aim of “giving organisers the freedom to use the best event technologies available”.**
VSef has worked with many world-leading organisers and platforms to further develop frameworks to meet the rapidly evolving demands of our industry.
This [new format](https://www.eventindustrynews.com/news/vsef-2-0-new-updated-data-standards-announced) include a range of essential features as well as a set of API standards, enabling planners to easily pull their data from multiple platforms into their own systems.
Mark Brewster, founder, said: “We are delighted to have had so much support from our founding partners, which has helped us to refine and evolve VSef 2.0 to better meet the needs of event organisers.
“When we launched VSef our aim was to eliminate the data silos which pose significant barriers to event organisers having the best possible insight into their customers and audiences.
“In any sector, the creation of a universal data format benefits both the businesses operating within the sector and the wider industry itself. Our goal is to create positive impact across any organisation delivering digital events by giving organisers the freedom to use the best event technologies available, without being limited by the siloed nature of the data they offer.
“In corporate event teams, trade associations and expo organisers, this enables senior event professionals and CMOs access to wider intelligence and transparency across their event portfolios.”
**The VSef 2.0 updated standards include:**
- Enhanced language capabilities, allowing data gathered by platforms to be managed in different languages, ideal for event organisers running international event businesses.
- A refinement of data from exhibitor and sponsor directories, with better management of exhibitors’ products.
- Enhanced management of customised data fields, allowing event organisers to gather all the event data within single data download.
Working groups that helped to develop VSef 2.0 include data professionals and senior strategists from Informa Markets, RX, Clarion Events, IMEX, Messe Frankfurt, **ExpoPlatform** and many others.
VSef was launched in early 2021 to create a unified data standard which can be used by any event organiser. It aims to simplify the process of moving consistent data between platforms, sales and marketing systems and business intelligence tools.
# **Making money with Smart Events**
**[Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) are to be the preferred format for leading event organisers moving forward, figures show.**
Previous research from ExpoPlatform reveals this model will make up 40% of in-person shows this year. But many are still wondering how this digitally enhanced format can better the traditional approach.
That’s why ExpoPlatform has launched its showcase series to set out how our event tech can benefit industry professionals. The first session will focus on how you can use data along with digital tools to make your organisation more money.
Join ExpoPlatform CGO Luke Bilton for [**this free demo**](https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6917396050336980992/) as he shows how our solutions can help eventprofs make more money in our industry.
This development comes after we’ve seen a huge rise in event data since 2020. Now we need to use the lessons we’ve learned from digital offerings to improve our in-person shows.
This free session is the first in our Smart Events Showcase Series, showing you how ExpoPlatform can help you to do it.
# **Optimism for US events travel**
**More than 80% of US business travellers expect to take at least one trip to attend events in the next six months, according to a new survey.**
The Quarterly Business Travel Tracker poll shows 84% believe they will got to a minimum of one conference, convention or tradeshow within that timeframe.
Findings also reveal the top reason for uncertainty was that meetings and events are not occurring, with corporate policies restricting business travel was the second-highest reason for uncertainty.
US Travel Association president Roger Dow said: “The return of in-person meetings and events—and business travel in general—is a welcome sight after more than two years of pandemic-related uncertainty.
“There is simply no substitute for a face-to-face meeting, which is proven to lead to more fruitful business opportunities and can help power an economic and jobs recovery in communities across America.”
Respondents also expect to resume travelling at a slightly slower pace compared to pre-pandemic levels, averaging about 1.6 trips per month – down from 1.7.
US Travel forecasts business travel spending was still down 60% from pre-pandemic levels in 2021, however the Quarterly Business Travel Tracker’s latest data shows a clear shift in desire to return to in-person meetings.
# **Mobile event app checklist released**
**A mobile app is an essential part of your Smart Event ecosystem that enriches the digital and physical aspects of live shows.**
That’s why ExpoPlatform has released its Mobile Event App checklist setting out all the must-have features to can create the best experience for your audience at live shows.
**[Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/mobile-event-app-checklist/)** to learn what tools you should include to take your in-person events to the next level. This development comes as people have become more comfortable with digitisation.
> Mobile apps have become a critical part of a successful event experience ? Our checklist highlights all the features your app should have to maximise value for participants ?[\#mobileapps](https://twitter.com/hashtag/mobileapps?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventapps](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventapps?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#checklists](https://twitter.com/hashtag/checklists?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventtech](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventtech?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — ExpoPlatform (@ExpoPlatform\_) [April 7, 2022](https://twitter.com/ExpoPlatform_/status/1512091491614670851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
They expect immersive, personalised event experiences using modern software and tools as well as virtual access options if their plans change unexpectedly.
This format is known as a [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)– an in-person show which includes extensive use of digital technology to increase value of the experience for all participants.
For organisers, the easiest way to add a digital layer to in-person events is through a mobile event app. Using apps to boost event engagement and participation has been common, but their popularity has surged more in the post-Covid era as they play an important role in:
- Building year-round community experiences
- Contributing towards sustainable events by minimising the use of paper
- Delivering real-time updates and content
- Providing on-the-go access to remote and mobile audience
# **Incisive acquisition by Arc Network**
**Arc Network has acquired a leading business and financial portfolios as part of a bid to diversify the company across the UK market.**
The global events platform announced its move to take over the Incisive Media departments in addition to its leading brands such as Investment Week, Professional Pensions, Professional Adviser and BusinessGreen.
Meanwhile, the Channel Company will acquire Incisive’s technology portfolio, meaning CRN and CRN UK will reunite under the same company.
Simon Foster, CEO of Arc, said: “This is a pivotal step in the evolution of Arc. We are pleased to welcome Incisive Media CEO, Jonathon Whiteley, and the financial services and business sustainability teams to Arc, and look forward to growing and developing these portfolios.
“We also look forward to further developing the Arc platform through this acquisition with the addition of more resources and channels with which we can grow our network.”
Incisive Media is an award-winning business to business digital media and events business established in 1995. It operates in the financial services, enterprise technology and business sustainability markets with some of the most well-known brands in business media.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Event data is 'key to future' of tradeshows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/stephan_forseilles-jan23/)
**Published:** January 20, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Collecting data from your events is “key to the future” of tradeshow organisers and stopping the threat of Big Tech giants, according to an industry expert.
Stephan Forseilles, head of technology and digital transformation at Easyfairs, believes using this information is important to having an advantage in the exhibition space.
But he set out how allowing Big Tech players to collect this information left the danger of it being used to help a competitor – so organisers must protect this “treasure”.
He said: “These companies specialise in monitoring what people do online, with mobile apps everywhere.
“They can construct personas and profiles for you to personalise the experience.
“Google probably knows you better than yourself, but B2C is very different.
“There are very few places where you can know the hot topics of an industry – live tradeshows are the best place to do that.
“Because then you can really see what’s happening in an industry and I think it’s super important data.
“Collecting it for long enough, to be able to use it in a meaningful way, is the key to the future for tradeshow organisers.”
There has been an explosion in the amount of this resource since 2020, led by the digital footprints left by participants with their online and onsite activities.
A number of panel discussions have taken place since lockdown saw a rise in online events, sparking concern over data privacy and security.
The consensus has been that organisers should control the data rather than handing it over to others, such as platform providers.
It is this information which Stephan believes is key to being able to create killer content and algorithms.
He added: “If you know what people are looking at, what people are interested in, what people are talking about, where they are visiting – then you’ll be able to consolidate this data and create meaningful profiles.
“That’s not easy, because it’s a lot of work – it’s a lot of different infrastructures, there’s a lot of data to consolidate which you need to have for a long time.
“Then you can start building new algorithms on top of it to make those recommendations.
“Collecting this data is really your treasure, that’s why I was so involved personally in the discussions about data ownership that happened one year or two years ago.
“That’s really key – you should never give data to anyone else.”
## **Proving exhibitor ROI**
Proving good exhibitor ROI is one of the most important challenges facing eventprofs, according to a recent survey.
Findings from the Event Tech Forecast 2023 show 55% of industry professionals see technology as playing an important role in overcoming this obstacle.
Stephan believes one way to improve exhibitor ROI is to offer more ways to gather leads, which includes giving “the best recommendations” possible through digital tools.
However, organisers need to decide on whether this should be used as part of a paid package or allow the algorithm to show its true potential in matches.
He said: “There you have a dilemma, because your marketing and event team can sell recommendations to exhibitors.
“Then you have people like me who think that defeats the purpose of doing an algorithm for recommendations – it’s not the most relevant who is on top.”
Another area he sees technology playing a role to improve exhibitor ROI is to use the information gathered to optimise participation in a live show.
Stephan said: “We try to provide them with as much data as we can – visits to a profile, what the average exhibitors of the show are doing, different things you can do to improve.
“Give them a super easy way to invite their customers or their prospects.
“The whole community hybrid part of generating leads is not just at the live event, we can try to generate leads for them anytime in the year, because that’s what we do.
“Our role as tradeshow organisers is to sell leads – that’s the only business we do.”
## **Boosting community engagement**
Nurturing a community around event offerings was highlighted as one of the biggest opportunities for eventprofs in 2023, according to a study.
Almost two thirds – at 63% – chose it as a top priority for their businesses moving forward.
However, Stephan believes planners lack the capabilities at the moment to allow this 365 format to flourish.
He said: “One of the things that we’re not very good at as event organisers is activating communities and promoting engagement – so we have to get better at that.
“People have a limited amount of time, so the people who are going to be able to give the right content to the right person at the right time will be able to engage these people.
“If I have to look through 150 articles to find five ones that are interesting to me, I’m not going to do that.
“But if we can manage to say ‘these are the right articles, these are the best exhibitors at the live show, these are the best sessions to attend’ – that’s the key to improving their engagement with not just the live event but the whole community that we’re trying to build.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/)
Stephan set out his belief that the B2B space makes it difficult for these communities to operate as a buying and selling marketplace.
That’s because the types of products in some industries are just too expensive and specialised to be purchased without face-to-face interactions.
He said: “If I’m buying a computer, I have no problem buying it on the website.
“If I’m buying 24 forklifts I’m not going to buy that online – I need to negotiate a contract, I need to have demos and I need to try them and I need to see them.
“It’s very difficult for the exhibitors to do business online.”
The moneymaking role of a community in his eyes is through subscriptions where the users have access to top quality specialised materials.
Stephan added: ““If the content is really good, then you can sell memberships – we already do it with magazines. It’s very specialised and people pay for that.”
## **Mobile apps are important but not being used?**
Almost two-thirds of industry professionals believe a smart event mobile app is a key technology feature for 2023, according to a survey.
A total of 64% of respondents to the Event Tech Forecast 2023 highlighted this tool as being important to their business moving forward – one reason being it helps to collect data at live shows for better personalisation.
That’s no surprise when we are now so used to having a personal computer in our pocket helping us with every part of our personal lives – including banking, communication and travel.
But Stephan highlighted how they witness a low adoption rate, which he believes is down to there not being enough visible value coming from the tool.
He said: “Mobile apps are nice, but the problem with mobile apps is adoption. Anything above 25% is mostly a dream.
“If you don’t have a show with 120,000 visitors it means you are not collecting a lot of data.
“So what we found is the smart badges and the NFC IoT readers on stands are a very good way to collect data for us.
“It’s expensive, but it’s a very good way to collect leads for exhibitors and it’s a very good way to collect data as an organiser.
“But it’s very difficult to deploy in terms of integration of systems, in terms of logistics, deploying that and distributing the touchpoints then making sure the data is collected and sent afterwards.
“Installing an app is still too much for a lot of people, especially installing an app for going to one show.
“I think switching to progressive web apps might be a solution – you don’t have to install it.
“You can start using more and more of the phone features through a web application – and you don’t have to make an app for that.
“The only real reason is that the perceived value of what the apps bring is not enough for people to take the step.
“So if you can manage to get a lot of value through the app it would work.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Data
---
### ['The time for talking is done' - global event industry pledge at Cop26](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/cop26-sustainable-events/)
**Published:** November 10, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
“The time for talking is done and the time for action is now” was the message as global event industry leaders spoke at Cop26.
A range of high-profile figures in our sector spoke in Glasgow on Wednesday to deliver a pledge towards a net zero future by 2050 “at the latest”.
The Net Zero Carbon Events [initiative](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) has already brought more than 200 organisations together to tackle the issue.
It is the first-ever collaboration in the meetings, conferences, exhibitions industry working towards this goal.
Mike Seaman, CEO of Raccoon Events, was among the speakers on the panel and issued a call to action for our industry.
He said: “As a CEO of a business, as a human being, as a dad, I think we have a moral responsibility to act on this issue and the time to do that is now.
“The time for talking is done and the time for action is now – and that’s what we’ve challenged ourselves to do as a business.”
***Download our free [sustainable events checklist](https://expoplatform.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dc91a1de0bf9297c698a22a67&id=8752f6bebe&e=ed441d8355) to help you futureproof your business in this model.***
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, presented the commitment at the UN conference while representing the Joint Meetings Industry Council.
Signatories to the pledge commit to:
- Before the end of 2023, publish their organisation’s pathway to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest, with an interim target in line with the Paris Agreement’s requirement to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.
- Collaborate with partners, suppliers, and customers to drive change across the value chain.
- Measure and track Scope1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions according to industry best practice.
- Report on progress at least every two years.
However, he is confident our industry will be able to meet the aims of this pledge long before the target date.
Kai said: “I personally believe we’ll get their way before 2050, as we will learn, as we’re collaborating.
“If mankind can find a vaccine that works against Covid-19 in a few months, we can find ways to get to zero carbon before 2050 if we just put our brains to it – but we need all the brains.”
> About to go live at [\#cop26](https://twitter.com/hashtag/cop26?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) with the [\#netzerocarbonevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/netzerocarbonevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) pledge. You can watch it live here: [pic.twitter.com/OXAPyQhrO3](https://t.co/OXAPyQhrO3)
>
> — kai hattendorf (@kaihattendorf) [November 10, 2021](https://twitter.com/kaihattendorf/status/1458448894879281169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He added: “We’ve spoken with many government officials over the last 12 months, with many policymakers, with many leaders around the world.
“They see the critical role the event sector has to play economically of course, but even more relevant maybe nowadays.
“Events are critical in so many ways – as trust builders, as invention drivers, as laboratories for public policies, as generators of talent and investment and so many more.
“Events are essential to the way we live and work.
“We’ve always played this role, but it’s never been more critical than now as we recover from the pandemic.”
He added: “What we are launching here today is the beginning of this journey, but we are not starting from zero.
“Across our industry we have excellent good practices and sustainability champions.
“We can build on their work with them all as an industry collaborating, not competing.”
The Cop26 summit brings parties together with the aim of accelerating action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
Governments around the world are creating targets to hit net zero emissions – which our industry will play a part in meeting.
That is why MICE representatives have been meeting with policy makers around the world over the last 12 months to discuss the role it can play in future.
A typical in-person show creates a massive amount of excess and tonnes of emissions over the course of a few days.
This can be through leftover food, goody bags, single-use plastics, transportation, energy used at the venue, resources to build the event, magazines and many more.
Research from [MeetGreen](https://meetgreen.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/eventfoot.pdf) shows the average conference attendee produces 1.89kg of waste per day – that’s 5,670kg created by a 1,000-person event over three days.
Thankfully much of this waste can be cut back or done in a different way – which means less money spent on unneeded outgoings.
The pledge has been developed through a cross industry collaboration ranging from small to multinational businesses.
Its delivery at the conference included a panel of global leaders from the across our sector ranging from organisers and venues to the supply chain.
Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Markets, set out three key areas that organisers can contribute to tackling climate change:
- Reducing waste at the in-person show
- Cutting emissions from business travel
- Adopting more sustainable practices
He said: “We all know there’s a need for action in every walk of life and in every industry – and the exhibition industry is no different at all.
“Our customers, our colleagues and our investors – they all want to work with, work for and invest in businesses that take sustainability seriously.
“Exhibition organisers working now, we’re all in a unique position to help many markets and regions around the world to accelerate their own carbon reduction plans by highlighting the challenges they face and promoting potential solutions.”
Almost half of people in China, the US and the UK are doing their best to live sustainably, according to a poll.
Findings from the [Statista survey](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264572/efforts-to-live-sustainably-china-us-uk/) show 46% of respondents in these countries were doing all they can, 48% believed they could do more while only 6% were not bothering.
This illustrates the weight of responsibility people are placing on themselves to secure a future for all by living sustainably.
Furthermore, another survey shows more than a quarter of Millennials and Gen Z rank environmental concerns as their top priority – and these are already the largest proportion of the workforce worldwide.
Findings from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) show 26% of both generations ranked protecting the environment as their top personal concern.
This comes despite threats to health, family welfare and careers being closer to home and imminent in the current climate.
Stephanie Dubois, head of event operations at SAP, told how it was time for businesses to “walk the talk” and that aiming for a sustainable future was a “no-brainer”.
However, she urged event professionals to come together so that the issue can be tackled collectively.
She added: “We need the entire industry to work together to achieve those goals.
“Sustainability is a massive challenge with establish that the number of times, and is not one that can be tackled in isolation.”
Meanwhile, Robert Priest-Heck told how in-person events are crucial for driving innovation and change.
But the CEO of Freeman highlighted about how environmental challenges presented a challenge for these meetings in future.
The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of events by far is through international travel.
Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
The organisation estimates one two-day event avoided producing almost 1.8 million kg of CO2 emission to just over 8,420kg by switching to fully virtual format.
That’s less than one percentage of the original figure.
Event professionals are also less willing to spend on international travel to attend a show when they can expect virtual options to be made available to them.
This can be done through on-demand content, streaming or virtual networking opportunities and many more avenues.
Furthermore, it is estimated that by moving 10% of attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – emissions could be cut by almost 90%.
Robert added: “The impact of climate change on our industry has the potential to stifle innovation for decades.
“We have a responsibility to not let that happen – millions of workers and thousands of companies around the world rely on business events and its suppliers.”
Barbara Weizsäcker, secretary general of the European Major Exhibition Centres Association, said: “We are convinced that leading by example is the best way we can educate partners and clients and help behaviour changes among the visitors and exhibitors too.
“Another very important element is our employees – they do support and even push and if we want to attract new talent, it goes without saying that operating in sustainable way also said socially sustainable is crucial.”
**In our industry, we know events have immense potential for driving innovation and building success.**
But we can also be certain the digital transformation our industry has witnessed will be crucial in helping us to create a more sustainable future.
That’s why we’ve been exploring this model in more detail – we’ve spoken to industry leaders and experts on sustainability about the best ways to do this.
You can read our [complete guide to sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) here.
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [German tradeshows set 2040 carbon neutral goal](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20220808/)
**Published:** August 8, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Here’s your roundup of what’s been happening in the events industry this week – with sustainability, digitisation and content excellence in the spotlight.**
IMEX has appointed a new head of programmes, German tradeshows are going carbon neutral by 2040 and a new report shows the important role tech will play in future conferences.
## **German trade fairs to go carbon neutral by 2040**
**The German trade fair industry has set itself the target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.**
A total of 69 planners, associations and hosts across the country gathered through their umbrella organisation AUMA at an annual conference in Berlin.
They set themselves goals to become cleaner, including a carbon neutral target which outpaces a wider industry scheme by 10 years.
> The German [\#tradefairindustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/tradefairindustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) will become [\#climateneutral](https://twitter.com/hashtag/climateneutral?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) by 2040. By 2025 German trade fairs will supply themselves with 100 percent green power. Next year, the industry will make [\#sustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/sustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) a requirement in tenders.
> ➡️ [\#sustainableexhibition](https://twitter.com/hashtag/sustainableexhibition?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — AUMA e.V. (@AUMAeV) [August 2, 2022](https://twitter.com/AUMAeV/status/1554454675952439296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Philip Harting, chairman of AUMA, said: “Trade fairs are part of the solution on the way to a climate-neutral economy. Trade fairs are the meeting places where industry partners, as problem solvers, jointly pave the way to a sustainable future.
“Our trade fair venues have been working for years to become increasingly sustainable. Now we are setting industry-wide sustainability standards for our sector of the economy.
“The principle of avoidance before reduction before compensation applies. In order to remain attractive as the meeting places for the problem solvers of our time, we are tackling this major task in an extremely tense economic situation for our industry after almost two years of a trade fair ban.”
Other targets include that German trade fairs will supply themselves with 100 percent green power.
As early as next year, the industry will also make sustainability a requirement in tenders with its industry partners.
It comes after the Net Zero Carbon Events [initiative,](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) which commits exhibition organisers to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
## **Informa completes portfolio focus programme**
**Informa has announced the completion its “portfolio focus” programme after the divestment of one of its assets.**
The major organiser has sold off Maritime Intelligence for £385 million ($458m), bringing the full value brought through its Growth Acceleration Plan II to around £2.5 billion (c.$3bn).
It comes as Informa published its first half results, which showed statutory revenues rising by 59.1% and adjusted operating profit increasing by 227% to £234.5m.
Stephen A. Carter, CEO, said: ”Over the past year, we have streamlined and refocused the group to concentrate on our leadership positions in academic markets and B2B markets.
“By divesting non-core assets, including the sale of Maritime Intelligence, we have generated $3bn in value, providing additional flexibility for shareholder returns, additional growth investment and further targeted expansion.”
## **New IMEX appointment to revamp educational content**
**IMEX has appointed a new head of programmes to revamp its educational content.**
Tahira Endean takes on the role alongside a three-year strategy to capitalise on the group’s free-to-attend schedule.
It aims to to meet the industry’s “thirst for knowledge” and continuous development while embracing a growth mindset.
> [\#News](https://twitter.com/hashtag/News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw): IMEX supercharges show learning programmes with appointment of industry veteran
>
> — IMEX (@IMEX\_Group) [August 4, 2022](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group/status/1555194088072351744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Carina Bauer, CEO, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Tahira to our team. Her extensive industry experience, large network of contacts and fresh approach supports our aim to keep on innovating and provide powerful, purposeful and multi-faceted experiences for all attendees.”
The IMEX education programme was envisioned and developed in 2005 by Dale Hudson, knowledge and events director.
It has grown in size and quality over the last 15 years, adding value to the visitor experience.
Tahira added: “We’re focused on designing learning with buyer requirements in mind first and foremost as we want them to have meetings that are enhanced by education at the show.
“Our combined aim is for attendees to leave each session with tangible takeaways that also support their meetings onsite.
“IMEX’s legacy of tailored education that meets the particular needs of agencies, associations and corporate event professionals has always been strong; we’re looking to build on that too.”
## **Manchester Central attendances surge past lockdown levels**
**Manchester Central has recorded surging delegate numbers as attendance levels soar above pre-lockdown levels.**
The venue held 56 events and welcomed 100,419 visitors between April and June, a 13% rise in delegates compared to the same period in 2019.
This resurgence in numbers contributed £38.2 million economic impact to the region, an uplift of 12% compared to the same timeframe in three years ago.
> Outstanding Q1 results for the venue compared to the same period in 2019 ??
>
> ? 56 events
> ? 100,419 visitors
> ? 13% rise in delegates
> ? 12% uplift in economic impact[@BIBAbroker](https://twitter.com/BIBAbroker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@Housing\_event](https://twitter.com/Housing_event?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), particularly, reporting record numbers.
>
> Read more ?? [pic.twitter.com/heAhQbb3Yy](https://t.co/heAhQbb3Yy)
>
> — Manchester Central (@mcr\_central) [August 4, 2022](https://twitter.com/mcr_central/status/1555178809430777858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Shaun Hinds, CEO at Manchester Central, said: “These last few months have been some of our busiest ever and demand has been incredibly strong. It’s brilliant to see events bounce back in the way that they have and I’m so pleased to have the buzz back under our roof again.
“These latest results show that there’s a real appetite for hosting large events in person right here in Manchester. And that has a really important positive impact on the recovery of the wider region, as spending around the venue on hotels, bars, restaurants, travel and much more has increased once again.
“It’s fantastic to see the city thriving, supporting jobs and helping to put the region on the global map.”
## **Live meetings will be ‘more digitally charged’**
**The future of live conferences may be more “more digitally charged” with the vast majority containing virtual components, according to a new study.**
IACC’s latest Meeting Room of the Future report sets out industry insights on the recovery of the global business events sector.
It represents the top 1% of small to midsize conference venues, with respondents telling the survey that tech tools would likely play a major part moving forward.
Mark Cooper, IACC CEO, said: “I believe we should be mindful of how far technology for hybrid meetings has progressed.
“Although there may be short term high demand to attend live, the longer-term picture may see more digitally charged live meetings taking place.
“Especially if the cost to travel and attend the meetings remains high.”
The findings come after an UFI study found digitisation of exhibitions through services and products has continued to accelerate.
Findings from the latest **[Global Barometer](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/the-global-exhibition-barometer-july-2022/)** show 65% of companies worldwide added these features to existing shows – up from 58% in 2019.
Asia-Pacific is leading this change at 71%, followed by Middle East & Africa (67%), North America (63%) and Europe (62%).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Sustainable Events: futureproofing your business model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/)
**Published:** October 13, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Creating sustainable events is no longer a bonus – it’s a must.**
That’s the opinion of experts and world-leading organisers who have spoken to ExpoPlatform as part of our latest series on the future of our industry.
But this isn’t just about cutting emissions – it’s about securing a business model fit for the future. The threat of the climate crisis, changing attitudes and an increasingly unstable political environment have all reaffirmed the need to limit risks.
Events have immense potential for driving innovation and success. This deep dive from ExpoPlatform has worked with industry leaders to provide organisers with insights on making events more sustainable and profitable.
**Here’s what we will cover:**
- [**What is a sustainable event?**](#stepone)
- [**Sustainable events as a growth strategy**](#steptwo)
- [**Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative – a Paris Accords for events?**](#stepthree)
- [**How can we improve sustainability?**](#stepfour)
- [**Who wants a sustainable event?**](#stepfive)
- [**Conclusion**](#stepsix)
## **What is a sustainable event?**
**A sustainable event places emphasis on three areas: protecting the** **environment, accessibility and economics.**
The aim is to create a lasting balance which makes all of these components a priority when planning a show.
In doing this you can bring in a wider audience, improve your brand identity and reduce the carbon footprint of your event.
Many experts in this field have told ExpoPlatform this can be a win-win situation for organisers – they can cut costs and drive up revenue in different areas.
Here are some of the benefits:
- Increasing your income through new channels
- Reducing costs caused by travel or space taken up
- Cut back on spending by limiting waste
- Improving the branding of an event
- Reach a wider audience and grow access to sponsors
## **Sustainable events as a growth strategy**
**We spoke to two industry experts about how sustainable events can be a growth strategy for your reach and revenue.**
Robyn Duda, founder of advisory agency RDC, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-robyn-duda/) why planners need to futureproof their business models with a strong value system and adoption of digital capabilities.
She has worked with some of the most recognised brands in the world including Coca-Cola, Spotify and IBM.
Her focus is on advising brands, agencies and organisers on the foundations of successful offline experiences to maximise engagement and online reach both now and in the future.
She said: “Sustainability can mean different things. In events it should include three main areas of focus: society – diversity, equity and inclusion – economic growth and environmental protection.
“By focusing on these areas the industry not only considers how people are impacted today, but how they are impacted tomorrow too – it’s also a [growth strategy](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).
“The newer faces and voices you have on stages create new voices and members and people in your audiences and in your community.”
Cameron Little, an environmental scientist, sustainability consultant and educator with more than 20 years experience in our industry, also believes sustainability is a growth strategy.
The vice president of the [Sustainable Event Alliance](https://sustainable-event-alliance.org/#:~:text=The%20Sustainable%20Event%20Alliance,friendly%2C%20and%20climate%20positive%20events.) sees the digital transformation our sector has witnessed as offering great opportunities to reduce waste and increase revenue.
But first he believes event planners need to recognise this model is “not rocket science” and is more than just about being greener.
He said: “A lot of people don’t understand the differences between an environmental focus and a sustainability focus – that’s a key issue, because sustainability looks at economic and social considerations as well.
“That puts them on a much better footing than solely looking at environmental issues, because one of the complaints or criticisms or objections that some people put forward about environmental considerations is that they cost more.
“But sustainability looks at the economic impacts and social considerations of those initiatives as well – and factors that into the design or decision making process.
“Inevitably I find that you can do it for the same costs or usually save money.
“When you roll everything up, look at short, medium and long term benefits, you end up with more for less.”
Mariela McIlwraith, Events Industry Council (EIC) vice president of sustainability, believes there needs to be a “holistic” approach to creating live shows where digital components work as an enhancement.
EIC has carried out its own research among members which highlighted three main challenges for professionals in our industry: cost, education and difficulty in measuring.
This federation has more than 30 member organisations and represents over 103,500 individuals and 19,500 firms and properties.
Mariela [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-mariela-mcilwraith/) how sustainability should not be seen only as a challenge, but also an opportunity which is “good business”.
She said: “This is a key moment for our industry to focus on driving results for people, planet and prosperity.
“We need to ensure that events are designed as exceptional experiences and that we continually improve our impact for those that attend, as well as for our workforce and for the communities and natural environments where we meet.
“Sustainability is also good business.
“Our survey also showed that event organisers want to see information about sustainability in proposals, and that often suppliers are waiting to be asked, resulting in a gap of expectations.
“If you’re a supplier, promoting your sustainable practices up front is a great way to help improve your proposals.
“For event organisers, sustainability and social impact practices can also help you financially.
“In addition to the cost savings that come from the more efficient use of resources, designing your events to be more inclusive and accessible can help you grow your audience and improve the quality of your events.”
## **Net Zero Carbon Events initiative – a Paris Accord for events?**
**Our industry is well aware of the importance of reshaping to a more sustainable business s model.**
That’s why a [scheme has been launched](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-events-20210910/) with the aim of moving the sector towards net zero carbon emissions globally by 2050.
The Net Zero Carbon Events [initiative](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) – hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – hopes to bring together a wide range of industry stakeholders to tackle the issue.
It comes ahead of Cop26 where world leaders gather to present how their countries will reach the 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
This is with the aim of delivering on the Paris Accord.
> More than 100 (!) companies, associations, industry stakeholders from around the world are already supporting the "Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative" – join in as well"!
>
> — kai hattendorf (@kaihattendorf) [September 24, 2021](https://twitter.com/kaihattendorf/status/1441319142573838337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The initiative, which was announced by UFI, aims to:
- Jointly communicate our industry’s commitment to tackling climate change and driving towards net zero by 2050
- Develop common methodologies for measuring the industry’s direct, indirect and supply chain greenhouse gas emissions
- Construct an industry-wide roadmap towards net zero by 2050, and emissions reductions by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement, with support and guidance on key issues
- Foster collaboration with suppliers and customers to ensure alignment and common approaches
- Establish common mechanisms for reporting progress and sharing best practice
Ellie Ashton-Melia, community lead for isla, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-isla/) event professionals know the business “better than anybody else” so should drive innovation for a sustainable future without waiting for policymakers.
It was claimed that our sector mustn’t “shy away” from the issue even though it can be complicated and believes sustainability will soon become “intrinsic” to how businesses will shape up in future.
Ellie said: “There’s been some extremely bold ambitions that have been set out by governments and businesses to drastically reduce our emissions in line with global goals for net-zero by 2050.
“Unfortunately since the Paris Agreement they’ve actually fallen short in delivering strategies to achieve a lot of these targets.
“We rapidly need to take action which is going to fundamentally affect businesses and society at large.
“Within our industry, we need to make sure that we’re adapting and innovating ahead of that policy and legislation being implemented and enforced.
“We know our industry better than anybody else, so we should have the solutions and innovation to drive that change.”
## **How can we improve sustainability?**
**When thinking about how to create more sustainable events it is important to consider the three main goals: the environment, accessibility and economics.**
The first and third of these areas can largely be tackled in tandem – findings ways to reduce your carbon footprint and limit waste.
A typical in-person show creates a massive amount of excess and tonnes of emissions over the course of a few days.
This can be through leftover food, goody bags, single-use plastics, transportation, energy used at the venue, resources to build the event, magazines and many more.
Research from [MeetGreen](https://meetgreen.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/eventfoot.pdf) shows the average conference attendee produces 1.89kg of waste per day – that’s 5,670kg created by a 1,000-person event over three days.
Thankfully much of this waste can be cut back or done in a different way – which means less money spent on unneeded outgoings.
**Cutting down transport emissions**
The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of events by far is through international travel.
Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
The organisation estimates one two-day event avoided producing almost 1.8 million kg of CO2 emission to just over 8,420kg by switching to fully virtual format. That’s less than one percentage of the original figure.
However, it is clear that in-person events are the highlight of a planner’s calendar and can’t be replaced by a purely digital format.
ExpoPlatform has heard from numerous high-profile organisers that it is looking increasingly likely these live shows could become more localised.
That means event professionals are less willing to spend on international travel to attend a show when other options are available to them.
This can be done through on-demand content, streaming or virtual networking opportunities and many more avenues.
**Making the most of online options**
The digital transformation of our industry was forced by pandemic restrictions which needed to be overcome to allow business to continue.
It is estimated that by moving 10% of attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – emissions could be cut by almost 90%.
This world-leading research was carried out by Sebastian Jäckle, of the University of Freiburg, after he noticed a contradiction with academics talking about reducing emissions while still attending international largescale events.
He told ExpoPlatform: “Many conference organisers say they are doing something – no printed programmes, vegan foods – lots of these things.
“You can do this and it helps, but compared to flying to the US for example it is just marginal – that’s the big thing.
“We have to think about to what extent it is really necessary to always meet in person.
“It’s also about climate justice in that way. Those that come from Europe for the European conferences can go there quite easily by train.
“That’s not perfect – but those coming from Australia, the US and Canada are about 10% of the participants.
“If these people joined virtually we could really reduce the footprint enormously.
“It’s not necessary to switch all conferences to a completely digital design, but switching parts of them at least to a hybrid would help a lot.”
[Hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) can accommodate both in-person attendees and a virtual audience [of those who can’t travel](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/) to the venue or are still unsure about attending face-to-face meetups.
This format allows organisers to offer new avenues for content sharing, exhibiting, sponsorship, creating new revenue streams and lead generation opportunities.
But importantly for sustainability, it allows those who face challenges in attending in-person to take part.
Sebastian added: “It’s also about improving accessibility for people – particularly those from the global south.
“For them it’s much more difficult to fly somewhere because they may not have the money, or they have families and it’s difficult to cope with the children.
“It’s not just a thing in terms of carbon footprint, it’s also about more justice in the way we have these meetings.”
**Driving your digital revenue growth**
Spending on pure tradeshow activities is predicted to decline, with exhibitors anticipated to increase investment in digital content, [Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) and training of their teams.
Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on [monetisation of online features](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
It is expected this digital component is going to rise from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
Missing these new opportunities is not an option in today’s uncertain economy. Corporate travel is predicted to be cut by around 20% of its pre-pandemic levels as the digital transformation of industries continues, according to [research](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/).
An organiser should see a sustainable future as an opportunity by cutting down costs on in-person show waste and placing more emphasis on generating revenue online.
*Download our free [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) for an in-depth guide on driving digital revenue growth*.
## **Who wants a sustainable event?**
**Almost half of people in China, the US and the UK are doing their best to live sustainably, according to a poll.**
Findings from the [Statista survey](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264572/efforts-to-live-sustainably-china-us-uk/) show 46% of respondents in these countries were doing all they can, 48% believed they could do more while only 6% were not bothering.
This illustrates the weight of responsibility people are placing on themselves to secure a future for all by living sustainably.
Furthermore, another survey shows more than a quarter of Millennials and Gen Z rank environmental concerns as their top priority – and these are already the largest proportion of the workforce worldwide.
Findings from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) show 26% of both generations ranked protecting the environment as their top personal concern.
This comes despite threats to health, family welfare and careers being closer to home and imminent in the current climate.
But why is this important for organisers? Well more than half of the global workforce will be made up of these cohorts by 2025 before rising to around three-quarters by 2030, according to ExpoPlatform analysis of UN population projections.
Around 60% of this demographic told the Deloitte survey they fear that businesses are less concerned about making a commitment to reversing climate change while leaders deal with challenges from the pandemic.
It is important for organisers – especially those in senior positions – to pay attention to how this will impact the sustainability of their businesses in future if not handled carefully.
A total of 44% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Zs said they have made choices in the last two years over where and the type of work they will do based on their personal ethics.
About 15% of those in the Deloitte survey this year said they had left their jobs or started new careers after reflecting on the pandemic and their values.
But it’s not just in their professional lives that their values hold more weight than previous generations – it’s when buying too.
Figures from NeilsenIQ show 90% of Millennials are willing to pay more for a sustainable product, 53% would switch brands to go greener and 75% said they would change their habits to reduce their impact on the environment.
That compares to 61%, 34% and 34% respectively for Baby Boomers – which is still a large proportion for each.
Rob Davidson, of MICE Knowledge, told ExpoPlatform how event experiences must now be built differently to cater for these new priorities.
He said: “Sustainability was important for previous generations as well, but for younger people it’s not just a nice-to-have thing it’s a really essential thing.
“They care much more, they have understood something important – which is this is the only planet that we have and we need to look after it in everything that we do.
“They understand that going to a conference is not a holiday from reality where you can consume what you want without thinking about the impact of your actions.
“They’re very attentive to things like energy consumption and recycling.”
Rob added: “But I would go further than that in my definition of sustainability and include the human environment as well.
“They have a very strong social conscience and they see the injustices and they see the inequalities in very sharp focus.
“So they care, they want to do something if they can as part of the event.”
## **Some more ideas for sustainable events**
**Here are a final few ideas for you as an event professional to consider when trying to create a more sustainable event:**
- **Choose green event venues:** these premises pursue sustainable practices by trying to meet guidelines and benchmarks. Think about finding one which includes sustainability certifications.
- **Make sure the location is accessible:** try to choose a venue close to a transportation hub such as an airport or train station. Eco-friendly hybrid or electric vehicles could also be an option for transferring attendees to your venue.
- **Managing your waste:** make sure the venue and caterers have a proper recycling system in place. Minimise the use of single-use materials and also think about how waste from the show can be composted.
- **Sustainable catering:** this involves green-minded sourcing, preparing, serving and disposing of food and materials. Try to use local produce and providers when possible too. Think about donating good quality leftovers to charities to avoid waste.
- **Greener goody bags:** these giveaways are at a wide range of events, generating goodwill and brand awareness. So why not choose something that can be re-used? Think about giving away items such as tote bags, branded travel mugs or pens with company logos.
- **Use event tech to reduce paper use:** event technology providers offer a range of options to cut waste and improve the attendee experience. Try to include an online schedule and map, badging and registration using the app or digital tickets.
## **Conclusion**
**Responsibility to protect the environment, increase accessibility and futureproof budgets is coming in all directions for organisers.**
But sustainable events also offer incredible opportunities to create green and prosperous business models for planners.
Increasing accessibility allows for a wider audience to be reached – driving attendee monetisation opportunities and extending the value of sponsorship deals.
Reducing carbon emissions can cut the amount of waste at in-person events, which means savings on costs.
Creating an economic model which embraces change and prepares for the future is an approach which is more likely to be lasting.
Sustainable events may at first sound like more hurdles for today’s organisers to deal with.
This guide shows how these challenges can be overcome – and turned into positives.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Robyn Duda: sustainable events are a growth strategy - don't lose ground](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-robyn-duda/)
**Published:** October 20, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Organisers who don’t see sustainable events as a “growth strategy” risk being left behind by a “disruptor that comes in and turns things upside down”, according to an industry leader.
In this exclusive interview, Robyn Duda sets out why planners need to futureproof their business models with a strong value system and adoption of digital capabilities.
The founder of advisory agency RDC has worked with some of the most recognised brands in the world including Coca-Cola, Spotify and IBM.
Her focus is on advising brands, agencies and organisers on the foundations of successful offline experiences to maximise engagement and online reach both now and in the future.
She told ExpoPlatform: “Sustainability can mean different things.
“[In events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) it should include three main areas of focus: society – diversity, equity and inclusion – economic growth and environmental protection.
“By focusing on these areas the industry not only considers how people are impacted today, but how they are impacted tomorrow too.
“It’s not just because it’s 2021, or we’ve gone through #MeToo and Black Lives Matter and all of these social movements – it’s also a [growth strategy](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).
“The newer faces and voices you have on stages create new voices and members and people in your audiences and in your community.”
Almost half of people in China, the US and the UK are doing their best to live sustainably, according to a poll.
Findings from the [Statista survey](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264572/efforts-to-live-sustainably-china-us-uk/) show 46% of respondents in these countries were doing all they can, 48% believed they could do more while only 6% were not bothering.
This illustrates the weight of responsibility people are placing on themselves to secure a future for all by living sustainably.
However, Robyn places sharp focus on the values of generations which are now dominant in the global workforce – and increasingly powerful.
More than half of the global workforce will be made up of these cohorts by 2025 before rising to around three-quarters by 2030, according to ExpoPlatform analysis of UN population projections.
They already make up the largest proportion of those in employment worldwide.
Findings from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) show 26% of both generations ranked protecting the environment as their top personal concern.
This comes despite threats to health, family welfare and careers being closer to home and imminent in the current climate.
Furthermore, both these generations are reported to believe discrimination is widespread and is likely enabled by systemic racism in major institutions.
Six in 10 Gen Zs and 56% of Millennials told the survey they see systemic racism as very or fairly widespread in general society.
Robyn added: “They want to align with brands that share a vision and a mission with them and they’re willing to pay more for that – and that’s where sustainability comes into play.
“When we design things we try and think of who that is for, what is important to them and what that looks like.
“Making the content engaging and accessible and creating inclusive spaces are so important in what the future of this industry should look like.
“I hate that I’m saying that’s the future – because it’s right now, but I do think that we have a long way to go to get there as an industry.
“If we don’t start doing it now, there’ll be a disrupter that comes in and turns things upside down.”
A total of 44% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Zs said they have made choices in the last two years over where and the type of work they will do based on their personal ethics.
About 15% of those in the Deloitte survey said they had left their jobs or started new careers after reflecting on the pandemic and their values.
But it’s not just in their professional lives that their values hold more weight than previous generations – it’s when buying too.
Figures from NeilsenIQ show 90% of Millennials are willing to pay more for a sustainable product, 53% would switch brands to go greener and 75% said they would change their habits to reduce their impact on the environment.
That compares to 61%, 34% and 34% respectively for Baby Boomers – which is still a large proportion for each.
Robyn highlights another way in which consumer behaviour has changed is the switch to online and how this can impact events.
The long overdue digital transformation of shows was accelerated due to restrictions forced by the pandemic.
Traditional in-person events were halted, which saw organisers focus their energies on making a success of virtual alternatives.
But the habits of Millennials and Gen Z were already shaped by the world they grew up in: one of convenience, connectivity and quick content – all delivered online.
Robyn said: “The way we consume things has drastically changed over the last 10 years, but if you look at the tradeshow – historically, how it started and where it is now – it hasn’t changed that much.
“I hate to pick on the tradeshow industry, but I think that there’s a real disruption that needs to happen technologically with discovery.
“There is a place for a large gathering, but the purpose has changed and we need to catch up.”
The RDC founder uses an example of how some elements of a traditional in-person event can now be done virtually.
This has two benefits: it reduces the impact on the environment while also improving accessibility.
Offerings from a live show could also be later repackaged and refreshed where new elements can be added and viewed by the attendee and their colleagues – therefore extending the lifecycle of the in-person event.
It is predicted that spending on pure tradeshow activities will decline, with exhibitors anticipated to increase investment in digital content, [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) and training of their own teams.
Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on [virtual event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
This is expected to include the digital component rising from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
Robyn said: “Design strategies with an emphasis on long term, sustainable business practices that lead to growth over short term profit gains so what you do is not only good for the world – it’s also good for business.”
The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of events by far is through international travel.
Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
The organisation estimates one two-day event avoided producing almost 1.8 million kg of CO2 emission to just over 8,420kg by switching to fully virtual format.
That’s less than one percentage of the original figure.
Furthemore, it’s estimated that by moving 10% of event attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – emissions could be cut by almost 90%.
Robyn said: “It may cost you more on paper right now but the long term effects of you having a clear value structure is going to align with your audience of the future.
“It will actually reap you growth benefits in the future, because you will have a very loyal community around you because you’ve done the right thing.
“Those who don’t do that I think will lose ground.”
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Chart of the Week: concerns for sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/chart-of-week-20211022/)
**Published:** October 22, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
More than a quarter of Millennials and Gen Z rank environmental concerns as their top priority, a survey shows.
Findings from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) show 26% of both generations ranked protecting the climate as their top personal concern.
It comes despite threats to health, family welfare and careers being closer to home and imminent – but they are already the largest proportion of the workforce worldwide.
We can also see how the environment is considered more important than the economy – which is ranked highest by 15% of Gen Z and 19% of Millennials,
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The threat of the climate crisis, changing attitudes and an increasingly unstable political environment have all reaffirmed the need to limit risks.
Governments around the world are creating targets to hit net zero emissions – which our industry will play a part in meeting.
Global leaders will gather in Glasgow, UK, in November for Cop26 to discuss plans to tackle the climate crisis.
However, research has shown Gen Z and Millennials place more importance than those who came before them.
Rob Davidson, of MICE Knowledge, told ExpoPlatform: “Sustainability was important for previous generations as well, but for younger people it’s not just a nice-to-have thing it’s a really essential thing.
“They care much more, they have understood something important – which is this is the only planet that we have and we need to look after it in everything that we do.
“They understand that going to a conference is not a holiday from reality where you can consume what you want without thinking about the impact of your actions.
“They’re very attentive to things like energy consumption and recycling.”
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
Creating sustainable events is now something event planners must place sharp focus on in their business models.
But this isn’t just about cutting emissions – it’s about futureproofing success.
More than half of the global workforce will be made up of Gen Z and Millennials by 2025 before rising to around three-quarters by 2030, according to ExpoPlatform analysis of UN population projections.
Around 60% of this demographic told the Deloitte survey they fear that businesses are less concerned about making a commitment to reversing climate change while leaders deal with challenges from the pandemic.
It is important for organisers – especially those in senior positions – to pay attention to how this will impact the sustainability of their businesses in future if not handled carefully.
There are three areas which are important to sustainability which can be turned into positives for planners: the environment, accessibility and economics.
**Read our full guide on [sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) to find out more.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Sustainable events 'not rocket science' and can boost income](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-cameron-little/)
**Published:** October 27, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Creating sustainable events is “not rocket science” but can actually boost income, improve brand image and protect the environment, according to an expert.
Cameron Little is an environmental scientist, sustainability consultant and educator with more than 20 years experience in our industry.
The vice president of the [Sustainable Event Alliance](https://sustainable-event-alliance.org/#:~:text=The%20Sustainable%20Event%20Alliance,friendly%2C%20and%20climate%20positive%20events.) sees the digital transformation our sector has witnessed as offering great opportunities to reduce waste and increase revenue.
But first he believes event planners need to recognise this model is “not rocket science” and is more than just about being greener.
Cameron told ExpoPlatform: “A lot of people don’t understand the differences between an environmental focus and a sustainability focus – that’s a key issue, because sustainability looks at economic and social considerations as well.
“That puts them on a much better footing than solely looking at environmental issues, because one of the complaints or criticisms or objections that some people put forward about environmental considerations is that they cost more.
“But sustainability looks at the economic impacts and social considerations of those initiatives as well – and factors that into the design or decision making process.
“Inevitably I find that you can do it for the same costs or usually save money.
“When you roll everything up, look at short, medium and long term benefits, you end up with more for less.”
The Australia-based [event sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) consultant added: “It’s important to recognise that humans are a social animal and that people getting together are an integral part of being human.
“Done right they can help to bring physical communities and communities of interest together and we’re going to need more of that, not less, as we move forward to address the global challenges ahead of us.
“The key is to focus on having events that both minimise any negative environmental impacts and purposefully pursue events that can maximise the local social and economic benefits.
“It’s not rocket science – it just requires us to build all of these considerations into our objectives from the start.
“You don’t get the results by trying to bolt on ineffectual add-ons near the end of the planning process.
“By using integrated systems thinking approaches and genuinely engaging all of the relevant stakeholders to pursue the agreed goals you’ll get the wins.
“Poor environmental performance by definition results in various forms of waste, whether it be physical waste, wasted energy, wasted water.
“That represents wasted opportunities to do better and profits buried in the ground, up in smoke or down the drain – that’s money out of your pocket”.
“We have to do it anyway – so why not adopt the attitude that you’re going to rise to the challenge and enjoy your achievements along the way.
“A more sustainable event is a higher quality event.”
## **Waste not, want not**
An average in-person show creates a massive amount of excess and tonnes of emissions over the course of a few days.
This can be through leftover food, goody bags, single-use plastics, transportation, energy used at the venue, resources to build the event, magazines and many more.
Research from [MeetGreen](https://meetgreen.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/eventfoot.pdf) shows the average conference attendee produces 1.89kg of waste per day – that’s 5,670kg created by a typical 1000-person event over three days.
Cameron suggests that organisers should consider better ways to handle this excess material, firstly by trying to find venues which already have an excellent system in place.
He said: “Waste is very expensive – when materials go into general waste that’s a very expensive way to dispose of them when ideally you shouldn’t be creating that waste in the first place”.
“A good waste programme with deliberate product selections, optimised supply chain management, insightful operations management and then extremely well planned resource recovery at the end of the process saves a lot of money – as well as saves big environmental impacts.”
“The ideal way to start is with an already certified green venue.
“It’s already sustainable so you can utilise their pre-existing waste systems instead of having to try to start from scratch with a venue who hasn’t already engaged.
“Get everything into the contracts from the very beginning and that will make progress so much easier.”
The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of events by far is through international travel.
Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
The organisation estimates one two-day event avoided producing almost 1.8 million kg of CO2 emission to just over 8,420kg by switching to fully virtual format.
That’s less than one percentage of the original figure.
## **How technology can help sustainable events**
The digital transformation of our industry has created new opportunities to drive revenue and engagement virtually.
But research also estimates that moving a portion of 10% of attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – emissions could be cut by almost 90%.
[Hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) can accommodate both in-person attendees and a virtual audience of those who can’t travel to the venue or are still unsure about attending face-to-face meetups.
This format allows organisers to offer new avenues for content sharing, exhibiting, sponsorship, creating new revenue streams and lead generation opportunities.
Cameron added: “I’ve always been a fan of the idea of virtual and hybrid events – even before they became all the rage thanks to us having to adapt to the Covid-19 pandemic world.
“Of course you can’t beat the excitement and buzz of a face-to-face live event, so that’s where hybrid seems to tick so many boxes for me.”
It comes as spending on pure tradeshow activities is predicted to decline, with exhibitors anticipated to increase investment in digital content, hybrid events and training of their own teams.
Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on [virtual event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
It is expected this digital component is going to rise from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
Missing these new opportunities is not an option in today’s uncertain economy.
More weight can be given to this when we see corporate travel is predicted to be cut by around 20% of its pre-pandemic levels as the digital transformation of industries continues, according to [research](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/).
Cameron added: “An organiser should see a sustainable future as an opportunity by cutting down costs on in-person show waste and placing more emphasis on generating revenue online when the opportunities present, depending on the type of event of course.
“If you properly account for costs and benefits much less goes out when you’re working in the digital domain.
“One of the benefits comes back to the potential longevity of a digital event, if it’s recorded and able to be shared and kept available for a long time.
“That’s more exposure for partners and sponsors too.
“You have to choose your digital platform carefully though to ensure that you get all the features you can use and then make sure that you take advantage of those features.”
## **Sustainable events to futureproof your brand**
A poll shows almost half of people in China, the US and the UK are doing their best to live sustainably.
Findings from the [Statista survey](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264572/efforts-to-live-sustainably-china-us-uk/) show 46% of respondents in these countries were doing all they can, 48% believed they could do more while only 6% were not bothering.
This illustrates the weight of responsibility people are placing on themselves to secure a future for all by living sustainably.
Furthermore, another survey shows more than a quarter of Millennials and Gen Z rank environmental concerns as their top priority – and these are already the largest proportion of the workforce worldwide.
Findings from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) show 26% of both generations ranked protecting the environment as their top personal concern.
This comes despite threats to health, family welfare and careers being closer to home and imminent in the current climate.
Around 60% of this demographic told the Deloitte survey they fear that businesses are less concerned about making a commitment to reversing climate change while leaders deal with challenges from the pandemic.
It is important for organisers – especially those in senior positions – to pay attention to how this will impact the sustainability of their businesses in future if not handled carefully.
Cameron believes event planners are now beginning to recognise this and are placing more emphasis in this area – things are getting better “steadily” as demands from customers increase and knowledge and competency in the field of event sustainability expands across the whole event sector”.
He said: “I definitely find that our audience expectations are much higher around events being more sustainable.
“As we have younger generations coming through, that is building up an even stronger, unavoidable message.
“Because they’ve grown up with more sustainable literacy and expectations from their education, the increasingly urgent calls for action are really building momentum.
“Plus, I think the generations up to Boomers have always been fairly aware, even if they haven’t been doing everything they could, due to a lack of understanding of how easy and how good the benefits can be. Waiting for someone else to take the lead is a huge mistake.
“I think now that people have really shown how interested and engaged they are in having more sustainable events, then it provides a greater driver for event managers and event owners to deliver what the audience is expecting.”
A total of 44% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Zs said they have made choices in the last two years over where and the type of work they will do based on their personal ethics.
About 15% of those in the Deloitte survey this year said they had left their jobs or started new careers after reflecting on the pandemic and their values.
But it’s not just in their professional lives that their values hold more weight than previous generations – it’s when buying too.
Figures from NeilsenIQ show 90% of Millennials are willing to pay more for a sustainable product, 53% would switch brands to go greener and 75% said they would change their habits to reduce their impact on the environment.
That compares to 61%, 34% and 34% respectively for Baby Boomers – which is still a large proportion for each.
## **Adapt and succeed**
Cameron added: “For anyone who’s hesitant, I just think they need to realise that times are changing – you’re better off to ride the bow wave of change.
“Do it from the start for the right reasons and get the PR benefits.
“The alternative is to find yourself being dragged behind the boat in the rough waters trying to catch up where you’ve lost your early adopter advantages.
“You’re still going to end up in the same place, but at the front end you’re surfing – at the back end, you’re drowning.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Event profs 'know better than policymakers' how to drive sustainable innovation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events-isla/)
**Published:** November 10, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Event professionals know the business “better than anybody else” so should drive innovation for a sustainable future without waiting for policymakers, according to an industry expert.
Ellie Ashton-Melia, community lead for isla, told ExpoPlatform that our sector mustn’t “shy away” from the issue even though it can be complicated
She believes [sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) will soon become “intrinsic” to how businesses will shape up in future.
Her comments come as global leaders gather in Glasgow, UK, for final few days of Cop26 to discuss plans for tackling climate change.
> “That desperate hope, is why the world is looking to you and why you are here”
>
> — Sir David Attenborough, [\#COP26](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) People's Advocate, speaking at the Opening Ceremony.[\#TogetherForOurPlanet](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherForOurPlanet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/YZrOwFxuAw](https://t.co/YZrOwFxuAw)
>
> — COP26 (@COP26) [November 1, 2021](https://twitter.com/COP26/status/1455200109852078085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Ellie said: “There’s been some extremely bold ambitions that have been set out by governments and businesses to drastically reduce our emissions in line with global goals for net-zero by 2050.
“Unfortunately since the Paris Agreement they’ve actually fallen short in delivering strategies to achieve a lot of these targets.
“We rapidly need to take action which is going to fundamentally affect businesses and society at large.
“Largescale change comes from policymaking – I’m hoping that out of Cop26 we start to see this legislation and policy put in place.
“Within our industry, we need to make sure that we’re adapting and innovating ahead of that policy and legislation being implemented and enforced.
“We know our industry better than anybody else, so we should have the solutions and innovation to drive that change.”
isla works with agencies, brands, organisers and suppliers to give practical guidance and support on environmental issues.
A sustainable event places emphasis on three areas: society, the environment, and the economy – “or as we call it people, planet, profit”.
The aim is to create a lasting balance which makes all of these components a priority when planning a show.
In doing this you can bring in a wider audience, improve your brand identity and reduce the carbon footprint of your event.
Almost half of people in China, the US and the UK are doing their best to live sustainably, according to a poll.
Findings from the [Statista survey](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264572/efforts-to-live-sustainably-china-us-uk/) show 46% of respondents in these countries were doing all they can, 48% believed they could do more while only 6% were not bothering.
This illustrates the weight of responsibility people are placing on themselves to secure a future for all by living sustainably.
Ellie added: “Sustainability is quickly becoming the number one challenge in the eyes of businesses across the industry.
“Because of conscious consumers waking up to the climate crisis, they’re actually demanding businesses to step up.
“This means that event teams are now under pressure to incorporate sustainability into their deliveries and their business operations as well.”
A total of 44% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Zs told a Deloitte survey this year they have made choices in the last two years over where and the type of work they will do based on their personal ethics.
About 15% of those said they had left their jobs or started new careers after reflecting on the pandemic and their values.
But it’s not just in their professional lives that their values hold more weight than previous generations – it’s when buying too.
Figures from NeilsenIQ show 90% of Millennials are willing to pay more for a sustainable product, 53% would switch brands to go greener and 75% said they would change their habits to reduce their impact on the environment.
That compares to 61%, 34% and 34% respectively for Baby Boomers – which is still a large proportion for each.
The global events industry highlighted its commitment to a net zero emissions future at the conference in Glasgow on Tuesday.
High-profile figures from our sector were to be live at a session in the city to deliver the pledge and highlight broad support from businesses.
Among these were CEO of UFI Kai Hattendorf, CEO of Informa Markets Charlie McCurdy and Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman, among many more.
This Net Zero Carbon Events initiative was facilitated by the Joint Meetings Industry Council and supported by the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
There are already more than 150 businesses from across the sector who are registered supporters, with a range of members from the supply chain involved in developing the pledge and executing the plans.
Signatories to the pledge commit to:
- Before the end of 2023, publish their organisation’s pathway to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest, with an interim target in line with the Paris Agreement’s requirement to reduce global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030
- Collaborate with partners, suppliers and customers to drive change across the value chain
- Measure and track Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions according to industry best practice
- Report on progress at least every two years.
A typical in-person show creates a massive amount of excess and tonnes of emissions over the course of a few days.
This can be through leftover food, goody bags, single-use plastics, delegate and team travel, transportation, energy used at the venue, resources to build the event, magazines and many more.
Research from [MeetGreen](https://meetgreen.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/eventfoot.pdf) shows the average conference attendee produces 1.89kg of waste per day – that’s 5,670kg created by a 1,000-person event over three days.
Ellie believes the first step in tackling this is through accurately measuring the impact of event’s emissions and waste – as well as setting reduction plans.
Initiatives like this Net Zero Carbon Events pledge as the beginning of a “journey” in this process.
She said: “To really drastically reduce the global carbon emissions and waste, it’s now become a critical business activity.
“We’re finding both within our action-driven network and the wider industry the demand to start tracking and compliant reporting these things.
“That’s really important to be able to understand the true impact of our events and our business operations in order to make that change, because we can’t manage what we don’t measure.
“For businesses to do good and be good they need to reimagine their purpose and priorities.
“Businesses need to be responsible in pursuing profit and performance, so ultimately, they should come when all the needs of people and the planet are met.
“I think we are going to see very soon a real shift in how sustainability is going to become a really intrinsic part of the way businesses are running, as we start embracing different environmental sustainability practices and we’ve become more knowledgeable in the area.
“We’re kind of at the beginning of something – and it’s a journey.”
It is the journey element of in-person shows which contribute the biggest amount of carbon to an event, figures show.
Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
The organisation estimates one two-day event avoided producing almost 1.8 million kg of CO2 emission to just over 8,420kg by switching to fully virtual format.
That’s less than one percentage of the original figure.
Ellie sees virtual options as offering some alternative where appropriate so that carbon waste can be reduced.
It is also estimated that moving 10% of attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – could cut emission by almost 90%, according to University of Freiburg research.
Ellie added: “Digital provides a huge opportunity.
“The amount of waste produced by the delegate travelling to the venue, the food they consume at the event, the graphics and the production that is involved to bring that in-person event to life versus a delegate being sat in the comfort of their home on a virtual event.
“I think the shift towards a [hybrid model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) should be a focus.
“You can reach really broad audiences, we’re no longer bound by our venues – so we can now reach 1000s virtually, while limiting the number of in-person attendees.
“So it’s about an increase in overall audience reach, but also reducing your overall impact – that’s how we need to start looking at events when we get a briefing.”
Part of this could be done through creating more localised boutique events.
These formats can target pre-qualified buyers to go to a show which is designed to their wants and needs.
This means a higher quality of attendee even though there will be fewer people there.
Meanwhile, long distance prospective customers could be given an online hosted buyer experience.
Ellie has faith that tools like these strengthen our industry’s ability to adapt to the change needed to make a success of a more sustainable future and resilient events industry.
She said: “In the pandemic, overnight businesses changed their operations.
“They innovated, they changed the way they delivered events.
“That’s something we can learn from – the fact that we can evolve and change so rapidly.
“That gives us a lot of hope if we apply that same attitude to the climate crisis challenge.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [9 ways to make your events more sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/9-ways-events-sustainable/)
**Published:** November 30, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Making live shows more sustainable is a tough but crucial challenge for eventprofs to tackle head on.**
Almost three quarters of tradeshow exhibitors and visitors care about their events being run with their impact on the climate in mind.
That’s why Exhibition Think Tank Club brought together a [special panel](https://www.linkedin.com/video/event/urn:li:ugcPost:6986412442666848256/) to set out nine ways professionals in our industry can bring in better practices for [sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/).
**Speakers at the special webinar included:**
- Duncan Reid, CEO & Co-founder, Reset Connect
- Debbie Kristiansen, General Manager, Exhibition World Bahrain
- Jorg Zeissig, CEO, Holtmann GmbH & Co.KG
Team ExpoPlatform has also started its own carbon offsetting project, **Meetings Make Trees** – with an ambition is to plant **10,000 in 2023** – but we need your help!
This new initiative will help reduce your event’s carbon footprint and encourage visitors and exhibitors to engage more with the mobile app.
It means for every meeting confirmed, we will plant a tree on your behalf – [**get in touch**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to find out more.
## **1✍️Sign up to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge**
The Net Zero Carbon Events [initiative](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) – hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – hopes to bring together a wide range of industry stakeholders to tackle the issue.
A new roadmap was release during Cop27 which can be downloaded, while eventprofs can also sign up to the pledge on the website.
It is open to everyone in the industry – it doesn’t matter whether you’re an organiser or a venue or a supplier.
## **2?Support events with sustainable commitment**
Support events that are making that are spreading the word and trying to make a difference. This should hopefully create customer demand for new sustainable action and have a positive effect on the rest of the industry.
## **3?Measure your emissions**
Measure the impact of what you’re doing at the moment using one the many calculators which are free of charge.
Being able to understand the impact you’re making at the moment and your the potential reduction in future stands you in good stead for for making a difference further along the line.
## **4?Reduce and maximise travel**
The overall carbon footprint of an event is largely made up of your attendee travel. This makes it important those tat do go to live shows try and reduce travel where possible.
One option could be taking the train instead of flying, which represents a huge reduction in the carbon footprint of travel.
Meanwhile, it also crucial participants make the most of their time there – see as many clients as possible, have as many meetings and more.
## **5✈️Offset your carbon**
Participants will continue to fly to events because often it’s the only option. But carbon offsetting can be brought in when if there’s no way of avoiding the pollution being emitted.
The panel decided that offsetting is the way to go via the airline that you fly with or through another provider.
## **6?Consider a digital/hybrid option**
Have a digital or hybrid option for your audience to participate in some way online. This benefits you overall as participants may prefer to do this for various reasons, but it also allows you to reduce the footprint of the event as well.
## **7?Stop single-use plastic**
Events can leave a legacy and a positive educational impact on the communities they serve.
By reducing single-se plastic at your own event you can educating your audience, meaning they’ll go away “in their in their daily life or their day job” and actually impact a bit further than just your live show.
## **8?Aim for paperless**
Reduce the need for paper where possible for things like maps and tickets by replacing them with a mobile app option.
Participants could then go away and potentially implement that in their own industries and workplaces as well.
## 9♻️**Understand your true recycle rate**
Just because something’s recycled material or can be recycled doesn’t mean it’s good for the environment.
The panel recommend looking at your own operations to understand the real value of different materials and how they have an impact.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Sustainable events in focus as energy concerns continue](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20221205/)
**Published:** December 5, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A range of moves to improve sustainability in events have been announced as fears continue over energy prices.**
German exhibition industry association AUMA has announced a slow recovery from the pandemic, but raised concerns about rising costs.
Organisers have already been putting their energy use in focus to reduce their carbon footprints and the impact on the climate.
ExpoPlatform, isla and Italian Exhibition Group are among those to recently announce moves to highlight the importance of green credentials.
Find out how we are helping event organisers offset carbon output by [**getting in touch here**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Read on for your full event industry news roundup.
## **Fears remain over energy as German industry bounces back**
**The German tradeshow industry is “slowly regaining its rhythm again” but fears remain over energy hikes, according to AUMA**
Figures from the association show at least 340 events are planned between Husum and Friedrichshafen in 2023.
It means almost 25% more trade fairs will take place in the new year than were possible in the country this year.
> Die [\#Messewirtschaft](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Messewirtschaft?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in Deutschland ist auf dem Weg der Erholung: Wenigstens 340 Messen sind 2023 geplant. Berechnungen für 2022 zeigen: Seit Herbst steigen die Zahlen bei Besucher:innen und ausstellenden Unternehmen.[\#wirtschaftbrauchtmessen](https://twitter.com/hashtag/wirtschaftbrauchtmessen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#messeerfolg](https://twitter.com/hashtag/messeerfolg?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/LEkXVY5AO3](https://t.co/LEkXVY5AO3)
>
> — AUMA e.V. (@AUMAeV) [November 30, 2022](https://twitter.com/AUMAeV/status/1597879773744844809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Philip Harting, chairman of the association of the German trade fair industry AUMA, said: “The trade fair industry in Germany is slowly regaining its rhythm again. Two years of trade fair bans are still putting a strain on the industry, which accounts for 230,000 jobs.
“We expect the support of the Federal Minister of Economics, not any new obstacles. Stability will do a lot to benefit the trade fair industry.
“Then 2023 can be the first better year since the beginning of the pandemic. Then trade fairs can play to their strengths as part of the solution to many problems.
“Then Germany will once again live up to its reputation as a top location for trade fairs. However, concerns over affordable energy dim the first outlook into the new year.”
It comes as energy prices have been raising concerns for organisers across Europe as costs surge amid Russia’s war in Ukraine.
AUMA’s projections for 2022 show that 65% of visitors are back at German trade fair venues.
The average number was still a good 55% of pre-pandemic levels by summer, while figures have been rising since autumn.
The exhibitor figures are similar: on average, 70 percent are back on average over the year – with a similar upward trend since autumn.
AUMA is the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry nationally and internationally – representing the interests of 70 members.
## **Sustainability in focus for events**
**Greener events have been put in focus with action-focused plans, support schemes and new certifications**
Among the moves is a publication from isla which aims to encourages venues to review their sustainability progress and enable them to develop short to mid-term goals.
[Sustainability in Practice: A Pathway for Venues](https://lp.weareisla.co.uk/venue-pathway) was created in partnership with VisitBritain Business Events and supported by three leading industry associations: the Association of Event Venues, the Meetings Industry Association and beam.
> isla has launched its comprehensive new e-guide Sustainability in Practice: A Pathway for Venues in partnership with [@VisitBritain](https://twitter.com/VisitBritain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Business Events & supported by AEV ([@AEVnews](https://twitter.com/AEVnews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)),[@WearebeamUK](https://twitter.com/WearebeamUK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) & [@MIAuk](https://twitter.com/MIAuk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). Download and level up your sustainability journey here: [pic.twitter.com/T2Hjqjv1KR](https://t.co/T2Hjqjv1KR)
>
> — isla (@weareisla\_uk) [November 29, 2022](https://twitter.com/weareisla_uk/status/1597530798156140544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Anna Abdelnoor, CEO & co-founder of isla, said: “Against the backdrop of the climate crisis venues understand, and acknowledge, the part they have to play in creating a net zero future.
“This pathway gives venues of all sizes the guiding light they need to get there, in a way that is practicable, actionable and transformative for the industry.
“We’re delighted to share the pathway with venues today and help them start, or continue, their sustainability journey to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world and an ever-more discerning and environmentally-conscious visitor, client and investor base.”
The news comes as ExpoPlatform launched its **Meetings Make Trees** carbon offsetting initiative.
It aims to help reduce an event’s footprint, while encouraging visitors and exhibitors to engage more with the mobile app.
Every meeting confirmed will see ExpoPlatform plant a tree on the participating organiser’s behalf, in partnership with reforestation gurus at Ecologi.
[](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
[**Get in touch**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to find out more about how this scheme works.
Meanwhile, Italian Exhibition Group has announced the Rimini and Vicenza expo centres and the organisation of Ecomondo as among first in Europe obtain ISO 20121 certification.
It marks another in a long series of records in the environmental safety, health protection and sustainability fields for the organiser.
## **Automechanika Shanghai postponed amid Covid measures**
**Automechanika Shanghai has been postponed amid ongoing stringent Covid-19 measures in China.**
Shenzhen Edition organisers will put the show, originally scheduled from December 20 to 23, on pause while prevention measures related to the pandemic consolidate across the country.
The decision comes in view of securing stronger onsite participation in order to generate more valuable experiences for exhibitors and visitors alike.
New arrangements for the 17th edition will be announced in due course, according to organisers Messe Frankfurt.
## Easyfairs marks 25 years in business
**[Easyfairs](https://www.easyfairs.com/) is celebrating its 25th anniversary of business in the events industry.**
The leading organiser started trading under the name Artexis in Belgium in 1997, before rebranding in 2004.
Is is now one of the world’s top 20 events companies by revenue, which grew to near pre-pandemic levels of €163 million in 2021/22.
Co-CEO Anne Lafère said: “There has been plenty of evolution over the past quarter of a century. Today, we have a strong focus on the digital transformation within our communities and their journey to a net-zero future, for example.
“We were ahead of our time with the offer of time and cost-effective trade shows with a low carbon footprint and we have enhanced that further through digital technologies and by bringing communities together online.”
Easyfairs organises 200 events in 14 countries, gathering 22,500 exhibitors and 1,100,000 visitors each year.
The group, based in Brussels, counts 700 employees spread over 20 offices and also manages eight venues in Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden.
## **Freeman extends UFI sponsorship deal**
**Freeman has recommitted to supporting the future development of the exhibition industry through its global work with UFI.**
The brand experience and marketing firm has announced it will extend its Diamond Sponsorship deal with the association.
This agreement initially started in 2019, being the the highest tier of UFI funding support available.
Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO, said: “It is wonderful that Freeman has decided to continue their support for UFI on the highest level.
“This allows us to drive activities on areas like advocacy and the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative to name but a few where Freeman are very active as well.”
Bob Priest-Heck, Freeman CEO, said: “We’ve been a proud sponsor of UFI for a number of years and understand their importance and impact on our industry.
“As a Diamond sponsor it gives Freeman global involvement and the ability to play a key role in their events and ongoing programs.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [How to use QR codes properly at live events](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/qr-codes-live-events/)
**Published:** December 8, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**QR codes are used for so many parts our lives – to access information, pay for goods and services as well as capture contact details.**
But how do you use these digital tools to improve live events?
At in-person shows, QR codes are a convenient way to check in to venues, unlock attendee details and make purchases.
They are also a sustainable option for events and eliminate the need for materials like printed brochures and business cards.
In this article, we explain how organisers can implement this tech in a better way to enhance the event experience and gain insights into attendee engagement and other metrics.
## **QR codes have become ubiquitous – most events have one**
QR codes are now present in many spheres of our life. The adoption of this technology increased massively during the pandemic and it is now used in a wide range of industries – from restaurants and retail to healthcare and events.
Their simple scanning abilities from mobile find applications in payments, contact tracing, content access, customer engagement and more.
Stats from **[qrcode-tiger](https://www.qrcode-tiger.com/qr-code-statistics-2022-q1)** show the global use of QR codes quadrupled in Q1 2022 – increasing 433% from the same period in 2021 to total 6.8 million scans.
Of these, the US and India accounted for the highest number of scans at 2.9 million and 1.1m, respectively.
According to **[Juniper Research](https://www.juniperresearch.com/researchstore/fintech-payments/qr-code-payments-research-report)**, global spending through QR code payments is projected to reach $3.3 trillion by 2025, from $2.5tn in 2022.
For organisers, QR codes are a versatile way to enhance the event experience for their audience and collect data quickly and easily.
Attendees can access event schedules, tickets, floor plans and content and exhibitor info at booths.
Exhibitors can use these codes to provide customers with detailed product information, capture contact details, track engagement and raise brand awareness.
## **Unlock the potential of Smart Events with QR scans**
The widespread adoption of QR codes and their ease of use presents a huge opportunity for organisers to create more tech-enabled events. Here is how:
- Organisers can streamline the event process and provide a convenient way to scan badges, products and catalogues – driving leads for customers.
- Quickly check-in attendees, register at venues and provide access to websites, videos and other digital content.
- Provide interactive experiences such as virtual tours, live polls, scavenger hunts and trivia games.
- Pay for food, beverages and merchandise.
- Track attendance, monitor engagement and collect audience feedback
## **Different use cases of QR codes**
QR codes can be used in multiple ways at events. Here is how they help:
- Eliminate the need for printed business cards – all contact details are captured through a mobile scan.
- Create product innovation zones – install QR codes that provide a quick overview of different aspects of product functionality.
- Make your events more sustainable – no need to print digital brochures. All content can be accessed with a QR scan.
- Go cashless with digital QR payments.
- Streamline registration, check-in and ticketing processes
- A cost-effective way for engagement as it eliminates the need to print and distribute physical material.
- Makes it easier to track attendance and engagement metrics.
- More secure than traditional methods – help reduce the risk of fraud and counterfeiting.
## **Tips to use QR codes properly at live events**
QR codes can make your events a big success if used properly. If not, it can end up confusing your audience. Make sure to keep these steps in mind:
**\#1 Do not encrypt!**
Make sure your registration company does not encrypt the QR code. This stops you from being able to share the string with other apps.
**\#2 Position the codes strategically**
Maximise the visibility of your QR codes by placing them in open, accessible areas and along customer paths at the venue.
**\#3 Make the codes easily scannable**
Consider the distance from which the codes will be scanned as well as their size. The QR codes, especially for badge scans, should have a well-contrasted background for maximum visibility. Ensure they have clean edges with no blurriness or fuzz.
**\#4** **Optimise for mobile**
Optimise your QR code content for mobile to ensure the best user experience. Mobile optimisation increases event engagement and allows organisers to measure their interest in their events and track conversions.
**\#5 Include instructions on how to use the code**
Provide clear instructions on how QR codes can be used at the event – for payment, polls, product info, attendee profile and more.
**\#6 Customise it!**
Bar codes are boring. QR codes needn’t be. Customise the QR codes with your brand colours, logo, icons, images and CTAs.
**\#7 Encourage exhibitors to use the QR code functionality**
Exhibitors can upload content in their dashboard and automatically generate QR codes. These codes can be generated for company information, product information and marketing content.
**\#8 Give exhibitors full ROI analytics with Lead Intelligence**
Exhibitors can evaluate the value of their investment by getting data analytics through Lead Intelligence solutions. This data includes contact info, profile details, ratings and more.
## **Conclusion**
QR codes are a powerful tool to add a digital layer to your event. You can provide attendees a convenient way to check in and check out while reducing queues. Additionally, you can use them for advertising, contactless payments, surveys and lead generation. By understanding the nuances of their usage, you can incorporate them into your event with successful results!
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Mobile Event App
---
### [Eventprofs need a seamless mobile app experience - panel](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20230130/)
**Published:** January 30, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs predict digital revenue will increase through tools like mobile apps, but organisers must remove “all challenges” if they’re to hit their full potential.**
That was one claim during an expert debate about the future of technology in our industry for 2023, following the release of the Event Tech Forecast report.
The panel discussed findings on key areas around features, monetisation and what barriers remain to utilising these tools at live shows.
It was heard that organisers had to “truly take out all the challenges” if products such as mobile event apps were to achieve their full potential.
**Download the full [Event Tech Forecast 2023](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) for the full insights.**
Meanwhile, Hyve has made a new appointment to its board, Tarsus forecasts a strong year thanks to China and Messe Frankfurt is bidding for new sustainability award.
Read on for your full events industry news roundup.
## **Eventprofs ‘scared’ of tech? Here’s what the experts think**
**Organisers must “take out all the challenges” linked to event mobile apps so they can achieve their full potential, according to an expert panel.**
Recent findings from the [**Event Tech Forecast 2023**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) revealed how digital tools will be utilised in the coming months, as well as what challenges need to be overcome.
A key topic for debate was over the role of [**event mobile apps**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) and how to increase adoption rates.
This tool came out on top of our survey as one of the key technology features for our industry, with 64% of respondents choosing it.
Dahlia El Gazzar, of DAHLIA+Agency, set out what it will take to take adoption of mobile apps higher – with a seamless experience being crucial.
She said: “Truly take out all the challenges and the obstacles of having the mobile app easy to use – that’s first and foremost.
“Number two is being very transparent on what type of data they’re putting in the mobile app, what’s going to be shared and what’s not.
“Right now, everybody is really protecting their data, so privacy settings are a must.
“Number three, you have to figure out what you are going to put in that mobile – that is just going to be essential for any stakeholder of any event to have a great experience.”
**Read [the full article](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-tech-forecast-webjan23/) with complete event tech insights here. You’ll discover:**
- **How much of your annual revenue do you expect to come from digital channels?**
- **Where are the biggest opportunities for event technology to develop?**
- **What are the key challenges facing eventprofs?**
- **What are your key event tech features?**
Other speakers included editor-in-chief of Skift Meetings Miguel Neves, Waves Connect copywriter Matt Coyne, Messe Frankfurt North America director of data and digital services Chris Pendley and Dahlia El Gazzar, of DAHLIA+Agency.
Meanwhile, Miguel believes eventprofs have to overcome their fears about technology so they can make the most of the opportunities.
He said: “This year, we’re going to figure out where the industry is really at and technology is definitely on everybody’s mind.
“Everybody feels a little scared of technology – so it’s an incredible opportunity, but also a big challenge.”
## **Julie Harris joins Hyve board**
**Hyve Group has announced the appointment of a new non-executive director to its board.**
Julie Harris, CEO of Comparison Technologies, takes on the position with more than 25 years’ experience working in B2B and B2C media and events businesses.
She will take on the role of ESG Committee chairwoman at Hyve, providing board-level oversight of the delivery of the group’s ESG strategy.
> We are delighted to welcome Julie Harris to our Board. Julie is CEO of Comparison Tech and brings experience in digital transformation and product development, which will benefit Hyve as we continue to grow and diversify. Welcome, Julie! [pic.twitter.com/KlejAoG3BC](https://t.co/KlejAoG3BC)
>
> — Hyve Group (@hyve\_group) [January 27, 2023](https://twitter.com/hyve_group/status/1618972248005656578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Julie said: said: “I am delighted to be joining the board of Hyve Group plc at such an exciting time in the evolution of the business.
“Out of the impressive transformation programme that Mark Shashoua and his team have successfully delivered over the last five years, has emerged a portfolio of market-leading events, in advanced economies, with a smart digital diversification strategy and I look forward to being part of the next phase of evolution and growth.”
## **Messe Frankfurt in bid for German-first green award**
**Messe Frankfurt is aiming to become the first German trade fair to gain an internationally recognised sustainability award.**
The organiser announced it hopes to obtain a certificate for the environmental management system EMAS – Eco-Management and Audit Scheme – by the end of 2023.
This seal of quality for sustainability, developed by the European Union, is geared towards companies that continually improve their performance on their own initiative.
> We are introducing the world's most internationally recognised environmental management system EMAS at our home base by the end of the year. Messe Frankfurt will be the first company in the German trade fair sector to introduce it. [pic.twitter.com/ue16gwQbtj](https://t.co/ue16gwQbtj)
>
> — Messe Frankfurt (@messefrankfurt) [January 26, 2023](https://twitter.com/messefrankfurt/status/1618541473603158019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “EMAS is the most rigorous environmental management system in the world and a real driving force for change.
“With this validation, we are improving our environment performance resolutely on an ongoing basis – and are also documenting this very transparently for our business partners, shareholders and interested members of the public.”
Messe Frankfurt will conduct the audit for all companies at its base until the end of the year and will then measure its progress every year from then on.
To find out more about how you can make your events go smarter and more sustainable, take a look at our [**Meetings Make Trees**](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/) initiative.
## **China’s border relaxation ‘boost’ for Tarsus**
**Tarsus Group has predicted a strong performance in 2023 in part thanks to China’s loosening of Covid-19 restrictions.**
The organiser has seen in-person events reopen fully in all of its territories, excluding the country, across 2022 with strong attendance and revenues – returning to 85% of pre-pandemic levels.
Recent relaxation of restrictions in China are expected to translate favourably for the group, with demand for both domestic events and outbound Chinese sales across the Tarsus portfolio increasing dramatically since the start of this year.
Douglas Emslie, CEO, said: “Following the volatile trading conditions of recent years, we are looking ahead to an ongoing recovery across the business.
“In spite of geopolitical and economic headwinds, trading in 2022 was brisk and we will see a number of our market-leading events take place in 2023.
“The reopening of the Chinese market and gradual resumption of travel there means we are seeing a positive impact on trading much earlier than expected in Q1.”
Tarsus successfully launched eight new events in 2022 and 15 additional new launches are planned for 2023, alongside significant investment in digital initiatives.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Digitisation 'key issue' facing eventprofs - UFI survey](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20230206/)
**Published:** February 6, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs around the world have highlighted digitisation as the most pressing industry trend of our time.**
Those are the findings of the latest global survey by UFI, with 30% of respondents choosing it in the special-edition research.
**Find out more about how to navigate the challenges and opportunities of digital tools in our [Event Tech Forecast](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/).**
Meanwhile, CloserStlll Media has hit a record year for revenue and Messe Frankfurt has opened the doors to its new exhibition space.
Read on for your full event industry news roundup.
## **Digitisation ‘key issue’ for eventprofs – UFI Survey**
**The impact of digitisation across exhibitions is now ranked as the most pressing issue facing our industry, according to latest research.**
Special findings from the 30th edition of the UFI Global Barometer include a trend review to show how priorities have changed in recent years.
Analysis of top business concerns between 2015 and 2022 identifies impact of digitalisation – alongside competition with other media – as the main issue, with 30% of answers.
> ? The 30th edition of the UFI Global Exhibition Barometer is now out!
>
> ?Global, regional and topical reports contain survey results from 367 companies participating from 56 countries.
>
> ?Read the report here: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#tradeshows](https://twitter.com/hashtag/tradeshows?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/bVC0piHxxo](https://t.co/bVC0piHxxo)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [January 31, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1620346281569955840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Meanwhile, internal management challenges was highlighted by 20% of respondents as a current topic of focus.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, said: “While every market shows certain specifics, globally attention has shifted toward future challenges. Internal management – primarily staffing – and the need to further develop digitalisation are top of mind around the world.”
UFI’s flagship Global Exhibition Barometer research takes the pulse of the industry at regular periods.
The latest results highlight the quickening pace of recovery in 2022 and a positive outlook for 2023.
Figures show 80% of companies expect normal levels of operations from June, while revenues for this year are expected to hit 94% of takings from 2019.
## **CloserStill hits record year for revenue**
**CloserStill Media hit a a record year of trading in 2022 with revenues of more than $120 million.**
The figures represent an increase of more than 15% compared to pre-pandemic levels.
This combined with the impact of recent acquisitions means the company will report total revenues that are more than 40% larger than 2019.
Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, said: “We are delighted with our performance in 2022. We have seen a full recovery in our business across almost all of our markets in 2022, allowing us to grow above expectations.
“This is a testament to our disciplined strategic sector focus across technology and healthcare markets, to the strength of the positioning of our events – and to the quality and commitment of our people over what has been an extremely challenging few years for our business and the industry as a whole.”
CloserStill started 2023 by making two acquisitions – New York-based CommerceNext and London-based OpenRoom, which has a global footprint for healthcare and retail events.
## **Messe Frankfurt opens new exhibition space**
**Messe Frankfurt has opened its new Hall 5 as it starts three key international consumer goods fairs.**
Ambiente, Christmasworld and Creativeworld all got underway in the 18,110sqms exhibition space.
The trade fair trio is the largest ever Messe Frankfurt consumer goods event to be held at its base.
> The stage is yours, hall 5! We are pleased to officially open the new hall 5 in its entirety on 3 February on the occasion of the three leading international consumer-goods trade fairs. A first visual appetizer in the run-up – the construction development in fast motion. Enjoy! [pic.twitter.com/r151nDlxeZ](https://t.co/r151nDlxeZ)
>
> — Messe Frankfurt (@messefrankfurt) [February 2, 2023](https://twitter.com/messefrankfurt/status/1621216009733509125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Uwe Behm, executive board member of Messe Frankfurt, said: “Today, as our three international consumer goods fairs get underway, we can be sure that it was the right decision to forge ahead with the construction of the new Hall 5 – in spite of the pandemic that brought our business to a standstill and deprived us of steady income.
“This is why we invested in the new Hall 5. Today, it goes into operation right in time for the consumer goods fairs and is clinching proof of the successful investment in Frankfurt as a trade fair centre.
“These are the best signals for us as a trade fair organiser. We were able to invest in Hall 5 because our shareholders – the City of Frankfurt and the federal state of Hesse – believed in our trade fair business model during the pandemic and in the solid economic stability of Messe Frankfurt.”
The shows are playing host to some 4,561 exhibitors and to participants from 160 nations on a total gross area of 352,950sqm of exhibition space.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Eventprofs 'scared' of tech? Here's how it's an opportunity](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-tech-forecast-webjan23/)
**Published:** January 27, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Eventprofs are “scared” of technology despite it being an “incredible opportunity” for our industry in 2023, according to an expert panel.**
Recent findings from the [**Event Tech Forecast 2023**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) revealed how digital tools will be utilised in the coming months, as well as what challenges need to be overcome.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, chaired a panel of industry experts to pore over the figures from our report – and what they mean for eventprofs.
**You can download the [Event Tech Forecast](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/) in full here.**
Speakers included Skift Meetings editor-in-chief Miguel Neves, Waves Connect copywriter Matt Coyne, Messe Frankfurt North America director of data and digital services Chris Pendley and Dahlia El Gazzar, of DAHLIA+Agency.
The role of technology was painted as an “incredible opportunity” for eventprofs, however it presented a challenge for our industry to get to grips with over the next 12 months.
Miguel said: “It’s going to be a tough year – we ended last year with kind of a pent up demand and a lot of events going on so everybody’s happy.
“This year, we’re going to figure out where the industry is really at and technology is definitely on everybody’s mind.
“Everybody feels a little scared of technology – so it’s an incredible opportunity, but also a big challenge.”
Eventprofs from around the world tuned in for this deep dive into how technology will impact our industry – pinpointing opportunities and challenges to overcome. Read on for our report on the discussion.
## **What are your key event tech features?**
An event mobile app came out on top as one of the key technology features for our industry, with 64% of respondents choosing it.
That’s no surprise when we are now so used to having a personal computer in our pocket helping us with every part of our personal lives – including banking, communication and travel.
Research from ExpoPlatform suggests mobile app adoption is at a rate of up to three times that of 2020.
AI Matchmaking and lead retrieval both scored 50% of respondents, which a 365 Community and interactive floorplan both received 45%.
Estimates from ExpoPlatform put mobile app adoption at up to three times the levels of 2020.
Dahlia set out what it will take to make that even higher – with a seamless experience being crucial.
She said: “Truly take out all the challenges and the obstacles of having the mobile app easy to use – that’s first and foremost.
“Number two is being very transparent on what type of data they’re putting in the mobile app, what’s going to be shared and what’s not.
“Right now, everybody is really protecting their data, so privacy settings are a must.
“Number three, you have to figure out what you are going to put in that mobile – that is just going to be essential for any stakeholder of any event to have a great experience.”
Audience members were polled for their views on what makes a mobile app, with 37% rating matchmaking and networking as the most important feature.
This was followed by floorplan navigation at 22%, while exhibitor lead retrieval and behavioural analytics both received 11% of votes.
Matt said: “I was a complete anti app person in terms of event apps – and it’s for many points.
“In your trend report, you say the AI Matchmaking is the second-highest rated.
“So if networking and meetings is the thing, why isn’t that facilitated more easily in the app where someone can do it on their downtime?”
Chris set out how Messe Frankfurt North America has managed to increase adoption “tenfold”.
They introduced an initiative at one of their New York events where all products had QR which could be scanned and linked to exhibitors – saving from having to write information down.
He said: “Now we’ve seen the adoption rates have gone up tenfold since pre-pandemic for that show.
“We went badgeless with that show as well, meaning they were paperless so you needed the app to get onto the floor. So I think a lot you have to things like that and I’m also going to show your sample sustainable, not having something different
## **Where are the biggest opportunities for event technology to develop?**
Nurturing a community around your event offerings was highlighted as one of the biggest opportunities for eventprofs in 2023, with almost two thirds choosing it at 63%.
Meanwhile, digital monetization and proving exhibitor ROI both came out with 50% of respondents saying it offered room for growth.
A Community came out second in our audience poll of where the best opportunities for digital revenue lie, with 18% of respondents choosing it.
Chris highlighted how this 365 approach leads to better engagement, making it easier to get sign-ups to your live event.
He said: “When you have that, you’ve got these people engaged year-round – they’ve already signed up for the content that you’re putting out, even if there are many events a week that will really be doing pop ups and more localised smaller events.
“Doing things like that throughout the year, when it comes time for the big exhibition, the barrier of entry is going to be a little bit lower.”
But Dahlia warned organizers not to approach this model with money as the main focus from the beginning.
She said: “You have to think of it in the sense of how you’re building this group of people that have something in common, that have an emotional connection of some kind.
“You bottle that energy and then you promote it, that’s how you build the community – not thinking that you’re going to make $10 million from the get go.”
## **What are the key challenges facing eventprofs?**
A seamless experience across platforms was chosen as the biggest challenge facing eventprofs, with 59% of respondents choosing it.
This was followed by good exhibitor ROI, integration between suppliers and a lack of skilled resource – all at 55%.
Achieving good exhibitor ROI got the second highest number of responses in this study, having been top of the list in our previous research from July.
## **How much of your annual revenue do you expect to come from digital channels?**
Digital revenue has become an increasingly important component of an organizer’s business model.
Half of eventprofs now expect between 10 and 29% of their annual revenue to come from these channels in 2023.
That’s an increase of more than 10% compared with our previous research in July.
Meanwhile, 9% believe it will be 70% or more while 9% said it would be between 50% and 69%.
Matt pointed out how digital specialists should be able to take the lead in getting new contracts which highlight the role of technology.
He said: “Sales teams who are used to selling stands, are very good at selling stands.
“They would quite often bundle in something on the digital side, which suddenly meant those selling the digital side had a really tough job pushing that value back up when they needed to rebook.
“Get those teams talking better together and working harder together – so that if a new contract came in on the show floor, then the digital expert was able to pick up the phone and talk to those people about how else they can reach that audience in a more direct way.”
Chris added: “You do have to take time and show we’re giving better lead retrieval, where they’re at the show and they can scan that in real time versus the clunky gun that they were paying $300 to the registration company to before anyway – you can show those guys value.”
## **How will the digital component of your budget compare with previous years?**
A total of 55% of respondents predict digital revenue will increase in 2023, while 86% believe it will at least remain the same.
Only 5% of those who took part in the survey said they think this component will be reduced.
This forecast further reveals how important digital channels have become to an organizer’s revenue model.
The webinar audience chose content marketing as the area where they are seeing most success with digital monetization, with 29% of respondents choosing it.
Dahlia said: “The low hanging fruit – the content – can be sold differently, but it has to be designed and produced differently in order for it to gain more revenue for an organisation.
“We need to ask and do better on how content is being produced. We’ve all been we’re all content connoisseurs now and critics to no end.
“We need to do better with the design of the content, the delivery of the content, as well as the repackaging of the content – I think there’s missed revenue opportunities there.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [ETT Club renews partnership with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/partnership/ett-club-2023/)
**Published:** January 26, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Exhibition Think Tank Club is to progress on its “journey of hierarchy-free collaboration” across our industry through its renewed partnership with ExpoPlatform.**
The global online platform allows exhibition professionals to network, debate and continue to help the sector move forward.
It has now received refreshed backing by the leading event technology provider as an Online Platform Gold Sponsor for ETT throughout 2023, representing an important source of support for its mission to educate and improve our industry.
ETT Club is an initiative by MBB Consulting Group and UFI, the global association of tradeshow organizers.
Matthias Tesi Baur, CEO and founder of MBB Consulting Group, said: “Having ExpoPlatform as a supporter again in 2023 for ETT Club enables us to continue the journey of hierarchy-free
collaboration and innovation around the globe.
“I really enjoy our agile and forward thinking teamwork with ExpoPlatform and want to thank the entire team for supporting the Exhibition Think Tank again.”
Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, added: “We are thrilled to be entering our third year of partnership with ETT Club and its director Matthias Tesi Baur and Sandrine Pittaway.
“Our established friendship and continued support for this organization is already a bulletproof tradition.
“ETT Club brings great value to the events industry through education and development and we look forward to many more successful years to come.”
ETT Club members come from different sectors and countries but come together to share their expertise, vision and insights – with about 80% of the sessions held for free to help improve inclusion.
Starting with online sessions only during the pandemic, the ETT Club is now organizing live events for their members to meet in person, collaborate and network.
Its community also includes group leaders based in different regions around the globe who provide monthly updates about how the sector is performing where they are.
They gather feedback from what members in their groups are interested in and want to talk about in the organization’s sessions.
ExpoPlatform will be working alongside ETT to help industry professionals navigate the changing landscape of events.
The UK-based event tech provider operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organizers due to its innovative and reliable technology.
It has helped deliver high-profile Smart Events and 365 Communities companies such as RX, Informa Markets and Dubai World Trade Centre.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Partnership
---
### [Saudi Arabia backs events industry with $3.7bn fund](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20230123/)
**Published:** January 23, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Saudi Arabia has given a strong backing to its vision for our industry with a package worth $3.7 billion.**
The Events Investment Fund will spearhead growth for sectors across the kingdom.
It recognises the importance of our industry – and should serve as a wakeup call for other world leaders to give some policy focus too.
**Find out how ExpoPlatform is working to make smarter, more sustainable events possible [through our new programme](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/).**
Meanwhile, Enrico Gallorini from GRS Research & Strategy has become president of Info Salons and CloserStill Media has announced a majority share in an ecommerce conference company.
Read on for more of the top stories from this Week in Events.
## **Saudi Arabia announces $3.7bn events fund**
**Saudi Arabia has launched a new $3.7 billion initiative to spearhead growth in our industry.**
The Events Investment Fund aims to develop a sustainable infrastructure for the culture, tourism, entertainment and sports sectors across the kingdom.
It will further raise capital through opportunities to private sector and financial institutions, with a total direct GDP impact estimated of around $7.5bn by 2045.
> His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, announced the launch of EIF, a fund that aims to develop sustainable infrastructure for the culture, tourism, entertainment and sports sectors across the Kingdom.[\#RisingToTheWorldStage](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RisingToTheWorldStage?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)[\#EIF](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EIF?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/MytEAvSa4Q](https://t.co/MytEAvSa4Q)
>
> — Events Investment Fund صندوق الفعاليات الاستثماري (@EIF\_KSA) [January 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/EIF_KSA/status/1615425286409158656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The fund also aims to create strategic partnerships to boost local industry, increase foreign investment and contribute to a more “vibrant society”.
## **New president at Info Salons**
**Enrico Gallorini has been announced as the new president of Info Salons.**
The announcement comes after the company was acquired by GRS Research & Strategy, which was co-founded by Enrico, in June.
Info Salons was established in the early 1980s and has since gone on on to become a world-leader in event and exhibition registration services.
Enrico said: “I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as president at Info Salons.”
GRS has previously committed to strengthening Info Salons’ position as a data intelligence driven registration firm, focusing on new products and technologies to better serve the exhibition industry.
Freeman agreed to sell Info Salons to GRS last year, recognizing its stature and strong foothold in the evolution of exhibitions, congresses and live shows.
## **CloserStill Media gains majority stake in ecommerce community**
**CloserStill Media has purchased a majority stake of a company highly focused in ecommerce conference and community.**
The organiser’s stake in US-based CommerceNext has a portfolio of events for marketers at retail and direct-to-consumer brands.
It will retain its existing operating structure with co-founders Scott Silverman, Veronika Sonsev and Allan Dick leading the business working alongside CloserStill Media’s team.
> CommerceNext is happy to announce a majority investment from CloserStill Media!
>
> Our co-founders and the rest of the team are excited to work with the CloserStill team to grow our community & events. Learn more here:
>
> — CommerceNext (@CommerceNext) [January 16, 2023](https://twitter.com/CommerceNext/status/1615016029066870792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Yancy Weinrich, the organiser’s North America president, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the CommerceNext US conferences and events business into ClosersStill Media US.
“CSM runs successful ecommerce events in the UK, Singapore and Spain, so, this will allow the teams at CommerceNext and CloserStill Media to collaborate globally with the content, commercial sales and audience development to add even more firepower to the already successful events around the country.”
The company produces highly-rated ecommerce conferences and events including its annual summit, the Ecommerce Growth Show.
It also puts on webinars, executives dinners, curated networking events and industry research.
Net Promoter Scores for its annual conference far exceed industry averages and consistently top 50.
## **Informa revenue set to hit almost £2.4bn for 2022**
**Informa expects revenue of almost £2.4bn for 2022 with a strong surge in digital services, according to a latest update.**
The group anticipates a figure of £2.38bn for last year, adjusted operating profit of more than £530 million and free cash flow of £440m.
It comes alongside further strong growth in B2B Digital Services underpinned by its customer data engine IIRIS as well as other recent additions including Industry Dive.
Stephen Carter, group CEO, said: “Informa finished 2022 strongly and has entered 2023 with continuing momentum.
“Strong performances in both academic markets and B2B markets, combined with our strengthened balance sheet, mean Informa will deliver further strong underlying growth, continuing organic investment and additional targeted expansion, alongside enhanced shareholder returns.”
Its continued strong performance in traditional pay-to-read publishing combined with further progress in open research is expected to deliver around 3% underlying revenue growth in 2022, up from 2.4% in 2021.
Meanwhile, there has been an accelerating performance across its B2B events portfolio which is expected to deliver around 70% underlying revenue growth in live shows for 2022,
up from 65%+ at the ten-month stage with particular strength in the US.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Digital to make up to 30% of event revenue - survey](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/digital-to-make-up-to-30-of-event-revenue-survey/)
**Published:** January 19, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**A majority of organisers expect digital channels to generate up to 30% of their revenue in 2023, according to a new study.**
ExpoPlatform’s **Event Tech Forecast 2023** reveals 50% of eventprofs anticipate their annual revenue from this area to hover between 10 and 29% in the coming year. **[Download the report now](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-forecast-2023/)**. ⬅
Meanwhile, more than 30% believe digital channels will account for 30% or more of their event revenue in 2023. A further 14% said it would be less than 10%.
The findings come amid a massive return to live shows over the past year and an increased focus on digitally-powered **[Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)**.
Let’s understand how these developments came about.
## **Digital is now a crucial part of the event organiser’s business model ?**
Focus has shifted. Business models have evolved. And the event industry has undergone a digital transformation. The emphasis is now on tech-enhanced Smart Events.
Technology has unlocked possibilities like **[AI-powered matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)**, advanced **[lead intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)**, hyper personalisation of content and buyer journeys, targeted marketing strategies and more.
Conor Riordan, content editor at ExpoPlatform, said: “The events industry is going through a digital renaissance, with participants in live shows now expecting their experiences to be fuelled by technology.”
For attendees, it’s no longer just about showing up and having a good time.
It’s about actively participating in something that’s entirely unique to them and drives meaningful engagement to enable smart business decisions.
**For example** – onsite event tech that enables bespoke interactions by creating **Product Innovation Zones** at the venue.
This allows attendees to scan **[QR codes](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-event-app/qr-codes-live-events/)** to unlock content and other details about a product or the business.
**? [Read the case study – Pharmapack Europe 2022](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/pharmapack-europe-2022/)** to learn how ExpoPlatform helped Informa deliver a Smart Event with new features for visitors and exhibitors.
According to Timothy Skennion, managing director at Derabo Advisory Group, organisers will develop their business models with a 365 approach that will “largely be driven by digital content offerings”.
These personalised experiences help build and nurture year-round customer relationships built on an understanding of needs and wants rather than just guesswork.
This ultimately enables exhibitors to dominate their market niche while massively improving engagement levels at each show throughout the event calendar year.
## **What are the key digital channels for event revenue? ?**
Having an online monetisation strategy in place is an important step to drive revenue at live shows. Here are the key digital channels you can leverage, based on different categories ⏬
**1. Discovery –** These channels are used to attract potential exhibitors and sponsors to the trade shows ⤵
- **Event website:** A dedicated website can provide detailed information about the event, including schedules, speaker agenda, exhibitor list and sponsorship opportunities.
- **Social media**: Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can be used to promote the trade show, show advertisements, interact with exhibitors and sponsors and generate event buzz.
- **Email marketing**: By sending targeted and personalised emails to solicit sponsorships, organisers can generate interest and drive revenue.
- **365 communities**: Establish a year-round engaged community and explore monetisation opportunities through branding, thought leadership and leads-as-a-service. New revenue streams can also be in the form of online marketplaces, tendering and AI-matchmaking services.
**2**. **Decision**: These channels help boost participation in the trade show ⤵
- **Exhibitor manual:** Organisers can help exhibitors onboard to the event through interactive forms and multi-step pipelines. Generate revenue by connecting exhibitors to trusted suppliers and encourage upsells.
- **Online floor plan**: An interactive floor plan that allows exhibitors to see the layout of the trade show floor and identify the best booth location for their needs.
- **Hosted buyer programme**: Create curated experiences to connect pre-qualified buyers and sellers, enhance networking through AI matchmaking and drive higher ROI.
**3.** **Delivery**: These channels deliver the trade show experience ⤵
- **Smart Event app**: A Smart Event app brings the digital experience to the audience’s fingertips – and offers numerous monetisation options such as premium exhibitor profiles, mobile banner ads and interactive splash screens.
- **Virtual booths**: Augmented reality and virtual reality booths offer a superior level of engagement to customers who otherwise might have difficulty visualising the product in its final form. These booths can be sold as sponsorship opportunities to exhibitors as well as sponsors.
- **Onsite registration**: Online registration tools help get more attendees through the door, ensuring higher participation at the show as well as greater revenue numbers.
**4.** **Data**: These channels are used to collect and analyse data to improve sponsorship prospects ⤵
- **Attendee tracking**: Organisers use technologies such as RFID or beacon to track the attendee journey – this provides valuable insights into engagement and behavior.
- **Surveys and polls**: Online and live polls collect crucial information and feedback, helping improve future events and increase targeted revenue.
- **Analytics**: Data analytics tools help track event traffic, social media engagement and other key metrics to evaluate the tradeshow organiser’s efforts.
For more details, download the **[Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)** now ?
## **Best practices for organisers to maximise revenue through digital ?**
To make the most of digital channels, organisers must follow these best practices ?
**\#1 Develop:** Utilise social platforms and analytics tools to track audience behaviours in their decisions. Deploy tactics with precision to greatest effect where it matters most.
**\#2 Optimise:** Continuously perfect content and interface design, capitalising on user feedback. Ensure a smooth customer journey from registration to post-event.
**\#3 Engage:** Interact with attendees before, during and after the event through various online touchpoints. Encourage dialogue and provide value for loyalty building.
**\#4 Innovate:** Research and invest in emerging technologies like AI chatbots and other automation tools that upgrade the overall experience of a tradeshow from mundane to remarkable.
**\#5 Adapt:** Be able to scale quickly when traffic or demand increases or adjusts when there are new shifts in behaviour.
**\#6 Personalise**: Create targeted campaigns using personalised emails, custom-curated directories plus exclusive member forums tailored for audience needs.
## **Conclusion**
The digital transformation of events has opened a world of opportunities for organisers as well as buyers and exhibitors.
Stephen Forseilles from Easyfairs said: “Our industry is a toddler who just discovered that he could get up and walk – the world is ours.”
It will be key for organisers to get to speed with the tech innovations and utilise the immense potential of data to ensure real value to attendees and exhibitors – as well as create profitable business outcomes.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Acquisitions amid 'break from comfort zone' for PCMA](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20230116/)
**Published:** January 16, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**It’s been a week of acquisitions as event businesses move to strengthen their strategic footing in 2023.**
We’re leading with PCMA, but both ASM Global and Emerald have also announced strategic takeovers which we will take a closer look at.
Meanwhile, Informa Group held onto its top spot in a rankings list with focus on sustainability.
Today we also want to highlight and send a message of solidarity to all celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day – let us mark this occasion day by remembering his teachings.
Read on for your full week in events.
## **PCMA to break from ‘comfort zone’ amid new takeovers**
**PCMA has vowed to break out of its “comfort zone” after announcing new acquisitions.**
The association revealed it has taken over Event Marketing Association, Event Leadership Institute (ELI) and entered new partnerships.
These include working with the American Geophysical Union to improve sustainability and the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals.
Sherrif Karamat, CEO of PCMA, said: “As of today, we are only moving forward – blazing a trail forward with and for the global business events community.
“We will innovate. We will take risks. We will get outside our comfort zone and we will always do it for our audiences.”
PCMA has acquired ELI with the aim of offer a more compelling portfolio of learning solutions and content.
Its move to take over the Event Marketing Association builds on its previous acquisition of CEMA in 2020.
## **Doha to host next UFI MEA Conference**
**Doha has been announced as the destination of the UFI MEA Regional Conference for the first time.**
The event will be held at a five-star hotel in the city and hosted by Visited Qatar between May 9 and 11.
It will be attended by senior representatives from government entities, convention bureaus, tourism boards, venues, organizers and more from across the world.
> UFI will hold its next UFI MEA Regional Conference in Doha, from 9-11 May 2023, hosted by Visit Qatar.
>
> Read the full media release here > [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufievents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufievents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#mea](https://twitter.com/hashtag/mea?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufimea](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufimea?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#meaevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/meaevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/8OJGUY0uQx](https://t.co/8OJGUY0uQx)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [January 12, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1613484223289229312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Naji El Haddad, UFI’s MEA regional director, said: “Qatar is an ideal place to host the 2023 UFI Regional Conference, as the city enjoys a vibrant, safe and promising business environment for everyone in the exhibition industry ecosystem.
“The conference is an important meeting place for strategists, executives and professionals from across the industry’s value chain, to discuss the latest trends and opportunities that help build a resilient, sustainable business growth.”
The conference will present strategies for events leaders and professionals as well as offering commercial business opportunities in one of the fastest growing markets.
## **ASM buys talent agency**
**ASM Global has bought renowned talent-buying agency Madison Entertainment.**
The company has been booking a wide array of acts into concert venues, festivals, fairs, music cruises and private events for over two decades.
It will continue to serve its current client base while also dedicating resources to booking ASM Global managed arenas and its nationwide network of 57 theaters and amphitheaters.
ASM Global CEO Ron Bension said: “We are committed to add resources to our promoter and live content division in order to ensure that all of our managed venues continue to be leaders in live-event performances.
“We are excited to add Madison to join and assist our existing in-house talent bookers and general managers at these incredible venues.”
## **Informa tops ESG rankings**
**Informa has held onto its top spot in a prestigious global media and entertainment sector rankings.**
The organizer took number one in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) for the second year in a row.
It was awarded a score of 79 out of 100 and marks the the fifth time it has been included in the list which measures the performance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria.
> We are very proud to be ranked top in our sector for the second year running by the prestigious Dow Jones [\#Sustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Indices, which measure the performance of the world’s leading companies using environmental, social and governance criteria. [\#ESG](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESG?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/bXGjDSlJbf](https://t.co/bXGjDSlJbf)
>
> — Informa Plc (@InformaPLC) [January 13, 2023](https://twitter.com/InformaPLC/status/1613861404569702401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Stephen Carter, group CEO, said: “ESG is a critical focus for Informa so it is great to see our efforts recognised in the DJSI.
“Through FasterForward, we have a clear plan to further increase the positive impact we have on all our communities, stakeholders and the environment.”
FasterForward is a five-year plan which sets out commitments across a wide range of activities covering Informa’s business operations, its brands and products as well as broader community impact.
## **Emerald ‘formally enters’ B2C world with acquisition**
**Emerald has taken a further step into the B2C world with a new takeover aimed at building on its decades of experience in outdoor recreation.**
The acquisition involves Lodestone Events, producers of the successful Overland Expo series of vehicle-based, adventure travel consumer shows.
All employees will join the Emerald team, with founders Lindsay Hubley and Jessica Kirchner joining the organizer’s management team.
Hervé Sedky, CEO of Emerald, said: “Formally entering the B2C event space is paramount to Emerald’s corporate strategy of expanding into new and high-growth markets to accelerate top-line growth and unlock significant value for shareholders.
“Adding a best-in-class consumer event series like Overland Expo demonstrates our successful implementation of this strategy and provides Emerald with talented leaders in this space, who together will enable us to continue to advance Emerald’s core services of live event connections, content, and commerce.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [How to create digitally enhanced event sponsorship packages](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/event-sponsorship-packages/)
**Published:** January 13, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Smart Events mean sponsors want more innovative and engaging ways to connect with attendees.**
This has led organisers to create specialised packages that combine offline and online options to bring more valuable experiences.
This guide will highlight different activities you can include before, during and after the live show to create tech-fuelled deals.
[**Download the Monetisation Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) **now to learn how to accelerate your event’s digital revenue growth.**
## **Why the need for digitally enhanced sponsorship packages? ?**
Exhibitions and tradeshows are crucial platforms for businesses to showcase their products and services to a captive audience of potential buyers and industry professionals.
Rising global participation and changing consumer expectations in these digitally-transformed shows means organisers have to stand out to deliver revenue and engagement.
This has created a need for creative sponsorships that play into trade promotions and are layered with an array of activations such as experiential marketing vehicles and other digital initiatives.
**➡ Tim Skennion**, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, said: “For the innovative event producer, hybrid events provide a blank canvas for reinventing the event experience – for attendees and sponsors alike – through unlimited formats, content and engagement opportunities.”
## **Event activities you should include in a hybrid sponsorship package ?♀️**
**What are the activities that will make your hybrid sponsorship package a good fit for sponsors? Here’s a checklist ?**
**Before the event**
Digital:
- Email and social media promotion of the sponsor’s brand leading up to the event – these can be in the form of snippets or standalone messages
- Branding on the event website and registration page
- A dedicated landing page on the event website for the sponsor
- Virtual meet-and-greet opportunities with potential clients or customers
- Interview with sponsor speaker – share sponsor solutions, thought leadership content
Offline:
- Product placement in the physical conference swag bags
- Branded giveaways or promotional items
- Host pre-event networking events or receptions
**During the event**
Digital:
- Live streaming of the sponsor’s keynote or panel session
- Virtual booth on the event’s mobile app or website
- Sponsored content or advertisements on the event’s social media channels
- Live polls before and after the session – sponsors get contact information and user feedback
Offline:
- Physical booths at the event
- Speak on a panel or give a keynote – sponsors can be shared an attendee list from the speaking session
- Host networking events or receptions during the event
**After the event**
Digital:
- Follow-up email campaigns to event attendees featuring the sponsor’s products or services
- On-demand access to conference sessions and sponsor’s presentations
- Sponsored content on the event’s website or social media channels – e.g. a video of the sponsor speaking to all the registrants
Offline:
- Host post-event networking events or receptions
- Conduct follow-up sales calls or meetings with potential clients or customers met at the event
**Interested in more? ? [Read how you can generate event revenue](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/drive-revenue-digital-sponsorships/) with thought leadership content, branding opportunities and lead generation services.**
## **Tip to keep in mind before creating hybrid sponsorships ?**
**\#1** Build attendee-facing experiences that go beyond traditional booths.
**\#2** Choose activation solutions that fit the goals of your event, brand and attendee experience.
**\#3** Develop an entry strategy with pre-show marketing campaigns that have multi-channel distribution.
**\#4** Invest in tech solutions that will allow you to track attendance and interact with visitors at each touchpoint.
**\#5** Structure the exhibitor space so it’s visually attractive, engaging and memorable.
**\#6** Utilise virtual or mixed reality technology to amplify your physical presence at the event venue and extend its reach beyond physical attendees.
## **Conclusion**
These are just a few examples of the many blended sponsorship solutions that can be offered.
By providing multi-faceted plans, you can attract a variety of sponsors and create a more well-rounded experience for both sponsors and attendees.
Furthermore, having different sponsorship options can cater to different budget ranges of the sponsors.
With these integrated packages, you can not only increase revenue but also provide a more rewarding experience overall.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you ?**
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [Open borders in China 'excellent' for events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/wie-20230109/)
**Published:** January 9, 2023
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The events market in China can now “reopen fully” as the nation lifts travel restrictions on inbound travellers.**
Businesses in the country have suffered around three years of tight regulations before the quarantine period was lifted on Sunday.
The move has been praised as “excellent news” for our industry, despite some rules remaining in place.
Meanwhile, US-based association Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) has placed sustainability as a key target for 2023.
To find out more about how to offset your events’ carbon footprint take a look at **[this program](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)**.
## **China opens its doors to international business**
**Travellers to China no longer need to carry out a quarantine period after three years of strict border controls, marking an “excellent” development for the exhibition industry.**
The relaxation, which started on Sunday, is a major shift in the nation’s coronavirus regulations and provides some positive signs for events businesses across the region.
Covid-19 will also be downgraded to the less strict Category B from the current top-level Category A, according to the National Health Commission.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, said: “This is excellent news, as it means that the last major global exhibition market will be able to reopen fully after Covid-19.
“We do hope that the officials will follow up with fast and easy visa processes for people to travel to China.
“We also urge the authorities to include the business events sector into those who will receive special government support to recover after the pandemic enforced inactivities.”
China has suffered three years of zero-tolerance measures – including closed border and frequent lockdowns which have severely hit the nation’s economy and helped trigger the biggest show of public discontent since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012.
## **Supporting sustainability ‘key goal’ for US association**
**Supporting industry efforts towards sustainable practices has been highlighted as a key goal for a US-based association.**
The Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance (ECA) has published its 2023 public policy priorities for 2023, with four areas to focus on.
It has also announced that it will work to tackle “anti-growth” state level taxation as well as trying to make Visa processes more efficient.
> With a new U.S. Congress beginning its 2 year term, our advocacy body in the US has released its 2023 public policy agenda.
>
> We collaborate in the Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance presenting the unified voice of face-to-face business events industry towards lawmakers in the US. [pic.twitter.com/TzweQrw49D](https://t.co/TzweQrw49D)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [January 6, 2023](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1611327535979323392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Hervé Sedky, chairman of the ECA board of directors, said: “As the unified advocacy voice of the face-to-face business events industry, ECA’s 2023 public policy priorities serve as our industry’s North Star as we continue to engage with policymakers to help drive economic growth, support job creation and empower small businesses from coast to coast.”
The four key areas of focus for public policy are:
- Ensuring a favourable operating environment for the industry going forward
- Fully welcoming international exhibitors and attendees back to the US
- Supporting industry efforts to address sustainability and climate change
- Promoting government involvement in developing the industry’s future workforce
To find out more about how to improve sustainability at your own events take a look at **[our own program](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)**.
ECA has been supporting the recovery and advancement of the face-to-face business events industry on Capitol Hill and in states and cities nationwide since its establishment in 2021.
## Northstar’s new CEO in leadership shakeup
**Northstar Travel Group has appointed a new CEO to lead the company in its “next strategic transformation” as an event company.**
The owners of M&IT, AMI and the Meetings Show has announced a new leadership team which will be headed up by Jason Young.
He succeeds Thomas Kemp having previous experience as a leader in the digital transformation of the media industry and advertising technology.
Jason said: said: “I am honored to join the team at Northstar. At a time of significant evolution in the media and digital ecosystem, Northstar’s market leading brands and unparalleled content/data footprint provide essential benefits to the audience and for its travel marketing partners.
“I look forward to working with this amazing team and driving the next stage of strategic growth.”
Meanwhile, president of Northstar Bob Sullivan is being promoted to chief commercial officer of the company.
## **IMG sets eyes on MENA with new appointment**
**International Management Group has hired a new senior vice president and managing director for its MENA division.**
David Collins most recently served as Wasserman’s SVP, head of growth and development, EMEA and launched the firm’s Middle East business in 2014.
He will now be responsible for spearheading IMG’s MENA events and global partnerships business.
David said: “Having started my career with IMG, it’s a real privilege to be back working with the business.
“It’s such an exciting time for the Middle East region, off the back of mega events such as Expo 2020 and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“When considered alongside IMG’s world-class portfolio of events and services, as well as the wider Endeavor network offering, the opportunities for further regional growth look incredibly bright.”
Notable events now under is control include the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Lusail Winter Wonderland and the Arab Gulf Cup.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [How to structure your event sales team for a digital world](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/event-sales-team-structure/)
**Published:** January 5, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The events industry is constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and business models.**
But the growing importance of digital tools and strategies in the sales process is one which needs special focus today.
Organisers are now faced with the challenge of restructuring their teams to incorporate both traditional salespeople and digital specialists.
This guide will address the pain points of their customers and support them both offline and online.
**[Download the Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) to find out more about increasing your digital revenue.**
## **Who are digital specialists? ??**
When we talk about event sales teams vs digital specialists, it’s not that the former only have face-to-face meetings and don’t know “how to use Linkedin” – it’s about the type of product they know how to sell.
The adoption of modern event tech tools like **[AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** and **[hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)** has given rise to a new type of salesperson who is an expert in experts in digital advertising, lead generation programmes and more.
## **What do industry experts say? ?**
Many industry leaders believe it’s necessary to have a skilled workforce equipped with a) a solid understanding of digital products and b) that can unlock the potential of Smart Events ⤵
**[Tesi Baur](https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthiasbaur/)**, founder of MBB-Consulting Group said:
“I don’t think that our exhibitors are turning their heads to us when they are seeking the right digital products. We need to gain the trust of our customer when it comes to digital and hybrid products.”
**[Charlie Cracknell](https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliecracknell/)**, managing director of Inspired Minds said:
“Digital and live events sit side-by-side, but they’re two very different business models, returning different kinds of revenues and profit margins. It takes different skill sets and conversations. Unless we realise that, collectively, we’re not going to progress.
“Bringing in more tech-savvy staff into your sales team can help you navigate this new world – they have expertise which can help your team understand the language and potential this new business model can offer.”
**[Donna Shaw](https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-shaw-bennaceur-57893821/)**, former COO of Rego said:
“People that have evolved and embraced the technology will be the ones that come out the other end accepting that you can bring in external skill sets to support your own – making your event even better.”
## **How do digital specialists fit in with your core sales team? ?**
It is recommended to have a single key account manager under which the sales and digital team can work together. This ensures:
- A seamless customer experience
- Easy communication for any concerns or requests
- A unified vision while supporting customers
**[Anna Knight](https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-knight-7232262/)**, SVP of licensing at Informa Markets said: “Our exhibitors were pushing us to offer showcase pages and matchmaking services outside of the show cycle. They told us they are prepared to increase investment if we can prove the value and combine products into a single bundle – ‘don’t make me sign four different contracts.
“We used to have specialist sales teams split by events and media. Now that approach doesn’t make sense anymore and we have one team selling all solutions to an account.”
## **Tips to restructure your team ?**
Here are some ways to bring both core sales and digital specialists and help them work towards a unified vision:
**\#1 Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each team member**
Traditional salespeople should focus on building relationships and networking, while digital specialists should be responsible for implementing and managing online campaigns.
**\#2 Foster collaboration and communication between the two teams**
Your core sales team and tech specialists can learn from each other and bring different perspectives and skills to the table. Encourage them to work together and share insights and ideas.
**\#3 Provide training and support for team members to develop their skills**
Traditional salespeople should be trained on how to use digital tools and strategies to reach and engage with prospects. Digital specialists should be given the opportunity to learn more about face-to-face sales techniques and the events industry.
## **Conclusion**
The right mix of core event salespeople and digital specialists can give your brand a massive reach and convert a wider range of prospects and clients.
With the right balance of skills and collaboration, your team will be well-equipped to succeed in the new event industry landscape.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [What's behind Informa's B2B platform IIRIS?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/max-gabriel-iiris/)
**Published:** December 21, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**It is one thing for a company to collect data, but are eventprofs harnessing the power this information can bring to create value for customers and our industry?**
That’s the questioned raised by Max Gabriel, president of IIRIS at Informa, as he explains the role of the B2B platform in helping them to better understand the needs of their clients.
This exclusive interview also sees him explain the thinking behind a digital training scheme which hopes to empower colleagues to contribute to the company’s transformation.
Max told ExpoPlatform: “IIRIS enables the network effects – with every new interaction and connection, the more valuable it becomes for both the client and the audience.”
The platform is used for curating, collating and managing customer profiles as well as behavioural data – helping the organizer to better understand their clients through analysis of interactions.
The depth and range of Informa’s live and on-demand events as well as specialist content products means it learns from billions of audience interactions, allowing it to build intelligent profiles of their audience.
## **Actionable insights**
**Collecting all this information is the first step in this journey, but Max set out how it is how you “unlock the power of the data” through insights which is most important.**
He explained that this process has three key benefits: improving audience experience, increasing their engagement and empowering colleagues with deeper understanding of their customers.
Max said: “All useful insights start with asking the right question. This means in the event world, going beyond asking how many people attend a particular event.
“Measuring the quality of interactions over quantity of interactions.”
An example was given of this year has seen the use of a common audience metric called KEMA.
He added: “KEMA stands for known, engaged and marketable audience. IIRIS is enabling all the brands to monitor their KEMA progress on a single dashboard.
“By measuring and monitoring the right performance metrics, we can have a meaningful improvement of customer experience and engagement.”
## **Improving customer experience and engagement**
**Informa are already putting the benefits that IIRIS brings to use in many areas, particularly to enhance their Smart Events program.**
This format combines the best elements of live and on-demand events to improve the experience for attendees while layering better data capture on audience interactions to improve their experience.
Max shared the example of Pharmapack 2022, which saw a simplified registration process significantly reduce the drop off rates.
He believes this ultimately led to better customer experience and an overall increase on event registration.
**Meanwhile, find out how ExpoPlatform Lead Intelligence helped [Pharmapack Europe 2022 boost leads by 258%](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/pharmapack-europe-2022/).**
Customers who arrived at the event used a new badge scanning process which enabled them to make connections more easily.
They would also receive curated recommendations based on their preferences and interests.
The insights coming out of these programs were said to be empowering the colleagues to continuously improve the value proposition.
## **Empowering colleagues**
**Max believes people are essential in driving impactful change within Informa, which is why IIRIS recently launched its “Data Driven Journey” across the organization.**
This scheme kicked off with a data literacy green belt certification suitable for all colleagues, having so far seen more than 5,000 Informa B2B Markets colleagues around the world complete the qualification.
Max said: “It was a very ambitious plan to run a company-wide learning program and one we wanted it to engaging and insightful.
“More than 5,000 colleagues is an incredible completion rate and now we have a common language within the company when it comes to data.
“This journey has truly unlocked the potential value of data and has empowered many colleagues to seek more actionable insights in their day-to-day operations. We are at the early stages of an exciting journey.”
He gave an example of a quote from David House to set out some of his key learnings from running such a largescale transformation program.
This is that “people overestimate what they can accomplish in the near-term and underestimate what they can accomplish in the long-term”.
Max added: “I keep reminding myself about this all the time to reflect and correct course along the way.
“Essentially, my advice is to be mindful of what these things may be and keep asking questions – this way you can adapt where needed.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [New agreement protects destinations and eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/new-agreement-protects-destinations-and-eventprofs/)
**Published:** December 19, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**A new destination booking agreement has been introduced that sets out terms to protect venues and event professionals.**
Hyve has said its business is “unrecognisable” from 2017 with the annual financial results showing a 110% recovery from pre-pandemic levels.
Stats from CEIR’s Q3 2022 results show the US exhibition industry continues to rebound on account of low cancellation rates of in-person events and an improvement in completed events.
UFI’s Asia-Pacific (APAC) conference will be held face-to-face for the first time since 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in March 2023.
BPA Worldwide has launched Versions 2.0 of the VSef Standards Guide and VSef API Standards Guide for organisations.
Read on for a detailed event industry news roundup.
## **Hyve marks spectacular recovery, says business now unrecognisable from pre-covid levels**
Hyve has published its annual financial results and the scenario couldn’t be more positive for the UK-based organiser.
According to the company, it is now “unrecognisable” from 2017 as revenues recovered to 110% of pre-Covid levels in H2 2022 and 90% for the full year at GBP 122.5 million.
The growth becomes even more impressive considering the fact Hyve didn’t run any events in China this year.
> We achieved 110% revenue recovery in H2 and 90% recovery for the full year (excl. China), showing huge demand for our market-leading events [\#HyveGroupResults](https://twitter.com/hashtag/HyveGroupResults?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Hyve Group (@hyve\_group) [December 13, 2022](https://twitter.com/hyve_group/status/1602649627362197505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group said: “We have successfully delivered on our ambitious structural transformation and today’s results show the significant progress we have made delivering an industry-leading recovery and performance.”
“Our portfolio of market-leading events is now de-risked, with almost 95% focused on advanced economies with an emphasis on digital-ready growth sectors.”
“While we are mindful of the global economic headwinds, we are reassured by the strong visibility of future earnings, cash generative business model and forward bookings of £98m.”
“We continue to see customers choosing market-leading events even in times of economic downturn, as evidenced by double-digit growth in like-for-like customer spend for the third consecutive year going into 2023.”
## **New booking agreement seeks to protect destinations and event professionals**
A new **[Destination Booking Agreement](https://meetings.destinationsinternational.org/destination-booking-agreement-dba-0)** (DBA) has been introduced by **Destinations International** that sets out standards to protect venues and event profs.
The DBA toolkit seeks to establish mutually agreeable terms that will benefit both destinations and organisers.
Don Welsh, CEO of Destinations International, said: “The need for CVBs and business event \[professionals\] to come together to create best practices for destination booking agreement guidelines has been an ongoing conversation for our industry.”
“Destinations International’s Large Market Roundtable has done great work to take the lead on this thought leadership that will ultimately enhance our entire industry moving forward.”
In the light of the Covid pandemic and other adverse scenarios for the industry, the DBA addresses concerns of cancellations and seeks more accountability from all parties.
The agreement also aims to establish stronger partnerships between eventprofs, destinations, convention centres, hotels and other suppliers.
Dustin Arnheim, senior vice president of sales and services at Choose Cicago said: ““I am excited for this journey and look forward to our industry getting to a place where our contractual agreements are equitable for all—both suppliers and event organizers.”
“It is imperative that our customers feel equally protected within our agreements—from securing dates to making concessions legally binding.”
“Capturing the destination organisation’s commitments in the DBA prevents anything from being lost or misinterpreted when new staff come on board,”
## **CEIR’s Q3 2022 Index result shows US exhibition industry on solid recovery path**
The US exhibitions industry continues to rebound and maintain a solid recovery path, **[according to latest data](https://www.ceir.org/news/ceir-announces-2022-third-quarter-index-results/)** from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR).
Stats from CEIR show in-person cancellations remained low at 3.1% in Q3 2022, compared to 97.85 in Q3 2020 and 20.6% in Q3 2021.
Almost 96.6% events were completed as scheduled during the period. The CEIR Total Index – a measure of the overall exhibition performance – continued to improve and was 22.3% lower than 2019.
Dr. Allen Shaw, CEIR economist, said: “The B2B exhibition cancellation rate should remain extremely low, and the performance of completed events will continue to improve. A full recovery for the industry is expected in 2024.”
Cathy Breden, CEIR CEO said: “Despite Omicron at the outset of 2022, CEIR research has documented an intent to return to face-to-face engagement at B2B exhibitions, and CEIR Index quarterly results show recovery is happening.”
“Each quarter, the Index is showing that more business professionals and exhibitors are coming back to the B2B exhibitions channel to meet their marketing, sales and business information needs.”
## **UFI to host face-to-face APAC conference for the first time since 2019**
Global exhibition industry association UFI will host its APAC conference for the first time in the face-to-face format since March 2019
The association announced the 16th edition of the UFI APAC conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on March 2-3, 2023.
> The next UFI Asia-Pacific Conference will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 2 – 3 March 2023. Open to all exhibition industry professionals, the event is back face-to-face after the pandemic years.
>
> Read the full media release: [\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/asHCth14K8](https://t.co/asHCth14K8)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [December 15, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1603435632881270787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mark Cochrane, UFI Asia-Pacific regional director said: “We are excited to finally be back face-to-face, and we are grateful to MyCEB for stepping up to support UFI and the Asian exhibition industry as we begin on the road to recovery.”
“Over the years, MyCEB has organised some of our most successful and memorable UFI events including both the 2009 and 2018 editions of UFI Asia-Pacific Conference.”
The APAC conference had been postponed for the past three years owing to Covid-related travel and health restrictions.
## **VSef Versions 2.0 announced by BPA Worldwide**
Global assurance provider BPA Worldwide has released Versions 2.0 of the VSef Standards Guide and VSef API Standards Guide for event organisations.
The VSef standards seek to establish defined data structures and common naming conventions across event tech platforms in a bid to streamline the collection and exchange of data within digital, in-person and hybrid events.
https://twitter.com/BPAWorldwide/status/1602776804011708416
BPA president and CEO Richard Murphy said: “The consistency that the VSef Standards provide will allow for efficient data acquisition, aggregation, processing, sharing and reporting within companies and across the industry.”
“VSef establishes the standards for a range of key event metrics and engagement KPIs and how those data points should be formatted for easy transfer between systems.”
The VSef guides can be downloaded **[here](https://www.bpaww.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/VSef-Standards-Guide-2.0.pdf)** and [**here**](https://www.bpaww.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/VSef-API-Standards-Guide-2.0.pdf).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [ExpoPlatform accelerates growth with appointment of former Informa digital VP Luke Bilton](https://expoplatform.com/blog/expoplatform-accelerates-growth-with-appointment-of-former-informa-digital-vp-luke-bilton/)
**Published:** January 20, 2021
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform has appointed **Luke Bilton** as its Chief Growth Officer to drive its expansion through product development, marketing and sales.
Luke has 18 years experience in the world’s foremost events and media businesses including *UBM*, *Future* and most recently at *Informa* as Vice President for Digital. He brings first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by event organisers, publishers and associations, as well as an in-depth understanding of how to find the right technology partner and the structure necessary to make it succeed.
His appointment is the latest in a raft of appointments aimed at strengthening ExpoPlatform’s sales and marketing functions as it builds on the growth created by the events of 2020.
Luke spent most of last year evaluating different hybrid event technology solutions, calling ExpoPlatform “uniquely placed” to provide a 365 connected experience for brands.
> *“The pandemic has been a huge catalyst for change in the event industry, with 2021 set to see the digital transformation continue at pace,” said Luke.*
*“It’s already clear that technology features such as AI-powered matchmaking, networking and online meetings between participants are here to stay long after the vaccines roll out.*
*“More than this, organisers now realise that a true ‘Hybrid’ experience has to mean much more than a virtual event at the same time as a physical event. It should mean a frictionless and personalised experience between digital marketplaces, editorial and on-demand content and events in order to connect attendees and exhibitors 365 days a year.*
*“I’m delighted to be working with this innovative team and with peers across the industry on how we move things forward at this exciting time,” he said.*
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO at ExpoPlatform, said:
> *“Luke’s understanding of the company direction and its value to a rapidly evolving event marketplace, makes him perfectly placed to lead the firm’s growth.*’’
*“We’re looking forward to Luke joining us and making an immediate impact, we’ve followed his career for some time and to have him join the team now is a partnership built on very strong foundations,”* she said.
**Categories:** All
---
### [The 12 event techs of Christmas](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/the-12-event-techs-of-christmas/)
**Published:** December 15, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
‘Tis the season of cheer and merriment – so here’s our list of the 12 event techs of Christmas!
From AI matchmaking software to hosted buyer experiences, digital tools are sure to make your live shows jolly and bright.
And just like the spirit of Christmas encourages us to give and share with others, incorporating these techs into your events can help you plan better and more inclusive events in the coming year.
So deck the halls with boughs of tech and let’s get started on this merry list!
## **\#1 Event website – prepare the big party**
An**[ event website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** is a perfect platform to showcase your event’s details, including the date, location and guest list.
This technology allows you to bring the festivities online, helping to build excitement and anticipation among guests.
## **\#2 AI matchmaking – mistletoe for tradeshows**
**[AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** technology can be used to connect guests with similar interests and backgrounds.
This makes it easy for them to find each other and start conversations.
This tech can also be used to recommend content, products and companies – helping spark connections and create new business opportunities.
## **\#3 Online registration – avoid the holiday rush!**
**[Online registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** technology allows guests to easily RSVP for your show, without the need for paper forms or in-person registration.
This can help to streamline the process and avoid the last-minute rush that often comes with events.
## **\#4 Email marketing – send out greetings and invites**
**[Email marketing](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** technology allows you to send personalized invitations to your show, along with any important updates or details.
This tech makes it easy to keep in touch with your guests and ensure everyone is on the same page.
## **\#5 Meeting and scheduling – help partygoers connect**
**[Meeting and scheduling](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-and-scheduling/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** technology allows guests to connect and schedule one-on-one meetings with each other.
This helps facilitate networking and connection-building, making your event a more valuable and engaging experience for everyone involved.
## **\#6 Hosted buyer program – VIP treatment for guests with the biggest gifts!**
The **[hosted buyer program](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** technology allows you to invite and manage a select group of VIP guests who are interested in attending.
This technology provides these guests with special perks and privileges, such as access to exclusive areas or events, helping to make them feel valued and appreciated.
## **\#7 Interactive floorplan – explore the party venue to the max:**
**[Interactive floorplan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** technology allows guests to explore the venue and see all the different offerings available.
This can help guests to make the most of their time at the show and ensures they don’t miss out on anything.
## **\#8 All-in-one nativ-ity app to explore the festive spirit**
A **[Smart Event mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** is an essential tool for any show or event. It integrates most other techs and helps create an immersive experience right at your fingertips.
Guests can access all the important information about the party, including the schedule, location and menu from their mobile devices.
This helps attendees stay organized and informed, making the party experience more seamless and enjoyable.
## **\#9 Online marketplaces – shop in the festive season and beyond**
**[Online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** make it easy to compare and book venues and vendors all in one place, saving you time and stress during the busy seasons.
Plus, many online marketplaces offer discounts and special offers during the holiday season – so you can save some money and put it towards that extra bit of entertainment at your show.
## **\#10 Exhibitor manual – tick off the party checklist**
An**[ exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** is a tool that allows you to create a customizable checklist of all the tasks and details that need to be taken care of so that nothing falls through the cracks and your party goes off without a hitch.
For example, participants can fill in their information for personalized recommendations and favors, indicate their food preferences and other stuff.
## **\#11 Analytics – unboxing the (data) presents**
No show is complete without guests – and knowing who’s coming to your event can be just as important as the day itself.
**[Event analytics](https://expoplatform.com/analytics/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** tools can help you track and analyze data on your guests, such as theirs demographics, interests and behaviors.
This information can be invaluable for planning future events, as well as for tailoring your party to your guests’ preferences.
Plus, with the wealth of data at your fingertips, you can be the life of the party with fun facts and stats to share with your guests.
## **\#12 Lead intelligence – making after-party connections**
After the show is over, it’s important to stay connected with your guests and build on the connections made during the event.
**[Lead intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas)** tools can help you collect and manage information on your guests, such as their contact details and interests, so you can continue to engage with them and build relationships long after the event is over.
Plus, with the ability to segment, score and target your communications, you can ensure that your follow-up messages are personalized and relevant to each individual guest.
## **Conclusion**
The 12 event techs of Christmas can help make your event planning and execution as smooth and successful as Santa’s sleigh ride on Christmas Eve.
From Smart Event apps to interactive floorplans, these tech solutions are the gifts that keep on giving for a stress-free and successful event.
So let the event techs of Christmas work their magic and make your event a festive and memorable one.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=12_event_techs_christmas) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Sustainable Events are 'win-win' for organisers, expert scientist says](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainable-events-are-win-win-for-organisers-expert-scientist-says/)
**Published:** August 8, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Organisers need to recognise that sustainable events are a “win-win-win” by boosting income, improving brand image and protecting the environment, according to an expert scientist.
Cameron Little is an environmental scientist, consultant and educator with more than 20 years experience in our industry.
The vice president of the Sustainable Events Alliance sees the digital transformation our sector has witnessed as offering great opportunity to reduce waste and increase revenue.
But first he believes event planners need to recognise this model is more than just about being greener.
Cameron told ExpoPlatform: “A lot of people don’t understand the differences between environmental and sustainability – that’s a key issue, because sustainability looks at economic and social considerations as well.
“That puts them in a much better footing than just purely looking at environmental issues, because one of the complaints or criticisms or objections that some people put in about environmental initiatives is that it costs more.
“But sustainability looks at the economic impacts or considerations of those initiatives as well – you can do it at the same price or even save money.”
The Australian-based sustainability consultant added: “Recognise that events are really important and that humans are a social animal.
“The key is to have events with low negative impacts and identify positive impacts that we can build into the events so that the overall legacy of the event is one of positivity and benefit to the environment and to society, then that’s a win-win.
“That automatically will bring in financial benefits as well – so that’s a win-win-win.
“If there are expenses that are higher than they need to be, that’s taking money out of your pocket.
“Enjoy the challenges of a more sustainable future – and feel better when you’re doing it.
“Keep money in your pocket, spend it on things you’d rather spend it on than wasted resources.”
An average in-person show creates a massive amount of excess and tonnes of emissions over the course of a few days.
This can be through leftover food, goody bags, single-use plastics, transportation, energy used at the venue, resources to build the event, magazines and many more.
Research from [MeetGreen](https://meetgreen.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/eventfoot.pdf) shows the average conference attendee produces 1.89kg of waste per day – that’s 5,670kg created by a typical 1000-person event over three days.
Cameron suggests that organisers should consider better ways to handle this excess material, firstly by trying to find venues which already have an adequate system in place.
He said: “Waste is very expensive – if a lot of materials go into general waste that’s a very expensive way to dispose of materials.
“A good waste programme with good product selections, supply chain management, operations management and management at the end of the process saves a lot of money – as well as saves big environmental impacts.
“I find that one of the best things you can do is to have your event in a green venue – it’s already sustainable – then you can utilise their waste systems.
“But for other places, people just often just don’t know the difference that we can make and they don’t prioritise it.”
The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of events by far is through international travel.
Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
The organisation estimates one two-day event avoided producing almost 1.8 million kg of CO2 emission to just over 8,420kg by switching to fully virtual format.
That’s less than one percentage of the original figure.
The digital transformation of our industry have created new opportunities to drive revenue and engagement virtually.
Research estimates that moving a portion of 10% of attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – emissions could be cut by almost 90%.
[Hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) can accommodate both in-person attendees and a virtual audience [of those who can’t travel](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/) to the venue or are still unsure about attending face-to-face meetups.
This format allows organisers to offer new avenues for content sharing, exhibiting, sponsorship, creating new revenue streams and lead generation opportunities.
Cameron added: “I’ve always been a fan of the idea of virtual and hybrid events – I’m also very in favour of face-to-face live events, that’s where we get so much of the buzz and excitement.
“But I’ve always felt that events would have a more rich, greater longevity and lower environmental impacts if many of them were run virtually – or in an ideal world, hybrid.
“You get a mix of the excitement in the people and also reduce the impacts.”
It comes as spending on pure tradeshow activities is predicted to decline, with exhibitors anticipated to increase investment in digital content, hybrid events and training of their own teams.
Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on [virtual event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
It is expected this digital component is going to rise from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
Missing these new opportunities is not an option in today’s uncertain economy.
More weight can be given to this when we see corporate travel is predicted to be cut by around 20% of its pre-pandemic levels as the digital transformation of industries continues, according to [research](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/).
An organiser should see a sustainable future as an opportunity by cutting down costs on in-person show waste and placing more emphasis on generating revenue online.
Cameron said: “You can make money – making money means a difference between how much comes in and how much goes out.
“So much less goes out when you’re working in the digital domain.
“One of the benefits comes back to the longevity of an digital event, if it’s recorded and able to be shared.
“If the platform that is used is able to give recognition to sponsors or funders then that exposure keeps going into the future, while that digital event has a life online and people are accessing it.”
*Download our free [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) for an in-depth guide on driving digital revenue growth*.
Meanwhile, a poll shows almost half of people in China, the US and the UK are doing their best to live sustainably.
Findings from the [Statistica survey](https://www.statista.com/statistics/1264572/efforts-to-live-sustainably-china-us-uk/) show 46% of respondents in these countries were doing all they can, 48% believed they could do more while only 6% were not bothering.
This illustrates the weight of responsibility people are placing on themselves to secure a future for all by living sustainably.
Furthermore, another survey shows more than a quarter of Millennials and Gen Z rank environmental concerns as their top priority – and these are already the largest proportion of the workforce worldwide.
Findings from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) show 26% of both generations ranked protecting the environment as their top personal concern.
This comes despite threats to health, family welfare and careers being closer to home and imminent in the current climate.
Around 60% of this demographic told the Deloitte survey they fear that businesses are less concerned about making a commitment to reversing climate change while leaders deal with challenges from the pandemic.
It is important for organisers – especially those in senior positions – to pay attention to how this will impact the sustainability of their businesses in future if not handled carefully.
Cameron believes event planners are now beginning to recognise this and are placing more emphasis in this area – things are getting better “steadily” as demands from customers increase.
He said: “I definitely find that our audience expectations are much higher around events being more sustainable.
“As we have younger generations coming through, that is becoming an even stronger message.
“Because they’ve grown up with that messaging and they’re more aware of the realities on the ground – it comes through from their education.
“Plus, I think the generations up to Boomers have always been fairly aware.
“All I’ve been doing battle with is people in the industry who are not necessarily older, but more conservative and more doubtful.
“I think now that people have really shown how interested and engaged they are in having more sustainable events, then it provides a greater driver for event managers and event owners to deliver what the audience is expecting.”
A total of 44% of Millennials and 49% of Gen Zs said they have made choices in the last two years over where and the type of work they will do based on their personal ethics.
About 15% of those in the Deloitte survey this year said they had left their jobs or started new careers after reflecting on the pandemic and their values.
But its not just in their professional lives that their values hold more weight than previous generations – it’s when buying too.
Figures from NeilsenIQ show 90% of Millennials are willing to pay more for a sustainable product, 53% would switch brands to go greener and 75% said they would change their habits to reduce their impact on the environment.
That compares to 61%, 34% and 34% respectively for Baby Boomers – which is still a large proportion for each.
Cameron added: “For anyone who’s hesitant, I just think they need to realise that times are changing – you’re better off to run the bow wave of change.
“Do it from the start for the right reasons and get the PR benefits out of doing it right as well – rather than being dragged behind the ship on a tie rope, just getting washed away and drown where there’s no benefits.
“You’re still going to have to go to the same place, but at the front end you’re surfing – at the back end, you’re drowning.”
**Categories:** All
---
### [ExpoPlatform expands Asia and Middle East presence with new partnership](https://expoplatform.com/blog/partnership/expoplatform-expands-asia-and-middle-east-presence-with-new-partnership/)
**Published:** May 11, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Event technology platform ExpoPlatform has struck a new partnership to cater to increasing regional product demand in South East Asia and the Middle East.
Alexder Consulting has experience catering for onsite, online and hybrid events, and brings reliability and a deep understanding of regional trends and preferences to the expanding ExpoPlatform Regional Partnership Programme in Singapore, Thailand and the UAE. This is the third regional partnership launched in 2021, following Klay and Synvance’s partnership covering Spain, Italy, Switzerland, France and Morocco.
ExpoPlatform’s regional partners now cover these 14 national markets:
- Australia
- France
- India
- Italy
- Kazakhstan
- Morocco
- Russia
- Singapore
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Turkey
- UAE
- UK
The ExpoPlatform Partnership Programme is a win-win opportunity to build a strong global network together and help local organisers grow their events. Respective partners and their teams also get extensive industry and product training sessions to diversify their business and add an edge to their offerings.
ExpoPlatform is looking for new collaborators with strong market connections and industry knowledge of their geographies to expand the partnership initiatives such as event organisers, service providers or event consultancy companies.
If you would like to become an official regional representative in your country or region, please contact **Mark Gordon** at **m.gordon@expoplatform.com**.
More info about the ExpoPlatform Regional partners **[here.](https://expoplatform.com/partnership-programme/)**
**Categories:** Partnership
---
### ['Don't return to the Stone Age' - Confex marks events industry UK comeback](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-events-confex-return/)
**Published:** September 3, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***An International Confex special of your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform. We highlight five key topics from the event which marked the grand return for our sector in the UK. And it was brilliant.***
## **Back to the old normal?**
Hardly any masks and plenty of hand shakes – a vaccinated audience quickly returned to business as normal with thousands of visitors to Excel London.
This is despite the rising coronavirus cases number brought by the Delta variant.
> Scotland's rate of new cases of Covid-19 is now the highest it has been this year (and the highest since mass testing began in summer 2020).
>
> Northern Ireland's rate is the highest since January 5, Wales the highest since January 11. [pic.twitter.com/dvTlCYzg5F](https://t.co/dvTlCYzg5F)
>
> — Ian Jones (@ian\_a\_jones) [August 27, 2021](https://twitter.com/ian_a_jones/status/1431234256131481602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The programme of speakers drew an international crowd to hear about how the industry has changed since the pandemic – and where it is heading in future.
Key themes from this year’s world-leading event for our industry – held on Wednesday and Thursday – included digitisation, diversification and [new channels for monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
Here, we go into them in a bit more detail in case you missed it.
## **Don’t return to the Stone Age**
The world has gone digital over the last 18 months, so with the return to in-person many speakers focussed on keeping hold of those advantages.
ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer Luke Bilton told a panel discussion that to ignore the benefits brought through data would be like “going back to the Stone Age”.
He told the Digital Event Theatre session that the tools brought through digitisation of events has brought benefits which are not going to go away.
This included working towards product discovery and exhibitors being able to target a more suitable set of potential buyers.
Luke added: “The problem for large-scale exhibitions is you push attendees through a door and let them do the rest themselves.
“Digital has brought all of this data, for me you would be going back to the Stone Age if you were to turn off all off that insight and go back to a concrete box you aren’t measuring.”
Meanwhile, a panel of association representatives spoke about the benefits brought through digital at the Keeping the Fire Burning session.
Emma Barr, Royal College of Midwives events and training advisor, told the audience how initial challenges with members being able to use technology soon created greater engagement than ever before.
She said: “With the NHS in crisis, they have got to have the minimum amount of time off the wards.
“There’s all these other ideas that come out – some of the responses we get have turned into projects for next year, because they felt just to write – it’s been really freeing for our members.”
Emma added: “For the first time our branch in Shetland were able to join up with the Orkney Islands to do events.
“We have all the Channel Islands being able to join with the Isle of White.
“Planning for next year, we will have completely blended learning.
“Part of that will be face-to-face, part of that will be online.”
## **Quality over quantity**
The return to in-person events will be gradual – ongoing health concerns remain for some would-be attendees, while the spectre of restrictions still looms over us.
However, a way forward from was brought up during the first physical gathering of the Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) Club.
Members of the worldwide e-platform for industry professional heard about focusing on new marketing KPIs which prioritise quality of leads rather than volume.
Stephen Murtagh, the Exhibition Guy, told ExpoPlatform: “People won’t feel comfortable going to a massive, big show.
“So the smaller shows tend to be the ones right now that are going to bounce back.
“Before Covid-19 we all concentrated on this idea of on visitor numbers being so important.
“But what’s far more important than the number of people going to the show is the type of people and the quality.”
He added that 30% of people who currently attend tradeshows are “tyre kickers” – attendees who do not ever intend to buy anything.
However, Stephen believes they are now unlikely to turn up to an event while those who are willing to make the effort to travel are “more serious buyers”.
This was said to give exhibitors more time to focus on better prospects and makes the interactions “more valuable”.
## **New ways of monetisation**
The revenue model of exhibition industry has adapted – a transformation forced through the. Some of these changes include:
Laura Davidson, director of Tag Digital, told ExpoPlatform about a new “product” which emerged once live shows were put on hold.
This audience extension allowed organisers to still generate revenue by reselling existing data to exhibitors.
She said: “One of the positives we’ve seen come out of the pandemic has been a new digital product called audience extension.
“Ultimately it’s allowed event organisers to still generate revenue while there’s been no live events.
“What that means is they’re able to resell all of their existing data – first party, cookies, social following – to their exhibitors.
“It creates that connection with exhibitors year-round, it allows you to focus on what is your exhibitor’s objective and allow them to connect with the audience even when live events aren’t happening.”
Laura added: “It’s a really high-margin product for you to sell to an organiser – all digital and sorts out any issues when you’ve not been able to travel.”
## **Diversity and inclusion**
Diversity in our industry was one of the top topics at this year’s Confex.
That included how to shape shows to include people who have accessibility issues, whether for health or financial reasons.
But there was one stand in particular which was working to support those who have been underrepresented in senior positions.
Women in Exhibitions was launched before the pandemic, with Confex 2020 being its first show.
Now it has exhibited again in-person for the first time since the outbreak, where it held a “speed mentoring” session with leading experts who held 10-minute sessions with ambitious industry professionals.
Bea Johnston, academy lead, said: “A lot of the time we get comments like ‘there’s so many women in the industry – is even really a problem. Is there a need for this kind of a group?’
“Yes there is, because if you look at where women are in the industry you’ll have a lot of women in marketing, you’ll have a lot of women in the beginning stages of their career.
“But, they won’t have a speedier track through that hierarchy to the very top.
“There is that ceiling that we get to that is very difficult to overcome.
“There are lots of role models who have proved that wrong, but we want to try and help every single person in the exhibition industry develop the skills they need to be able to go for that promotion – and to push themselves to follow their ambitions and dreams.”
The group provides resources for men and women in the exhibition industry and offers educational and professional development programmes, mentoring, [networking events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/), talks and career support.
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Chart of the week: is there a digital skills shortage?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-week-digital-skills-shortage/)
**Published:** August 23, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The event industry is changing rapidly. Each week we illustrate how this is happening and what it means for your business.***
More than three-quarters of event professionals believes there is a digital skills shortage when navigating the online transformation of the industry, according to a poll.
The Virtual Events Institute [asked its LinkedIn followers](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/virtual-events-institute_eventprofs-events-exhibitions-activity-6830467480125767680-ocvu) whether they agreed that there is a lack of expertise in this area of digital and hybrid formats.
A total of 77% said there was, while 14% disagreed and 9% were unsure.
## **Behind the figures**
Physical events have been and will remain an organiser’s highlight of the year, but the pandemic has forced a digital transformation of our industry.
Many producers tried to replicate their in-person offerings at the outbreak through purely livestreaming speakers, which commentators have said fell flat of usual expectations.
Leading organisers have spotted an opportunity to reinvent their business model by including high-quality and virtual-first content.
This includes on-demand sessions, sponsored webinars or professional 365 community engagement.
*For more on this download [ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook.*
One big issue has been with making sure an organiser has the right workforce to pull it off successfully.
## **What does this mean for organisers?**
Physical events are not being replaced, but hybrid and virtual events are not going away.
The benefits brought through opening up new engagement and [monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) channels through digital are clear: better brand awareness, more revenue and a pandemic-proof budget.
Organisers should take advantage of the potential found in this business model by rethinking who they build their company with – while those who don’t risk being left behind.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer, told a recent In Case Of An Event podcast episode: “If you are serious about it, then I think a really useful exercise is to forget about the legacy contracts and to start with a blank sheet of paper.
“The objective being to create a pandemic-proof budget where digital is right at the core of packages – and probably represents about 25% of revenue.”
There are two schools of thought for doing this: specialists or generalists.
**Specialists:** a new generation has grown up online and with social media and know how to use it to reach a targeted audience. Bringing in specialists who know how to utilise emerging technologies could give your business a competitive edge. This can be done on a full-time basis or using freelancers ahead of an event to upsell customers.
**Generalists:** Bring together your digital and event sales teams under one umbrella. allows for a unified vision when supporting customers, as well as simplifying things for them by making a sales account manager the single point of contact.
*Here’s our [complete guide to creating successful hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/).*
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Industry reunion in Rotterdam: the week in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20210712/)
**Published:** November 8, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly event industry news roundup from ExpoPlatform – UFI Global Congress sees industry reunion, Globex report highlights benefits of digital channels and Australian business events representatives deliver warning to politicians.***
## **Exhibition leaders gather for reunion in Rotterdam**
It felt like a class reunion last week with industry leaders gathering for the UFI Global Congress for the first time since 2019.
ExpoPlatform’s co-founders Tanya Pinchuk and Mykyta Fastovets were there in Rotterdam to connect and learn about the future of our sector.
We are proud to have sponsored this must-attend event for the exhibition industry – it was fantastic.
Speakers gave signs of optimism with Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of the Dubai World Trade Centre, saying between 30-40% of participants in 2021 have been new comers.
> Trixie LohMirmand: We noticed that 30-40% of our participants in 2021 are new comers – exhibitors and visitors who have never attended our events! We are back to business in the fastest and the most furious way than ever before! [@UFILive](https://twitter.com/UFILive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#TogetherAgain](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherAgain?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/pmE59Z799t](https://t.co/pmE59Z799t)
>
> — Tanya Pinchuk (@pinchuk\_tanya) [November 4, 2021](https://twitter.com/pinchuk_tanya/status/1456185747099328512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
A recent report from UFI highlighted how the digital transformation of our industry had helped to bring in fresh interest in live shows.
It comes as it was announced the Global Congress will be held in the US for the first time in 2023, with Las Vegas revealed as the host city.
Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO, said: “As the global trade association for our industry, this will allow us to connect our colleagues from across the US markets even better with their global peers.”
Meanwhile, the ExpoPlatform team was also in London for Event Tech Live.
Luke Bilton, our chief growth officer, gave several presentations focussing on data, product discovery and benchmarking.
Mark Gordon from our sales team also took part in a roundtable discussion about the future of hybrid.
## **New Globex report highlights recovery of ‘forward-looking’ organisers**
The Covid-19 crisis has benefitted “forward-looking” organisers who have invested in digital technologies, according to a new report.
Findings from the [13th edition of Globex](https://amrinternational.com/new-globex-projections-the-global-exhibition-market-to-return-to-pre-covid-size-by-2023/) show the global exhibition market this year will only be worth around half its value in 2019, at $14.8 million.
The research – carried out by AMR International – also found the industry will not completely rebound to pre-pandemic levels until at least 2023.
> Globex 2021 is out now! AMR forecasts that by 2023, the global exhibition market should rebound to 96% of its 2019 size. Read the full media release for more details: [pic.twitter.com/HOld3cJSBv](https://t.co/HOld3cJSBv)
>
> — AMR International (@AMRIntl) [November 4, 2021](https://twitter.com/AMRIntl/status/1456256184978051078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
However, some organisers were shown to have managed to find some positives by diversifying their budgets through digital channels.
Carole Boletti, Globex 2021 editor, said: “While the Covid-19 crisis has severely disrupted the exhibition industry, it is at the same time benefitting from some organisers’ refreshed perspective on their markets and accelerated digital developments. However, we are yet to witness major breakthroughs.
“Forward-looking organisers are investing in the enhanced role of digital in their strategies and are embarking on substantial digital transformation.
“Others are still planning to rely solely on traditional events and revenue streams in the medium term. As we had forecast a couple years ago, we are seeing the start of a bifurcation of the industry.”
Here are some more key findings:
- Each country will respond to the pandemic differently. Globex anticipates that China will fully recover by 2022 and exceed its 2019 size by 2023
- The US market is expected to achieve full recovery by 2023 due to its low exposure to international participants and relatively early resumption of in-person events
- Other markets such as France, India and Mexico are forecast to remain slightly below their 2019 size by 2023
- The trend towards more digital services provided by exhibition organisers will persist and serve to complement and extend physical exhibitions. Globex believes that digital revenue will grow strongly at 28% CAGR between 2020 and 2023
Ms Boletti added: “The impact of the Covid-19 crisis has exceeded most expectations, therefore the outlook beyond 2021 remains uncertain to some degree.
“For 2021, we forecast the market to be valued at $14.8m, still 49% lower than 2019.
“Looking ahead, AMR forecasts that by 2023, the global exhibition market should rebound to 96% of its 2019 size.”
## **Industry delivers warning to Australian politicians**
Representatives of the business events industry Down Under have delivered a strong warning to the nation’s politicians about the health of our sector.
Members of the the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) [met with leaders](https://www.businesseventscouncil.org.au/article/beca-delivers-message-of-continued-pain-and-uncertainty) to highlight continued pain and uncertainty due to a lack of pandemic-related support.
They raised key priorities of survival and retention of specialist industry skills, risk mitigation and confidence, as well as recovery needs to stimulate demand.
Geoff Donaghy, deputy chairman, said: “Given the significant lead time required for the national restart of the business events industry, many parts of our critical supply chain will be faced with the challenge of surviving without functional revenue, noting that any deposits received for future activity must be securely held until services are delivered.
“These businesses will continue to run at a loss for another six months or more.”
BECA has also formally submitted a response to the Live Performance Federal Insurance Guarantee Fund Bill 2021 before the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee.
It backed its position that the lack of Covid-19 event insurance is a handbrake on confidence and will slow the recovery of the business events industry in 2022.
## **Seven Hong Kong fairs brought together**
More than 16,000 industry buyers attended seven Hong Kong autumn trade shows which were brought together for the first time.
The decision to run the shows concurrently – both online and in-person – created a one-stop shop for technologies, services and information.
It saw [more than 3,000 meetings](http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en/pressrelease/detail/20317/Seven%20concurrent%20trade%20fairs%20close%2c%20attracting%2016%2c000%2b%20onsite%20buyers%20) arranged while close to 12,000 buyers browsed products and held discussions online.
> Our autumn trade fairs drew 16,000+ industry buyers to visit in person. Thanks for your participation! The online fairs run until 6 November:
>
> — HKTDC (@hktdc) [November 1, 2021](https://twitter.com/hktdc/status/1455017506238709760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Surveys carried out by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) show more than half expected overall sales to increase next year, while 30% expected sales to remain steady.
Respondents were most optimistic about market potential for Taiwan (78%) and South Korea (63%) among traditional markets, while recording well for Mainland China (76%), India (72%) and Eastern Europe (72%) among emerging markets.
*The seven* autumn trade fairs *include **the HKTDC Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition), HKTDC International ICT Expo**, **HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair**, **HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition),** **HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo**, **electronicAsia**, which is jointly organised by the HKTDC and MMI Asia Pte Ltd, and **Eco Expo Asia**, which is jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd.*
Concerns still remain over the health of our industry in the special administrative region as strict lockdown measures continue to cause concern.
## **Live shows return to Thailand**
The relaxing of lockdown rules in Thailand has seen a major exhibition centre welcome attendees for the first time since April.
IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Centre is among the venues in our industry seeing a gradual return to normality for in-person shows.
It comes after the nation’s government opened its borders to fully vaccinated international travellers from over 63 countries from November 1.
Loy Joon How, general manager of IMPACT, said: “During the lockdown, we were the only exhibition and convention centre in Thailand to double up as a field hospital.
“In addition, we were also among the first venues to offer our facilities to be a mass vaccination centre.”
The venue has confirmed 49 events will take place between this month and December.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [ExpoPlatform aims for German market growth with Adventics](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/expoplatform-adventics-partnership/)
**Published:** September 16, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform and Adventics have announced a partnership which will see both companies embark on ambitious plans for growth in Germany and other markets.
The innovative event technology company has joined with the Munich-based management consultancy firm after gaining significant interest from organisers in the country.
Adventics will use its expertise as an independent event tech advisor in the market to help ExpoPlatform’s ambitious plans for growth in exhibitions, while the event technology firm will be giving its support in areas such as technology and sales.
***Here are [twelve reasons](https://expoplatform.com/reasons-why-expoplatform-is-the-ideal-solution-for-your-events-and-communities-in-the-new-normal/) why ExpoPlatform is the ideal solution for [Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) and 365 Communities. [Read here for the German version](https://expoplatform.com/de/gruende-warum-expoplatform-die-ideale-loesung-fuer-smart-events-und-365-communities-ist/).***
Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, said: “This partnership is fantastic for both our companies as we embark on ambitious plans for growth.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Adventics, whose expertise in such important markets will be key to the success of this project.”
Gunnar Heinrich, Adventics CEO, added: “We’re really looking forward to starting this strong partnership with ExpoPlatform, adding this premium player to our selected high-level portfolio.
“Teaming up with such an interesting protagonist is a promising and profound further expansion on the growing market of online and hybrid events for us.”
UK-based ExpoPlatform, which operates globally, is trusted by world-leading organisers due to its innovative and reliable technology.
The company has earned recognition from the UFI Digital Innovation Award 2021, Event Technology Awards, Digital Event Awards as well as the Virtual and Hybrid Event Awards 2021.
It has helped deliver high-profile live, hybrid and virtual events for companies such as Reed Exhibitions, Informa Markets and Clarion.
[Adventics](https://www.adventics.de/en/home/) is a European management consultancy that has worked for many years with great success exclusively for the international exhibition industry.
With Scan2Lead, the company offers a renowned solution that has long since made it the European market leader in visitor and lead tracking at trade fairs.
All of its consultants were previously in management positions at exhibition companies in Germany, England, Belgium, the Netherlands or Austria.
ExpoPlatform is multilingual and available in 12 languages, with high levels of accessibility around the world using servers from the US to Hong Kong.
Its person-to-object AI matchmaking engine is unique in the event industry, providing users with Amazon-like personalised recommendations for products, suppliers and content.
Furthermore, its 365 community platform can help build year-round engagement through editorial content, regular webinars and a [marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) of suppliers.
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Case studies and industry news 'most useful' for eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/case-studies-and-industry-most-useful-for-eventprofs/)
**Published:** July 29, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Case studies and industry news are the most useful types of content for eventprofs, according to an ExpoPlatform study.**
Exclusive findings from the Event Tech Returns to Live Survey shows examples of how exhibitions have played out were found to be useful by 72% of respondents.
Meanwhile, 62% rated industry news as being useful to them, with eventprofs wanting to keep on top of everything that’s going on in their sphere.
Stephan Forseilles, head of digital transformation at [easyfairs](https://www.easyfairs.com/), told ExpoPlatform: “People don’t trust salespeople: they want feedback from their peers and that’s why case studies are sought after so much.”
Download the full [**Event Tech Returns to Live** **report**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-returns-to-live/) for free.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**These findings show that real life examples and insights from the events industry are the most important resources for them.**
This can include case studies from successful tradeshows, feedback from exhibitors and exhibitors, a weekly newsletter or publishing in-depth research into a trending topic.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX, believes the key to making these forms of content is for them to be upfront about what is working – and what is failing.
She added: Case studies always have been, and probably always will be, a firm favourite for eventprofs and they definitely came into their own during the pandemic.
“However, our own experience shows that unless a case study is really candid, not shying away from failures or missteps, then it has little practical value.
“A good case study lifts the lid on the end-to-end event or experience design process – and its KPIs – and doesn’t shy away from the truth.”
## **What it means for organisers**
**Producing good quality content is the lifeblood of your event community – and an organiser can set themselves apart from the competition by creative use of formats.**
Tools like cost calculators or checklists can be far more useful than just the written word, so it’s worth testing a range of formats to see what resonates with an audience.
Content is what keeps your social media channels active and engaging, makes your email newsletters get opened and the thing that starts to pull in new audiences through search engines.
Consider taking on someone who has specialist skills in this area. Here is what they’ll nee
- Hard journalism skills such as copywriting and interviewing members
- Willingness to experiment with different multimedia formats e.g. infographics or videos
- Curiosity about what analytics are telling them
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Top tactics to get attendees using your event platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/how-to-get-attendees-using-event-platform/)
**Published:** July 12, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Choosing an event technology platform that works best for your live, hybrid or virtual event is only half of the battle. The next step is to engage your attendees by getting them to actually use the platform. This is where the idea of empowering your attendee comes in. You need to give them the tools, technology and motivation to make the most of your event. So how do you get attendees – even the technology-shy ones – interested in your event platform?
Here are our top seven tactics:
## **\#1 Emails with onboarding videos and guides**
Your event participants need a starting point to get used to the platform. One of the most effective ways is to send out clear instructions for their first steps. Include links to detailed onboarding videos and how-to guides that introduce them to the event and what the platform does. This shows what their experience will be like, as well as the platform features they can use to get more value out of the event.
## **\#2 Training sessions and workshops**
Learning event technology platforms can involve a steep learning curve – and self-learning guides might not suffice. Webinars can be organised for pre-event training and workshops so participants can experience the platform firsthand. This can avoid leaving users frustrated from a lack of guidance and give answers to their questions.
## **\#3 Meeting requests**
People yearn for social connections. It’s a good idea to trigger these instincts by getting your customer support team to communicate with them after they have registered. They’ll feel more comfortable using the platform if they get a meeting request from another person.
## **\#4 Easy mobile app installation**
A highly optimised **[mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)** of the platform can significantly boost attendee registration for your event. Having a mobile alternative can be a key factor in helping participants sign up, access their dashboards and discover more about your event platform. Make sure the app is available on all platforms – iOS, Android, Windows – and easy to navigate. It should be quick to install, without hassle.
## **\#5 Reward use of platform features**
Encourage attendees to explore the features of the event platform and award points for each new activity. This could mean logging in to the platform gets them five points, checking out the event agenda for 10 points, booking a one-to-one meeting for 15 points or filling in a feedback survey for 20 points. Once they have collected a certain number, they can be rewarded with products like a branded swag item or a digital gift coupon.
## **\#6 Testimonials**
People are more convinced by those they trust. These could be industry affiliates, community members or past event attendees who are talking about your event platform. Running testimonials on social media ads and emails by those who have had a good experience with your platform is a great way to encourage other attendees to explore what the platform can offer.
## **\#7 Joining an event community after registration**
Being part of a close-knit community gives attendees a sense of belonging. It gives a support network that can help them grow, thrive and find new business opportunities. Promoting your event platform through email, social media or other channels highlights the opportunity to join an exclusive community by signing up with the platform. Your community should have a solid value proposition to encourage more registrations. This could be through membership perks, offers, early access to events, products and more.
*Want to learn how you can improve your events proposition with a 365 community?* **[*Request a FREE demo for ExpoPlatform’s 365 Community solution now!*](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)**
**Categories:** Community, Event Technology
---
### [Concerns over health rules remain top priority for choosing venues](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/concerns-over-health-rules-remain-top-priority-for-choosing-venues/)
**Published:** December 31, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Concerns over commitments to Covid-19 safety measures remain top factors influencing how organisers choose venues, a new study reveals.
EventMB’s [State of the Event Industry 2021](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-report) report found out that 39% of the respondents polled wanted a statement of commitment by the premises to follow local health rules.
Another 17% considered staff vaccine mandates their biggest concern while 16% looked for venues that had a safe track record of hosting events with no reported coronavirus cases.
Many also wanted mandatory vaccinations for attendees as well as venue staff.
The report surveyed hundreds of event professionals working in planning, management, technology, marketing and more.
A majority of the respondents were located in North America and Europe, followed by Asia, Africa and the Middle East, South America.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Organisers are taking no chances while hosting face-to-face events.
The threat of Covid-19 continues to weigh heavily on live events, especially exhibitions and trade shows.
Venues not only need to adhere to the local health guidelines but also position themselves as flagbearers of best practices to ensure all-round safety.
According to the report, 42% of organisers require attendees to be vaccinated or possess a negative Covid-19 test, while 27% said they would allow only vaccinated participants.
A further 52% highlighted mask mandates for indoor events and 26% want attendees to be masked for both indoor and outdoor activities.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Event plans for 2022 have been thrown off by the emergence of the Omicron variant.
Major B2B and B2C events have already been cancelled or postponed with governments of different countries reimposing lockdowns and restrictions.
Surging cases in the US and elsewhere could mean a full return to live events might be delayed yet again.
However, a majority of corporate events in 2022 are still scheduled to be held in person.
Christine Short, vice president of research at Wall Street Horizons, [said](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/event-predictions-2022-wall-street-horizon): “Currently only 11% of investor conferences and events scheduled for 2022 will be held virtually.”
Organisers need to be prepared for all unpredictable scenarios.
The best action for the short-term is to insure your events through a hybrid model.
Our resources will help you get started in just a few steps:
1. **The Hybrid Blueprint:** This free ebook includes insights, advice and best practices to help you set up a successful hybrid event framework with ease. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/).
2. **Hybrid Monetisation Checklist:** Leverage the power of digital avenues to boost sponsorship and drive revenue with this handy monetisation checklist. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/hybrid-monetisation-checklist/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Chart of the Week: exhibition performances improve as cancellations decline](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-week-20211217/)
**Published:** December 17, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The US exhibitions industry has rebounded sharply after a major drop in cancellation rates of in-person events, a new study shows.
Findings from the Centre for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) annual [Index Report](https://store.ceir.org/2021-ceir-index-full-report/?_zs=2IDLk1&_zl=dn158) show only 19% of physical events were cancelled in the third quarter.
This is significantly lower compared to 90.4% in Q1 2021 and 66.5% in Q2 2021.
These falling cancellation rates led to an improvement in the CEIR Total Index, a measure of exhibition industry performance.
The index – though still in the red – stood at a decline of 56% from 2019 in Q3 – markedly better than a decline of 95.7% in Q1 and 79.6% in Q2.
Industry benchmarks were made against 2019 to get a more accurate picture as most exhibitions and trade shows were cancelled in 2020.
The 2021 CEIR Index Report provides in-depth insights into the performance of exhibitions over the past year along with an industry outlook for the next three years.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The decline in cancellations of physical events are mainly due to a higher number of people getting vaccinated.
As of November 28, the US population with at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine stood at 70% – which is likely to increase in the coming months.
CEIR economist Allen Shaw said: “Rising vaccination rates and continued robust economic activities bode well for the B2B exhibition industry. The B2B exhibition cancellation rate should decline further.”
Another notable factor is the reduced preference for digital events in case of cancellations.
According to the report, 69.4% of cancelled events pivoted to digital shows in Q3 2021 – down from 80.6% in Q2 2021.
In fact, most trade shows that did not feature conferences were cancelled entirely than replaced with a digital alternative.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Trends indicate cancellations could further decline in the coming year.
The vaccination eligibility in the US was recently extended to children ages 5 to 11.
This would give attendees more confidence to participate at in-person shows due to a less likelihood of the spread of infection.
“With more vaccine mandates and safety measures implemented at large gatherings, and with a majority of the population vaccinated, the recovery of B2B exhibitions should continue in 2022, unless the omicron variant causes a severe fifth wave of COVID-19 infections,” said CEIR CEO Cathy Brede.
Event organisers should continue planning for physical events and also have hybrid options in hand.
This is especially important if Omicron cases rise and governments reimpose lockdowns and restrictions – as we have seen in the UK, Austria, Germany and other nations.
**Here’s a list of resources to help you plan ahead:**
**The Hybrid Blueprint**: mixing physical and digital experiences effortlessly is easier said than done. This guide provides detailed advice from experts on how to prepare a hybrid framework for your events. [Download the ebook now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/).
**365 Community Solutions:** learn how to create an ‘always online’ community to help your audience stay connected throughout the year. A must-have option that insures a business against any kind of lockdown! [Contact us to start today](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).
**The Monetisation Blueprint:** events have become more reliant on digital technologies more than ever. [Download this ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) to understand how you can monetise this medium and increase business revenue.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### ['No honeymoon' period for new German government - the week in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20211213/)
**Published:** December 13, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Your weekly event news roundup from ExpoPlatform – Germany’s new federal government warned there’s no promise of a “honeymoon” when it comes to industry support, UK Prime Minister told there needs to be a “Plan B for Events” after vaccine passports announced – and CEO of UFI Kai Hattendorf sets out his vision for our sector in 2022.*
## **No ‘honeymoon period’ for Germany’s new federal government**
The German trade fair industry has demanded industry support “immediately” from the new federal government and warned they can’t promise a “honeymoon” period.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz is heading up a new coalition of the Social Democrats and Greens, with Robert Habeck in charge of economic affairs.
Now, the Association of the German Trade Fair Industry (AUMA) is calling for clarity on clear regulations for the industry in 2022.
Jörn Holtmeier, managing director of the body, said: “Aid packages worth billions could be done without if the federal and state governments pursued clear and anticipatory policies – also during this pandemic.
“A decision in winter has a pull on summer. Omitting decisions in summer has a double effect on the pandemic winter.
“The situation is dramatic. The economic damage in the trade fair industry will be even higher in 2021 than in 2020.
“As sorry as we are, we cannot grant a honeymoon of 100 days.
“We appeal to Robert Habeck to act immediately.”
> No time for a honeymoon: German trade fair industry tells new federal minister of economy:
> ➡️ Security fund exhibitors + service providers
> ➡️ Trade fair programme for SMEs
> ➡️ Recognition of WHO vaccines
> ➡️ Strengthening the trade fair location Germany
>
> — AUMA e.V. (@AUMAeV) [December 10, 2021](https://twitter.com/AUMAeV/status/1469260876087967748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trade fairs are currently banned in three German federal states.
More than 70% of these shows were cancelled in 2021, compared to 68% in 2020.
It is estimated the total economic loss since the beginning of the pandemic has now reached 46.2 billion euros.
**AUMA has set out five demands for the new Federal Minister of Economics:**
- A special trade fair fund complemented by a security fund for exhibitors and trade fair service providers.
- Small and medium-sized enterprises to be given stronger support with an independent domestic trade fair promotion programme of at least 30 million euros in 2023. The promotion of young, innovative companies also to be expanded.
- People should to be considered vaccinated if they have already been vaccinated with vaccines recognised by the WHO.
- A strong effort to promote Germany as an international trade fair venue.
- The introduction of a general compulsory vaccination against coronavirus in Germany. It also calls for first, second and booster vaccinations to be sped-up and have to be easily accessible.
## **ExpoPlatform embarks on new partnership with ETT**
ExpoPlatform has announced a strategic partnership with the Exhibition Think Tank Club, helping to drive innovation and connect the event industry all over the world.
Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) Club is a global online platform for exhibition professionals to network, debate and continue to help the sector move forward.
The leading event technology provider will now be Online Platform Gold Sponsor for ETT throughout 2022, representing an “extremely” important source of support for its mission to educate and improve our industry. [**Find out more**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/ett-20211209/).
Matthias Tesi Baur, ETT founder, described the new arrangement with ExpoPlatform as signalling a partnership which will continue for “years to come” and help drive innovation.
He said: “We are really looking forward to partner and to work with ExpoPlatform, also in the years to come.
“For us it’s much more than a sponsorship – it’s really a partnership to discuss a lot of ideas, to discuss the development of the industry and to really find out what the future will hold for us in the different possible scenarios.”
Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, added: “We are excited to extend our partnership with the ETT-Club for 2022.
“We enjoy working with Tesi and with the highly professional team behind the initiative.
“Tesi’s strategic thinking and his ability to bring people together creates the incredible opportunity for every exhibition professional to connect and problem solve.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating on all the projects that we have already planned for 2022 to drive our industry forward.”
## **Australia set for ‘rebound year’ for business events**
An Australian-based business travel management company has set high expectations for the New Year with 90% of corporate bookings wanting an in-person experience.
Confidence in the market Down Under is beginning to flow as borders reopen thanks to relatively high level of vaccination rates.
FCM Meetings & Events said preliminary findings suggest it will be managing a live show ever three days over the next 12 months, with thousands return to live shows.
The business travel management firm said in a statement they were optimistic 2022 would be a “rebound year”.
> "This has not only renewed our confidence as a business & within the market – it has truly excited us about what’s ahead." That's what our GM Simone Seiler had to say as we reveal 90% of all bookings for 2022 are for in-person events! Read more ? [pic.twitter.com/dzqqlkBctx](https://t.co/dzqqlkBctx)
>
> — FCM Meetings & Events (@FCM\_me) [December 7, 2021](https://twitter.com/FCM_me/status/1468007391849558020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Simone Seiler, general manager, added: “We chose to keep moving forward day-by-day united as a team, despite all the challenges that came our way.
“We took the chance to realign ourselves and embraced the changing needs of our customers.
“This has not only renewed our confidence as a business and within the market – it has truly excited us about what’s ahead.
“The world is a different place but the one thing we do know is that businesses, both big and small, are desperate to be back face-to-face because we all crave that human connection.”
It comes after largescale venues such as Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) began welcoming back visitors following the easing of restrictions.
Public consumer exhibitions will be returned to the building this weekend, with attendance estimated to have reached up to 7,500 and 5,000 per day respectively.
Peter King CEO of MCEC, said: “What better way to kick off our recovery than to welcome back long-term customers and some new faces too.
“These relationships are our lifeblood here at MCEC and it is so exciting to see our valued partners able to fill our building again.”
## **‘We need a Plan B for Events’**
Demands have been made for a “Plan B for Events” after the UK Prime Minister announced a raft of new restrictions for England.
The country is now one step closer to joining the rest of the four nations in requiring so-called vaccine passports for large venues.
These plans are subject to approval by MPs after being outlined by the Prime Minister last week as public health fears rise over the new coronavirus strain Omicron.
> We are seeing growth in Omicron cases in the UK that mirrors the rapid increases seen in South Africa.
>
> That is why it is now the proportionate and responsible thing to move to Plan B in England, to slow the spread of the virus.
>
> Find out more: [pic.twitter.com/ulvovWoL41](https://t.co/ulvovWoL41)
>
> — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) [December 8, 2021](https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1468668762454994945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Boris Johnson gave businesses a week to prepare for what has been dubbed Plan B, however our industry has already been well ahead in introducing its own measures.
If proposals are given the the green light, people in England will need to use the [NHS Covid Pass](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/) to gain entry to:
- **Nightclubs**
- **Indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people**
- **Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people**
- **Any venue with more than 10,000 people**
Similar schemes are already in place in the other UK nations.
Juliet Price, consultant executive director of HBAA beam, said: “Business events and hospitality need Plan B for Events immediately now that Plan B has been confirmed.
“Maintaining the lower level of VAT and extending the Kick Start are essential to sustain newly created jobs.
“Business events and hospitality now need this support immediately to prevent newly created jobs from being lost again.
“There are already clear signs of another knock back to event planner confidence in booking and running live events.
“With the onus on whether to continue with events now with the corporate client, they face cancellation charges – but without event insurance to cover them.
“This will not be a short term hit; the industry will feel the consequences of this knock back well into 2022.”
## **Five key trends for 2022, by UFI’s CEO**
It’s been a bittersweet year for our industry – markets have started to reopen, but not to the capacity many had hoped for.
New variants of coronavirus have also added to the ongoing uncertainty which prevents planners from being able to do what they do best – plan events.
But Kai Hattendorf, UFI CEO, [told Exhibition World](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/five-trends-to-watch-in-2022) it was time to “look beyond” the challenges of the pandemic and towards the five key trends that will shape 2022:
- **Customer retention**
- **Climate change and carbon reductions**
- **Data & digital debate**
- **A new staffing narrative**
- **Tipping points**
In this final section he sets out how there has yet to be an outsider come in from the tech sphere and disrupt the industry.
He instead points out how many organisations have managed to embrace this transformation – which we are keen on helping accelerate.
Kai told EW: “So far, we have not seen the Uber disruption moment in our industry, where a digital newcomer rewrites our business model.
“Instead, rather the opposite, our industry has embraced digital solutions, alongside more traditional services, enriching our offerings and value.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Content is king of community success, Tech Talk panel claims](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/community-tech-talk/)
**Published:** September 23, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The role of editors to “kick things off” is key to the success of 365 communities by creating strong content to draw in and engage members, an expert panel has heard.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer, was among four speakers at the Virtual Events Institute’s Tech Talk on Thursday.
This latest session focussed on how organisers can build a community around their events and help improve that in-person experience.
A number of the panellists spoke about the importance of having someone responsible for creating engaging content to attract relevant audiences.
> Don’t miss today’s VEI Tech Talk: Building Communities Around Your Events, Register at
>
> ? THURSDAY 23 SEPTEMBER | 4 PM BST | 11 AM ET[\#community](https://twitter.com/hashtag/community?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#communtities](https://twitter.com/hashtag/communtities?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#media](https://twitter.com/hashtag/media?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#virtualevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/virtualevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#hybridevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/hybridevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#digitalevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/digitalevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#meetings](https://twitter.com/hashtag/meetings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/V0M7oiAfSK](https://t.co/V0M7oiAfSK)
>
> — Virtual Events Institute (@VirtualEventsIT) [September 23, 2021](https://twitter.com/VirtualEventsIT/status/1440965932608901121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Luke said: “One of the key roles is to have someone whose job it is to to garden that community.
“They should interview influencers, shoot videos, write articles – their job to curate the experience.
“Then over time you might start getting some comments and a discussion going.
He added: “It comes down to having solid editorial skills, content editors and community managers, who schedule various activities going on a weekly or monthly basis.
“That could be things like meetups around particular niches, roundtables, advisory boards – you can use hosted buying programmes to pre-arrange meetings for people.
“Don’t just assume that AI matchmaking alone will be enough – you have to create a programme of engagement.”
It comes as the [365 engagement approach](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) of communities has flourished over the last 18 months, when businesses were forced to rethink how they connect and inform their audiences.
It now provides a model for organisers to create year-round revenue and heighten their brand awareness using digital tools.
RD Whitney, founder of the Community Leaders Institute (CLI), claimed there are around 3 million professionals in the US who are already working in these associations.
Furthermore, there are more than 10 million people who describe themselves as community managers on LinkedIn.
*Read [our full interview with RD](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/community-marketing-is-future/) about the importance of communities.*
RD, who is also 365 Media CEO, added: “There’s over 3 million professionals that are already engaged in this very ,very cool thing.
“The reason we launched Community Leaders Institute is because associations have been doing this for years – some of them have been doing it really well some have been doing it really poorly.
“Media companies and event companies are doing certain parts of it, corporations are doing it in very interesting ways.
“There’s a Harvard Business Review article about direct-to-community models now that is just really waking everyone up in marketing.
“They’re all using the power of community to get to create an audience, to add value to that audience.
“Then when you want that audience to take action, it’s right there as your community.
“So the power of that is great, but it’s not a hybrid event – it’s a year-round 365 community that I think is key.”
Meanwhile, he also told how became certain the community economic model was the way forward after seeing a TechCrunch headline earlier this year.
It claimed that the “chief community officer is the new CMO”, highlighting how companies are paying more attention to various channels as remote work and digital communication have become more widespread.
Meanwhile, 28% of start-up founders told a First Round survey that these associations were critical to their success – describing them as their business moat.
A 365 community can increase engagement year-round by delivering “always-on” content, [marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) which can traffic leads over 12 months as well as virtual or hybrid events.
Vendors such as ExpoPlatform allow organisations to target potential customers and engage existing ones throughout the year, with a seamless experience from articles, to webinars, to hybrid events.
A robust engagement strategy drives participation all year round, allowing a company to generate a ready supply of leads and brand advocates to help it grow.
This is similar to a business-to-consumer subscription economy model which has seen a 435% surge over the last nine years, [according to Zuora research](https://www.zuora.com/resource/the-end-of-ownership/).
The subscription model creates predictable, recurring revenue streams for businesses, and can be used by exhibition organisers to have suppliers subscribe for a year of activity rather than a one-off event.
This panel discussion comes after the launch of the Community Leaders Institute (CLI), which is the world’s first independent global educational body across the sector.
It is the brainchild of experts from the events, media and community industries – offering tools and training to professionals.
**Categories:** Community
---
### [The Future of Trade Shows - Luke Bilton on 'In Case Of An Event' podcast](https://expoplatform.com/blog/luke-bilton-digital-revenue/)
**Published:** August 19, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The days of digital revenue making up a small amount of an event organiser’s economic model are “long gone”.
That’s the advice from Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer, on the latest episode of [In Case Of An Event](https://www.incaseofaneventpodcast.com/) – a podcast with industry leaders and experts to share success stories, inner secrets and lessons learnt.
Luke told host Hayley Haggarty how organisers can aim towards 25% of revenue being virtual, while also covering data control and the changing landscape of events.
In the interview, he described how his career went from first getting the “digital bug” at Future Publishing before moving into the exhibition business at UBM and Informa.
Luke said he came to believe that much of the future of events industry will belong to online marketplaces.
He told how he first became interested in ExpoPlatform when he was looking for something which could be an all-in-one platform, rather than a “Frankenstein’s monster” of different tools which have to “somehow” be integrated together.
That’s how he came to be involved with the online event vendor – “it’s the right time and it’s the right solution, I believe, for any tradeshow trying to digitise itself.”
*Download our free [Marketplace Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) for a complete guide on setting up an online marketplace.*
He added: “I think most organisers want to find a way to reinvent their model and make more money from digital.
“But there’s a lot of lip service being paid to it as well.
“If you are serious about it, then I think a really useful exercise is to forget about the legacy contracts and to start with a blank sheet of paper.
“The objective being to create a pandemic-proof budget where digital is right at the core of packages – and probably represents about **25% of revenue**.”
Luke said that live events will still represent the “high-point of engagement”, but firms should place year-round digital subscriptions at the core of their business model.
That would include one or two main physical shows each year while also having some form of ongoing engagement.
Examples of this include monthly virtual meet-ups or webinar series as well as articles and other content.
He said: “It feels like the days of digital just being 5% of the profit and loss (P&L) are long gone.
“Most progressive organisers seem to be aiming for around that 20% – almost 25% – of the product mix.
“You can’t get to that by just adding an upsell to a booth contract – you do really need to think about how you are going to get to that 25% of revenue.”
That figure represents a massive rise from what was reported in the Reinventing Live publication, which found only 2% of exhibition revenues came from digital in 2020.
## **How to monetise digital events and communities**
Luke advised organisers to segment different packages for each tier of customer, which would include a year-round digital listing price.
An entry-level option should be offered to “newbies” such as start-ups or anyone who is not yet a client.
This could be a low or no-cost “freemium” option to have a very basic listing in a marketplace.
Luke explains the benefits of this approach is that having more exhibitors makes the product more attractive to buyers.
It would also give suppliers “a taste of what they could get” from a full listing, gather contact details and nurture them through sales reach outs.
The next stage is to put together packages for clients who want to “make more of an impact”. through content, branding and lead generation, with a strong go-to-market strategy to confidently promote the offerings.”
He added: “Start by having a clear overall statement of intent to create a digital-first business – not just bolting on to the legacy business.
It’s a fairly straightforward process, but the main thing is having that mindset to say ‘I am going to make this work’.”
## **Who owns the data?**
The move to virtual platforms has has created an explosion in attendee information and event data that is redefining the way organisers understand and shape the communities they serve. However, not all event technology platforms handle this information in the same way.
Luke said the industry was witnessing a “collision of two different worlds” – with the introduction of technology and social network capabilities transforming the conversation around [data control](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/).
Panellists from world-leading organisers recently highlighted their concerns over platforms owning data in [UFI Connects session in July](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/).
Luke said: “I don’t think anyone’s trying to do it for evil reasons – it’s just a different business model to ours.
“It’s a very different investment pitch if you’re essentially building your own social network – if you’re going to be the Facebook of events – that’s a very different proposition to the one we have.
“I think that people just didn’t really see it coming.”
Luke said he recognises how an event platform controlling the data may create some convenience but questioned “at what cost?”
He added: “If you don’t keep control of your attendee and exhibitor data, there ain’t much left really.”
## **Pandemic-proof your budget**
The interview also covered how events have had to adapt to a changing world – with Covid-19 still looming over the industry.
One of the main success stories in this has been the digital transformation of [hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/), as it had proved an effective way to make sure that key buyers “make the effort” to turn up to an event.
Luke said: “We’re hearing from a lot of marketers that we speak to that it’s getting harder and harder to market to people to come to live events at the moment.
“Understandably, because people are out of the habit of it and they’re not sure what’s going to be happening in terms of the Delta variant.
“There’s still a lot of uncertainty, so implementing the right digital tools can help to mitigate some of that risk and help to pandemic-proof your budget.”
**Categories:** All
---
### [Chart of the week: cuts to corporate travel?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/)
**Published:** August 9, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The event industry is changing rapidly. Each week we illustrate how this is happening and what it means for your business.***
Corporate travel could be cut by around 20% of its pre-pandemic levels as the digital transformation of industries continues, according to new research.
[McKinsey & Company’s study](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/the-comeback-of-corporate-travel-how-should-companies-be-planning?cid=other-soc-lkn-mip-mck-oth-2107--&sid=5266061664&linkId=126365809#) looked at sectors of people who travelled for business in 2019 before grouping them by the likelihood of them going back after the pandemic.
The “never returning” segment was found to have made up one-fifth of corporate travellers pre-pandemic, which offers firms an opportunity cut costs on work trips.
Those who never stopped travelling for work made up 15% of the findings, with those who had a fear of missing out (FOMO) accounting for 60%, while business people who will “wait and see” made up 5%.
Here’s how McKinsey categorised the four groups of corporate travellers:
- **Never left** includes employees who need to travel and resumed their trips as soon as restrictions allowed eased. For example, this group includes manufacturing company managers with a wide spread of factories, plants and workers.
- **Never returning** is made up of staff who can achieve high levels of effectiveness while working remotely, so may never return to corporate travel. Although some business trips will resume post-pandemic, McKinsey predicts they will do so at much lower levels.
- **FOMO** makes up the largest segment in business travel and consists of those traveling to build important client relationships. These firms want to get a first-mover advantage by getting ahead of competition.
- **Wait and see** includes workers in industries or roles which are relatively noncompetitive. These travelers are usually from the public sector, professional associations and nonprofits. People in this segment could hold virtual events to replace in-person conferences during the pandemic and may be uneasy about a return.
## **Behind the figures**
Many businesses underwent a digital transformation during the pandemic to keep running effectively despite lockdown restrictions.
The study from McKinsey identifies around a fifth of pre-pandemic corporate travellers are likely to have drastically changed how the the need for business trips, which could include for exhibitions and conferences.
Leading organisers have already seen the benefits of implementing a digital strategy. It can help bring [year-round monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) and open doors to those who are unable or unwilling to make business-related journeys.
This development was partly meant to “pandemic-proof” organisations, but is likely to remain crucial to meet the new expectations of attendees and sponsors.
Having to make quick changes to how business travel is done will remain an issue for many in corporate workforces, although others will be able to get back to it over a longer period.
This uncertainty is to remain for the foreseeable future, but resumption of corporate travel and audience engagement is possible by using technologies and processes already available.
*Read how hybrid events can help your success with [our complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/).*
## **What does this mean for organisers?**
In-person events will remain the highlight of the calendar for the majority of organisers, but this study suggests around a fifth of corporate workers could be more reluctant to travel for business.
This opens new opportunities for event producers who can take advantage of this change through a hybrid event model. Here’s why:
**Engagement:** The greater accessibility offered by virtual events means there are endless opportunities to get more people signing up. Hybrid events allow you to significantly increase audience participation by reaching the right people across the globe – even when industry expectations have changed.
**Accessibility:** Even sectors which can’t wait to return to in-person events have parts of their workforce who are unable to. Some are can’t due to health or personal reasons, while the potential for pandemic travel restrictions remains a threat across the world. Having online options alongside your physical event is a good way to open doors to those who can’t attend.
**Monetisation:** Potential for monetisation through virtual has been historically under-valued by exhibition organisers, who now need to re-balance the pricing of digital and in-person in their budgets. This can ensure that even when corporate workers no longer see a need to travel, a healthy amount of revenue can still be brought in.
*For more on this download [ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook.*
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [10 ways to make your events a monetization monster](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/monetisation-monster/)
**Published:** November 18, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**It’s no secret that corporate events like tradeshows can be expensive – booth space, travel and marketing materials mean it’s common to fork out a lot on a single show.**
But despite the high cost, exhibitions can be an important part of your marketing strategy—if you know how to generate revenue from them.
**Download the [Monetization Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) for a complete guide to driving digital revenue around live events.**
So how do you create a monetisation strategy that works for your shows? Here are 10 ways to make sure your event turns a profit and boosts your company’s bottom line. Read on! ?
## **\#1 Create value-based pricing and packages**
Charge event participants based on the value they will receive. Do away with legacy discounting – it’s outdated and can make the show less attractive to exhibitors.
Create new rate cards that reflect the benefits clients will receive for their investments. Do thorough research of competitor rate cards to make sure you don’t price yourself out of the market.
## **\#2 Develop compelling sales material**
Create persuasive sales materials that compel and delight your customers. Weave a story through impactful branding and messaging to hook the viewers into the experience and services on offer.
Develop enticing packages that cover key aspects of branding, thought leadership and lead generation. Take the help of your tech vendor to create attractive sales packages.
## **\#3 Get your sales team up-to-speed**
Trade shows can be overwhelming and chaotic. Ensure you have a properly trained sales team to maximise the revenue opportunities offered.
They should be up-to-speed with the offerings they are selling and be well aware of the buyer persona before making a pitch. Also consider training your sales team around consultative selling – this is helpful when any new channels are being introduced to clients.
## **\#4 Establish KPIs**
Set clear goals for the sales and marketing teams. Establish KPIs on an annual, quarterly, monthly and weekly basis.
Put equal focus on digital revenue streams and incentivise these targets to insure yourself against any possible disruptions in physical sales.
For example, if 20-25% of revenue is expected to come from digital, then consider it to represent nearly half the total sales target.
## **\#5 Identify upsell opportunities**
Identify upsell opportunities where you can upgrade customers into a higher package. Understand your audience profile and their needs and wants.
Consider what add-ons and extras would enhance their event experience. This can be done right from the first sign-up to the attendees becoming active on the dashboard.
Test out your upsells before the event to gauge interest and ensure they’re feasible
## **\#6 Create an e-commerce payment channel**
Ecommerce is an easy and convenient channel to boost event sales. Set up a customer journey where new and potential customers can directly explore and purchase packages through e-commerce.
## **\#7 Conduct exhibitor webinars**
Exhibitor training is crucial to make your events more valuable. Organise educational webinars with your event tech provider to onboard exhibitors to the platform.
Drive home the value of a fully complete exhibitor showroom and showcase the different features, products, videos and downloads to motivate them to provide unparalleled quality of service.
## **\#8 Create How To guides**
Creating how-to guides is a great way to educate exhibitors on best practices for setting up and running a successful tradeshow booth.
By outlining key steps and providing detailed instructions, you can help exhibitors avoid common pitfalls and ensure that their experience is positive and productive.
## **\#9 Launch an omnichannel marketing campaign**
Devise an omnichannel marketing campaign using both digital and traditional forms to reach out to your audience.
A smart mix of channels – email, PPC, social media and even billboards and brochures can generate the excitement and attention your event needs.
## **\#10 Use data for rebookings**
Data generated by digital platforms is 20x more than traditional modes of organising events. Adopt a data-driven approach to create a report of all the prospects that have been reached out or expressed some intent once the event concludes.
Gather all the data points – including online and in-person leads to get an overall picture of the campaign. This will help assess the true value of your efforts and help in rebooking for future shows!
Want to know more about creating a comprehensive monetisation strategy for your events and communities? **[Download the Monetisation Blueprint now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)**!
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [Covid-related supply issues put brakes on events schedule](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220516/)
**Published:** May 16, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Manufacturing and supply issues linked to coronavirus have put the brakes on a major powersports event series. Informa Markets has decided to suspend dates for IMS 2022 the rest of the year as the industry faces a “crossroads”.**
But there’s good news Down Under as the government announced it would reopen its borders two months early, signalling a boost for our sector. Other stories included in this week’s news roundup includes a guide to building a 365 value proposition, a look at MITEC’s new CEO as well as some good news for the Martyn’s Law campaign.
# **NZ borders to reopen two months early**
**New Zealand will reopen its borders two months ahead of schedule, signalling a boost for the events industry.**
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s government has operated a zero-Covid policy throughout the pandemic including harsh lockdowns and travel restrictions.
It has now been announced that border rules would be lifted from July 31 for Visa visitors, as well as easing entry for workers in certain sectors.
> New Zealand’s international border will reopen to all tourists and visa holders from 11.59pm, 31 July 2022.
>
> Online visitor visa applications reopen to Pacific Island Forum countries (excluding Australia) from 16 May. [pic.twitter.com/CvNJDWQCse](https://t.co/CvNJDWQCse)
>
> — Unite against COVID-19 (@covid19nz) [May 11, 2022](https://twitter.com/covid19nz/status/1524249956453912581?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) chief executive Lisa Hopkins claimed this date delivers confidence to international event organisers to choose New Zealand as their conference, meeting or incentive destination.
She said: “We are pleased the Prime Minister has said she is confident that pre-departure testing will be removed by 31 July, as this will be the last piece in the puzzle for us.
“While New Zealand is still considered to be a highly desirable destination, customers are telling us they hope the Government will dispense with testing soon, as Australia and Singapore have done.”
# **Powersports industry ‘at crossroads’ as shows halted**
**A major powersports show has been suspended dates for the rest of the year as the industry faces a “crossroads”.**
Informa Markets has put the brakes on IMS 2022 amid continued manufacturing and sourcing delays associated with the pandemic.
It is part of the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows series, which has a near 40-year history.
> TO OUR IMS FANS: We are saddened to announce that we have made the difficult decision to suspend the IMS events in 2022 and the foreseeable future. Tickets purchased will be refunded within 7 days. For now, we say goodbye and thank you for your attendance over the years.
>
> — Motorcycle Shows (@MotorcycleShows) [May 9, 2022](https://twitter.com/MotorcycleShows/status/1523713252471025670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
A statement from the organiser said: “After 40 years of producing the International Motorcycle Shows and IMS Outdoors, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the IMS Tour in 2022.
“The powersports industry is at a crossroads with where and how brands promote their products amidst the continued manufacturing and sourcing delays associated with the pandemic.
“These current hurdles that our brand partners are facing would have made it difficult for us to produce an IMS that would meet your and our expectations.
“Therefore, we will not be moving forward with the planned 2022 events, including the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.”
The event traditionally offered a weekend of interactive experiences to aid buying decisions, exploration of new products and lifestyles.
Any tickets purchased or Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show registrations paid for 2022 events will be refunded to the credit card used for purchase.
# **How to build a 365 Community value proposition**
**Building a 365 Community is about more than just having the right technology – you need a purpose.**
A value proposition should be an easy-to-understand reason why your product meets a customer’s needs. Too often the 365 value proposition is simply connecting any type of industry together, but you need to go deeper to find something that resonates.
That’s why ExpoPlatform joined with Rob Millar, director at Devonshire & St Andrews, to show how an eventprof can find a route which will benefit them and their audience in a 365 community.
He said: “It’s a very big space that we’re opening up, particularly if you’re an events person. The benefits of having learned a little bit about the digital side is that there’s so many other opportunities.
“The point is trying to make sure you’re focusing on the ones that your customers need. That’s where, if you can get the research piece right, everything else will follow.
“It’s just a case of being able to test and learn as you go. Trial those new ways of being able to deal with customers that allow you to build a bigger relationship across the rest of the year. That’s where I think there’s so much opportunity moving forward with the industry.”
This demonstration came was the latest in our Showcase Series on the digital transformation of our industry. **You can** [**watch all sessions on-demand here**](https://expoplatform.com/events/).
# **MITEC confirms new CEO**
**Malaysia’s largest exhibition centre has confirmed its new CEO who has committed to a focus on “business recovery”.**
Mala Dorasamy takes up the position at MITEC having been acting in the role since last year. She had previously been director of marketing and sales in Kuala Lumpur since 2017.
Her career in the industry spans more than 30 years and she has some expertise in the opening of new centres; project managing major international co-operation, strategy development and operational management.
She said: “The last two years have taught us to be agile and adapt to the changing environment. Mitec has been the game-changer in the nation’s resilient business events industry. We are committed to helping catalyse the local and global business recovery and reform.
“Collaboration and partnership are essential for business recovery. Integrated, creative solutions and resource pooling will result in an effective and efficient turn-around for Malaysian businesses.”
# **Martyn’s Law in Queen’s Speech**
**Martyn’s Law – which aims to enforce new security measures at venues – was included in the proposed Bills in the Queen’s Speech.**
The Protect Duty legislation would require certain public locations with the goal of protecting people from terrorist attacks.
Campaigner Figen Murray, whose son Martyn lost his life in the Manchester Arena attack, is mentioned as part of the team developing proposals.
The bombing in 2017 saw 22 people killed as they left an Ariana Grande concert.
There is currently no law forcing organisations or venues to consider security measures at the vast majority of public places.
A consultation launched in February 2021 [found that seven in 10 of the 2,755 respondents](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/protect-duty/outcome/government-response-document) agreed those responsible for publicly accessible locations should have measures to protect the public from attacks.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Six questions before picking an online event platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/questions-online-event-platform/)
**Published:** July 26, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Online event platforms are speeding up digital transformation in the business events industry. Organisers have moved away from tools like Zoom and Webex towards feature-rich virtual and hybrid platforms that can support large-scale conferences and exhibitions.
With so many options available, here are some questions to ask before choosing an online event platform:
## **\#1 What is the online event platform’s data policy?**
The shift to virtual events has led to an explosion of event data. Organisers are now able to monitor attendees’ digital footprint before, during and after the event. But it also means businesses have become more concerned about the use of this attendee data information.
Aside from complying with privacy laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it is important to clarify [who controls the user information](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) – the organiser or the online event platform?
Here are some insights into the data policies of leading virtual event platforms:
## **\#2 Does the online event platform have the right features?**
Not all virtual event platforms will have the features required for your event. This could be for a single or multi-day conference, exhibition or trade show.
List everything you need, then shortlist the platforms that fit your budget.
You could be looking for networking features like [AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/), one-one-one meeting schedulers, online chat, built-in analytics and social media integration, lead capture, floor plans and a lot more.
Once you have chosen the right online event platform, schedule a demo with the provider to get more details.
## **\#3 Is there a 365 community option?**
Digital transformation of B2B events has significantly changed the expectations of attendees.
Conversations, networking and business decisions no longer happen during a limited timeframe of an annual event, but throughout the year.
Find out if your event platform provides [365 community solutions](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) so attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors can be remain connected 24/7 and start conversations whenever they want.
## **\#4 Is the online event platform scalable?**
## 
Digital events are versatile. They provide attendees with multiple opportunities for networking and connection. Some can replace a traditional three-day event, while others can be spread over several weeks.
In the latter scenario, you want a platform that can handle the complexities and personalisation required of a large-scale event.
Put your time and money into a platform that allows you to grow your event at any time.
## **\#5 What level of integration is offered?**
## 
It is essential that event data can be integrated with different marketing and sales tools.
This helps deliver insights to build richer attendee profiles, improve engagement and capture quality leads.
Check with prospective vendors whether their platform can easily integrate these services. This could be whether it has an open API, requires web hooks or if it is a new, out-of-the-box solution.
Additionally, data exchange between platforms should be as smooth as possible.
## **\#6 Does the provider have a training and support system?**
There can be a steep learning curve when it comes to virtual event platforms. There can also be risks of service interruptions or technical glitches.
When choosing a vendor, find out what level of training and support you will receive.
Are there guides, videos and walkthroughs to help users understand the platform better?Are there any community forums where you can share best practices with other customers and discuss concerns?
Real-time customer support is important. Is there a number you can call to get support whenever you may need it? Is immediate assistance available through online chat?
As with any software, the quality of its support is almost as important as the software itself. Ineffective help could mean your investment ends up wasted.
## **Conclusion**
Your choice of virtual event platform can make or break your event.
If everything goes well, it will be a great success, but if there are glitches or not enough tools to involve your audience, it might fall flat.
Find answers to these questions before making a decision to make sure you are best prepared to make a success of your event.
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [European leaders 'miss a trick' by not backing exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/european-leaders-miss-a-trick-by-not-backing-exhibitions/)
**Published:** August 3, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**European politicians are “missing a trick” by failing to follow the Spanish government’s prioritisation of the exhibition industry, according to one of the [UFI](https://www.ufi.org/) leadership team.**
Nick Dugdale-Moore, regional director for Europe, told how the nation’s decision to go ahead with a strategically important trade show during lockdown in 2021 sent a “really strong signal” to decision makers and the industry at large.
He drew a contrast with governments in other countries across the continent, urging them to recognise our industry’s benefits and do the same.
Nick said: “The Spanish Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism – together with the President of the Madrid government and the President of IBERIA airline held a press conference in March 2021 where they explained that Fitur – an international tourism show – would take place in May as planned.
“This was the height of the second lockdown, so many people thought they were crazy. But the Minister described the event as of strategic national importance and stressed that it was going ahead – ahead with the full support of the Spanish government.
“They obviously had very restrictive measures in place. The travel and other implications meant it was quite complicated, but that sends a really strong signal and really showed that Spain was open for business.
“The uncertainty during the pandemic has been one of the toughest challenges for exhibitors and visitors – not knowing with all these postponements, and with rules and regulations from changing one week to another.
“So to have such a clear signal from Spain sends a really clear message if you’re thinking about exhibiting or visiting.
“By contrast, look at here in the UK, where even to this day, a trade show at Excel or the NEC is classified the same as Glastonbury Festival or a wedding. That’s not logical, incredibly short-sighted and ultimately not good for UK plc.”
> [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s newly released Global Exhibition Barometer research takes the pulse of the industry. The results highlight the quickening pace of the industry’s recovery in 2022, after the continuing impact of [\#COVID](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)-19.
>
> Find the results, free to download, at . [pic.twitter.com/Ul3riz3T2N](https://t.co/Ul3riz3T2N)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [July 26, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1551930807815749632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The comments come after the latest UFI Global Barometer revealed Spanish companies would see the return of 79% of the revenue they saw in 2019 this year, compared to 73% globally.
Nick highlighted how the exhibition industry has consistently outperformed global GDP growth, which proves that they can power the economic recovery.
This is an even more pressing issue given the threat of recession and rising inflation already damaging the finances of nations around the world.
He said: “Whatever industry you care to mention, a large part of the business of that industry is done and renewed at trade shows and conferences.
“That is where those markets meet and do business. That is where they build the relationships and trust which act as the building blocks for trade.
“These business events are huge economic drivers and they should be prioritised by governments and policy makers. Those that fail to do so are missing a trick.”
## **The future of technology in tradeshows**
**Figures from the UFI study also highlight Spain as a world leader in the implementation of digital services and a strategic transformation of their companies.**
The research shows 83% of companies surveyed have added digital services to their offerings, compared with 65% globally, and 50% have developed a digital roadmap for the entire company – compared to only 24% worldwide.
Figures from McKinsey & Co show B2B ecommerce grew by a decade’s worth over the first three months of lockdown.
However, Nick believes there has been a slow uptake in adoption of digital strategies across exhibition organisers, with the business model remaining largely the same.
> While parts of the [\#eventtech](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventtech?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) community fear a “tech backlash”, UFI’s Global Barometer research found the opposite to be true.
>
> ? 80% believe more digital elements will be incorporated into in-person events.
> ? Download the data: [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufiresearch](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufiresearch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/8YVyaYQXJP](https://t.co/8YVyaYQXJP)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [August 2, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1554421939124436993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He said: “This is surely the difference we should be seeing – not in the environment, in terms of slightly wider aisles or whatever. But surely it’s in the tech, surely this is what we’ve improved.
“Lenin said there are decades where nothing happens and there are years when decades happen.
“Prior to the pandemic, our industry has been very conservative and how far we’ve gone on the digital transformation journey had been pretty limited. Only about one in five companies had a chief digital officer or chief technical officer at board level.
“So now we’ve gone through this massive change, you’d think there’d be huge improvements and changes to the look and feel of exhibitions. Well at the majority of shows I have visited this year, I haven’t seen them.”
The UFI study showed 80% of eventprofs believe future exhibitions would have more tech elements, while the impact of digitisation was ranked as the second top issue worldwide.
## **Staffing shortages**
**Two-thirds of respondents to the UFI study said they were recruiting new staff since reopening, but were struggling to find the right people.**
A total of 66% put themselves in that bracket, compared with 33% who weren’t and just 1% who said it was easy to find suitable team members.
Those findings back up claims by Nick that staffing is one of the biggest challenges facing the industry right now as we continue the recovery.
He said: “The human cost of the last few years has been really awful. I’ve known people with 20 years experience who were laid off, but right across the supply chain and with suppliers especially, the toll has been brutal.
“And at the same time as massive reductions in the workforce, we’ve been asking people to do completely new jobs – for example running virtual events”.
Nick added: “We need to explain the narrative that exhibitions really do matter. They are really important not just for business, and for economies, but for society as a whole.
“It’s not for everyone, people seem to either leave right away, or stick in it for life. But you get to work in various industries, meet people from different walks of life, visit different places around the world. What a huge privilege – and such an exciting industry to work in.”
## **Facing up to challenges**
**Nick believes there aren’t many “infrastructural” challenges facing the continent right now and it is up to organisers to make the most of what the exhibition industry offers as it develops.**
He acknowledged that some exhibitions in Germany are suffering due to the absence of exhibitors and visitors from Russia and China, which together can account for up to 20% of their total.
Meanwhile, 87% of respondents to the UFI Barometer agree that “Covid-19 confirms the value of face-to-face events” – up from 80% in the previous edition and 78% in the edition prior to that.
Six in ten companies said “lifting of current travel restrictions” and “readiness of exhibiting companies and visitors to participate again” would best support the “bounce-back” of exhibitions.
Now, Nick has urged organisers to put customers “front and centre” so they can show the real value of their offerings.
He said: “The shows that have returned have demonstrated their value that people are eager to go.
“There are winners and losers, but that’s got nothing to do with the pandemic – it was similar beforehand.
“If you’re doing the right things – keeping close to customers, putting them front and centre in giving good value – then it’s a great space to be in.”
One of the potential solutions to tackling the problem of visitors and exhibitors being less willing to travel is the practice of regionalising or geo-cloning shows.
This could be where a show is a success in Europe which is then cloned to take place in North America to make it easy for participants to be involved.
Almost a third of respondents to the UFI survey told how it was at least most probable there would be fewer “physical” international events as well as fewer participants overall.
Nick added: “It’s more about the need to replicate that show for different audiences – take it to Brazil, take it to Southeast Asia, take it to wherever – by nature we’re an international industry.
“Whatever the future holds, I think we can be confident that exhibitions have a key role to play in the economic success of all industries. Let’s hope governments around the world catch on.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [North American business travels soars almost 135% in 2022](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/north-american-business-travels-soars-almost-135-in-2022/)
**Published:** July 15, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Business travel in North America has surged nearly 135% in 2022, a new report reveals.**
Figures from OAG’s [**North American Traveller Sentiment survey**](https://www.oag.com/north-america-traveler-survey) show 89% of respondents have taken part in a corporate trip in 2022, compared to 38% in 2021 – an increase of 134%.
Additionally, 90% said their company has planned business travel over the next 12 months – almost a 30% jump from the last year.
The data shows a positive trend for the US travel market despite the rising costs, flight cancellations and recession concerns.
OAG surveyed more than 1,400 travellers in the US, Canada and Mexico between April and May to study how consumer behaviour was shaping the travel industry’s future.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**The shift in corporate travel policies towards attending in-person events can be attributed to the rise in business travel.**
Easing of Covid-19 restrictions and renewed confidence among employees for business travel are also key factors in the increase in travel bookings.
Suzanne Neufang, CEO of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), said: “We’re seeing significant gains in the return of business travel, especially over the past month or two. GBTA’s global data shows more companies are allowing domestic and now also international employee travel.
“Booking levels and travel spending continue to return, and there’s high levels of optimism and employee willingness to travel for business. This comes even as the industry faces challenges beyond Covid-19 including rising fuel prices, inflation, supply chain disruption and war in Ukraine.”
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**The future is brimming with opportunities for event organisers as more people are keen to meet in person and travel for face-to-face meetings.**
However, a shadow of uncertainty lurks as costs shoot up and concerns grow around a possible recession.
In such a scenario, organisers should strive to provide the maximum value to their audience. Here’s what they should do:
1. **Plan Smart Events:** A Smart Event is a live show improved through technology. These tech enhancements increase value for all participants – attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. Read our **[complete guide to Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)** to find out how.
2. **Building 365 communities:** It’s important to keep the connection going after the in-person experience gets over. Always-online event communities have emerged as a crucial tool to connect people, drive engagement, boost networking and nurture leads around the year. Learn how to get started [**with your event community now**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).
3. **Set up online marketplaces:** An online marketplace is a platform to connect your buyers and sellers all year round. It helps any buyer attending a live show to explore and get more info about products and companies to make business decisions. [**Download the Marketplace Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) to find out how to set up your own.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [ExpoPlatform appoints former Reed event technology director Susan Merola as COO](https://expoplatform.com/blog/expoplatform-appoints-reeds-event-technology-director-susan-merola-as-coo/)
**Published:** May 24, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform has appointed former Reed Exhibitions event technology director **Susan Merola** as Chief Operating Officer.
Susan has been at Reed for 12 years, working with B2B show teams in the US to deliver new technology solutions for their events, and will now help ExpoPlatform to develop its customer success processes and tools.
During her tenure at Reed, Susan worked with ExpoPlatform on events including the company’s first virtual show in the US – JCK Virtual – in August 2020. She also worked with Reed’s PGA team on its highly successful virtual event in January, as well as the event’s year-round marketplace, a partnership she will now continue on the supplier side.
Susan brings expertise in digital product development and management, digital marketing and customer-facing digital project management, and crucial to ExpoPlatform’s growth; skills integral to bridging the gap between technical and business teams.
ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk said: “Susan’s ability to evolve our company’s platform with fresh organiser perspective and experience working with show teams continues a string of appointments from the organiser side. We welcome her into the fold as we tailor our service and solutions for a new and growing audience.”
“I’m excited to be joining ExpoPlatform because of their great team and great product,” said Susan. “I’ve been impressed by how I’ve seen the platform continuously evolve over the past year in response to customer needs and look forward to being a part of that evolution going forward, enhancing the onboarding and delivery processes and new customer success processes and tools.”
If you would like to know more about ExpoPlatform products and services, get in touch at [**info@expoplatform.com**](mailto:info@expoplatform.com)
**Categories:** All, News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [The week in events: Expo2020 marks another industry milestone](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/week-in-events-20211001/)
**Published:** October 1, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly event industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform: the launch of the world’s biggest event since the pandemic outbreak, consulting over vaccine passports for shows in England – and questions over the future role of Big Tech in our industry.***
## **Expo 2020 Dubai kicks off with a bang**
The world’s largest global gathering since the pandemic outbreak has kicked off in Dubai.
Expo 2020 will have 192 nation participants and is expecting millions of visitors amid renewed demand for international travel.
The event – which first took place in 1851 – marks another major milestone for the recovery of our industry as it emerges from the pandemic.
It’s opening ceremony on Thursday featured artists such as tenor Andrea Bocelli and pop star Ellie Goulding.
> The British "Fairy singer" [@elliegoulding](https://twitter.com/elliegoulding?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) instills a sense of opportunity and possibility to unlock the potential within each one of us with the magical cotton-candy-sky performance. [\#Expo2020](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Expo2020?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Dubai](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/3h5HNVCaBv](https://t.co/3h5HNVCaBv)
>
> — Expo City Dubai (@expocitydubai) [September 30, 2021](https://twitter.com/expocitydubai/status/1443652341882830848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
A fireworks display is to add more sparkle to the opening weekend on Friday evening.
Trixie LohMirmand, execuitive vice president of the Dubai World Trade Trade Centre, described the opening as “dignified” and highlighted the work of everyone behind the scenes who was making the event possible.
[She posted](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6849404168864628736/): “Remarkable moment for the world to come through the pandemic with this event and especially the Arab world on it’s first ever Expo here since 1851.
“Dignified opening. Delighted to be in Dubai, UAE to be a part of this great comeback and historic period of friendship, collaboration and discovery.
“As guests and VIPs come in and out on this night, let’s not forget our silent stars working in the yards to make today and the next six months of [\#Expo2020Dubai](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=expo2020dubai&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6849404168864628736) safe and possible for everyone. We are proud.”
Expo 2020 will run from October to March, with DWTC as its largest venue, and is the first time that a World Exposition has been postponed to a later date rather than cancelled.
It had originally been due to take place from October 2020 until April 2021 but was held back due to the pandemic.
The show has a central plaza which is surrounded by three large thematic districts.
Each one of these is dedicated to one of the sub-themes of Expo 2020 – opportunity, mobility and sustainability.
## **A threat from Big Tech?**
LinkedIn is considering allowing its users to charge for virtual events hosted on the social media platform, it has been reported.
The move may raise concerns among organizers as this could signal the start of the Big Tech company’s attempt to take up more space in our industry.
Tech Crunch [reports](https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/27/linkedin-is-testing-a-new-paid-ticketed-events-service/) this is part of a larger overhaul the firm is carrying out around video and audio services.
A LinkedIn spokeswoman said: ““Amid the changing world of work and transition to a nearly all-remote workforce, LinkedIn Events has seen a surge in growth, with 21 million people attending an event on LinkedIn in 2020.
“We continue to learn from member and customer feedback and test new ways to improve the experience.
“As part of this, we are exploring options for payment in the events product based on feedback from event organizers.”
> LinkedIn is testing a new, paid ticketed events service by [@ingridlunden](https://twitter.com/ingridlunden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — TechCrunch (@TechCrunch) [September 27, 2021](https://twitter.com/TechCrunch/status/1442578220700762114?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It comes after the social media platform was revealed to have invested in an online event provider earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the co-author of Reinventing Live offered his view on how Amazon Business could impact trade shows.
Marco Giberti published a piece which highlights how ecommerce went through a “decade’s worth” of growth in three months, while the pandemic has been a time of massive innovation across industries.
He claims these developments will change what buyers and sellers expect from trade shows.
[Marco said](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/amazon-business-going-kill-trade-shows-marco-giberti/?trackingId=h2uihEWxyC2KjPnU%2Fqid%2Fg%3D%3D): “I’m not saying in any way that any of these companies or technological solutions are going to replace trade shows entirely.
“Still, they will undoubtedly change customer perception of what they want from a trade show in the future.
“I think I will need to go back and keep reading more reports like this one, as well as talking with B2B ecommerce innovators to continue to formulate a better answer for the next decade.”
## **Calls to ‘safely’ reopen Malaysian business events industry**
The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has called for the for fully vaccinated business events industry to be reopened in the nation as soon as possible.
Dato’ Sri Abdul Khani Daud, CEO of the country’s lead agency for the sector, claimed it is crucial to understand these shows “can operate safely and responsibly” – after a period of increased immunization.
Malaysia has seen 57 postponements and 66 cancellations of international events since the outbreak of the pandemic, while MyCEB claims to have helped bring in £2 billion (RM11.4bn) to the economy since 2010.
> [@MyCEB](https://twitter.com/MyCEB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), the lead agency for the [\#businessevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/businessevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) industry, has pleaded to the Malaysian Government to reopen the fully vaccinated business events industry soonest possible. [\#Malaysia](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Malaysia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ?? [pic.twitter.com/3Glh3nvewH](https://t.co/3Glh3nvewH)
>
> — Meeting Media Group (@HQGlobalMag) [September 24, 2021](https://twitter.com/HQGlobalMag/status/1441384968387579911?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He said: “The importance of business events industry in contributing to economic recovery and affirms the government’s confidence that the sector can operate safely and provide a controlled, regulated and secure environment for the commencement of business events.
“We do hope that the Malaysian Government takes this distinction into account moving forward.
“Business events industry must be reopened without further delay, as Malaysia’s business events venues and facilities offer controlled environments which will ensure successful and safe events.”
MyCEB is still bidding for international events which has seen 164 business events secured for between 2022 and 2030.
## **UK showing ‘clear signs of recovery’**
There are “clear signs of a steady recovery” within the UK event industry as interest grows in a return to in-person offerings, according to a new report.
BCD Meetings & Events’ fifth annual [What’s Trending study](https://info.bcdme.com/meeting-and-event-industry-trends) sets out how this is leading to a cautious optimism among planners, although challenges remain.
It highlights, sustainability, diversification and delegate management as key issues facing organizers.
The report is BCD M&E’s take on the state of the industry and what it’s expecting globally in 2022.
Helen McCabe, BCD M&E UK managing director, said: “The impact of Covid-19 continues within the UK – however, there are clear signs of a steady recovery.
“We saw increased demand from September 2021 for smaller, domestic meetings and events as well as a further upturn of larger face-to-face events taking place from Q1 2022.
“We have seen significant evidence of business diversification during the pandemic and continue to overcome new barriers arising from the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
“Sustainability, a deeper requirement for a wider delegate management solution, plus the continuation of both virtual and hybrid events impacts the future shape of our industry.”
> Mark your calendar!
>
> Our Global President, Scott Graf, will be going live on LinkedIn Wednesday, October 13th to discuss What's Trending for 2022. Follow BCD Meetings & Events on LinkedIn to tune in: [pic.twitter.com/5lFmPojUwI](https://t.co/5lFmPojUwI)
>
> — BCD Meetings & Events (@bcdme) [September 30, 2021](https://twitter.com/bcdme/status/1443592764130840577?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It comes as the enforcement of Scotland’s vaccine passport scheme has been delayed after facing backlash over the legislation.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she was holding back legal enforcement to give venues more time to plan, following failed legal action from the nightclub industry.
The new regulations require people to show they have had two coronavirus vaccinations – or are exempt – before gaining entry to venues, large sporting or music events.
These come into effect today Friday but will not be legally enforced until October 18.
ExpoPlatform [previously reported](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20210924/) how the likeliness of vaccine passports being required across the whole of the UK grew after their introduction in Wales.
The UK Government has now called on those working in the events industry for views on their potential use in England, should Covid-19 cases increase in winter to the point at which the NHS becomes overwhelmed.
Meanwhile, it has elsewhere been reported that the UK is understood to be close to joining the EU’s digital Covid-19 certificate scheme.
The move would make traveling in Europe easier for event professionals.
## **No Time to Die for cinema – here’s what might ‘save’ it**
David Anderson, founder of the Vision Engine, sets out how the latest Bond blockbuster will be a “shot of caffeine” for the cinema industry – but not a silver bullet.
Similar to customers in the event industry, his post sets out how film lovers have been through a transformation in expectations and will now have a new vision for the experience they want.
Daniel Craig’s fifth and final James Bond film No Time To Die has received rave reviews from critics.
> The cast and crew lit up the [@RoyalAlbertHall](https://twitter.com/RoyalAlbertHall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for the World Premiere of [\#NoTimeToDie](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoTimeToDie?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [pic.twitter.com/qs0OFiQZLR](https://t.co/qs0OFiQZLR)
>
> — James Bond (@007) [September 30, 2021](https://twitter.com/007/status/1443666962253484039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It was premiered in London on Tuesday following several delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic – which David believes has been a driver for innovation in both industries.
[He said](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/time-die-wont-save-cinema-heres-what-might-david-anderson/): “Cinemas need to put the theatre back into the theatrical experience.
“And it starts with relentless obsession with the customer: How do they segment? What are their motivations for making the trip (not always the movie on show)? Their pain points? Their drivers of choice versus something else to do with their leisure time? What sort of customer experience would get them off the sofa and out into the rain to their local cinema? What sort of relationship do they want with their local cinema?
“No Time To Die will not, and cannot, save cinema. Cinema can, and will, save itself by staying resilient, resourceful, and relevant, and reimagining its role in this new changing world.”
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [Digitisation of exhibitions continues to grow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/digitisation-of-exhibitions-continues-to-grow/)
**Published:** August 5, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Digitisation of exhibitions through services and products has continued to accelerate, a new UFI survey reveals.**
Findings from the latest **[Global Barometer](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/the-global-exhibition-barometer-july-2022/)** show 65% of companies worldwide added these features to existing shows – up from 58% in 2019.
Asia-Pacific is leading this change at 71%, followed by Middle East & Africa (67%), North America (63%) and Europe (62%).
A total of 32% of respondents said they had developed a digital transformation strategy for individual exhibitions and products – an increase of 10 percentage points from last time.
Companies are also innovating and spending more on their digitisation strategies. Of the total respondents surveyed, 22% said they had launched digital products not directly related to existing exhibitions – a sharp rise from 13% in the last survey.
UFI’s 29th Global Exhibition Barometer polled 366 companies across 57 countries and regions in June 2022. The next survey will be conducted in December 2022.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**Digital transformation of exhibitions became the top priority for companies at the height of the pandemic.**
Organisers are digitising their internal processes and workflows and shaping their overall strategies to sync with their customers’ digital expectations.
A key reason behind this rise is the numerous benefits digitisation brings. It has allowed organisers to push new boundaries of personalisation, immersion and interactivity while providing crucial engagement and networking metrics to boost ROI for exhibitors.
Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO at UFI [said](https://exhibitionnews.uk/ufi-global-barometer-points-towards-bounce-back/): “The bounce-back of exhibitions around the world has entered its next phase, and pre-Covid levels will be within reach as early as next year in some markets.
“As the industry manages this amazing recovery, it is also dealing with significant staffing challenges, and is working to apply key learning from the pandemic around the digitisation of events and services into its business model.”
## **What it means for organisers**
**The UFI survey results broadly reflect how audience expectations have changed since the pandemic.**
Digitally-enhanced exhibitions are no longer a value-add but a necessity. Organisers are reinventing their approach not only for specific exhibitions or product offerings but for their entire strategy.
Legacy platforms are being phased out and a more modular, integration-based tech stack is being adopted. This allows organisers to make on-the-fly changes to their user experience without having to risk a critical process.
This evolution of event tech has given rise to Smart Events – where organisers can use digital solutions to create value for both the attendees and exhibitor.
These modular solutions include [**AI-powered matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/), **[Hosted Buyer Programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/)**, **[Lead Retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)**, [**Analytics**](https://expoplatform.com/analytics/) and others. A modern event organiser is equipped with these tools to create richer, ROI-driven experiences for their audience.
Want to know more about Smart Events? [**Read how you can make money with them!**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### ['Attendees know their value and expect tech-fuelled events'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/stuart-ledden/)
**Published:** June 15, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Attendees have “recognised the value” of their time and expect high levels of personalisation at tech-fuelled in-person events, according to an industry leader.**
Machine learning – the branch of artificial intelligence (AI) which focuses on the use of data and algorithms to improve accuracy – has huge potential in the conferences and exhibitions industry.
This technology can be used to turn a large-scale event into something highly relevant and personalised, providing focused recommendations for better, higher quality experiences for visitor and exhibitor alike.
Stuart Ledden, Tarsus group marketing director, believes this is a key tool for an organiser to cut out the randomness of an event and maximise the most of a user’s time at the show.
He said: “Attendees and visitors have recognised the value of their own time.
“What we need to do with the data is get a better handle on those consumer behaviours.
“We’re going to find that people are going to attend live events with the same kind of mentality – they’re here to do something specific.”
This technology feature is a key component of building [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/), a format of in-person shows which use digital tools to significantly increase the value of attendance for all participants.
**Examples of event personalisation can include:**
- Recommended content agendas, including meetups and conference sessions
- Recommended people to network with
- Targeted list of exhibitors to meet
- Use of request for proposals and hosted buying to connect buyers and sellers
## **Data-driven marketing tactics**
**Data-driven marketing is another area where personalisation can be used to open up new channels for reaching potential customers.**
You can use the information from your current audience to define a target demographic – that can be by job title, sector or numerous other characteristics.
Stuart – who was one of the expert contributors in our [**AI Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) – explains that this information can then be used to reach similar profiled customers that you’re not currently talking to.
He said: “That’s where data-driven marketing particularly becomes incredibly powerful.
“It’s allowing you to get outside of the pool of potential customers that you tend to spend a lot of time with into those new areas.
“Therefore you’re increasing your range – you’re generating new customer engagement and growing your audience.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)
Having a strong focus on content is one area which allows an organiser to attract a wider and more engaged audience.
An event planner can follow the data to reveal what their target demographic is looking for and what they are most interacting with.
## **Getting the right people**
**ExpoPlatform research shows a split between organisers and their approach to a data science team.**
Our findings show half don’t, compared with the other half who already have a team or are in the process of recruiting.
It is important to consider the benefits of investing in this area when making a decision about changing your company makeup.
The need for experts on your team has become increasingly important as the waves of data grow higher and more frequent in today’s B2B sphere.
Marketers, growth officers and content creators are expected to analyse this information in ways they have never done before.
In some businesses that responsibility can be left up to one person: email designing, social media monitoring, running PPC campaigns.
But these are all increasingly complex channels which need monitoring and interpreting.
That’s why organisers should seriously consider bringing in a person or team who understands this language and is able to interpret it effectively.
Despite this our research suggests 50% have done so or are actively recruiting a data science team. A further 30% said they have no plans in this area.
Stuart believes this is crucial for making the most of this valuable information source.
He said: “The data that comes back from those means you can’t expect one person to do that.
“Even if you don’t have the resources for a multifaceted marketing team, you need somebody there that is interpreting the knowledge that’s coming back in from all that activity.
“The marketing manager can then create more effective campaigns and plan.”
## **An industry transforming**
**It has widely been accepted that the digital transformation of our industry lagged behind others.**
That’s especially apparent when comparing how technology turbocharged ecommerce in the B2C.
Stuart told ExpoPlatform how his previous experience really highlighted how far event organisers had to go – but that much progress has now been made.
He said: “I’ve been working in digital for a long time prior to moving into the events industry.
“I was working in a creative agency, so it seemed like going back in time when you saw the digital maturity of the events industry.”
Stuart added: “I think the event industry has been incredibly backward around the understanding of technology and the understanding of the data that underlies it.
“But the last two years has hit the fast forward button quite dramatically. So I think it’s been a long time coming.”
This backs up an AMR study which predicts digital revenue for an organiser is due to make up around 25%, up from 2% in 2019.
But this change means an organiser’s customers are getting more from an event and pricing should reflect what’s now being offered.
Stuart said: “It’s thrown up a vast number of opportunities, which gets people like us reevaluating the business model as a whole.
“Now, those people that come are likely to be high-value but need better conversion.
“There’s a massive shift there that we can only take advantage of if you’re really understanding the customer’s behaviour – and the data will give you pointers.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Digital skills now as important as any to event industry - ETT panel](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/ett-20211209/)
**Published:** December 9, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Digital capabilities are now “as important” to businesses in the event industry as any traditional skillsets, an Exhibition Think Tank panel has said.
Three experts took part in the online discussion on Thursday to give their insights into the importance of being able to use new technologies in our sector.
It was heard the environment in events had changed so much now that data science was crucial to success of businesses.
Tim Bajarin, chairman of Creative Strategies, said: “The education system in the US is so driven by the role technology will play in there future.
“There has to be a technology theme to whatever they are doing – whether they’re in marketing or sales or whatever.
“Digital skills are as important to this overall (industry) as management, hospitality and events.”
He added: “This market is rapidly changing and while you’re used to a core audience, you’re gonna deal with Gen X and Gen Z in this younger generation who’s going to be the leadership and are going to be your customers over the next 10 years and you don’t want to lose them at this stage.
“So you need to be thinking about everything from the role of data analytics.
“Every CEO in this business needs to have a good data analytics team who helps them understand the customer trends, the customer needs and more importantly how best to message them, how best to present to them.”
Part of the problem highlighted during the ETT Club session – titled Human Skills Vs Digital Skills – was around being able to attract the right people to the industry.
Many were said to be frustrated with the lack of opportunities to grow and develop.
This was shown to be even more difficult when candidates who have attractive digital skillsets can be drawn to the tech industry who can offer high wages to people leaving university.
More than three-quarters of event professionals believes there is a digital skills shortage when navigating the online transformation of the industry, according to a poll.
The Virtual Events Institute [asked its LinkedIn followers](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/virtual-events-institute_eventprofs-events-exhibitions-activity-6830467480125767680-ocvu) whether they agreed that there is a lack of expertise in this area of digital and hybrid formats.
A total of 77% said there was, while 14% disagreed and 9% were unsure.
Robert T Heinemann, CEO of Heinemann Management Consulting, said: “It’s up to the companies themselves to show potential candidates that they’re great employers and that people have a great chance to perform and develop themselves in the industry.
“It’s just simply to explain or show that they are really offering great jobs – not only analogue, but digital jobs.”
He added: “That’s a matter of trust, in my opinion there’s a lack of trust for a lot of people.
“We can see a lot of people leaving the industry – not only young talents, but also experts.
“The greatest challenge for the foreseeable future is to make sure that those still in the industry stay and the industry can attract young people and experts.”
Robert believes it now easy for people to move into different industries and progress if they have ambition to improve their digital skillset.
This is partly due to them being able to recruit without the same pressure organisers face that shows may be cancelled due to lockdown restrictions.
He said: “The event industry is not the only industry we have in the world.
“We have the situation where other companies are still employing people and they’re looking for talents and they’re looking for people with a digital skillset.”
Cinzia Zanin, student coordinator at Fondazione Fiera Milano, told the session there had emerged a shift in values which motivated the workforce.
It has now left a situation where some people get drive from improving their performance, whereas others are more attracted to finding a balance between their career and personal life.
She said: “Our society has until now always been based on performance.
“There are a lot of people following the performance society, that’s why they look toward digital – because they need skills that are up to date.
“They feel stuck, that’s why they’re training and upskilling.
“On the other hand we have people that are looking for balance.
“They want to grow professionally but also as people.
“These two groups need purpose.”
The benefits brought through opening up new engagement and [monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) channels through digital are clear: better brand awareness, more revenue and a pandemic-proof budget.
Organisers should take advantage of the potential found in this business model by rethinking who they build their company with – while those who don’t risk being left behind.
There are two schools of thought for doing this: specialists or generalists.
**Specialists:** a new generation has grown up online and with social media and know how to use it to reach a targeted audience. Bringing in specialists who know how to utilise emerging technologies could give your business a competitive edge. This can be done on a full-time basis or using freelancers ahead of an event to upsell customers.
**Generalists:** Bring together your digital and event sales teams under one umbrella. allows for a unified vision when supporting customers, as well as simplifying things for them by making a sales account manager the single point of contact.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Luke Bilton at Confex: how to grow digital revenue to 25%](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/luke-bilton-confex-20210901/)
**Published:** September 1, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
A marketplace solution which can be rolled out across an entire client base is the first step in boosting digital revenue, ExpoPlatform has told International Confex.
Luke Bilton, our chief growth officer, was speaking at an opening session of the event in London on Wednesday when he said the “long tail” segment accounts for around 70% of customers and could raise virtual income to 25% – if handled properly.
The major and mid-tier accounts should then be offered higher-value sponsorship of new products which have been developed, he added.
Luke, speaking at the Digital Event Theatre, said: “To grow revenues from 2% to 25%, you should start with the long tail of exhibitors, which can account for more than 70% of digital revenue.
“Only then should you offer higher-value sponsorship of the new products you’ve created to your bellwether and mid-tier clients and get their buy-in to help you develop and grow.”
Confex is the leading exhibition for the events industry, bringing together the largest gathering of its professionals in the UK.
One of the major topics at this year’s show has been the move towards [community marketing](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).
This approach has flourished over the last 18 months, when organisations were forced to rethink how they connect and inform their audiences.
It now provides a model for organisers to create year-round revenue and heighten their brand awareness using digital tools.
Luke shared how this development was helped to be facilitated with the progression of event technology providers.
These platforms are able to gather an estimated 20 times more information than a traditional face-to-face show – and then be used to personalise experiences.
Speaking in his How to Accelerate Digital Revenue Growth session, he added: “By moving to a 365-day engagement model, new revenue opportunities can be created around branding and sponsorship of continuous content.
“With 20 times the data points you get online compared with face-to-face metrics, you can create more personalised experiences and tailored programmes.”
Many leading event producers have seen the benefits which can be brought through digital offerings.
This does not mean that physical shows will become a thing of the past – rather they will remain the highlight, but can be enhanced through virtual events and engagement.
Those who have been willing to remodel their businesses are now shaping their budgets to be made up of around 25% digital – whereas it is reported to have been closer to 2% in 2020 – to increase [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
Luke’s previous comments set out how an organiser should target the “long tail” segment of clients, however he also believes staff should be upskilled to understand the new offerings available.
He added: “Retrain your teams to sell a [monetisation journey](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/) and offer an a la carte menu of simple packages with more detail should the client require it.
“If you can re-educate sales teams to focus on pre-event, in-person and post-event digital opportunities year-round, you will achieve digital success and grow revenues.”
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Digital dominance of B2B sales - 80% by 2025](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20211119/)
**Published:** November 19, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Around 80% of B2B sales will take place digitally by 2025, according to new research.
Findings from [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/sales/trends/future-of-sales) predict that four out of five interactions between suppliers and buyers will take place through online channels.
It also shows 60% of B2B sales organisations will transition from experience and intuition-based selling to a data-driven model.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Buyers expect digital and self-service options when it comes to their personal life, now they want it for business too.
Rapid growth of [online markets](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) has created a seamless experience for users to find out get what they want.
The retail industry evolved quickly from a reliance on the in-store channel to an omnichannel model, where the buyer has control of how and when they want to buy.
This can shopping online from a mobile device, a laptop or in a brick-and-mortar store.
***[Download our free Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) for expert insight about this business model.***
It shows the real transformation that is required for an exhibition brand to become a true hybrid of digital and physical.
Now, there is a large appetite for online and offline options to be available to sellers.
This research by Gartner suggests research suggests the future of sales will see a permanent transformation in strategy, processes and resource allocation.
It is expected this will moves the sales organisation from being focussed on the seller to buyer-centric, with digital-first engagement with customers.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
Marketplaces are the perfect example of the networked business which have risen to dominate the web. There are a number of reasons why marketplaces are an attractive line of business:
- **Network effects**: the more users you get, the more useful/cheap your product becomes, the more users you get – Uber vs. taxis.
- **Barrier to entry**: Once they have a strong network effect, it becomes increasingly difficult to enter or replicate the marketplace – Airbnb vs. hotels. Ecoystems of users are the new source of competitive advantage and market dominance.
- **No inventory** means they are can be cheaper to operate easier to scale and easier to pivot.
For event organisers, online marketplaces come with some specific advantages:
- **Audience growth.** Your brand can become embedded into the workflows of buyers year-round by providing an essential tool for [finding and comparing products and services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), which can significantly grow your audiences.
- **Revenue growth.** Bundling recurring revenue subscriptions to a marketplace alongside exhibiting at an event is an opportunity to increase the value of exhibiting, gives suppliers more leads and ROI.
- **Brand protection**. Most importantly, having a marketplace in your portfolio presents the opportunity for forward-thinking organisers to embed themselves in the transactions between our visitors and exhibitor audiences outside the confines of an exhibition.
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [15 hosted buyer best practices for eventprofs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-best-practices-event-profs/)
**Published:** November 4, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Hosted buyer programmes are enjoying newfound popularity in a tech-fuelled events landscape.**
The increased focus on ROI and value has encouraged organisers to put on more of these schedules to find high-quality buyers ready and willing to do business.
There’s a lot of information available on running a [**Hosted Buyer Programme**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/) – however, this also leads to confusion about the best practices.
At their core, hosted buyer programmes are essentially a matchmaking process between brands and relevant buyers. This typically differs from the traditional strategies we see in the event industry.
It’s important to have the right preparation, insider knowledge and proven strategies so you can host the perfect event that benefits you and your clients in the long run.
**Download the [Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/) for a practical guide to next generation curated meeting programmes.**
Here are some best practices to keep in mind ?
## **For sponsors**
**\#1** Give them a detailed walkthrough of the hosted buyer process – create a slideshow, conduct webinars and set up training sessions so they are aware of the value they will get.
**\#2** It’s possible that sponsors may get meeting requests from buyers that don’t meet their priority criteria – tell them to accept those requests.
**\#3** Sponsors should create and submit an [account-based marketing (ABM)](https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/account-based-marketing-guide) list with details of company, name and job titles. This list helps the organisers to work on the outreach programme and fullfill priority meeting slots. Make sure the list is shared with organisers well ahead of the event.
**\#4** Ensure sponsors are well-prepared by encouraging them to conduct their own outreach with a goal of 10 meeting requests before the event.
**\#5** The sponsor’s profile should be tailored according to the event type. This is especially helpful for large firms operating across diverse industry verticals and offering multiple solutions.
## **For attendees**
**\#6** Communication is key – convince attendees that meetings are crucial for their value proposition and overall event experience.
**\#7** Find the right pool of exhibitors for the attendees. Ensure they have all the information they need about these vendors.
**\#8** Make sure the attendees are crystal clear about the purpose of the meetings – time is of the utmost essence.
**\#9** Attendees should use the event platform to score their meetings and convey which ones they intend to follow up on.
**\#10** Include attractive offers to increase FOMO and make the experience worthwhile. Give attendees a VIP experience that leaves a lasting impression.
## **For organisers**
**\#11** Your buyer persona should be locked down to the granular details. You can shortlist by comparing the ideal customer profile (ICPs) with ABMs.
**\#12** Establish milestones based on the total number of scheduled meetings.
**\#13** Set up KPIs tied to the targetted goals of ICPs
**\#14** Create designated meeting slots
**\#15** Set up post-event surveys and polls to find out sponsor and attendee feedback, session reviews, high and low points and recommendations for improvement.
## **Conclusion**
These best practices will help you create a more targeted and exclusive hosted buyer programme that benefits your sponsors and attendees.
You’ll be able to better match the interests of your buyers with the products and services on offer and they’ll appreciate the personalised attention they receive. This will ultimately lead to improved satisfaction levels and ROI at your event.
For more info, download the **[Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)**.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [Vaccine mandate falling for in-person events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-week-20220520/)
**Published:** May 20, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The number of in-person events enforcing vaccine mandates will fall further this year, a new survey has revealed.**
Research from the [**Spring 2022 Encore Planner Pulse**](https://www.encore-emea.com/planner-pulse-2022/) shows only 32% of in-person and hybrid events planned for H2 2022 will require participants to show proof of Covid-19 doses.
Around 29% recommend a vaccine, 31% plan no action and just 8% will ask for vaccination status.
It’s a sharp drop from the survey done three months ago when 48% of 2022 events required vaccination proof.
The findings come amid increasing optimism for in-person shows. Of the total surveyed, 77% had a positive outlook toward attending a face-to-face event while only 20% were still skeptical.
In-person also remains the preferred event format among attendees.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**The significant decline in Covid-19 fatality rates and easing of restrictions has made people more confident about in-person meetups.**
There has also been a decrease in demand for health and safety requirements like vaccine mandates and physical distancing norms.
For in-person and hybrid events, the priority has shifted to the need for more integrated technology, planning time and increased costs.
According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, 72.5% of the population in EU/EEA countries have completed the primary vaccine course. Meanwhile, 52.9% have had an additional dose. T
he list of EU countries that have completely dropped Covid-19 travel restrictions for non-EU travellers can be found [**here**](https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/news/list-of-eu-countries-that-have-completely-removed-covid-19-travel-restrictions-for-non-eu-travellers/).
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**The return of live shows has created a pressing need for organisers to remind their audience how valuable in-person experiences are.**
But the rules of engagement have changed. The rise of digital technology has changed how attendees consume content, network with others and buy products and services.
These changed expectations mean the traditional B2B event models must be replaced.
The new ones should be based around a year-round community model, use tech like AI matchmaking and **[interactive floorplans](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/interactive-floor-plans/)** to boost engagement and provide offline and online monetisation opportunities. In short, create an integrated[ **Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) experience.
Here are a few resources to help you get started:
[**The Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/): Download this ebook to build an omnichannel events mode, keep your audience connected and drive year-round revenue.
[**The AI Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/): Learn how data science will shape the future of events and how you can leverage it to create successful shows.
[**Make more money with Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/): Read this practical guide to become rich with smart shows. Included are top tips and insights from our showcase series.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [VIDEO: How to onboard and monetise exhibitors](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/exhibitor-manual/)
**Published:** August 10, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Smooth onboarding of your sponsors and exhibitors is critical to the success of any event.**
Onboarding can too often be a painful experience – encouraging them to complete their profile, add team members, upload necessary documentation as well as logging in to multiple systems.
It should be so much better. A great onboarding experience has a real impact on customer satisfaction and improves the ROI they get from exhibiting.
It can also be a massive timesaver for your team – getting them out of Excel and email hell.
Watch the video to see how ExpoPlatform’s [**Exhibitor Manual**](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/) makes it easy to onboard and monetise exhibitors.
[](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)
- **Create customised exhibitor journeys** Easily create dynamic, interactive forms and multi-step pipelines to onboard exhibitors. Use the drag’n’drop editor to build unique flows for different exhibitors using conditional logic for custom journeys.
- **Set automated reminders and checklists** Allow exhibitors to add team members, upload key documentations, complete checklists and set deadlines with automated email reminders.
- **Generate new revenue** Monetise exhibitors by connecting them to trusted suppliers with ease through the webstore. Upsells and collect payment through invoices or credit card payment
- **A seamless, integrated experience** One seamless event experience from onboarding through to the event itself – no messy integrations or moving exhibitors between different systems and logins.
## **How exhibitors use the manual**
Exhibitors can launch the manual from anywhere on the site, which is fully customisable to match your brand’s messaging and aesthetics.
They are then met with a page which sets out the tasks and deadlines for your vendors to take on.
It allows exhibitors to onboard team members by simply typing in their email address. Documentation – such as health and safety guidelines – can also be uploaded.
The tool allows you to upsell exhibitors into a range of opportunities using multiple vendors, stand builders or digital packages.
Different tiers can easily be created which exhibitors can then add to their basket to checkout.
The payment process can either be done using a direct credit card transaction or through invoicing.
A summary page is then brought up which highlights all the actions your exhibitor has carried out – including filling out their profile, adding team members, documentation and more.
## **Backend setup**
Your first step is to launch the exhibitor manual which brings up a page allowing you to create different sections using the drag’n’drop feature to move them.
Clicking into each section allows you to see the drag’n’drop editor to build your pages – easily adding any images or videos that you like.
Other elements which can be build in include check boxes, date fields or other types of information you want to be included for completion.
The tool allows you to set different conditions for who you want to be able to see these pages – for instance, higher-end exhibitors might be able to see more sections than others.
This section also allows for email setup to be carried out using the feature which can be triggered for sending at different stages.
Another drag’n’drop editor allows you to move different types of content to be included in the message -updating images, texts and format to suit your branding.
Finally, a user-friendly report is compiled showing the status of all your exhibitors.
It allows you to see all of them listed and what stage they are at. Filters can be used to show those who haven’t completed certain tasks.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [ExpoPlatform embarks on new partnership with ETT](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/ett-ep-2022/)
**Published:** December 9, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform has announced a strategic partnership with the Exhibition Think Tank Club, helping to drive innovation and connect the event industry all over the world.
Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) Club is a global online platform for exhibition professionals to network, debate and continue to help the sector move forward.
The leading event technology provider will now be Online Platform Gold Sponsor for ETT throughout 2022, representing an “extremely” important source of support for its mission to educate and improve our industry.
Matthias Tesi Baur, ETT founder, described the new arrangement with ExpoPlatform as signalling a partnership which will continue for “years to come” and help drive innovation.
He said: “We are really looking forward to partner and to work with ExpoPlatform, also in the years to come.
“For us it’s much more than a sponsorship – it’s really a partnership to discuss a lot of ideas, to discuss the development of the industry and to really find out what the future will hold for us in the different possible scenarios.
“We are very thrilled to work with ExpoPlatform, we believe and hope that this is for the years to come and we know that we will discover a lot of innovation – which hopefully will help the industry really to move forward and to develop exhibitions for our clients.”
Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, added: “We are excited to extend our partnership with the ETT-Club for 2022.
“We enjoy working with Tesi and with the highly professional team behind the initiative.
“Tesi’s strategic thinking and his ability to bring people together creates the incredible opportunity for every exhibition professional to connect and problem solve.
“I’m looking forward to collaborating on all the projects that we have already planned for 2022 to drive our industry forward.”
[ETT-Club](https://www.exhibitionthinktank.com/) members come from different sectors and countries but come together to share their expertise, vision and insights – with about 80% of the sessions held for free to help improve inclusion.
The “big philosophy” of the organisation is to give everyone an equal say in the direction these projects will take.
Its next “mission” will be focussing on strategy and innovation, with the sessions taking place in the first half of the year.
The previous two were centred around the topics of reopening the industry and marketing.
ETT’s community also includes group leaders based in different regions around the globe who provide monthly updates about how the sector is performing where they are.
They gather feedback from what members in their groups are interested in and want to talk about in the organisation’s sessions.
ExpoPlatform will be working alongside ETT and will produce in-depth guides to help industry professionals navigate the changing landscape of events.
It has released three ebooks throughout 2021 under its [Blueprint Series](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks/), with each one focussing on a major topic with insights from event leaders.
The UK-based event tech provider operates globally and is trusted by world-leading organisers due to its innovative and reliable technology.
Tesi added: “ExpoPlatform is for the ETT a partner from the first minute, even before they became a sponsor.
“The ETT is still a very young organisation and our goal is to bring people from all around the world, from all backgrounds, together to collaborate and innovate the industry.
“In the partnership with ExpoPlatform, it was just very important that we get support from innovative companies, from the companies who are really in the frontline of innovation – but also from companies and partners who believe in the momentum of innovation that comes out through collaboration.
“The partnership with ExpoPlatform is extremely important for us because it says that ExpoPlatform believes in ETT, but also believes in the power of crowd innovation.”
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Omicron wave and Omnichannel M&A - the Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20211220/)
**Published:** December 20, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Your weekly event news roundup from ExpoPlatform – UK planners brace for Plan C rules to be set out by the Prime Minister as the rising ‘tidal wave ‘of Omicron variant postpones events in Germany, China, Netherlands and Britain, while Hyve, Tarsus and Informa accelerate digital transition.*
## **Pandemic strikes again with more shows delayed**
Battered event professionals are looking at a third year of uncertainty as the Omicron wave threatens 2022 plans.
Governments such as the UK and Germany have introduced stricter safety measures as the highly infectious variant gathers pace around the world.
Organisers have now started to wearily cancel and postpone Q1 events until later in the year – again.
High-profile shows impacted include BOE International, Furniture China, Tefaf Maastricht, Toronto Boat Show, Embedded World 2022 Exhibition and Conference and Agritechnica 2022.
Numerous more organisers are now under pressure to make a decision in the coming days before the holiday period kicks off.
It comes as this year was meant to be about seeing a return to some form of normality with live shows coming back with a bang.
There have been a number of hugely popular in-person events successfully go ahead, however many have been at a reduced scale.
Organisers have been forced to again face up to uncertainty brought by coronavirus, with an acceleration of plans to diversify their business.
This week Hyve acquired ‘omnichannel’ meetings programme organiser 121 Group, Tarsus created a division to put event acquisitions alongside their new digital acquisition, and Informa announced the next stage of their transition to [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
The rising wave of the Omicron variant how having a digital back-up – whether an online show or community – is so important in the current landscape.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform CGO, said: “2022 looks like it will be the year when digital transformation is taken seriously by the industry.
“As the world goes into a third year of uncertainty, it’s clear that all events companies need a true multi-channel business model.
“There is a definite move towards more strategic, longer term partnerships between organisers and technology vendors to solve customer pain points.”
The latest restriction announcements come after it was found audience safety continues to be the biggest obstacle for resuming in-person events.
Findings from EventMB’s [State of the Event Industry 2021](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-report) report show 35% of the respondents polled were concerned about attendee and stakeholder safety at live shows.
This figure is significantly lower than last year when 55% considered safety at physical events as their top concern.
## **UK event planners given guidance for Plan B rules**
Organisers have been given guidance from the UK Government about how to deal with coronavirus passport rules for events and venues.
Regulations under so-called Plan B mean visitors to any indoor show with more than 400 unseated people will have to show proof of vaccination or negative test prior to entry.
New [guidance for planners](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/carrying-out-mandatory-covid-19-status-checks-at-your-venue-or-event) states that a “responsible person” must be placed in charge of compliance with the latest legislation.
The statement said: “You are expected to take reasonable measures to ensure that all attendees aged 18 or above have the NHS Covid-19 Pass – or approved international equivalent – or have valid proof that they have completed a negative PCR test or negative rapid lateral flow test within the past 48 hours.
“You should communicate these requirements clearly with your customers, so they know what to expect when visiting your venue.
“This could include notifying customers of the requirement to show their NHS Covid-19 Pass on your promotional materials and website, informing those who make telephone enquiries or adding the information to tickets, as well as providing information on the steps required to comply with entry requirements.
“As a responsible person of a venue or event, you must take reasonable measures to ensure that only attendees with the required NHS Covid-19 Pass – or other accepted international evidence – or a negative test result enter your venue.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the plans as public health fears rise over the new coronavirus strain Omicron.
They were given the green light in the Commons with support from the Labour opposition, despite a major Tory backbencher rebellion.
People in England now need to use the [NHS Covid Pass](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-pass/) to gain entry to:
- **Nightclubs**
- **Indoor unseated venues with more than 500 people**
- **Unseated outdoor venues with more than 4,000 people**
- **Any venue with more than 10,000 people**
Similar schemes have already been in place in the other UK nations.
Meanwhile, anyone caught using a fake Covid-19 pass could be fined up to £10,000 under the new legislation. Further legislation is expected to be announced in the coming days.
## **Tarsus Group grows with new health division**
Tarsus Group has made two more additions to its portfolio as part of its newly launched health division.
The organisation has announced investments in two US-based events businesses amid a busy year involving six deals throughout 2021.
FounderMade and Health Connect Partners (HCP) will join the global B2B media giant as part of its newly created Tarsus Health division.
https://twitter.com/TarsusGroup/status/1471157477811134476
Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie, said: “I’m delighted that FounderMade and Health Connect Partners are joining Tarsus Group as part of our Tarsus Health division which is a key focus area for the business going forward.
“These companies perfectly embody what we look for when bringing new brands into the portfolio – strong events that understand and meet their customers’ needs, driven by entrepreneurial and energetic teams.”
FounderMade hosts events focused on wellness, beauty and health for innovative and emerging brands to connect with retailers, solutions and investors.
HCP currently delivers events in five sectors across the acute care hospital market – pharmacy, supply chain, IT, radiology and surgical.
These acquisitions will join existing Tarsus Medical brands in the new division, cover the healthcare, wellness and nutrition industries.
Tarsus Group said it plans to add additional names to it in 2022.
## **US exhibitions rebound with drop in cancellations**
The US exhibitions industry has rebounded sharply after a major drop in cancellation rates of in-person events, a new study shows.
Findings from the Centre for Exhibition Industry Research’s (CEIR) annual [Index Report](https://store.ceir.org/2021-ceir-index-full-report/?_zs=2IDLk1&_zl=dn158) show only 19% of physical events were cancelled in the third quarter.
This is significantly lower compared to 90.4% in Q1 2021 and 66.5% in Q2 2021.
These falling cancellation rates led to an improvement in the CEIR Total Index, a measure of exhibition industry performance.
The index – though still in the red – stood at a decline of 56% from 2019 in Q3 – markedly better than a decline of 95.7% in Q1 and 79.6% in Q2.
Industry benchmarks were made against 2019 to get a more accurate picture as most exhibitions and trade shows were cancelled in 2020.
The 2021 CEIR Index Report provides in-depth insights into the performance of exhibitions over the past year along with an industry outlook for the next three years.
## **‘There are alternatives to flying’**
“I wanted to lead by example and show the comparison between slow travel, such as a train journey, and flying. I wanted to show that there are very viable alternatives to flying out there.”
That’s how Anna Abdelnoor, co-founder of events industry sustainability consultancy isla, described the thinking behind her decision to get to IBTM World in Barcelona by train this year.
In her [interview with M&IT](https://mitmagazine.co.uk/news/i-took-the-train-to-ibtm-world-there-are-alternatives-to-flying/), she set out how she carried out her journey between London and the Catalan city over two days.
She told the publication: “Business travel needs to be about quality, not quantity. If slow travel is twice the cost, you need to make damn sure that the trip is worth going on in the first place.
“I’m not saying don’t travel. I’m not saying don’t get on a plane. I’m not saying don’t ever fly. But it’s about that assessment.
“It’s the choices that we’re making. It’s how we do it, how we plan, how we take responsibility for travelling. Because it has to change.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [New role at Arc to lead upward curve in US expansion](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/week-in-events-20221024/)
**Published:** October 24, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A new appointment has been made at Arc as it aims to continue its upward curve in US expansion.**
Tim Hart will lead development across the country, following significant moves for the organiser in the states.
Meanwhile, a new guide has been launched to give eventprofs a practical guide to curated meeting programs.
Download the [**Hosted Buyer Playbook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/) now for top insights from industry leaders about the next generation of this format.
Read on for your full news roundup of the top stories in our industry.
## **New Arc appointment to lead upward curve in US expansion**
**Arc has made a new appointment to spearhead its plans for US expansion.**
Tim Hart has joined the network to lead business development, M&A as well as operational growth across the country.
The move follows Arc’s first US acquisition of HighQuest and the announcement of the agreement to take over the HR Tech and Ed Tech portfolios of LRP Media Group.
Tim is based in NYC and previously worked with the network in an advisory capacity, supporting strategy and M&A activities.
Arc said he brings strategic development experience in the US B2B events and media industry having previously worked as an executive at both Emerald and Informa.
## **How to build Hosted Buyer 2.0**
**An in-depth guide has been published explaining how to forge the next generation of curated meeting programs.**
This format is at the core of the most effective, highest-rated events in the world, with organisers often experiencing much higher satisfaction ratings than tradeshows or conferences.
But there is still a lot of confusion about how to get started, especially given the recent digital transformation of our industry which has heightened participant expectations.
ExpoPlatform has now launched the [**Hosted Buyer Playbook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/), alongside H2K Partners, to provide a practical guide for event organisers to make a success of this format.
> Curated meeting programs are at the core of the most effective, highest-rated events in the world ?
>
> But there's also lots of confusion on how to get started?
>
> We teamed up with @h2kpartners to bring The Hosted Buyer Playbook. Download now [pic.twitter.com/9wHoJu5QAd](https://t.co/9wHoJu5QAd)
>
> — ExpoPlatform (@ExpoPlatform\_) [October 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/ExpoPlatform_/status/1583161398799974400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Paul Miller, contributor and CEO of Questex, said: “We’re finding NPS scores are triple the tradeshow scores and they’re also ahead of the conference scores.
“The experience at a tradeshow at its worst is you shack up to an airport and a hotel. You’re probably a little annoyed by some bad travel experience right now because it ain’t fun traveling.
“Then you maybe have to line up for a badge to get into a show and then you have to navigate to find relevant connections.
“The NPS score is about what they think about that experience. Hosted buying is the exact opposite to that experience.
“Everything is curated, every meeting is set, you get a personal agenda, the networking is normally intimate.
“It’s not abnormal for us to see these NPS scores – but if we’re seeing such good scores, why not try to bring that experience back into the tradeshow as much as possible?”
Download your free copy of the [**Hosted Buyer Playbook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/) to learn how you can build next generation curated meeting programs.
## **Manifesto for events industry to lead UK growth**
**An industry body has launched its manifesto for a strategic path to UK growth spearhead by business events.**
The outline was presented by the Events Industry Alliance (EIA) at a parliamentary reception, with Government and Shadow Ministers in attendance among association members.
It sets out a strategic, national approach to business events spreading growth to all parts of the UK and driving international trade key to delivering a global Britain.
> Yes indeed. We’re the best in the world at events, but currently the UK is missing out because other countries are investing in events as part of a strategic growth policies.
>
> EIA calls for national event strategy at manifesto launch | M&IT.
>
> — Shaun Hinds (@shaunhinds) [October 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/shaunhinds/status/1583097316864851969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Rachel Parker, director of EIA, said: “The EIA represents world-class venues, helping organisers host high-profile shows across key business sectors serviced by accredited suppliers.
“We aim to be the voice of the events industry – representing business events.”
The events industry steers £70 billion of trade into UK business and supports 180,000 firms through trade and consumer exhibitions.
EIA provides a unique position amongst key industry stake holders to influence key initiatives and changes that can have a direct impact on the entire sector.
It works on behalf of industry associations such as the Association of Event Organisers, the Association of Event Venues and the Event Supplier and Services Association.
The sister associations are each run by its members for the benefit of its members through their own elected board and in turn represent the EIA board on an annual rotational basis.
## **[Koelnmesse](https://www.koelnmesse.com/) expands portfolio in Japan**
**Koelnmesse has announced the launch of a new trade fair to its portfolio in the Asia-Pacific region.**
Anuga Select will expand the Cologne-based organiser’s food and foodtec field of expertise alongside as existing shows such as ISM Japan.
It will also serve to tap into the important food market in Japan and expand Koelnmesse’s network of food and foodtech trade fairs.
> It's official: Anuga Select will debut in Tokyo in 2024!
>
> In addition to existing trade fairs including ISM Japan, starting in 2024, Anuga Select will expand our food and foodtec field of expertise.[\#koelnmesse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/koelnmesse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#AnugaSelect](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AnugaSelect?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#tradefairs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/tradefairs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Japan](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Japan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/1nJmU4lY0z](https://t.co/1nJmU4lY0z)
>
> — Koelnmesse GmbH (@Koelnmesse) [October 21, 2022](https://twitter.com/Koelnmesse/status/1583456067085684737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Gerald Böse, CEO, said: “Our business in Japan has always been an important cornerstone of our foreign portfolio.
“In addition to ISM Japan and our focus on the gourmet segment, we are very pleased to be making a further contribution to our customers in the food sector in Japan with Anuga Select.”
Anuga Select is based on the recently initiated strategic deal between Koelnmesse and the trade publishing house Japan Food Journal.
This partnership already organises several trade fairs in the food sector in the country, including Fabex in Tokyo.
The new show is due to be launched in Tokyo during 2024, the organiser said.
## **Updated roadmap for net zero events to be laid out**
**A new industry roadmap to tackle the impact on climate change is to be set out next month.**
Net Zero Carbon Events will launch the outline at Cop27 in Egypt on November 11.
A total of 225 operators have signed the pledge since its launch at the summit in Glasgow last year, committing to publish their pathway to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest.
**Download the [Sustainable Events Checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/sustainable-events-checklist/) to see how you can reduce the impact of your live shows.**
James Rees, president of the Joint Meetings Industry Council, said: “Globally, there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net-zero emissions.
“The events industry can and should play its part in helping to deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement. That’s why the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative was set up.
“It is open to all organisations involved in events and they can join the initiative at any time. Registration is free of charge, but financial contributions are crucial to developing the campaign.
“The initiative has made a strong start and we are building momentum. We’d welcome everyone not only to follow us on social media and to take part in the meeting on November 11 but also to sign the pledge and join us.”
The roadmap to be published at Cop27 has been produced after a survey was carried out and after two rounds of consultation.
It will include two versions: a detailed document of more than 80 pages with comprehensive information on how to implement action to achieve net zero as well as a 20-page executive summary.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [Event company CEO is 'among worst jobs in world right now'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/paul-miller-data-science/)
**Published:** October 21, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
An events industry leader has said being a top organiser is “probably one of the worst jobs in the world” right now – but set out how to make it “one of the best”.
Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, believes many planners need to reinvent their image from one who purely puts shows together to a team which makes connections.
He has overseen transformative projects in our industry for decades before taking on this latest position in 2018.
The company aims to drive business forward for events by using [data insights](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) and [digital communities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).
He told ExpoPlatform being the CEO of a company which sees itself as one which is only producing events is “probably one of the worst jobs in the world” in the current climate.
However he assured them that there is potential to make it “one of the best” in the world.
It was claimed this can be done by paying more attention to teams who deal directly with customers, while still having people who know how to put on a show and make investments there.
Paul added: “I don’t dismiss that expertise – it’s similar to your factory manager expertise and you need a factory manager, because they see what’s really going on.
“But your marketing and sales team need to be listened to or what you end up doing is you build a better mousetrap that nobody wants.
“That I think is the danger of being an event company versus that connections company.
“At the end of the day what I’m hearing, frankly, is that despite all of this 80% of the people I talked to are kind of happy being an event company.
“I couldn’t sleep being the CEO of an event company right now – I think that’s probably one of the worst jobs in the world.
“Conversely, being a CEO of a connections company I think is probably one of the best jobs in the world right now.”
## **Creating the connections business of the future**
Paul has made some fundamental restructures to how [Questex](https://questex.com/) does business, including a focus on internal “centres of excellence”.
The company wanted to break the “silo culture” and develop expertise so individual teams can quickly share information about what has been working across different shows.
This means for instance that content “best practices” sits in one group, as does product development best practices, banners signage best practices, database best practices and so on.
He said: “We’ve gone through a massive transformation – digital revenue streams doubled in a Covid-19 environment, while our event revenue streams clearly haven’t.
“We believe that the initial thesis that there is a different way that communities are going to engage going forward has been exposed completely by Covid-19 and that it’s correct.
“I wanted to break the silo culture here, but that wasn’t the only reason.
“We set up a robust shared services operation so all of our event performance operations are in one group, product development and technology is in one group and the management of the database is in one group.
“We stripped all of that away from the markets and said it’s going to be a centre of excellence.
“If we see something working in Singapore that might be relevant in Las Vegas we’ll share it really rapidly.”
## **Content**
A major step to being a connection company is to have a major focus on content.
Paul urged organisers to bring someone into their team who understands the industry and is able to shape conversations around it which will engage a community.
All of the content can then be used on the company website as part of a 365 engagement approach.
He said: “You don’t have to go crazy, you don’t have to create the New York Times as your editorial.
“You can produce great content that people engage with and get data from with a smaller team.
“You can get brand awareness or recognition from it and before you know it, people are saying ‘hey, are you gonna put on an event – we’d like to go to it as a community’ – so it’s very doable.”
Paul added sales teams should also be retrained so they “go beyond the transactional” and are comfortable in asking questions which can provide some more interesting insight for this content development.
## **Customer insight**
This then has to be monitored using analytics to find out what is working and how to build out a content strategy – which can be done using free online tools.
Paul highlighted the benefits an organisation can have by establishing an advisory board made up of industry figures who can inform about what challenges or trends they are dealing with.
He suggested this could be chaired by the content editor as they will be able to help shape the sorts of material then being produced.
This can be followed up by putting out surveys to your newly established community to build up interactions and engagements.
Paul said: “Let your customers drive your strategy – stop thinking you know best, stop thinking you’re the only one that knows how to put on an event, stop thinking that the classic barriers to entry of putting on live events are your reason for being.”
This move towards a 365 connections model was already there and has been accelerated by the pandemic.
Spending on pure tradeshow activities is predicted to decline, with exhibitors anticipated to increase investment in online content, [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) and training of their own teams.
Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on [digital revenue stream](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
It is expected this digital component is going to rise from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
These elements now offer great opportunities to drive revenue, increase engagement and improve the in-person experience.
## **How have in-person events changed since the pandemic?**
An example of how listening to data to allow customers to “ drive your strategy” can be found in research from Questex which highlighted a drop in overseas travel for events.
One show in Berlin was shown to have all of its attendees being a maximum of a two-hour flight away for the first time.
Although this could partly be down to Covid-19 restrictions or concerns, the company uses this information as a “signal” to prepare future offerings for clients.
Another example of how they used data science to turn a worrying situation into success was with a bar and restaurant show in Las Vegas June.
Paul said the information they were receiving highlighted that no-one from five hours away was willing to travel there for the event – despite it typically attracting an international audience.
The company decided to promote the show in the local area, which resulted in around 9,000 attendees from hospitality premises which were much more nearby.
This is further backed up by data which shows [sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) is becoming increasingly important to businesses and consumers.
International travel is by far the largest contributor to the carbon footprint of our industry, with research estimating that moving 10% of attendees online – made up of those who travel the furthest – could cut emissions by almost 90%.
Paul said: “I’m a huge believer in driving change in our industry but I’m not clever enough to know where all of this is going, but I’d like to think that collectively we’re clever enough to admit there’s change afoot and that we’ll be able to be agile.
“Virtual events may or may not be the eventual answer, but the clever money is saying ‘we’d like to bet’.”
## **How do you measure the next generation of events**
Paul told ExpoPlatform his “wishlist” of metrics he wants the digital transformation to spearhead in live shows.
He believes the event experience can be improved using a combination of data science and traditional feedback gathering.
The latter part of this could be a followup survey, an advisory board panel, focus groups or a combination of them all.
His desired metrics can be split into three categories: buying, networking and experience.
**Buying**
- **How many meetings moved the buyer along the journey from discovery to making a buying decision?**
- **Did someone make a purchase at the show? Was that purchase bigger, smaller or the same as last year? Did someone make more purchases in this show than at other shows?**
- **Where did those buyers go next for content? What sort of content are they reading?**
**Networking**
- **Did an attendee see the people they needed to? How many networking incidents happened at the show?**
- **How many booths were visited at the show?**
- **How many discussions took place? How many of those were either serendipitous or planned?**
**Experience**
- **How was the show experience beyond business – food, drink, entertainment?**
- **Which exhibit wasn’t there that should have been there?**
Paul also believes badge-scanning technology can be useful at in-person events for working out what was successful at an event and why.
He acknowledges there may be some privacy concerns around this which would have to be handled sensitively.
This could be done through anonymisation of a list of high-profile or key attendees who are then tracked.
Paul said: “I’m less interested in hot spots, if I’m honest with you.
“I don’t know how much of it is signal and how much is noise.
“There’s maybe a clown juggling on someone’s booth and all of a sudden it’s a hotspot for 20 minutes.
“I’m more interested in whether someone spent 20 minutes at the IBM booth – that’s much more interesting to me.”
He added: “There are privacy issues around it, but you can aggregate that up.
“There could be 8,000 people at the show and 1,000 we had tagged as ready to buy.
“Those 1,000 people maybe spent more time on 10 booths than on the rest – all of a sudden I can go back to my entire exhibition audience and say ‘this is where the buyers went’.
“That opens up a whole layer of discussion of how you can work the show better, how we price the positions of the show.”
However he still believes there are more traditional metrics which can still be used to measure an event’s success.
This includes rebooking rates – to see how many exhibitors are returning – and net promoter score (NPS).
NPS was described as still “valid” despite his belief that people are paying less attention to it.
He said: “You could ignore it, because they had nowhere else to go – they’re hostages.
“However, NPS score should be top left of your dashboard.
“All of these types of data points I’d like to see.”
## **Adapt to survive**
Paul wanted to reaffirm that there is massive potential for those in our industry who are willing to adapt to change.
He added: “I do think the industry on the whole is full of very smart people who will find a way.
“I think there’ll be some big winners and some losers along the way, like there is with any kind of change.
“Some of it I think is going to hurt us. Some of it if you get it right is going to be very beneficial.”
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Chart of the week: what’s driving delegates to return to live events?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/chart-of-the-week-whats-driving-delegates-to-return-to-live-events/)
**Published:** October 15, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
More than 90% of attendees say the biggest thing they miss about in-person shows are human elements like networking and face-to-face meetups, according to a new survey.
Findings from [the research](https://www.abpco.org/userfiles/files/ABPCO%20Delegate%20Confidence%20Survey%20-%20Bramcote%20International%20-%20August%202021.pdf) suggest this is top reason – at 93% – for delegates to return to in-person meetings again amid the live events comeback.
Bramcote International and the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) surveyed 350 association attendees to assess their confidence in returning to live events.
Another noteworthy stat is the increased optimism around vaccination.
While 47% of the respondents said they are keen to attend live events again, this number jumped to 75% if the individual was fully vaccinated.
A majority of 70% delegates were also confident about attending their next meetup before March 2022 – indicating growing confidence in attending future events.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
People are craving the human touch after months of endless online connections and meetings.
Their confidence in returning to live events is buoyed by vaccination rollouts and safety measures at venues.
ABPCO’s association director Heather Lishman said: “The results clearly show that conference attendees miss the personal elements of a conference – although they recognise that digital platforms offer highly capable opportunities to share knowledge and learn, it is the human interaction they miss the most – with only 15% saying they do not wish to attend an in-person event for the foreseeable future.”
However, they are also cautious about the risk of infection.
A total 71% of the respondents said they want flexible cancellation terms for registration fees if unable to attend due to Covid-19.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
It’s clear our industry landscape will see a much-needed return to in-person events.
Organisers will focus on creating ‘safe experiences’ for live meetings with all safety checks in place to boost attendee confidence.
Meanwhile, virtual components will remain an option for those who are unable to attend in person – whether due to travel problems, pandemic fears or other reasons.
There is also a wealth of opportunities to improve the in-person through the digital transformation of our industry.
These findings come after a [previous survey](https://www.marketinggeneral.com/knowledge-bank/reports/) showed associations membership had dropped 47% annually in 2021.
James Hampton, MCI UK director of operations, [told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/) organisers are going to “design events in a very different way in the future from what they’ve been before, because attendee behaviours have changed”.
Here are three points organisers need to keep in mind while designing future association events:
**1. Ensure a unique attendee experience for both live and digital**
Pay as much attention to the virtual part as to the live. Personalise the digital journey at all possible touchpoints to create an engagement-driven experience. Have a separate team to attend the needs of virtual attendees. If you are understaffed, keep the physical and online experiences at different times.
**2. Keep virtual attendance fee less**
A live event is all about moments and making connections. In comparison, virtual events are more about getting direct value through content, training and networking opportunities. Since online attendees miss out on the invaluable ‘human’ experience, it makes sense to price it lower than the physical event.
**3. Build 365 community to keep the engagement going**
Organisers can use 365 community solutions to provide members an ‘always connected’ experience. Build an active community that allows users to engage and network all year round. Nurture and grow it with announcements, new content, giveaways, referral programmes and more.
*Learn how* [*association events platforms*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/virtual-and-hybrid-events-guide-for-associations/) *can help drive membership and increase revenue.*
**Categories:** Associations
---
### [Seven ways events and tech work Better Together](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/better-together-smart-events/)
**Published:** September 14, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The return of live events has been met with more tech than ever before.**
Despite this an increasingly digital world, real-life remains the best way to engage prospects – and combining the two makes them **Better Together**.
A [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) gives visitors and exhibitors personalized AI recommendations as well as tools to discover, connect and extend the lifecycle of your offerings.
Here are **seven ways** this tech-fuelled format improves the value of your in-person productions.
## **Smart Event App**
Event app usage has more than double since 2020. That’s because they help create more valuable shows with matchmaking, meetings and content streaming before, during and after the event.
This tool includes lead scanning, route mapping and relevant product discovery. It is also key to unlocking many of the other tech features which can add more value to your event.
## **Lead Intelligence**
Three words that can help your exhibitors bring in three times more leads: [Omnichannel Lead Intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/omnichannel-lead-intel/).
This tool has proven to boost exhibitor ROI by more than 250% by collecting all attendee interactions – online and in-person – into one single dashboard.
It means their view is now longer limited to people they scan at the event, giving a much better view of the value in being there.
This is of the greatest significance seeing how exhibitor ROI was found to be the number one problem facing industry professionals in our [**Event Tech Returns to Live**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-returns-to-live/) survey.
## **Concierge Plus**
Give your top buyers a VIP experience through a hosted buyer program to connect them with the right exhibitors.
This feature uses AI matchmaking algorithms to find content, products and people that need to meet up.
It increases the efficiency of time spent at events, making business connections that matter and improving your tradeshow’s NPS.
## **Marketplace**
Connect buyers and sellers year-round by turning your event into a [**M**](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)**arketplace** with lead generation, RFPs and meetings year-round.
This 365 Community approach can increase your digital revenue by up to 300% – with premium and basic profile listings make up two-thirds of that figure.
Our Marketplace Blueprint does a deep dive into all of the benefits of a 365 lead-generation platform, with a practical advice on how to set one up. [**Download it now**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) for free.
## **Exhibitor Manual**
This tool simplifies the onboarding and monetization processes by providing easy-to-use automated workflows, checklists and ecommerce upsells.
Its benefits include customized exhibitor journeys, automated reminders and checklists, new revenue generation as well as seamless, integrated experience.
A great onboarding experience has a real impact on customer satisfaction and improves the ROI they get from exhibiting. It can also be a massive timesaver for your team.
## **ExpoPlatform Live**
Simplify your tech stack with this all-in-one solution for in-person events.
ExpoPlatform Live gives you seamless registration, badge printing kiosks, onsite support and lead retrieval in your event app.
It solves the issues of attendees having to use more than one platform, which leads to poor adoption rates.
## **Interactive Floorplan**
Navigation and discovery are made a lot easier with this personalised floorplan.
It gives supplier recommendations to makes it easy for visitors to find their way around an event to the right products and companies.
This is an experience similar to [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps) but with richer data capture in the navigation to understand the performance.
Benefits include increased booth traffic, a bird’s eye view of the layout, driving exhibitor profile engagement as well as customizable branding.
## **Conclusion**
**The digital transformation of the events industry offers great opportunities to improve product offerings.**
ExpoPlatform research estimates there is now 20 times for data points available to organizers compared with 2020.
That’s because the number of technological touchpoints has grown significantly since, allowing for a fuller picture of the attendee and exhibitor experience.
These modules all bring their own strengths to the table, which you can mix and blend these modules to build your perfect event – creating a seamless experience onsite and online.
**[Book a free call](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to learn how we can bring event tech to your live show and make things Better Together.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Empower exhibitors & sponsors with your virtual trade show](https://expoplatform.com/blog/empower-exhibitors-sponsors-with-your-virtual-trade-show/)
**Published:** October 16, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
There are numerous reasons for event organisers to shift their trade shows to a virtual setting. You can cater to a broader audience, generate quality leads and increase ROI, all without racking up a big expense list. Once you have decided to create a virtual trade show, you need to consider the various ways it can bring value and opportunities for your exhibitors and sponsors.
Having [envisioned the ideal online trade show and decided on a suitable event model](https://expoplatform.com/carry-true-value-events-online/), you should first address the concerns of your exhibitors who may be wary of the new format. By providing practical solutions, easy access to information, and increasing their exposure to attendees, you can reassure them of their desired return-on-investment (ROI).
To earn this confidence, you must consider the fundamental reasons companies exhibit at their events and work up from there.
## **1. Visibility**
Exhibition stalls in physical events allow exhibitors to showcase their products and services through live demonstrations to potential leads, as well as providing market insight and a better understanding of their competitors. When the event transitions into the virtual medium, that degree of visibility remains essential.
And in the virtual theatre of operation, we have many tools that promote this visibility.
Virtual exhibition booths enable exhibitors to share company and product information, and relevant images, videos and downloadable content, with users. [Digital sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-event-monetisation-for-maximising-revenue-sponsorships/) is a great way to help them spread their brand awareness, including sponsored listings, display banner ads, marquee texts, push notifications, sponsored news items, sponsored search results, sponsorship mentions on individual sessions, pop-up cards on exhibitor profiles and targeted ads in virtual meeting rooms.
There are many unexplored online channels that can be tapped for promotion and engagement. Social media integration enables exhibitors to present branded ready-to-post media to the right audience, and to receive communication from their audience in return.
## **2. Lead generation**
The ultimate objective of exhibitors is doing business. Physical trade shows help them connect with their target audience and build a relationship that eventually leads to conversion. As an event organiser, it is important to anchor a virtual trade show to this objective and provide the right online tools for lead generation.
Exhibitors can be empowered through features such as AI-backed matchmaking. This intuitive functionality is unique to the virtual component of an event, providing smart recommendations by matching visitors to relevant products, people and content (based on their interests and requirements). Finding qualified leads in such a streamlined manner will save them time, energy and money.
## **3. Networking**
To give exhibitors an interactive, engaging experience when hosting the trade show online, features such as group chat rooms, one-on-one text, audio and video chat, online meetings, scheduling should be introduced. This will aid business-driven conversations and the development of meaningful connections and, better still, these interactions can begin prior to the event and be stretched up to the subsequent edition, because the e-platform will still be available.
However, while event-tech companies will provide varying degrees of [networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) functionality, it must not absolve the exhibitors of all duty. Being pointed in the right direction is just one part of the process; they must make the effort to communicate with potential leads just as they would at any physical event. Event tech companies increase the efficacy of the process, they don’t supplant it.
## **4. Performance Insights**
Trade show organisers measure several specific data points at physical events, such as visitor count, demographics, dwell-time, maximum engagement/populated areas and customer journeys.
Hosting the trade show online widens the scope of data collection, as well as making the tracking of user data easier and more accurate. Organisers can show the value earned from the event to their exhibitors and sponsors by sharing real-time attendee insights. This includes data on profile views and favourites, view time for each product listed and document downloads, quantifying their event ROI and affording them a better understanding of potential customers.
## **In a nutshell**
As an event organiser, you must be aware of the doubts and questions that arise in the minds of exhibitors and sponsors when the event format is changed. Not everyone is familiar or comfortable with the online model. As yourself what the audience wants from the event and assess their likely online behaviour by reviewing historic participation in previous (physical) events.
With a clear understanding of an event audience’s goals from an online component, one can make an informed decision about the tools and online resources to carry the true value of their event online. Select an event-tech partner that best matches your requirements and provides the functionality the audience wants, not just what is possible or looks good aesthetically. A virtual trade show will be in good hands with a dedicated account manager and a responsive customer service team.
**Categories:** All, Exhibitions, Hybrid Events, Virtual Events
---
### ['No straightforward' answer to pound crash for planners](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20221003/)
**Published:** October 3, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Storms hit Florida coastlines and the UK currency this week, forcing cancellations and concerns for planners.**
The economic fallout caused by Number 10’s uncosted policy changes forced Prime Minister Liz Truss into a U-turn on Monday.
Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng dexcribed plans to scrap higher tax rates for top earners as a “distraction” after markets were spooked and the pound crashed.
We spoke to Carina Bauer, CEO of [IMEX](https://www.imex-frankfurt.com/), about what this means for organisers.
Meanwhile, major tradeshows in Florida were called off over safety fears as Hurricane Ian caused death and disruption in the Sunshine State.
Read your full Week in Events below.
## **‘No straightforward answer’ to UK currency crash for planners**
There is no “straightforward answer” to what the crash in the UK currency means for event organisers, according to an industry leader.
British Prime Minister Liz Truss has been forced to reverse a cut to the highest rate of income tax that helped spark turmoil in financial markets and a rebellion in her party.
The announcement had sparked a crisis of investor confidence in the government, hitting the value of the pound and government bond prices.
> Sky's [@EdConwaySky](https://twitter.com/EdConwaySky?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) tracks the value of the pound vs the dollar and examines interest rates over the years, as they are expected to rise to 6% next year.
>
> Latest: [pic.twitter.com/LEQWOo7fJE](https://t.co/LEQWOo7fJE)
>
> — Sky News (@SkyNews) [September 29, 2022](https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1575485937500704769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Many UK-based event organisers would have been concerned by the outcome and what it means for their business internationally.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, told ExpoPlatform: “If, for example, your income is in GBP and costs in any other currency, obviously costs will increase and profit margins will be hit.
“The opposite will be true if income is in a currency other than GBP, but costs remain in sterling.
“Also to consider is the mix of the cost base – often event businesses based in the UK will have organisational costs in sterling, but event costs in another currency. The mix of these will impact organisations differently.
“In summary, there isn’t a straightforward answer as to whether this is good or bad for international organisers based in the UK, as many factors are at play depending on the event portfolio and how you operate.”
Doug Emslie, CEO or Tarsus Group, had spoke about how organisers were face with a difficult landscape as economies go through a “recovery phase”.
He told the Dan Assor Show the next six months could be positive for the industry, however this is because our business trends can lag behind others.
Doug said: “The USA is very attractive at the moment because the economy is doing better – the dollar is very strong – and it’s got energy.
“Germany’s got problems with buying all of its energy in from Russia and selling its product to China.
“You’ve got a lot of moving parts, so I think it’s going to be quite a bumpy period.”
Carina added that organisers must be flexible to navigate this uncertain landscape, pointing to lessons learned during the pandemic.
She said: “At IMEX we have a strong tradition of hedging our currency to ensure that we aren’t impacted one day to the next by currency fluctuations. That allows us to budget annually and be able to better manage such risks.
“As with all times of change and complexity, I would also advise businesses to try to reduce debt and build up some reserves to ensure that they are as well placed as possible to ride through turbulence.
“Many event businesses have also become very successful at pivoting and shifting or expanding their business models due to the pandemic and this adaptability stands us all in good stead for the future.”
## **Tradeshows cancelled as lives lost to Hurricane Ian**
**Major tradeshows were forced to cancel as Hurricane Ian caused death and disruption across Florida.**
The powerful storm killed more than 80 people in the Sunshine State and neighbouring Carolinas, with hundreds rescued by emergency workers.
Planners were faced with no option but to call off several largescale shows over obvious safety concerns.
> The remnants of Hurricane Ian drifted through Virginia while storm-ravaged residents in Florida and the Carolinas face a disaster recovery expected to cost tens of billions of dollars [pic.twitter.com/Zq8tzRlBfy](https://t.co/Zq8tzRlBfy)
>
> — Reuters (@Reuters) [October 2, 2022](https://twitter.com/Reuters/status/1576701854901161984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will see the devastation in Florida first-hand on Wednesday.
Major shows hit by the Category 4 hurricane include:
- AABB Annual Meeting, at the Orange County Convention Center
- IBEX 2022, at the Tampa Convention Center
- DevOps World, at the Orlando World Center Marriott
A statement from AABB officials said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with residents and members of the AABB community throughout Florida who may be most affected by this storm.
“We encourage you to do everything you can to keep yourselves, your loved ones and your neighbourhoods safe.”
DevOps World said: “The DevOps World team has been closely following the state, local and federal guidance on Tropical Storm Ian.
““The safety of all attendees is our primary consideration. Therefore, out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone this week’s on-site event at Orlando World Center Marriott.”
Recovery from the storm, which dissipated on Friday, is expected to costs tens of billions of dollars for the regions hit.
> We live on the beach in Naples, Florida. We stayed through the Hurricane Ian. Thought I'd share a rather notable photo from the experience… [pic.twitter.com/LziDWoVN78](https://t.co/LziDWoVN78)
>
> — Dixie Whatley (@bothcoasts) [October 1, 2022](https://twitter.com/bothcoasts/status/1576293180936290305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
People living in affected areas took to social media to show how the devastation had impact their lives.
One user posted an image of floodwaters covering half of her external glass doors in Naples, Florida – which she described as a “notable photo”.
## **Canada lifts border restrictions**
**Travellers to events in Canada will face fewer measures after the nation removed all coronavirus-related entry restrictions.**
The move came into effect on Saturday and will provide welcome news to planners trying to grow their international visitors and exhibitors.
It was claimed the move was made possible for several reasons which could include relative high vaccination rates, lower hospitalisation and death numbers as well as vaccine boosters.
Omar Alghabra, Canada’s minister of transport, said: “Canada’s travel measures successfully mitigated the full impact of Covid-19 for travellers and workers in the transportation sector and helped keep communities safe.
“Thanks to Canadians who rolled up their sleeves and got vaccinated, we are able to take this great step towards easing measures and returning to normal.”
> We’re calling on [@POTUS](https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to immediately suspend proof of vaccination for qualified visitors from Canada and other nations—a critical step that will bring more travelers to the U.S., boost our economy and accelerate inbound travel’s recovery. ⬇️
>
> — U.S. Travel (@USTravel) [September 27, 2022](https://twitter.com/USTravel/status/1574777245314449408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
US Travel Association responded to the announcement by calling on the Biden administration to follow in their northern neighbour’s footsteps.
Tori Emerson Barnes, executive vice president of public affairs and policy, claimed Canada would now benefit from a “substantial boost” to its economy.
He said: “Washington should follow suit by immediately suspending proof of vaccination for qualified visitors from Canada and other nations, given the wide access to effective Covid-19 boosters and therapies.”
It comes as Hong Kong also lifted requirements for travellers to quarantine in hotels, allowing inbound visitors to return straight home or to accommodation of their choice after arrival.
However, they will still be subject to certain restrictions and testing requirements depending on where they have come from.
These new rules came into effect on Monday September 26 and represent a major shift for the special administrative region which had one of the toughest set of restrictions to tackle the virus.
## **All eyes on international fair poster winner**
**The winner of the International Fair Poster Competition has been revealed.**
*Experience the rush* was chosen as the Grand Winner of the 24th edition of the awards by UFI and International Fair Plovdiv.
Senior art director Parag Bandodkar and senior visualiser Kamlesh Murudkar, from Informa Markets India, were behind the piece.
Kostadin Otonov, chairman of the jury, said: “We were very happy to see the quality and depth of entries this year. Congratulations to the team at Informa Markets India for their follow-up win from 2019.”
This year involved a theme to promote the exhibition industry on the subject of face-to-face or post-pandemic recovery.
The jury evaluated the entries based on topic interpretation, design concept, originality and integrity of technical parameters.
They were particularly impressed by the execution of the piece, depicting a crowded fair reflected in a man’s animated eyes.
## **Business activity gains momentum in events – report**
**Global business events have seen a strong return to form with the Middle East and USA leading the way, according to new findings.**
The Event Industry Council’s latest Global Events Barometer shows the restart of international live shows gathered momentum in 2022 Q2, with both group hotel room nights and RFPs increasing.
RFP activity index increased to 81, representing those sent by planners during the quarter for future shows equivalent to 81% of 2019 levels.
Amy Calvert, CEO of EIC, said: “Despite the global challenges we have been facing, including rising inflation, the energy crisis, and the continuing war in Ukraine, Q2 saw business events gather
momentum, with both group hotel room nights and business event RFPs showing strong increases.
“Most importantly, these improvements were seen across all geographic areas, but were particularly strong in the Middle East and North America.”
Hotel group room nights index matched the gain with a rise to 83, representing stays during the quarter equivalent to 83% of pre-pandemic levels.
Recovery has been strongest in the Middle East and North America regions, shown by the hotel group room nights index.
However, global economic growth prospects have worsened since last quarter – with high inflation growing business costs, sapped consumer spending power and spurred central banks to increase interest rates.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Six ways AI helps your events make more money](https://expoplatform.com/blog/ai-matchmaking/six-ways-ai-more-money/)
**Published:** September 21, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**If you’re looking to make more money with your next event, it’s time to start thinking about AI.**
Smart matchmaking algorithms, multilingual chatbots and sentiment analysis are just some of the tools which can help make almost any show more interactive, productive and profitable.
Here are six ways AI helps drive positive revenue returns at your shows:
## **1. Data analysis to make smart decisions**
As an organiser, you have to manage a lot of different data points at large-scale live events like tradeshows.
This includes tracking registrations, engagement, booth interactions, feedback surveys and a lot more.
Analysing this data with AI helps you improve future events and identify trends so you can better target your marketing efforts.
**Want to learn more? [Download the AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to understand how the power of data will shape future events.**
By looking into audience behavioural patterns, sentiments and intent, AI can predict what steps consumers would take in the future.
This information can be used to make strategic decisions about your pricing, product development and marketing as well as create a more efficient tradeshow strategy.
## **2. Save time by automating tasks**
AI helps make tradeshows more efficient and cost-effective by automating tasks that would otherwise be done manually.
For example, you can automatically schedule appointments, track leads and generate reports. With AI, you don’t need to manually enter all the same information – the software does this work for you.
For example, if you run a conference, you could set up automated surveys that ask questions about the speakers, schedule changes and other important details.
Or you could automatically send emails to participants when registration closes, reminding them to complete their details.
Using AI-powered tools for lead capture gives you crucial insights to personalise your approach for follow-ups. This helps you focus on your sales pitch and close more deals.
## **3. AI-powered matchmaking to improve networking and close business deals**
Making the right connections is essential for success at events with a high footfall.
That’s why more organisers are turning to **[AI-powered matchmaking tools](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** to improve networking at their events.
These help your audience get real-time suggestions of who they should meet at a tradeshow based on their interests.
The AI algorithm takes into account the pre-filled preferences and the exhibitors’ products or services to make the best possible recommendations.
This software is also used in the **[Hosted Buyer Programme module](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)** to schedule meetings with potential partners, customers or suppliers.
It helps exhibitors connect with relevant leads and maximise their chances of striking more business deals.
## **4. Boost event engagement – higher attendee satisfaction**
Audience engagement is essential to the success of any event. When you use AI to personalise individual attendee journeys, you create a more engaging and enjoyable experience.
This leads to higher satisfaction among attendees and ultimately, more successful tradeshows that generate revenue.
AI improves event engagement in a number of ways. You can display personalised content, ads and offers by analysing past event data and trends.
AI can also be used to monitor social media activity surrounding an event and identify opportunities for engagement.
This information can then be used to tailor the event experience and content to better meet the audience needs.
Additionally, AI can pinpoint when users are disengaging with the event content and make recommendations on how to improve the user experience.
## **5. Helps you find more sponsors**
Event sponsorships are a great way to offset the costs of hosting an event, and can also be a source of valuable marketing and brand exposure.
However, finding the right sponsors can be a challenge. AI can be a valuable tool in the search for event sponsors.
By analysing large data sets, AI can identify patterns and correlations that may be difficult to spot with the naked eye.
This information can be used to **target potential sponsors that are a good fit for your event**. In addition, AI can be used to automate the process of reaching out to potential sponsors.
It also allows you to target your outreach to those sponsors who are most likely to be interested in your event and customise your pitch to their specific interests.
AI can even help you track the success of your sponsorship outreach efforts and identify areas for improvement.
## **6. Increase global appeal with multilingual chatbots**
AI chatbots are becoming more common as companies look to automate customer service interactions.
These bots are designed to mimic human conversations by responding to customers’ questions or queries in natural language.
They can also translate text from multiple languages, allowing them to communicate with international audiences.
Exhibitors can automate interactions at events with visitors by using pre-recorded answers to frequently asked questions.
That way, they can focus on important aspects of the show like meeting potential buyers and partners.
These chatbots also create a better customer experience by providing visitors information about times, locations and other details about the show as well as tips about what to see or where to meet specific sellers.
Another area where AI chatbots can increase the revenue potential of your events is through language translation and multilingual capabilities.
This breaks down language barriers and makes it easier for international buyers to communicate. This massively increases the global appeal of your event, **creates new revenue streams** and accelerates sales and conversion rates.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking
---
### [ExpoPlatform announces new commercial appointments](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/appointments-20211004/)
**Published:** October 4, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform has today announced a series of new hires to drive the next stage of the company’s growth.
ExpoPlatform is an all-in-one platform used by the world’s leading exhibition organizers to create 365 online communities and technology-powered ‘smart’ events. The platform uses AI to create high-quality connections, leads and ROI for organizers and their customers.
The new senior team comes with extensive ‘hands on’ experience in events and technology.
**Tim Brown** joins as **Head of Partnerships** to grow and support ExpoPlatform’s global network of partners. Tim has extensive experience in events organizers Montgomery, UBM, DMG and Comexposium, before moving into the private equity space coaching tech startups.
**Bee Leng** becomes **Regional Director of Asia,** responsible for building the business in Australia and South-East Asia. Bee’s appointment is part of a strategic partnership between ExpoPlatform and Freeman in the region, with Bee continuing to support both businesses.
**Daniel Mortime**r joins as **Key Account Director**, working closely with the world’s leading exhibition organizers to support their digital transformation. Daniel joins from Hannover Fairs Australia, where he was Event Director responsible for launching virtual events. Before that, Daniel worked across Clarion’s Defence and Security events including DSEI, ITEC and DIMDEX.
**Shriti Ojha** joins as **Sales Development Representative**. She has a background in software-as-a-service business development and will be working on growing new customer accounts across the world.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, said: “I couldn’t be happier to welcome our next wave of talent to join ExpoPlatform’s mission to transform the events industry with community and event technology.
“It’s very important to us that our team have a deep understanding for how events work from the inside-out.”
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Another major US tradeshow market makes comeback](https://expoplatform.com/blog/another-major-us-tradeshow-makes-comeback/)
**Published:** April 25, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
This week we’ve seen the return of a major US tradeshow market, marking another significant comeback for the nation’s events industry. Other key stories include a new Finnish trade fair partnership for Explori, comeback of Australia’s event industry, review of sustainability initiatives as well as insights from Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, about Russia’s war on Ukraine and its impact on the events industry.
Here’s everything you’ll find in this latest edition of the Week in Events:
- **Media tech industry shows return to in-person after two years**
- **Finland’s largest trade fair selects Explori for data insights**
- **Boost for Australian industry’s return**
- **Event industry reviews sustainability initiatives**
- **ExpoPlatform CEO speaks on the war and its impact on events**
## **Media tech industry shows return to in-person after two years**
**A major media technology tradeshow is bringing the industry together again after more than two years, marking another major return for US exhibitions.**
Leading film and TV technology tradeshow NAB 2022 opened its doors to industry professionals on April 23 in Las Vegas.
NAB, organised by the National Association of Broadcasters, is the world’s largest convention for broadcast professionals in media, entertainment and technology. It was cancelled earlier in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
> NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt tells TVBEurope “people are ready to get back to doing business face-to-face and there’s no replicating [\#NABShow](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NABShow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) when it comes to achieving that.” [pic.twitter.com/5syrc5Pj8C](https://t.co/5syrc5Pj8C)
>
> — National Association of Broadcasters (@nabtweets) [April 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/nabtweets/status/1516833670618914823?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Chris Brown, EVP and managing director at NAB said tradeshows getting back into action is “very critical, and in 2023 it’s even more critical”.
The news follows a broader trend of conventions returning to the US for the first time since 2019 – crucial to the recovery of the hotels and airlines industries.
## **Finland’s largest trade fair selects Explori for data insights**
**Finland’s largest trade fair organiser and venue is to work with Explori to advance its [data and insights strategy](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/).**
The partnership will help Messukeskus adopt a more customer-focused approach to its event strategy by using the company’s services for event feedback, measurement and benchmarking.
This partnership will also help the Finnish organiser gain more clarity in understanding its audience’s motives to deliver more fulfilling experiences.
> We're pleased to announce our new partnership with [@messukeskus](https://twitter.com/messukeskus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).
>
> Explori will support Finland's largest trade fair, conference and congress organiser and venue to adopt an event more customer-centric approach to event strategy.
>
> Read more – [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/iBUfMkow40](https://t.co/iBUfMkow40)
>
> — Explori (@explori) [April 19, 2022](https://twitter.com/explori/status/1516382935401836546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Anni Vepsäläinen, CEO of Messukeskus said: “The upheaval caused by the pandemic has led us to fundamentally reassess the way we work and the market we serve. Using data to understand where an event has succeeded and identifying areas where it has fallen short will allow us to gain valuable insights that can be used to improve future events.”
Richard Kensett, commercial director of Explori, added: “We’re very excited to be working with Messukeskus and are looking forward to a collaborative relationship where we can share our insights to support their continued development.”
“We also see this as another step towards being able to identify regional trends and benchmarks across the Nordics. We hope this will be a catalyst for more Danish, Swedish and Norwegian organisers to upgrade their customer insight strategy so we can deliver similar insights to this region as we do globally.”
## **Boost for Australian industry’s return**
**There are strong signs of full recovery for the Australian events sector as latest figures show a massive return to form.**
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has just announced it secured 77 new conventions during 2021, worth an estimated $144 million in direct expenditure to the Queensland economy.
The events will attract around 50,000 delegates and generate 245,000 room nights to the city’s hotels with flow-on benefits to local businesses across the hospitality and tourism sectors.
It is a good indication that business events will be a key driver for recovery going forward.
Bob O’Keeffe, general manager, said: “It is proven that business events have wide and enduring benefits associated with knowledge transfer and international collaboration – and everyone wants to regain that.”
## **Events industry reviews sustainability initiatives**
**Further work has been launched to help the events industry reflect on its environmental impact.**
UK-based isla has launched [Trace](https://traceyour.events/) – a carbon measurement platform that can capture and report emission and waste data from live, hybrid and virtual events.
The news comes around the same time as Earth Day, a global campaign to raise awareness about the environment.
> TRACE is here! Help reduce [\#environmental](https://twitter.com/hashtag/environmental?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) impact at live, hybrid and digital events with this clever platform purpose-built for the industry. Measure, manage and minimise your event [\#carbonemissions](https://twitter.com/hashtag/carbonemissions?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and report in real-time.
>
> Join one of our weekly demos – [pic.twitter.com/wzCsPIaEDE](https://t.co/wzCsPIaEDE)
>
> — isla (@weareisla\_uk) [April 20, 2022](https://twitter.com/weareisla_uk/status/1516714827527372803?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trace aims to support the events industry’s commitment towards Net Zero by equipping organisers with the knowledge and date to make better decisions.
Recent reports have suggested the industry needs more environmental awareness and efforts to meet its sustainability targets.
## **ExpoPlatform CEO speaks on the war and its impact on events**
**ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk has said Russia’s war on Ukraine “will fundamentally change lives now and for many years to come”.**
Tanya, born and raised in Ukraine, made the comments about long-term psychological and economic damage as she shared her insights on the impact of the war.
She said: “Millions have been forced to flee their homes – if the war continues, it’s estimated 10-15 million Ukrainians could eventually leave the country to seek refuge abroad.”
“There’s also, of course, a huge economic cost – the World Bank forecasts that Ukrainian GDP could fall by 45% in 2022. Many industries will be impacted, not least by the concern over energy supply.”
Tanya added the focus going ahead for our industry would be mainly on energy events as a disruption in supply would lead to use of more renewable resources.
She further said the “events industry will also play a big role in restructuring the food industry as there will continue to be significant disruption in this area”.
For instance, sunflower oil exports could be affected and suppliers would have to switch to rapeseed oil to build their supply chains.
Tanya also called upon the international events community to play a bigger role in helping the Ukrainian economy rebuild faster.
She said: “All of us in the events industry can now support Ukraine by helping companies that have connections, bases or employees there.”
“We can also create events inviting Ukrainian companies to participate at cost or at discounted prices providing the opportunity for them to showcase their products and reach out to a new audience of potential buyers.”
**Read the entire article [here](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-war-mean-us-events-industry-tanya-pinchuk-/).**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** All, Live Events
---
### [Robot rolls back the red carpet at first UK tradeshow](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-event-20221121/)
**Published:** November 21, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A robotic friend to sustainability has been introduced as a UK-first at an exhibition.**
The machine – known as Lionel – removes the need for single-use carpets with its leading floor marking technology.
It was introduced at [ExCel London](https://www.excel.london/) and is hoped to help improve its green credentials.
**Download our free [Sustainable Events Checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/sustainable-events-checklist/) for an easy guide on how you can make more sustainable live shows.**
Meanwhile, exhibitions leaders gathered at the UFI Global Congress in Oman.
Read on for your full events industry news roundup.
## **UFI Global Congress concludes in Oman**
**Exhibition leaders gathered in Oman for talks at the UFI Global Congress.**
The four-day event saw some of the top players in our industry travel to Muscat for content and speakers as well as networking opportunities.
Its conclusion saw Michael Duck begin his role as the new UFI President, taking over from Monica Lee Muller.
One of her final acts was to announce that the congress would be taking place in Cologne, Germany for the 2024 edition.
> The final day of the [\#uficongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) – relaxed networking on group excursions around Muscat.
>
> Thank you once again to everyone who came to Oman this week. Safe travel onwards, and see you again soon at another one of our [\#ufievents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufievents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).[\#ufi](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufi?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ufinews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufinews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/LTiNc8EEG6](https://t.co/LTiNc8EEG6)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [November 18, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1593590341034188800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
She said: “What a way for me to end my turn as the UFI president – being able to share the news that our association’s biggest event will return to Cologne, one of UFI’s 20 founding members, in 2024.
“Cologne won the bid against strong competition from around the world. After Muscat this year and Las Vegas in 2023, this is certainly another world-class destination.”
## **Informa reports 40% revenue growth over 10 months**
**Informa Markets has reported revenue growth of more than 40% over 10 months, according to new figures.**
The organiser announced a surge of 41% between January and October in its November trading statement.
It comes amid an acceleration in international B2B markets growth, improved performance in academic markets and continued US operating expansion.
Stephen Carter, group CEO, said: “B2B market demand is growing across many industries and most geographies, with the current exception of China, which will provide incremental growth as it reopens.
“Informa and its Brands are at the heart of this B2B market strength.
”Our four-year Gap 2 programme continues to deliver growth and acceleration within both academic markets and B2B markets.
“In addition, our divestment programme has completed ahead of schedule and with returns ahead of target, significantly strengthening our balance sheet and putting Informa in a strong position for further growth and investment in 2023.”
## **ExCel brings in robot to tackle sustainability challenge**
**ExCel London has refused to sweep sustainability under the carpet as it introduced a robot to its green action plan.**
The machine – from August Robotics and known as Lionel – is a UK-first to be used for floor marking technology at an exhibition venue.
It showed off its skills at the recent Event Tech Live 2022 show at the venue, with its fast and efficient event space mark-up having potential for significant reduction in single-use carpets.
> LATEST: [\#ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) undertakes UK's first use of "Lionel" the robot ?- the world's most advanced floor marking technology helping the [\#eventsindustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventsindustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reduce its reliance on single-use carpet♻️
>
> Thanks to [@AugustRobotics](https://twitter.com/AugustRobotics?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) & [@eventtechlive](https://twitter.com/eventtechlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for making this happen [pic.twitter.com/PBO7Z5hbnu](https://t.co/PBO7Z5hbnu)
>
> — ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) [November 18, 2022](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1593554172762238976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Alex Wyatt, founder of August Robotics, said: “We’ve done a lot of shows in the US and Germany – more than one million sqm gross of exhibitions – but this is our first show in the UK, we’re really excited to be here.
“The robot is superior in a lot of ways – accuracy is really important, speed, flexibility in terms of when it can work.
“It’s also really good for sustainability – that’s really important in the sense that one-use carpet is a huge issue in the industry.
“There’s a real push in the UK to remove one-use carpet. The robot is terrific for that in the sense that we don’t need carpet for the corridors, we can use the robot to do the layout.”
## **IAEE gives backing to VSef**
**IAEE has announced its full backing to VSef as it highlights the importance of digital in the events industry.**
The leading trade association for the global exhibitions has recognised the need for standardised data across the sector and cited this as its reason for its support.
It comes shortly after the organisation was acquired by BPA Worldwide which saw a collaboration that has created a single, globally recognized data and reporting standard for digital events.
IAEE CEO David DuBois said: “IAEE, along with many other industry organizations were involved in creating BPA’s Reporting Standards for Digital Events.
“With the acquisition of VSef by BPA, there is now one industry organization acting as the steward of the great work of both BPA and VSef.
“IAEE is pleased to fully support VSef and the Reporting Standards for Digital Events.”
Richard Murphy, CEO of BPA Worldwide, added: “We are thrilled to receive IAEE support of VSef/RSDE. Digital platforms play a critical role in the events and meetings industry, and the ability to gather, process, and share data efficiently – using a single data standard and reporting format – is essential for continued industry growth.”
## **IEG appoints new CFO**
**The Italian Exhibition Group has appointed its new group chief financial officer.**
Teresa Schiavina takes on the position as well as becoming strategic manager for the organiser.
She will be responsible for preparing the company´s financial documents and has already received the relevant favourable opinion from the board of auditors.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [UK 'needs events minister' under new Prime Minister](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20221031/)
**Published:** October 31, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This Halloween comes at a scarier time for the events industry than hoped, following its recovery from lockdowns.**
The British economy is fighting back under a new leader after markets were spooked by the ghosts of Prime Ministers past.
That’s why a UK association has called on Rishi Sunak to appoint a special minister with responsibility for helping the sector play a leading role in recovery.
Meanwhile, this week has seen good news for major jewellery tradeshows in Hong Kong which return after a three-year hiatus.
Read on for the only events news roundup you need to start the week.
## **UK’s new PM ‘should appoint an events minister’**
**Prime Minister Rishi Sunak should appoint a new minister who is responsible for the events industry, according to an association.**
Beam, which has members across business and meetings organisations, called on Number 10 to recognise our sector as a priority for the economy.
The body also highlighted how important it is to stop bills from rising – saying there is a point where further hikes would mean job losses.
> Simon Richards, treasurer of beam and managing director of Convenus said:
>
> “What beam would most like the new Prime Minister and Chancellor to do is to continue the energy price cap."
>
> ➡️Read more: [\#WeAreBeamUK](https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreBeamUK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofsUK](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofsUK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#meetings](https://twitter.com/hashtag/meetings?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/B8Pc2kpe5i](https://t.co/B8Pc2kpe5i)
>
> — beam (@WearebeamUK) [October 25, 2022](https://twitter.com/WearebeamUK/status/1584923307417141251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Simon Richards, treasurer of beam, said: “What beam would most like the new Prime Minister and Chancellor to do is to continue the energy price cap.
“Costs have already risen so much that, with bounceback loans to be repaid as well, some agencies and venues cannot afford to open and may close for ever.
“There is a limit to how much they can increase prices without losing business and remain viable.
“We would also like the Prime Minister to recognise the massive contribution that the events industry makes to the economy by appointing a minister within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to be responsible for the events sector and for our industry to be a priority within that role.”
He added that the minister should be in the post for a “sufficient duration” to be able to understand and work to re-establish our industry’s contribution to the UK recovery.
The calls follow poor representation for the industry during coronavirus lockdowns, where large business events were classed the same as weddings.
Sunak was crowned Prime Minister last week after an unchallenged bid to become leader of the Conservative Party.
It followed Liz Truss’s resignation from Downing Street, who announced uncosted tax cuts which spooked markets and saw a crash in the value of the British currency.
His first address on the steps of Downing Street heard him commit to “levelling up and building an economy that embraces the opportunities of Brexit, where businesses invest, innovate, and create jobs”.
## **[Easyfairs](https://www.easyfairs.com/) reports revenue comeback**
**Revenue at Easyfairs is close to pre-pandemic levels having reported **Є163 million for the last financial year.****
The company also announced its recurring EBITDA hit €28.5m, up from minus €30m during 2020/21.
Staff have been praised for their work to improve skillsets while events were unable to take place.
Eric Everard, group chairman, said: “Our financial performance is a credit to the fantastic and dynamic people we have. They showed incredible resilience.
“The team took the opportunity to increase their skills and knowledge, ready for the upturn and we are seeing the results.”
Easyfairs launched 19 new events during the last financial year, mainly through geocloning existing concepts in new markets.
The organiser also made several acquisitions, notably the KPA plastics tradeshow in Germany.
## **Major exhibitions return to Hong Kong after three-year hiatus**
**Two largescale B2B sourcing events are returning to Hong Kong after a forced three-year hiatus.**
Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong and Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong, both by Informa Markets, are set for their comebacks during June and September respectively.
The special administrative region underwent some of the toughest coronavirus lockdown restrictions which severely impacted the events industry.
> Two of the industry’s biggest B2B sourcing events will be back in action in Hong Kong in 2023 following a three-year forced pandemic break, Informa Markets Jewellery announced today. [\#JNA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JNA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#tradeshow](https://twitter.com/hashtag/tradeshow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#expo](https://twitter.com/hashtag/expo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#jewelry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/jewelry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#comingsoon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/comingsoon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#JGA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JGA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#JGW](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JGW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Informa Markets Jewellery (@Informa\_MJ) [October 25, 2022](https://twitter.com/Informa_MJ/status/1584974572952162310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
David Bondi, senior vice president of Informa Markets in Asia, said: “We look forward to hosting the greatest in jewellery and gemstones back in Hong Kong in 2023 as pandemic restrictions recede.
“What the last three years have proven is that the jewellery sourcing experience is just not the same without our full-fledged, international B2B fairs in Hong Kong.
“Our jewellery community wants the shows. So, we are pulling out all the stops to make sure we deliver the fairs in their most familiar form next year.”
## **Costa Rica chosen for UFI LATAM conference**
**The next UFI LATAM Conference will be a more “matured event” and take place in Costa Rica, the exhibition association has announced.**
San Jose will host the third edition of the show in April, building on successful previous gatherings in Buenos Aires and Mexico City.
It will be hosted by Costa Rica Convention Bureau and will take place at Costa Rica Convention Center, which has a strong commitment towards sustainability.
> [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) will hold its 3rd UFI LATAM Conference in San José, Costa Rica, from 25 – 26 April in 2023, open to all exhibition industry professionals.
>
> Read the full media release here: [\#ufievents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ufievents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#uficonference](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficonference?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/5U052RZmHc](https://t.co/5U052RZmHc)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [October 27, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1585592266176987136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Ana-Maria Arango, UFI LATAM regional director, said: “Our two regional conferences held in the region so far have been a great opportunity for industry leaders from a very large and segmented region, to meet plenty of unknown peers.
“Our event in Costa Rica will be a more matured event, where relations will strengthen and a more united community will have the opportunity to talk about their major challenges in 2023.
“Costa Rica will also offer us a perfect scenario for a magnificent post Conference tour in the middle of the mountains and a green landscape.”
UFI has been operating a presence in the region since 2017 and launched the LATAM Conference in 2018.
Around 100 industry leaders attended the last edition in Buenos Aires, Argentina, this year.
## Madrid venue crowned best in Europe
IFEMA MADRID has been named as the Best Convention Centre in Europe at the World MICE Awards.
The venue picked up the honour as well as best in Spain during the ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton in Amman, Jordan.
It was chosen based on the votes of events professionals and media around the world.
José Vicente de los Mozos, president of the IFEMA MADRID executive committee, said: “This recognition reinforces IFEMA MADRID’s effort to lead business tourism internationally, while validating its business strategy and consolidating its position as an operator and as a venue for large congresses and events.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Hosted Buyer 2.0 - next generation curated meeting programs](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-intro/)
**Published:** October 27, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A hosted buyer program – or curated meeting program – matches buyers and sellers for tailored, pre-scheduled meetings that are commitment-free.**
This short guide will set out what is involved in this next generation of the format, with some advice on how to find the right buyer seller dynamic.
Full insights can be found in the [**Hosted Buyer Playbook**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/), a practical guide into creating next level curated meeting programs. [**Download it for free now**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/).
A hosted buyer component can be included as a component in your event without the expensive cost of travel and accommodation.
This could be replaced by including upgrade incentives, invitations to special VIP events or a concierge level program that creates a special experience from beginning to end.
In virtual format, the hosted part has no need for travel or hotel. Organizers can therefore include complimentary research, invitations to VIP networking events or waive attendance fees.
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/)
There are various formats for a hosted buyer event, which don’t have to take place in-person. Here’s the role of each party:
**The organizer** makes the matches and can also cover hotel, airfare or offers some other type of incentive.
**Buyers** commit to a number of meetings with suppliers and indicate the level of budget, authority, timing and need.
**Sellers** agree to provide the buyer with tailored information to ensure efficiency – with meetings usually lasting 15 to 30 minutes.
Sooraj Dahwan, founder of [Falcon Exhibitions](https://falconfirst.com/), said: “We offer them services right from the airport: checking into hotels, taking them to the venue, arranging business meetings, bringing them back to the hotel. Then they have a very considered type of service which makes it very meaningful.”
***Important: Not all buyers need to actually be hosted. For the purpose of this guide, curated meetings are part of a hosted buyer program.***
## **Benefits of hosted buyer programs**
**Efficiency, big revenue and high satisfaction rates are just a few of the main benefits of a hosted buyer program.**
These outcomes must be significant enough to make the effort and investment worthwhile.
Executing a successful package involves many moving parts before, during and after the event.
It requires the right systems, people, processes and a keen understanding of what a positive result looks like. Here are the results to aim for:
**Outcome****Why****Revenue**Sold as a stand-alone or as an add-on, guaranteed curated meetings. F500 companies value pre-scheduled meetings with ICP accounts between $3-5K each.**Efficiency and sustainability**Conducting a year or quarter’s worth of buyer/seller meetings taking place over a focus two-day period can be an incredibly efficient experience for all participants. This can have sustainability impact, with less travel required throughout the year.**Retention**Proving ROI makes it very hard for a sponsor to turn away dollars. You are also able to expand the program across virtual, invite-only roundtables and regional F2F VIP meetings.**Coveted audience member to loyal advocate**Helping your audience members improve decisions makes them become loyal advocates. These are great for word of mouth and they want more of what you offer. New revenue streams anyone?**Data intelligence**Capturing information about the buyer’s journey, needs, pain points as well as how sellers sell is priceless.**NPS**Hosted buyer events are proven to increase satisfaction and Net Promoter Scores beyond that of typical conferences and tradeshows## **Finding the ideal buyer-seller dynamic**
**Make sure there is a good dynamic between your buyers and sellers. This is a key part of producing an experience which benefits all participants.**
David Hidalgo, show director IBTM Americas, set out his three main components for the perfect buyer-seller match:
1. The solution – exhibitor´s services – should match with the event and buyer´s needs to generate mutual interest.
2. The appointment should be taken in an adequate space to get a comfortable conversation that allows them to have an introduction and the presentation of specific projects.
3. The exhibitor should do a follow up of the offer every specific period and the buyers should give them feedback, even if they don’t hire the exhibitor´s services.
Simon Baxendale, head of digital solutions at Informa Markets, said: “Any meetings program needs to be curated with the customer in mind, understanding their needs and what their ROI is will be key to a success meetings proposition.”
**Do you have the ingredients for a Hosted Buyer Program? Here are the elements some of other things you should be looking for:**
1. Complex/solution sale
2. Building relationships is important for both sides
3. Involves a buying “team” versus single decision-maker
4. Mid to high price point
5. Buyer education required/needed in some cases
6. Meeting F2F is a competitive advantage to winning the deal
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [Event Strategy - What are the KPI's of the future?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/event-strategy-what-are-the-kpis-of-the-future/)
**Published:** November 7, 2019
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
Clear event strategy and the finest operational crew in the world won’t count for very much if you aren’t measuring the success of their performance correctly.
But the truth remains that many of today’s companies involved in the international exhibitions ecosystem still run their businesses according to the measurement of outdated KPIs (Key Performance Indicators). While the business environment has changed, and operational procedures have evolved, the way in which we are measuring performance – at least in our experience – has not.
There are many ways to measure performance. While financial reward may be the driving force for most businesses, and the predominant indicator of a successful event, it is not the only one. A show that proves lucrative one year may falter in the next iteration if the client needs aren’t being addressed. The withdrawal of just a few unsatisfied core exhibitors can quickly lead to an irreversible slide.
So how should we measure success? While revenue may be an okay single-number measure of your current situation, it is unable to provide any help while making decisions.
Revenue is the result of other factors and other KPIs help to explain revenue.
For example, if you’re running a conference where you charge for tickets, then the number of delegates registered for your event is a good KPI. Delegate satisfaction will also reflect the potential for future financial success. If a person is happy and recommends the event, or brings their friends the next time, then that’s an indication of ongoing commercial success.
Measuring takings after the event does not explain how to sustain the event’s performance.
Simple to acquire registration data, such as who is attending your event, can also indicate its likely commercial success. If your event has a transactional element, then a high percentage of relevant visitors with buying power across all your visitors – a simple to measure characteristic – indicates a greater chance of vendor or exhibitor satisfaction. Which leads to reduced churn and greater sustainability. It’s easy to see how this could relate to revenue. If the organiser sells advertising space on their website, for example, then the fees they can charge depends proportionally on the number of relevant impressions and/or clicks such adverts would generate.
In non-transactional events, engagement can be a strong indication of satisfaction. Engagement can be measured through post-event surveys, but it can also be measured before and during the event by analyzing digital tools such as behavior using the show website and mobile app. Engaged community members are a KPI in themselves.
An engaged customer is a happy customer with a higher probability of returning to your shows. And by building a core visitor base, you can enable show growth and increase revenue.
Return on time is another key factor for busy attendees, made evident by the increasingly popular practice of [hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/) and concierge services. Find out how time-efficient your event is for your attendees. If a company is taking twice as long to generate the same number of leads as it does elsewhere, then perhaps your format or concept needs to be addressed.
The ability to build on your existing visitor base is a good way to measure other non-revenue-related considerations. For example, measuring how many new visitors you have (and how you acquired them) is a KPI that indicates how effective your marketing is and how strong is your brand.
The dynamics of the show will determine the actual KPIs you choose to measure – whether it is transactional, in terms of product, service-based, or largely informational, with an audience of passive listening delegates. But in any event, you have to have a system in place that allows for KPI capture.
Good pre-show modules enable buyers and sellers to line the right people up in front of them, and the measurement of KPI data collected during the event will contribute to the success of future events if gathered correctly.
KPIs should not only explain today’s revenue but should also help in predicting future revenue or potential for such revenue.
**Categories:** All
---
### [Buying and selling has shifted online since the pandemic - here’s what it means for events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/buying-and-selling-has-shifted-online-since-the-pandemic-heres-what-it-means-for-events/)
**Published:** May 18, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The latest edition of the Exhibition Think Tank Club, hosted in partnership with ExpoPlatform, focused on helping organisers understand the changing needs of exhibitors in the evolving event industry landscape.
The workshop highlighted the role played by the digital medium in facilitating B2B events and how it has changed the business of buying and selling for exhibitors and organisers.
Here are the key takeaways from the online workshop:
## **B2B buying and selling has been transformed since the pandemic began**
In a world without face-to-face interactions, buying and selling has shifted largely to the online space. According to McKinsey’s ongoing study of 3,600 B2B buyers, customers are increasingly comfortable doing business through digital-only channels.
While the received wisdom is that while online ecommerce has been useful for smaller, B2C purchases, the movement of ecommerce into B2B has accelerated by a decade or more since the start of the pandemic.
The same McKinsey research shows that the majority (59%) of B2B buyers are now willing to spend $50k+ without any face-to-face interactions, through digital self-service or video calls with a remote agent.
With increased traction of digital channels among buyers, the order value has also seen a steady rise, indicating a clear path for organisers to invest in designing more efficient virtual environments such as [online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/).
## **The ‘traditional’ virtual event does not solve the problem**
In general terms, the initial reception for purely virtual events was mixed. While viewed as an effective medium to share content, the business of buying and selling in the B2B digital space (as measured by leads and matchmaking) was met with a lukewarm response.
There are a number of factors for virtual events under-performing:
> On the supply-side, a lack of processes could be impacting virtual events’ success as a sales generator. In the absence of necessary tools, people and processes, it’s difficult to build on a business conversation. This sits in stark comparison to a physical exhibition stand, manned by sales reps ready to attend to your queries or showcase a product demo.
> On the buyer-side, a key issue is that buyers are reluctant to commit to business decisions over a short time frame. Some could be exploring the options available while others might be collating the various products on display to purchase later on. Since decisions are made around the year and not necessarily during the event, organisers are looking to extend the life of their exhibitor marketplace with a 365-day approach.
## **Different levels of customer adoption, but digital transformation unlikely to go backwards**
> “*Online is here to stay. It is a bigger opportunity than it is a threat*,” – ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk.
Not all exhibitors are alike. Some have had far more success adapting to the digital space while others are sceptical of the value it offers. However, there is an undeniable truth to this changing digital transformation: it is here to stay and there is no going back.
The COVID pandemic forced exhibitors to adopt new event technologies, with varying degrees of success. Anecdotal trends discussed during the Exhibition Think Tank Club indicate almost a third of the total companies achieved significantly better results in the virtual environment, but many have not.
The adoption of individuals and companies can be plotted somewhere across the technology adoption curve, as depicted below:
To get a more realistic picture, we interviewed two exhibitors at different levels of comfort with digital adoption.
Dominic Jones, Marketing Manager at Axis Communication, had a positive view on digital events, praising them as “highly-effective lead generation activities”. According to Dominic, it was essential to push the innovation and change brought about by online events into a company’s digital event strategy. He suggested a combination of live and virtual events for the sales funnel, with physical experiences used more towards the bottom end to accelerate the pipeline.
Among the challenges faced, Dominic holds the opinion it is crucial to maintain a continuous conversation with the audience throughout the year, not just over a three-day event period, lending credence to the use of a year-round online marketplace and community to engage the audience.
Kerri Keane, Event Manager at Charles River Laboratories, had a slightly different view, stating that getting acquainted with the complexities of various virtual event technology platforms meant it took them more time to plan a digital event than a physical one.
While she is yet to see any significant returns from virtual events, Kerri stressed on the need to keep tracking the leads in order to measure ROI, and had an optimistic view on the learnings that the digital medium brought.
“*Virtual events have been a new experience for all of us and there is a learning curve involved; there is much to learn and share,”* she said.
## **More data points available than ever before**
The virtual medium has significantly increased the amount and quality of data available to exhibitors and organisers. Building a more complete profile of buyers is now possible by mapping their event journey a far greater degree of granularity.
There has been an explosion in data that can be used to demonstrate exhibitor ROI. ExpoPlatform’s own research threw up some interesting statistics for online events and exhibitions:
This is incredibly valuable data if harnessed and actioned effectively. The influx of data provides opportunities for developing better tools to measure sponsorship and exhibitor ROI for both live and online interactions, helping organisers enrich and personalise the exhibitor/visitor experience.
*“Ownership of this data is a vitally important issue*,” flagged ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk. *“It is important that organisers make sure they retain the control of this most crucial asset – a position that ExpoPlatform outlines in its* [*Data Manifesto*](https://expoplatform.com/data-manifesto/)*.”*
## **Digital channels significantly extend global reach, increase monetisation potential and allow buyers and sellers to be connected all-year round**
> “*With virtual playing a significant role in the future of events, tools like AI matchmaking, NFC RFID technology and instant lead capture have become massively popular. Organisers are also discovering the use of technology like digital avatars, AR and VR for new, exciting, use-cases*,” – ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk.
The new, wider ecosystem of digital solutions presents innovative ways for organisers to grow their audience and create packages that help buyers and sellers connect and engage not only during the event but all-year round through online marketplaces. These 365 online marketplaces can be anchored to a flagship event, allowing a large number of attendees to conduct business activities any time of the year, instead of being compelled to make quick decisions within a limited time frame.
Allowing access to an ‘ever-available’ online marketplace also allows organisers to do a deep dive into the audience behaviour and build a more complete persona to determine their needs and wants. One can then create micro-experiences and provide greater personalisation, leading to increased engagement and exploring [omnichannel monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
## **Conclusion**
In a complex, fast-changing landscape, it’s clear that buyer behaviour has evolved and online transactions are here to stay.
It’s also evident that exhibitors and organisers have to keep making the changes necessary to keep up with such a rapid shift. While virtual events work well for educational activities, training and workshops, the need to cater to provide buyers with information when they need highlights the importance of an ‘always on’ marketplace models.
Both models above create a new pool of engaged prospects with whom sellers can further connect on the marketplace and help them make an informed decision, while allowing organisers to boost top-line growth through either subscription revenue or commissions.
By rethinking the services an organiser provides along the customer journey, and creating new services based on all the data they are now collecting, organisers can keep an important role in the transactions between buyers and sellers.
For more on this topic, **[download the Marketplace Blueprint ](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)**for advice on how to establish your own marketplace alongside an events business.
**Categories:** All, Marketplace
---
### [Johnson's resignation is 'opportunity' for events industry](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220711/)
**Published:** July 11, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Boris Johnson’s exit from Downing Street has been described as a potential opportunity for our events sector.**
CEO of mia Kerrin MacPhie raised hopes about Visa conditions and immigration rules being improved which could be a boost for our industry.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic it’s game on for E3’s in-person return in June after partnering with RX’s ReedPop.
Other top stories this week include a Messe Frankfurt show moving from Shanghai amid Covid-19 fears, UFI renews deal with Thai organiser and a survey confirms Italy’s conference industry recovery.
## **Boris Johnson’s exit is ‘opportunity’ for events**
**The UK Prime Minister’s resignation offers an opportunity for the events industry to “thrive”, according to an association.**
Boris Johnson announced his decision to leave Number 10 after receiving unprecedented pressure from Conservative parliamentarians and ministers.
He told the nation he would remain in the post as a caretaker until a new leader was found, with the Meetings Industry Association (mia) claiming this could provide a boost for business events.
> The Meetings Industry Association reacts to Boris Johnson’s resignation
> Read the full statement here [pic.twitter.com/V2AJqbiQdc](https://t.co/V2AJqbiQdc)
>
> — The Meetings Industry Association (@MIAuk) [July 7, 2022](https://twitter.com/MIAuk/status/1545030940015091714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Kerrin MacPhie, chief executive of the mia, said: “Despite the distractions of the inevitable leadership challenge and subsequent ministerial appointments, we may potentially witness positive change such as Visa conditions and immigration rules being relaxed.
“This will assist us to attract the much-needed workforce that left the UK post-Brexit and help business meetings and events thrive, providing much confidence to all – both domestically and internationally.”
She added: “We will have to see how things unfold but what is clear is that collaboration and staying connected as a sector has never been more important.”
The PM’s term in office was ended by scandals that included breaches of Covid-19 pandemic lockdown rules, a luxury renovation of his official residence and the appointment of a minister who had been accused of sexual misconduct.
Cheers and applause were heard as he began his speech at the lectern outside Downing Street, while boos rang out from some outside the gates of the official residence.
> Boris Johnson said his arguments to stay in power were rejected due to a “herd instinct” at Westminster and said it was “painful” not to be able to deliver on his plans
>
> ?: [@StefanRousseau](https://twitter.com/StefanRousseau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/XxJUIL4VEH](https://t.co/XxJUIL4VEH)
>
> — PA Media (@PA) [July 7, 2022](https://twitter.com/PA/status/1545012813575372802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mr Johnson [said](https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/prime-minister-boris-johnsons-statement-in-downing-street-7-july-2022): “I want to say to the millions of people who voted for us in 2019 – many of them voting Conservative for the first time, thank you for that incredible mandate.
“The reason I have fought so hard for the last few days to continue to deliver that mandate in person was not just because I wanted to do so, but because I felt it was my job, my duty, my obligation to you to continue to do what we promised in 2019.
“I am immensely proud of the achievements of this Government – from getting Brexit done and settling our relations with the continent after half a century, reclaiming the power for this country to make its own laws in parliament.
“Getting us all through the pandemic – delivering the fastest vaccine rollout in Europe, the fastest exit from lockdown and in the last few months leading the west in standing up to Putin’s aggression in Ukraine.”
## **UFI reaffirms relationship with Thai events industry**
**The renewed deal between Thailand’s premier events organiser and UFI highlights the nation as “a main destination for international exhibitions”, it has been claimed.**
The Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) has extended its longstanding Diamond Sponsorship Agreement, which includes a focus on education and sustainability.
This move signals the organiser’s strong commitment to improve corporate visibility in UFI events, activities and media.
> ?️ [\#UFInews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFInews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw): UFI and TCEB renew long-standing Diamond Sponsorship Agreement
>
> The official signing took place during the Global CEO Summit in Hamburg. ?
>
> ? [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Lgm0Ahapth](https://t.co/Lgm0Ahapth)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [July 5, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1544267358247714817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Nichapa Yoswee, TCEB senior vice president, said: “This agreement between TCEB and UFI highlights Thailand as a main destination for international exhibitions.
“TCEB supports the sustainable development of exhibition business, promotes the Net Zero Carbon events which is in line with UFI’s policies, and enhances local exhibition stakeholders’ potential for Thailand’s exhibition industry’s development and readiness to embrace ASEAN and global opportunities.”
Monica Lee-Müller, UFI president, said: “I am very excited to see the renewal of the very fruitful relationship between UFI and TCEB.
“The commitment of both entities towards working for the development of the exhibition industry will help UFI reach out to millions of exhibitors, visitors, stakeholders and policy makers.
“I believe the global exhibition industry and the industries using the business event platforms that exhibitions provide will greatly benefit from this continuous collaboration.”
The deal – the highest tier of its kind – will see TCEB gain year-round promotion and visibility across all UFI events and activities.
All Diamond Sponsors directly contribute to expanding the depth and scope of initiatives to enable the association to serve the exhibition industry better.
## **Game on for E3 in-person return with RX**
**North America’s seminal video game expo has confirmed its in-person return to Los Angeles under a new partnership with RX.**
E3 will open its doors in June to reunite the global industry for a week of high-profile releases, world premieres and exclusive access to future products.
It is to be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center an organised in partnership by ReedPop – a boutique group within RX – and the Entertainment Software Association.
> We're back! ?[\#E32023](https://twitter.com/hashtag/E32023?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) will take place in June at the Los Angeles Convention Center— with new partner ReedPop (the folks behind [@PAX](https://twitter.com/pax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)!)
>
> Learn more: [pic.twitter.com/MdW00Qekeg](https://t.co/MdW00Qekeg)
>
> — E3 (@E3) [July 7, 2022](https://twitter.com/E3/status/1545046476597956608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Lance Fensterman, president of ReedPop, said: “It is a tremendous honour and privilege for ReedPop to take on the responsibility of bringing E3 back in 2023.
“With the support and endorsement of the ESA, we’re going to build a world class event to serve the global gaming industry in new and broader ways than we already do at ReedPop through our portfolio of world leading events and websites.”
ReedPop is a veteran event production company behind PAX, New York Comic Con, Star Wars Celebratio, and other acclaimed celebrations of pop culture.
E3 2023 will welcome back publishers, developers, journalists, content creators, manufacturers, buyers, and licensors. The event will also highlight digital showcases and feature in-person consumer components.
## **Shanghai show down over Covid-19 fears**
**Fears over potential coronavirus restriction in Shanghai have forced Asia’s leading laundry and textile trade fair to relocate.**
Pandemic circumstances in the city have caused uncertainties about holding largescale events as well as fears over participant safety.
Talks among decision-makers have since led to the 2022 edition of Texcare Asia & China Laundry Expo (TXCA & CLE) to be moved to Ningbo.
A Messe Frankfurt statement said: “The recent pandemic circumstances in Shanghai have caused uncertainties about holding large-scale events in the city.
“Putting participants’ safety the priority, and following discussions between the organisers and various stakeholders, the 2022 edition of TXCA & CLE will be moved to Ningbo.”
TXCA & CLE is an annual event organised by the China Laundry Association and the China Light Industry Machinery Association as well as Messe Frankfurt and Unifair Exhibition Service.
The fair will be pushed back to September to give fairgoers extra time to make the necessary arrangements for their successful participation at the new venue.
Organisers have said they will also comply with the local safety measures and will extensively promote the show to ensure another noteworthy edition.
## **Italian conference recovery on track, survey shows**
**The conference and events industry in Italian is on the road to recovery, according to new study.**
Figures show a total of 86,438 show were held last year with 4.85 million delegates – up 24% and 15% respectively on 2020.
The Italian Survey of Conferences and Events also highlights how regulations meant it was only possible to hold in-person events from July and with reduced capacity until December.
This research was promoted by Federcongressi&eventi, whose president Gabriella Gentile claimed the lockdown strengthened the importance of in-person shows.
He said: “The market needs events, and wants to them to be held in person. The virtual world provided an important resource during the pandemic and will continue to be a possible option in the future, but the value of in-person meetings has undoubtedly been strengthened by the stop imposed by Covid-19.
“The economic, cultural and social role of events and conferences is also being increasingly recognised by institutions, with which we are in discussions to make our contribution to the sector’s growth.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [ExpoPlatform and Rego announce VIP Concierge and Digital Sales partnership ](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/expoplatform-and-rego-announce-vip-concierge-and-digital-sales-partnership/)
**Published:** March 23, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
## ExpoPlatform and Rego are pleased to announce they have entered into a strategic partnership, combining ExpoPlatform’s industry leading AI-powered business matchmaking with Rego’s best-in-class concierge and customer service capabilities.
With the event industry increasingly using virtual event technology and using AI matchmaking to make connections at scale, the important human element can be forgotten.
The new VIP concierge service combines the best of both worlds, offering matchmaking ‘with the human touch’ at a time when the industry needs to offer compelling reasons for buyers to return to exhibition centres.
Using the Expoplatform’s powerful [hosted buyer management](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/) and virtual event technology, Rego will qualify hosted buyers, schedule one-to-one meetings, and meet them on-site for a fully managed solution.
The partnership also offers a ‘plug and play’ digital sales service, providing a trained salesteam ready to upsell exhibitors into a range of digital sponsorship packages available on the platform.
These new services are part of a growing number of **ExpoPlatform Approved Partner Programmes** (APPs), a series of partnerships which aim to provide new, innovative solutions to industry pain-points.
> *“We are delighted to be working with the experienced team of professionals at Rego to power better hybrid events. The addition of Rego’s excellent customer service team to our existing Hosted Buyer technology creates a compelling, well-rounded service for organisers.”* says Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform.
> *“Rego are looking forward to working with ExpoPlatform for impactive and crucial engagement. The joining of both services will ensure we deliver consistent growth across the industry.”* says Donna Shaw, Chief Operating Officer at [Rego.](https://www.theregogroup.com/)
>
> 
To find out more about what this partnership can mean for your business [get in touch]().
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer, Partnership
---
### [Tech tools you should use to build an online event community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/tech-tools-to-build-an-online-event-community/)
**Published:** February 23, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
If there’s one crucial lesson organisers have learnt from the last year, it’s that depending on just one event for your business and marketing strategy can be fraught with risks. While online events have gained traction as an acceptable alternative, the lingering effects of the pandemic and continued uncertainty around the future have raised the need for another pivot – from standalone annual events to an ever-connected community.
This evolution becomes especially necessary for the exhibition model, where people can explore and evaluate their choices all-year-round at an [online marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/), instead of being restricted to a specific timeframe.
To build such a community and keep it active and engaged, you need event technology tools that serve your goals and fulfil the needs of buyers and sellers.
Here are some tools necessary for providing a seamless community experience 365 days of the year:
## **Interactive website and virtual platform – to host and manage your community**
The first thing you will need is a virtual event platform to host your community. This platform should have features like an interactive website and integration with third-party tools, providing an online environment where members can connect hassle-free.
Creating a [**user-friendly, responsive SEO website**](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/) with pleasing aesthetics will be a key step in bringing your community together. The website will be the central hub where buyers and sellers can interact, schedule meetings, share content, send messages, explore company catalogues and network with each other.
## **Online conference and meeting tools – to foster engagement**
To encourage interaction between buyers and sellers any time of the year, the platform should have online conferencing and meeting functionality. This will enable them to:
- Schedule [**one-on-one and group meetings**](https://expoplatform.com/online-meetings/)
- Host online sessions and conferences
- Invite members for webinars and conferences.
After confirming, these meetings would be synced to members’ personal agendas and calendars. The virtual meeting rooms would be equipped with inbuilt screen-sharing, chat, push notifications and other features to improve engagement.
## **AI-Matchmaking – to boost networking and connections**
The bedrock of any community is the conversations and interactions among its members. But finding the right people to converse with, products to check, sessions to attend and content to consume can become overwhelming, given the infinite choices we have in the digital medium.
Cut the clutter and find relevant matches through **[AI-powered matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)****.** The recommendation algorithm of AI-matchmaking aligns with member preferences and changes according to their decisions, providing numerous options to expand and improve their networking.
## **[Monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) and sponsorship – to increase revenue**
Sponsors and exhibitors are always on the hunt for new branding opportunities and an event community provides the perfect platform to maximise their brand presence throughout the year. Digital adverts and banners, sponsored listings and searches, and a data analytics dashboard that details buyer interactions, are great ways to provide measurable value to sellers in your community.
## **Online marketplace – includes networking profiles for exhibitors, products, services**
A marketplace like Amazon offers a wide range of options for buyers and sellers to undertake commercial transactions. Similarly, an online marketplace for event communities is an important tool that creates an **‘always-available’** platform where members can:
- Network with each other to initiate business conversations
- Visit exhibitor profiles and sponsor profiles to indicate interest
- Stay updated with product launches and industry updates
Your event community will be as engaged as the networking options available to its members. While there will always be new tools and technology in the market to improve the community experience, the basic building blocks mentioned above will remain core to its long-term viability.
[Read more on the critical role of online marketplaces as part of a new omnichannel event model and how you can set up one to facilitate seamless customer experiences.](https://expoplatform.com/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/)
**Categories:** Community, Event Technology
---
### [Chart of the week: More organisers return to live events despite Omicron](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-the-week-more-organisers-returning-to-live-events-despite-omicron/)
**Published:** January 21, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Organizers are returning to live shows at a quicker pace than before, a new survey reveals.**
Findings from [etc.venues](https://www.etcvenues.com/blog) show that 28% of organizers have planned live only events for 2022. This is higher than 20% who said in July 2021 they plan to host only live shows this year.
The study also found that 70% of organisers are eager to meet their colleagues face-to-face more often this year.
Moreover, 46% said they value the more interactive and engaging nature of in-person meetings and another 42% considered them an effective way to build relationships.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The stats reflect an improving outlook among organisers towards in-person events despite the Omicron threat.
In fact, reports suggest the UK might have passed the peak of the new variant.
The seven-day average of Omicron cases in the UK has been declining since a week and dropped below the 14-day average on January 11 for the first time since November.
This has renewed optimism among organisers to host and participate in face-to-face meetups again.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
The latest data suggests Omicron is following a similar pattern as in South Africa – a surge in cases followed by a rapid decrease.
This means organisers should continue to plan for in-person meetings and events in 2022.
[Venues will have a key role](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/concerns-over-health-rules-remain-top-priority-for-choosing-venues/) in ensuring Covid health safety protocols are being followed.
Digital will continue to be a crucial factor in helping organisers insure their events and increase monetisation opportunities.
Learn how you can maximise your digital revenue growth with our [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/).
Organisers might also need to plan hybrid events that blend both physical and virtual formats.
This is especially required if a section of your target audience is not comfortable travelling to venues for health or other purposes.
If you still wonder what hybrid experiences are all about, our Hybrid Blueprint is a good starting point – [download it now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)!
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Manufacturing events revved up](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220613/)
**Published:** June 13, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**We’ve seen big manufacturing-related moves with the launch of a special exhibition series and a major acquisition.**
A new Return to Live survey has been launched to learn new lessons from the comeback of in-person events. [**Take part here**](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/technology-for-in-person-events-in-2022-survey).
Other stories this week include two global event associations signing a deal with an EU body, a focus on digital innovation at ETL Summit as well as success in the world’s largest gathering of insurance leaders and innovators.
## **Manufacturing events get into gear**
**The manufacturing sector of the events industry has revved up its potential with a series of big moves.**
This week saw the launch of key events including the Med Tech Innovation Expo by Rapid News. The event, touted as the UK and Ireland’s leading show for medical device design and manufacturing technology attracted hundreds of professionals to the NEC Birmingham venue.
The show provided a fantastic chance for organisations involved in the medical supply chain, product development, and innovation to network, create ideas, and better understand prominent industry trends.
Thought leaders, innovators and manufacturers from across the medical and healthcare sector discussed major med-tech topics, including regulation, market access, start-ups and more.
Over 200 industry leaders attended the Med Tech Awards ceremony to congratulate honorees and recognise their contributions to the sector’s growth.
The event is the outcome of Rapid News and Medilink UK working together. Rapid News Group is a conglomerate of multinational magazine publishing, trade show, and digital media enterprises specialising in manufacturing business-to-business communications.
Industry professionals were brought together – helped by the ExpoPlatform-powered app – to explore new ideas, understand emerging technologies and source products.
Meanwhile, M&E Week included a programme of CPD accredited live panel discussions, interactive workshops and demonstrations plus a host of highly topical digital sessions for professional development.
It was staged NEC Birmhingham, which also hosted Manufacturing & Engineering Week, showcasing high-end solutions for professionals over four days.
## **Return to Live survey launched**
**A new industry research scheme has been launched to find out how eventprofs are handling the comeback of in-person events.**
The [**Return to Live survey**](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/technology-for-in-person-events-in-2022-survey) aims to uncover some of the biggest hurdles faced during this period.
It comes after more than two years of disruption by lockdown measures, which contributed to a turbocharged digital transformation of events.
ExpoPlatform research suggests there is now 20 times more data available than before the pandemic, while many organisers have spoken of reshaping their business models to be more flexible.
**Fill out the survey** [**here**](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/technology-for-in-person-events-in-2022-survey)**.** Responses are in confidence and will be presented in aggregate, which will be sent to you in our exclusive report.
## **EU’s deal with events associations to help SMEs**
**An EU body has signed up to a deal with the events industry to help boost support for SMEs.**
The Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) recently reached agreement with both UFI and the European Major Exhibition Centres Association (EMECA).
It consolidates its connection with venues and organisers, while also reaching out to a wider audience that could benefit from the use of intellectual property and EUIPO initiatives.
> ? The power of collaboration: The [@EU\_IPO](https://twitter.com/EU_IPO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) signs collaboration agreements with EMECA and [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to strengthen the support provided to [@EU\_Commission](https://twitter.com/EU_Commission?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) SMEs. ?[@bweizsacker](https://twitter.com/BWeizsacker?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [June 6, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1533771987922853888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Inge Buffolo, director of the customer department in the EUIPO says: “It is a great pleasure to welcome EMECA and the UFI to the Ideas Powered for Business network.
“We hope this partnership will be fruitful and that together we can provide many benefits to EU businesses.
“The exhibition industry can play a vital role in reaching out to those SMEs that need it the most, showing them how to protect their ideas at trade shows and fairs through our intellectual property initiatives.”
## **ETL Summit: a focus on digital innovation**
**ETL Summit brought eventprofs together from four different continents with a focus on digital innovation.**
The digital event offered a single day of content from a mix of suppliers, renowned planners and keynote speakers.
Its [**opening session**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/etlsummit22/) was fronted by ExpoPlatform’s Luke Bilton, who shared some key insights into our Future of Events ebook series.
He said: “I don’t think there’s any more interesting industry right now than the intersection of technology and events.
“There couldn’t be a more exciting time right now than this fast-changing period that we are living through.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks-library/)
The session was based around research gathered in five in-depth ebooks which collectively have more than 250 pages of expert insights.
You can download the full Future of Events series [**here**](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks-library/).
## **ITC Asia ensures gathering of global leaders**
**The world’s largest gathering of insurance leaders and innovators came together in Singapore.**
InsureTech Connect Asia 2022 offers some of the top access to tech entrepreneurs, investors, and insurance industry incumbents.
Thousands of attendees, meetings and connections were part of the global event in Singapore.
ExpoPlatform partnered with Clarion as eventtech providers for the hugely successful event. Congrats to all involved!
Last week also saw the launch of Ascential’s Money 20/20 in Amsterdam alongwith Hyve Group plc’s Shoptalk Europe.
Money 20/20 brought global leaders from Google, Deutsche Bank, Mastercard, Sports Bank and izibank to shine a light on the key payments and financial services innovation.
Shoptalk Europe united the entire European retail and grocery ecosystems with over 3,000+ decision makers from the likes of Apple, Red Bull, Calvin Klein, L’Oréal and Coca-Cola attending the show.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [How to create unique buying and selling value propositions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/ett-value-proposition/)
**Published:** May 19, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Engagement through “personalised value” is key to creating unique buying and selling propositions which will draw back show participants, according to an ETT Club session.**
Eventprofs were asked for ideas about how to get rebookings and grow an audience during the presentation at the UFI European Conference in Poland.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, highlighted three areas that organisers need to focus on to build successful value propositions for buying and selling:
- **Value** – Look at the process from a customer’s perspective. What are their goals? How can you analyse and measure if targets have been met? The customer will measure the opportunity cost of getting the same quality of leads elsewhere.
- **Personalisation** – Segment exhibitors and visitors into clear and manageable groups, with the organiser as the expert and central catalyst of the industry they serve.
- **Engagement** – People support what they help to create. The organiser might want to introduce new formats of interaction before and during the event, making sure people are emotionally invested and have a sense of ownership of the process.
She said: “Speaking about value, we as organisers as an industry should look at the process from the perspective of our end customer. The problem here can be in how we measure the success so we can find out how can we deliver visual proof of achievement.
“We as organisers have to find out what are the alternatives. What are the opportunities they have to reach out to leads? How can we compare the value we deliver and the cost of the lead in different ways?
“It’s important to accept ourselves as part of the industry. Organisers shouldn’t just be an expert in events management, we have to become experts in the industries we serve.
Tanya added: “Personalisation is segmentation into measurable groups. So we have to know how to deliver values to these niche groups.
“We should not consider exhibitors as a group of people – we know that there are many other groups inside.
“Speaking about engagement, we should remember that people support what they help to create. ETT Club is an example of how the organiser UFI helped us with this new formatting so we could to be engaged in the topic we are interested in – we are experts in and we are interested in coming up with new ideas.”
Tanya was joined by Aida Cuko, of the Italian Exhibition Group, and Emerald’s Joseph Kowalsky for the workshop.
Aida drew attention to two key points when considering a value proposition: buyers and travel changes.
Organisers were told to focus more on those who are making purchases rather than exhibitors, which could include offering more hosted buying opportunities.
She said: “Our shows are less crowded after the pandemic, but surprisingly the feedback from the exhibitors was great – sometimes even greater than it was before the pandemic.
“That’s because they didn’t need many people in their booths, they just needed the right people at the booth. That reminded us again that the most important client for us is the buyer, not the exhibitor.”
Aida added: “People will travel less than what they used to do before. Maybe buyers are not going to the sellers anymore, so it should be the sellers going to the buyers.
“Geocloning is something that adds value to your show. So if you have a leading show – well-known, well-positioned in the world – why not invest and bring that show to different markets?”
Innovation and communication were highlighted by Joseph as two other areas which should be prioritised by organisers.
However, he claimed there has to be a real reason in developing your offerings for your client – otherwise there’s no point.
Joseph said: “Innovation for innovation’s sake is really not going to be good for anybody – because who is it helping?”
Organisers were told to use influencers and dynamic video content to demonstrate the value that your business is providing them.
He added: “It’s really just an adjustment to our current style and giving some more life to this industry that is so vibrant already.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Event venues set to make strong recovery](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220429/)
**Published:** April 29, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Revenue for business event venues is expected to rebound strongly and could reach 2019 levels within the next two years, according to a new study.**
Research from IACC’s annual [Meeting Room of the Future Barometer 2022](https://www.iacconline.org/iacc-meeting-room-of-the-future) shows that two thirds of respondents say they will reach those levels by 2023.
The findings show average revenue in 2021 was 45% below 2019, while it is projected to narrow to just 8% in 2022.
IACC surveyed top event venue operators in Americas, Europe and Australia to understand the pace of recovery and level of optimism for a three-week period in March 2022.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**Though virtual meetings were once quick fixes to replace physical events, the human touch of face-to-face interactions was sorely missing.**
The post-Covid era means attendees are eager to get back to in-person events again. This is indicated in the IACC report, where the value of human interaction and expanding the network are considered key reasons for people to attend. This is especially true of those meetings that are aimed at teambuilding, training sessions and problem-solving.
Another reason for the revenue recovery projections for event venues is the optimistic outlook towards live meetings.
A survey by Encore Global in March also showed that 77% of the organisers polled were feeling positive for live meetings, compared to 65% three months earlier.
Meanwhile, venues have earmarked investments to upgrade their facilities – such as conference rooms, public spaces and dining spaces – over the next 18 months to better accommodate their audience.
Mark Cooper, CEO of IACC, said: “The study clearly points to the fact that recovery is moving forward, and the future looks bright for our industry, with a renewed value placed on face-to-face events.”
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
Venue operators are revamping their spaces to host digitally-enhanced in-person events. This means setting up the required audio/video infrastructure, creating dedicated areas to connect online and offline audiences and more.
Meanwhile, organisers face an important question with the return of in-person events and the recovery of venues – how have audience expectations changed?
Health concerns remain a top priority for the selection of venues. Below are some factors that organisers should consider before shortlisting one:
- Commitment to follow local health guidelines
- Vaccinated staff
- Offering masks and PPE (if needed)
- Track record of hosting safe events
Live shows have also evolved remarkably. Organisers are looking to create Smart Events and provide their audience an immersive, value-driven experience at every touchpoint. Here are some ways to achieve this:
**Building community spaces**
Building an [**online event community**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) helps prospects connect with companies, products and content on their terms and schedules. You can plan out year-round engagement activities to keep the conversations going before and after the live show. This creates a perpetual interaction model to drive leads and boost revenue.
**Enhanced networking options**
Using [**AI matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) tools enables attendees and exhibitors find the relevant matches for their business. Users fill in their preferences and get recommendations through intelligent matchmaking algorithms.
**Improved navigation and wayfinding**
Attendees want the maximum value for their time spent at the event venue. An **[interactive floor plan](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/interactive-floor-plans/)** provides seamless navigation and wayfinding at the show space. This allows attendees to find their way quickly around conference rooms, breakout areas and exhibitor booths.
**Increased revenue opportunities**
Providing **[digital monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)** opportunities increases the event’s value proposition. These include tiered packages, splash screens for branding, sponsored content, premium profile customisations and more. This also helps organisers futureproof their business and broaden their revenue potential
We have a number of resources to help you get started with Smart Events.
- Read the [**complete organiser’s guide**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) to understand what Smart Events are all about.
- [**Insights and tips**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/) to help you make more money with Smart Events.
- A **[checklist of tech tools](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/smart-event-tech-checklist/)** to help you plan Smart Events in 2022 and beyond.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [How to easily offer transparent exhibitor ROI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/transparent-roi/)
**Published:** May 18, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Today’s marketers are used to using Linkedin, Google and Facebook – platforms which all show real-time statistics.**
This means the event industry must be equally as transparent about how budgets are being spent, providing customers with useful statistics about who is engaging with their profile and content.
In this guide we show you how you can offer transparent ROI for your exhibitors, how to build a “monetisation journey” as well as how to get the most out of your attendees.
**For more on how to drive revenue at your events download your free copy of the [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/).**
# **Offer transparent ROI**
**Gone are the days where organisers can expect rebookings year after year without proof of ROI.**
Exhibitors expect a real-time dashboard of information about all customers who have engaged with their online company profile, as well as the products and content they publish at their physical stand.
This is the benefit of pursuing a [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) business model – digitally enhanced in-person shows which boost value for all participants.
ExpoPlatform’s integrated mobile app allows for lead scanning of badges – barcodes or QR codes – which is available for visitors and exhibitors, who can rate and categorise leads and add notes.
All leads captured are stored in an exhibitor’s dashboard, bringing together online and offline results together into a single view.
Brian Field, COO of Emerald, [said](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-tech-brian-field/): “Covid-19 has forced everyone into realising that technology – whether it’s rented or owned – is an absolute necessity.
“Organisers can’t just go back to a pre-Covid-19 way of doing things because the way things used to be done – coupled with the absence of performance data – has been increasingly challenging for chief marketing officers seeking hard calculations of ROI.
“Being able to use data and supporting tools to generate clear measures and metrics around ROI is required. We have to do it.
“Covid-19 has accelerated the need for broader technological adoption, which is something the industry was going to have to do anyway.”
# **Build a monetisation journey**
**A blend of live and digital channels can bring out the best of both worlds to create a “monetisation journey” through the extended lifecycle of an event.**
The monetisation journey, a concept developed by MBB-Consulting Group, allows an exhibitor to pay for a series of touch points.
One element is the physical stand, but there are also other opportunities to offer within the industry such as online panel discussions or digital product presentations.
A subscription model may be suitable here, where an exhibitor can choose to pay an annual fee for a touchpoint package which includes a certain number of digital and live elements.
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, said: “For the innovative event producer, hybrid events provide a blank canvas for reinventing the event experience – for attendees and sponsors alike – through unlimited formats, content and engagement opportunities.”
Offer a menu of options to allow differently sized businesses to buy a package of live and virtual event touch points at different rates.
A smaller firm could purchase a tabletop of about 20sqm, with an online product tour for one month and a virtual panel discussion at another time of year.
Meanwhile, a large business could pay for a stand of more than 50sqm in a physical show as well as two panel discussions, two industry talks, an online award, online stand and virtual product tours across four months.
These would be priced relatively and could be paid for annually. It is important this journey should be designed with three elements in mind: exclusivity, urgency and purpose.
- **Exclusivity:** a limited inventory of in-person and online options is a tried and tested way to encourage bookings.
- **Urgency:** these options can have limited availability – such as spaces sitting in on a panel discussion – which makes it important to reserve tickets sooner.
- **Purpose:** make sure your offerings deliver results for sponsors and audiences. The relationship built between customers and brands becomes a community through content which is mutually beneficial.
Tesi Baur, MBB-Consulting Group founder, said: “We have created the concept of a monetisation journey to bring live and digital B2B products together that make sense for exhibiting companies and enables them to get visibility and leads throughout the year.”
# **Monetising visitors**
**This can begin with free online content which is open to all. Complementary components like this act as adverts for your products and brand awareness.**
They attract people who have an interest in what you are selling and search online for it.
The second tier involves potential customers signing up. These people already know you have good content but now want access to exclusive articles, showcases or products.
This is because they have had their interest piqued by the free offerings. Content such as expert insights or webinars then become available to them once they have signed up and logged in.
A third tier could include paid-for access to VIP content, such as being able to connect with mastermind groups or think tanks as well as an annual pass to an event series.
Limit spaces available to online content to make it exclusive to those who have subscribed. Target this audience by giving them FOMO – such as “only a few spaces remain” to industry leader presentations or panel discussions.
The purpose is it keeps customers engaged with your content, informing decisions and improving products for a better ROI.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [The Week in Events: Event Planners forced to be flexible as nations grapple with Omicron](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220124/)
**Published:** January 24, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This edition highlights a split in how nations are handling the pandemic, so we set out how event planners can make the best out of both situations. There’s also been an acceleration in interest for data-driven business models, with a number of reports indicating it is the way forward.**
**Here’s everything you’ll find this week:**
- Planners forced to be flexible as split emerges on Covid-19
- Data-driven sales ‘see above average growth’
- [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) to make up 40% of shows in 2022
- Safety measures are a Virtual Reality
- Early Christmas present for planners in Australian region
# **Planners forced to be flexible as split emerges on Covid-19**
**A real split has emerged in how different nations are planning to handle the pandemic amid the surge in Omicron cases – and planners must prepare to face up to both.**
The UK Government announced it would lift restrictions this week and even remove the need for isolation in March. Meanwhile, South Korea extended its tougher social distancing rules for three more weeks – including curfews for hospitality venues and a cap on the number of people who can gather in private.
Thousands of hamsters were also [ordered to be killed](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/hong-kong-orders-hamster-cull-after-covid-19-hits-pets-2022-01-18/) in Hong Kong after 11 tested positive for coronavirus. This story majorly highlights the stark difference in approaches.
Even in our own industry we are seeing certain markets open up, while others continue to struggle under public health measures. What’s clear is that event organisers need to be flexible enough to handle both scenarios.
World of Concrete went ahead in Las Vegas last week with a venue packed with attendees. Meanwhile, Arab Health was set to get going today at the Dubai World Trade Center, with around 56,000 healthcare professionals expected to take part.
The indication that many governments are planning to ease restrictions and face up to having to live with the virus will not be much of a struggle for organisers.
Making sure health and safety measures are in place sufficiently is something professionals in our industry have been doing even when officials have not forced it. It does present a question as to how they choose to move forward with vaccine or immunity passes.
But with many markets still under pressure to pursue a zero-coronavirus policy – particularly Hong Kong – as well as the uncertainty of lockdowns being imposed it is advisable for planners to be flexible. This means having options for digital components to your shows which can be used if necessary.
We saw a surge in hybrid formats in 2021, but we see this as being the year that Smart Events and 365 Communities will be preferred. They offer easy-to-pivot productions and year-round engagement, carry on reading to see how Smart Events will make up a large part of offerings this year.
# **Data-driven sales ‘see above average growth’**
**Businesses using data-driven sales growth engines are seeing above-average market expansion, according to new research.**
The findings from McKinsey & Company also show an increase in earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation (EDITD) in the range of 15% to 25%. A total of 64% of B2B companies [told the firm](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/insights-to-impact-creating-and-sustaining-data-driven-commercial-growth) they expect to boost investments in predictive analytics.
**It comes as ExpoPlatform launched its new [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) focussing on how an event organiser can use data science to accelerate the digital transformation of their business.**
Research shows virtual and hybrid shows as well as always-on communities have increased the number of information points on each participant by a factor of 20.
The AI Blueprint is a practical guide brings together exclusive insight from industry experts into how things have changed and how to shape up for the future, with instructions on how to make the most of these new opportunities.
More than two-thirds of event professionals (68%) told our survey that shaping products through customer insight is their top priority, but this was closely followed by being able to provide a 360 view of customers (65%) and personalisation of experiences (62%).
Mykyta Fastovets, Chief Technology Officer of ExpoPlatform, said: “As the industry goes into its third year of the pandemic, we are seeing organisers grappling with how they will make the best of the data they have collected with digital platforms and at in-person events.
“It’s interesting to see how this is leading to an increased maturity around product management, and how insights derived from participants’ behavioural data can be used to unlock new opportunities.”
[**Download your free copy of the ebook now.**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)
# **Smart Events to make up 40% of shows in 2022**
**Almost 40% of shows held in 2022 will be Smart Events as the digital transformation of our industry continues to accelerate, exclusive research reveals.**
This emerging format uses new technology to increase the value of the in-person experience for all participants. Findings from an ETT-Club and ExpoPlatform survey of industry professionals suggest that an average of 39% of shows will be Smart Events this year.
**Read our [complete guide to Smart Events in 2022](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-defined/) here.**
Tanya Pinchuk CEO, ExpoPlatform said: “A Smart Event is an in-person event with extensive use of technology, where we simplify the visitors’ and exhibitors’ journey and make participation more effective.
“There are two things that have become clear: firstly, we we will still be in a pandemic situation for several months. We have to understand that our events have to be improved and enhanced to improve visitor and exhibitor experience.
“Secondly, our audience is quite mature already with technology because they use technology personally all the time – and they have high expectations. They now demand a better experience and a better journey compared to their previous pre-pandemic experiences.”
Figures were determined by asking event professionals what percentage of their productions would be in each format then determining the average from there. A total of 21% said they would hold a fifth of their shows as Smart Events, while 17% said they would make up half.
# **Safety measures are a Virtual Reality**
**The boom in online options for organisers has seen a growing interest in the need for digital safety measures – technological security is now a Virtual Reality.**
There is now a range of considerations for planners when putting on a show in this format such as liability, data breaches and how to handle an emergency remotely as well as many more. Event MB has published [its guide](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/guide-safety-liability-virtual-events) for how virtual events can be made more secure which includes speculation about potential future challenges.
It suggests introducing proper procedures for handling unforeseen circumstances. This can include collecting contact information, training for colleagues and requests for non-disclosure agreements to protect privacy.
Bob Hutchins, vice president of digital marketing for 5by5, told the website: “What we’re discovering about these online engagements like Zoom or larger events is that this is relatively new for human beings. When I say that, I mean that there are ways of being and communicating in person that are natural for us.
“Now we’ve introduced something on a global scale and it’s almost like one big science experiment — no one thinks about someone breaking into a house and shooting a presenter and what effect that would have in the context of an online world and the people witnessing the incident.”
# **Early Christmas present for planners in Australian region**
**Major shows in an Australian region are being given a lifeline for the next festive season after a new scheme was announced by the local government.**
The New South Wales (NSW) [Event Saver Fund](https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/event-saver/) will give financial support to organisers for productions which are forced to cancel or be significantly altered between December 15 and December 31 due to coronavirus measures.
Largescale shows are said to be targeted with the support due to the high level of impact they have on driving tourism as well as on the broader region’s economy.
NSW premier Dominic Perrottet added: “Major events are a key economic driver that create thousands of jobs across the state. The Event Saver Fund will ensure that organisers aren’t left high and dry as we work through this latest phase of the pandemic and sends a strong signal that the government is here to support business.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Pop culture event series rebrand has new content focus](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220523/)
**Published:** May 23, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Strong focus has been placed on the creation of high-quality journalism content as a pop culture event series rebranded its virtual realm this week.**
ReedPop has introduced Popverse, formerly known as Metaverse, as it sets out to bring in more staff to its editorial teams. The aim? To help grow its community through content.
Also in the event industry news this week we’ve seen a report show in-person attendance is more favourable than ever, while Cop26 president Alok Sharma returned to Glasgow to mark six months from the UN convention. Here’s everything you’ll find this week:
- **Pup culture series rebrand puts focus on content**
- **Live attendance ‘most favourable ever’**
- **Sustainability back on the agenda with Cop26 reminder**
- **IEG exceeds expectations with €38m first quarter**
- **Convention events booming in Brisbane**
# **Pop culture series rebrand puts focus on content**
**A major pop culture event series has rebranded its virtual realm and placed new focus on content as it looks to grow its community.**
ReedPop, from RX, is doubling down on journalism with a series of strategic new hires to grow its editorial team as it introduces Popverse.
Formerly known as the Metaverse, the rebranded platform is a new home where fans can stay up to date on their favourite fandoms and discover new ones.
> Hello, and welcome to your new favorite thing. Enjoy unrivaled comics and pop culture coverage with Popverse, a modern entertainment brand from ReedPop – the people behind [@NY\_Comic\_Con](https://twitter.com/NY_Comic_Con?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@SW\_Celebration](https://twitter.com/SW_Celebration?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@emeraldcitycon](https://twitter.com/emeraldcitycon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@c2e2](https://twitter.com/c2e2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), and [@pax](https://twitter.com/pax?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> Keep reading: [pic.twitter.com/NAmxfTsV0i](https://t.co/NAmxfTsV0i)
>
> — Popverse ► C2E2 (@PopverseSays) [May 18, 2022](https://twitter.com/PopverseSays/status/1526961169348567040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Chris Arrant, Popverse editor-in-chief, said: “There is a true appetite within the pop culture community to connect beyond the live events that ReedPop puts on every year.
“With Popverse, we have brought together some of the best comics and pop culture journalists to bring our fanbase engaging, unique content to help them interact with their fandom communities every day.”
Content is one of the Three Cs needed to grow an engaged 365 Community around your events, the others being commerce and connections.
It is where an organisation can make its value proposition real every day, with new useful publications to engage an industry.
This what keeps social media channels active and engaging, what makes email newsletters get opened and what starts to pull in new audiences through search engines.
**Download your free copy of the**[ **Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/) **for a complete guide on building your own 365 business model.**
Content at launch will of Popverse includes convention coverage, how-to and shopping guides as well as deepdives into popular fandoms.
The platform will also premiere a three-part video series called Hall Pass, featuring 5-minute videos that take viewers directly onto the New York Comic Con show floor with lively personalities, energetic games and interviews with the casts.
# **Live attendance ‘most favourable ever’**
**Attending events in-person is now the “most favourable it’s ever been”, according to a new study.**
Findings from the latest MPI Meetings Outlook show 85% of respondents put live as their preferred option, while virtual saw a drop from 32% to 26%.
A majority also believe in-person attendance will increase more than 10% over the next year
Terry Cunningham, MPI Toronto Chapter, said: “Everyone is talking about wanting to be in person and making demands of associations to host in person, but I still think there is a hesitancy.”
Meanwhile, projected business conditions over the next year show the second-highest “favourable” result n the history of Meetings Outlook — only slightly surpassed by summer 2021 results.
The majority of respondents anticipate business will be more than 10% better in the coming year.
# **Sustainability back on agenda with Cop26 reminder**
**The president of Cop26 has warned world leaders that failure to honour commitments made at the conference would be an “act of monstrous self-harm”.**
Alok Sharma MP hosted the show at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow to mark six months since the UN’s[ sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) gathering.
He was joined by representatives from business, civil society and young people in Scotland as he set out his vision for the second half of the UK’s Cop presidency.
> "When countries meet in Egypt in six months time, they must show that though the world has changed, our resolve has not"
>
> ? [\#COP26](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) President [@AlokSharma\_RDG](https://twitter.com/AlokSharma_RDG?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) highlighting the importance of countries honouring their [\#GlasgowClimatePact](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlasgowClimatePact?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) commitments.
>
> — COP26 (@COP26) [May 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/COP26/status/1526442391414222850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Alok said: “Every country must respond to the call to revisit and strengthen their nationally determined contribution and they must do so in 2022.
“The Glasgow Climate Pact calls on countries to look again at their NDCs, not at some vague point in the future, but this year, in 2022.”
He added it would be an “act of monstrous self-harm” if world leaders failed to honour commitments made at Cop26 in November.
Meanwhile our industry is also well aware of the importance of reshaping to this model. That’s why a scheme has been launched with the aim of moving the sector towards net zero carbon emissions globally by 2050.
The Net Zero Carbon Events [initiative](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) – hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council – was delivered at Cop26 and hopes to bring together a wide range of industry stakeholders to tackle the issue.
# **IEG exceeds expectations with €38m first quarter**
**Italian Exhibition Group hopes “darkest period” of pandemic is over as first quarter exceeds revenue expectation.**
The €38 million figure marks an increase of more than €35m compared with the first three months of 2021, when the industry faced lockdown challenges.
This latest announcement comes after IEG’s board of directors approved an interim management report that exceeded expectations.
Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, said: “The participation recorded during the events of this first quarter and the results achieved, both in terms of volume and in maintaining the pricing applied, suggest that we can put the darkest period of this pandemic, which dealt a severe blow to trade shows all over the world, behind us.
“In March, we organised international trade fairs of primary importance for the Group, such as Vicenzaoro and Sigep, standard-bearers of Made in Italy in the world for jewellery and food respectively. The figures show that we were able to look beyond in order to achieve our objectives and further growth.”
# **Convention events booming in Brisbane**
**A major venue in Australia has returned to convention levels not seen in more than two years, according to new figures.**
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre is set to host 16 conventions during the four weeks of May – including two internationals with the remaining, national and state events – the highest number held over a four-week period since 2019.
Most of the conventions are related to key scientific, medical and healthcare sectors including leukaemia research, critical care, cardiovascular genetics and nuclear medicine.
Bob O’Keeffe, BCEC general manager, said: “As the very first convention centre in Australia to reopen during Covid-19, we have had time to adapt and integrate efficiency measures into our operations, but there are still challenges and we need to remain flexible.
“Staffing across the industry remains a concern, but a major recruitment drive delivered very positive results and we are pleased to see many new staff members join our ASM Global family.”
The centre will play host to 100 events in total during the month and expects to see 43,000 patrons through the doors.
It is a trend which is set to continue with 14 conferences in June along with five exhibitions and a host of corporate meetings and functions.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [The week in events: Paris Accord for events industry?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-events-20210910/)
**Published:** September 10, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform. We highlight five top stories so you don’t miss out on what’s been happening – including announcements, insights, opinion and more.***
## **Net Zero Carbon Events initiative – a Paris Accord for events?**
A new scheme has been launched with the aim of the rapidly moving the global event industry towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The [initiative](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) – hosted by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) – hopes to bring together a wide range of industry stakeholders to tackle the issue.
> Very happy to share that [@UFILive](https://twitter.com/UFILive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is backing and supporting the "Net Zero Carbon Events" initiative as one of the initial project partners, like many other leading industry associations and market leaders.
>
> — kai hattendorf (@kaihattendorf) [September 2, 2021](https://twitter.com/kaihattendorf/status/1433345834003976198?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It comes ahead of Cop26 in Glasgow, Scotland, which will see world leaders gather in the city to present how their countries will reach the 50% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.
This is with aim of delivering on the Paris Accord.
**The initiative, which was announced by UFI, aims to:**
- **Jointly communicate our industry’s commitment to tackling climate change and driving towards net zero by 2050**
- **Develop common methodologies for measuring the industry’s direct, indirect and supply chain greenhouse gas emissions**
- **Construct an industry-wide roadmap towards net zero by 2050, and emissions reductions by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement, with support and guidance on key issues**
- **Foster collaboration with suppliers and customers to ensure alignment and common approaches**
- **Establish common mechanisms for reporting progress and sharing best practice**
James Rees, JMIC president, said: “Events drive industries and societies. They shape conversations, foster innovation and generate business. They are key to human collaboration.
“This holds true for every subject – including sustainability and climate change.
“The events industry has a special role to play in tackling climate change.
“We provide the meeting places and market places to work on solutions to the climate crisis.
“At the same time, we have a responsibility to minimise our impact on climate change.
“We are inviting organisations from across the events industry – venues, organisers, exhibitors and suppliers – to join this collaborative effort to drive the events sector towards net zero.”
## **UK event industry ‘loses £57bn in value’ since pandemic**
The UK event industry suffered losses of more than £55 billion in value since the outbreak of the pandemic, according to a new report.
Findings from the [Shape of Events study](https://www.businessvisitsandeventspartnership.com/news/bvep-press-releases/1029-bvep-publishes-its-shape-of-events-report) estimates the sector lost £57bn of value from the pre-pandemic level of £70bn.
It also shows overall activity was down 95% across the country over the last 12 months.
Furthermore, the The Business Visits & Events Partnership (BVEP) report found 17% of event and exhibition businesses permanently ceased trading during 2020 and 126,000 jobs were lost.
> @bvep\_uk launches "Shape of Events" Report
> looking at impact of COVID & the Industry's future. Activity down 95% and lost spend of £57 billion.17% of businesses ceased trading & 126,000 jobs lost. But pandemic has been a catalyst for change & innovation
>
> — Michael Hirst OBE (@XChairEIB) [September 6, 2021](https://twitter.com/XChairEIB/status/1434804296789504002?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Simon Hughes, Chair of the BVEP said: “This report shows both the devastating impact that the pandemic has wrought on the UK events industry over the past 18 months, but also how resilient and adaptive we have shown ourselves to be.
“Most importantly, our report shows the significant opportunities that can be there for all of us in the future, if we continue to work together as a single united industry – and that is something the BVEP will continue to encourage and facilitate.”
Our sector was forced into a purely digital world when the pandemic struck.
However, organisers now see the value of virtual components alongside in-person events.
*Read our [complete guide to hybrid events here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)*.
This report comes as the UK Government released further details about its £750 million “reinsurance” scheme.
The initiative offers cost indemnification if an event has to be cancelled, postponed, relocated or abandoned due to new UK Civil Authority restrictions in response to Covid-19.
It will run until September 30 2022, with a review point in Spring next year.
Vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi has also confirmed that vaccine passports will be required to enter large venues from October to avoid winter closures.
On a brighter note, the Scottish event industry is marking its major comeback with EVENTIT today Friday.
ExpoPlatform is delighted to be exhibiting at the show, which industry professionals gather to discuss and make connections in Edinburgh.
## **German organisers ‘eager for new start’ as trade shows return**
Organisers across Germany are “[eager for a new start](https://www.auma.de/en/media/reports/press-2021-19)” as trade shows have started to return to federal states, according to an industry body.
These events have been possible in all 16 authorities since the start of September, with around 30 still to be held this month as live events.
These include important industry meetings such as IAA Mobility in Munich, which started on Tuesday, with more than 110 trade shows planned for the remainder of the year.
Jorn Holtmeier, Association of the German Trade Fair Industry managing director, said: “The economic damage of several lockdowns is immense for the industry.
“After almost one year of emergency standstill, the first trade fairs with roughly 300,000 visitors have clearly documented how well the comprehensive hygiene and health concepts have worked.
“The trade fair industry is eager for a new start. We expect politicians at the federal and state levels to make this possible at maximum level.
“We need the greatest possible planning reliability for trade fairs as a meeting place.”
Almost three-quarters of the planned 380 trade fairs in Germany were cancelled in 2020.
Organisers across the country suffered losses of up to 70%, with estimates of economic damage of £36 billion (42 billion EUR) since the pandemic struck.
UFI CEO Kai Hattendorf, who was at IAA Mobility in person, said: “The show was opened (as usual) by the German Chancellor and other dignitaries, highlighting both the role of the automotive/mobility industries for Germany and the importance of trade shows like this one.
“There are good Covid protocols in place – with every participant having to show proof of vaccination, or having recovered from Covid, or an up to date test result before gaining entry.
“A rapid test centre is available on site.
“The show is making headlines in Germany for days, including as well those about protesters demanding a faster move to carbon neutral mobility.
“At our global UFI Congress in November in Rotterdam, we will delve deeper into the learnings from this re-designed show.”
## Thanksgiving for a positive indicator
The full Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will return to New York with spectators and high-flying balloons, according to officials.
All volunteers and staff will have to be vaccinated and wear masks, with the number of participants reduced by 20%.
This includes the traditional giant balloons, celebrity performers, clowns and marching bands.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the world’s largest event of its type and its return represents a positive sign for our sector in New York.
## Freeman confirms Info Salons closure Down Under
Global event management and services company Freeman will shut its Info Salons headquarters in Australia, according to Exhibition World.
The firm was reported to put the decision down to the impact Covid-19 pandemic on the local market, where the events sector has been placed under strict restrictions.
[Exhibition World reports](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/freeman-confirms-closure-of-info-salons-in-australia) the Sydney HQ will close by the end of December.
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Younger Audiences May Actually Favour Online Event Interaction](https://expoplatform.com/blog/younger-audiences-may-actually-favour-online-event-interaction/)
**Published:** December 23, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
While we are all feeling the loss of physical events, some groups will be better equipped to handle the loss than others. In fact for one particular subset, this year’s switch to online events has granted them a more familiar field of operation.
Many of the people attending trade shows today are digital natives. Young enough never to have lived without the internet, old enough to bring their company wallets, and more to the point; au fait with making and maintaining relationships online.
They are not simply able to cope with online events, they may actually prefer them; more at ease communicating online than in person. *Common Sense*, a children’s and media advocacy organisation, conducted a study in 2018 in which (compared to 2012) less than a third of teenagers said they prefer chatting with friends face-to-face. Of the remotely connected alternatives, one in ten preferred chatting over video, while 16 per cent selected social media.
Now these teenagers are not buying or selling (yet), and the debate will run and run as to how fulfilling online communication is (in comparison with face-to-face), but the indicators are that many of your potential attendees would appreciate the opportunity to meet and greet in the virtual medium; and may even give a better account of themselves.
But we’ll have to work hard to keep them. Focus is the new IQ, as Georgetown University computer scientist Cal Newport wrote back in 2013.
> ##### **“In the 21st century economy, the fact you have a 180 IQ does you no good if you can’t focus for more than 180 seconds without checking Twitter.”**
“This means the millennial generation, while it might have a high intellectual capacity, is leaving most of its mental capacity on the table,” he added.
Video is the most effective way to engage millennials according to numerous studies, but a varied approach is key to hooking this audience. Gamification and festivalisation may seem like luxuries from a bygone era, cast aside as organisers sought a more prudent, utilitarian approach to keeping the show going, but as trends continue and we normalise the new normal, they’ll play a vital role in keeping this younger audience engaged.For starters, they reduce the need for people to divert their attention from the open browser window in which your online event is playing out.
A physical show delivers a somewhat captive audience. If they’ve arrived then they’ve set much of the day aside for it, usually on the company’s dollar. An online event by contrast occupies just one of many tabs on their sticker-adorned laptops.
You need to entertain them to keep them. Invest in the interface, the content you need to supply them with, and an efficient system to combine the two. This new audience installs or uninstalls its apps on the strength of their functionality and the communities they grant them access to.
**Categories:** All, Hybrid Events, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [Business travel soars across Europe](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220509/)
**Published:** May 9, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Business travel is soaring across Europe once again as coronavirus restrictions ease. New figures from the IAG show how this will be a major contributor to the group regaining its profitability.
This week we also saw industry leaders gather in Poland for the latest UFI European Conference – and ExpoPlatform announced it had joined the association as a member.
Meanwhile, there have been two big announcements at the top of industry organisations as well as an apparent world-first for Dubai as a regulator sets up a HQ in the metaverse.
Finally, latest figures from McKinsey show consumer spending is now massively omnichannel. It follows a previous study which showed how important this approach is in the B2B world.
Read your full edition of the Week in Events to find out more.
# **ExpoPlatform joins UFI**
**ExpoPlatform has officially become an associate member of UFI, the global association of the exhibition industry.**
The UK-based company has joined the body as a technology provider, joining around 800 other organisations under the scheme.
Use of the UFI member logo is seen as a guarantee of dedication to quality and can be used by the event platform.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of [ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/), said: “It’s an important milestone for ExpoPlatform and for me personally to become an UFI member.
“We’ve been an active participant at UFI events since 2015 and we are delighted to become an official member of the UFI family.
“We look forward to getting more involved with UFI and contributing more to the industry.”
UFI is the leading global association of the world’s trade show organisers and exhibition centre operators. It also includes selected partners of the industry.
The main goal of the body is to represent, promote and support the business interests of its members and the exhibition industry.
It directly represents around 50,000 exhibition industry employees globally, while also working with 56 national and regional associations.
The announcement was made at the UFI European Conference in Poznan, Poland. It brought exhibition industry professionals to talk about the future of events.
One of the major topics was how the country and businesses within it are helping with the refugee crisis caused by Putin’s war on Ukraine.
ExpoPlatform co-founders Tanya Pinchuk and Mykyta Fastovets thanked all those who have supported those in need during this time.
# **Business travel soars across Europe**
**European business travel soared in the first quarter as coronavirus restrictions eased, according to new figures.**
British Airways owner International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) [reported](https://www.iairgroup.com/~/media/Files/I/IAG/press-releases/english/2022/q1-2022-financial-results.pdf) an operating loss of €731 million (£625m) in three months up to March, compared with more than €1 billion in the same period last year.
The company – which also owns Aer Lingus and Iberia – said it now expects business travel and high-spending passengers to drive a return to profitability.
Luis Gallego, IAG chief executive officer, added: “Demand is recovering strongly in line with our previous expectations. We expect to be profitable from the second quarter onwards and for the full year.
“Premium leisure continues to be the strongest performing segment and business travel is at its highest level since the start of the pandemic.”
The group expects to achieve 80% of 2019 capacity in the second quarter and 85% in the third. North Atlantic capacity is set to be almost fully restored in the third quarter.
A return to health for travel demand was put down to continued easing of government-imposed travel restrictions, particularly in the UK. There was “no noticeable impact” from the war in Ukraine.
It comes after a recent [Q1 2022 survey](https://www.ustravel.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/business_travel_tracker_2022q1_exec_summary_5apr2022.pdf?utm_source=MagnetMail&utm_medium=email&utm_content=4%2E6%2E22%20%2D%20Press%20%2D%20Business%20Traveler%20Survey%20Release&utm_campaign=pr) revealed that 84% of American business travellers expect to take at least one trip to attend conferences, conventions or trade shows in the next six months.
The new Quarterly Business Travel Tracker – by Tourism Economics, JD Power and the [U.S. Travel Association](http://www.ustravel.org/) – aims to monitor US business travel conditions as the industry rebuilds from historic pandemic lows.
Other findings show less than one in 10 are uncertain if they would travel in the next six months, with expectations to resume traveling at a slightly slower pace compared to pre-pandemic levels.
# **Dubai regulator with ‘world-first’ metaverse HQ**
**A Dubai-based virtual asset authority has become the “world’s first” regulator to establish a metaverse HQ.**
VARA has announced its entry into the virtual world through the online world of the Sandbox.
The move aims to ensure the regulator is accessible to its industry in this new environment and facilitate collaborative engagement for stakeholders.
> H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council has announced the launch of the VARA Metaverse HQ. This makes VARA Metaverse’s first government authority!
>
> — Dubai World Trade Centre (@DWTCOfficial) [May 3, 2022](https://twitter.com/DWTCOfficial/status/1521515881519788038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: “Dubai views the virtual asset industry as the driver of the global future economy.
“VARA has been established at a pivotal moment in response to the expansion of the Emirate’s incredibly sophisticated and modern legal framework regulating virtual asset activities.
“As the first niche regulator for the virtual asset sector globally, VARA’s metaverse HQ also makes the UAE the first jurisdiction to enter this platform, reflecting our leadership’s aspiration to facilitate a borderless new market enabling sustainable economic freedom.”
# **Consumers follow B2B decision makers in omnichannel sales**
**Around three-quarters of US consumers are buying online and remotely, showing similarities with B2B omnichannel preferences.**
Findings from McKinsey & Co show Seventy-five percent are researching and purchasing using these methods – for both food and non-food categories across a broad range of categories.
It comes after the same firm found that 94% of B2B decision makers find this omnichannel approach at least as effective as traditional sales models – up from 65% in 2020.
Meanwhile, 45% of consumers told the latest study that social media is influencing their purchases.
# **New industry leader’s announced**
**UFI’s board of directors has elected Geoff Dickinson as the association’s president over the 2023/24 period.**
The CEO of dmg events will take up the incoming position in November at the conclusion of the 89th UFI Global Congress.
He will work closely with the president and outgoing president as part of the association’s leadership trio.
> ? The [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Board of Directors has today elected Geoff Dickinson as UFI President for the 2023-24 period.
>
> ?“I just want to say a big thank you to the board of UFI for supporting me to be the president in 2024…"
>
> See more: [\#businessevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/businessevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/9R5k0cwPNN](https://t.co/9R5k0cwPNN)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [May 4, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1521857563607937024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Geoff Dickinson said: “I just want to say a big thank you to the board of UFI for supporting me to be the president in 2024. I can’t begin to say how flattered and honoured.
“I’ve loved working with UFI over the last couple of years. I’d be delighted to take on this role in 2024, and delighted to be supporting the executive team in the coming years. I would like to thank everybody very much for all of your support.”
Meanwhile, CloserStill Media has poached an exhibition industry leader to drive its US expansion efforts. Yancy Weinrich takes on the role of newly created president of North America for the firm.
She has more than 17 years at RX, serving as the chief growth officer since 2019 where she led the organisation in growth strategy, marketing, content, digital and activations for over 25 B2B events across a range of sectors.
Gareth Bowhill, CEO of CloserStill Media, said: “Yancy Weinrich is not only an experienced, forward-thinking leader in the exhibition industry, she also has an incredible track record of driving growth and innovation through organic business development, launching new events and acquisition.
“CloserStill Media is looking forward to expanding our global business by twice its pre-Covid size in the next 24 months. Under Yancy’s leadership and vision in the US market, we will continue our customer-centric approach in leading and dynamically growing market sectors.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### ['Event industry disruptors place metrics at heart of marketing'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/monetisation/raoul-monks-disruptors/)
**Published:** December 15, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The “disruptors” of event marketing will lead the way by placing metrics and audience needs at the heart of their business model, according to a B2B sales expert.
Raoul Monks, chief executive officer of Flume Sales Training, highlighted how organisers are now competing with the likes of Google and Facebook when it comes to promoting their brand.
In this exclusive interview with ExpoPlatform, he sets out how planners need to adapt to meet the expectations of audiences and prove return on investment (ROI) for their clients.
He said: “The disruptors – the forward thinking companies – who are gonna lead the market and not be led by the market are the ones who realise that it’s all about the audience.
“It’s about doing what the audience needs from the client – and that’s the connection – drive ROI for the client by achieving and driving the behaviour from the audience that they need.
“You’ve got to suck it up and think just because you’ve run this event this way for years and you want them to want this, actually what is easier for them?
“It’s about making it easy for the audience to behave the way the client needs them to – and the disruptors are the ones who’ve got that at the heart of everything.”
Data brought through event technology providers gives you crucial insights to help you improve the overall user experience in live, hybrid and virtual shows.
It allows you to better understand how attendees are engaging with the content onsite, which sessions and speakers they find the most interesting – and the level of participation in polls, surveys and giveaways.
Information like this will help you make better decisions about future improvements that could include:
- **Personalising the attendee journey at all touchpoints**
- **Developing effective training programmes by identifying areas of improvement**
- **Improving customer service by learning the most effective ways of reaching out to attendees and providing quick solutions**
- **Increasing revenue opportunities by targeting new audiences based on previous attendance patterns**
This is even more crucial when considering the digital transformation our industry has been through, where Big Tech companies are now trying to compete in our space.
Raoul believes this is why it is so important for organisers to now be able to prove the success of their offerings using hard data.
## **Measuring up against Big Tech competitors**
He said: “You’re not competing with the next live company – you’re competing with Google, you’re competing with marketing channels outside of what you’ve ever been competing with.
“They focus on measurement, that’s all they care about.
“The problem is it’s always been difficult to measure events and people have loved that, because you can’t prove it or not whether people like it – it was more a gut feeling.
“But the strongest companies are going more down a statistical analysis system (SAS) model where actually some are guaranteeing engagement levels.”
Raoul added: “The market has changed. Your market share is no longer against the other event, it is against other forms of marketing.
“You need to look at how those competitors are working and what the clients are now expecting.”
“They’re expecting to know how effective it was – not just being able to say ‘that event was really fun or that event felt good and we got those leads’, which is different from actually converting those leads.”
Meanwhile, one of the consequences of the uncertainty seen globally over the last two years is that clients are now much less willing to make decisions they are not extremely confident about.
Raoul believes this is another reason why companies who will lead the market are adding customer success managers into their teams.
He added: “They bring people in to make the campaign work because they know that 20% of the achievement of ROI through media and marketing is down to what they’re sold – 80% is down to what the client actually does.
“Right now, clients are saying ‘we can’t take the risk, you’ve got to de-risk it for us, we’re going to go with the ones who we believe it’s going to work and there’s less risk’.”
Raoul sets out that making a success of this can be found by “designing solutions that genuinely accelerate the audience decision making process”, believing this is the route to reducing risk.
This is said to be done through creating packages which work for the client based on attendee or user behaviour, but also bringing in a process which is designed to drive performance in your business.
The Flume Sales Training CEO claims the wealth of online information now available help paint a picture for organisers to shape their products, rather than being completely intuition or experience-led.
Findings from [Gartner](https://www.gartner.com/en/sales/trends/future-of-sales) predict that four out of five interactions between suppliers and buyers will take place through online channels.
It also shows 60% of B2B sales organisations will transition from experience and intuition-based selling to a data-driven model.
Raoul added: “The biggest mistake is looking at stuff from your own perspective and thinking ‘that’s what I want’.
“It doesn’t matter what you want, it’s about what the audience and clients need.”
“Those more traditional events companies who are fixated on only ever going to do events, that means they’re only going to get a small piece of the pie.”
Raoul believes this is because audiences are expecting a multi-touch point approach which they can engage with during and after the in-person dates.
## **Opening up engagement**
The [365 engagement approach](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) of communities has flourished since the pandemic, when businesses were forced to rethink how they connect and inform their audiences.
It now provides a model for organisers to create year-round revenue and heighten their brand awareness using digital tools.
An event planner is now much more attractive to potential clients if they can make this process simpler by providing those options directly.
He added: “If we’re not going out as companies and saying we are here to make it easy for the audience in all those touchpoints to build up to the event, then you’re leaving a massive hole in what the client needs.
“But also you’re also leaving a massive risk because that’s what your competitors are 100% going to be doing.”
A 365 community can increase engagement year-round by delivering “always-on” content, [marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) which can traffic leads over 12 months as well as virtual or hybrid events.
Vendors such as ExpoPlatform allow organisations to target potential customers and engage existing ones throughout the year, with a seamless experience from articles, to webinars, to hybrid events.
A robust engagement strategy drives participation all year round, allowing a company to generate a ready supply of leads and brand advocates to help it grow.
Raoul said: “Our belief is to follow the audience trends, make it easy for them to engage with marketers – and that isn’t just going to be through live physical events anymore.
“People realise they can’t get away without looking at it now.
“So being able to understand audience behaviour, engagement, trends and habits they’ve picked up over the last year-and-a-half is absolutely crucial.
“Because fundamentally the why of a marketer – why should you choose this platform over that platform that event over this event, or whatever it may be – is because it makes it easy for the audience to engage in the way I need them.
“The reason companies love physical events – apart from the booze and their relationships – is because the audience behaved the way they needed them to”.
“Because the audience is engaged, they can have conversations – it was the best way at that point to engage with the audience.
“The problem is that audience trends have changed as people have now got used to working at home – 79% of B2B clients say they want to remain remote in terms of the sales experience.
“Audiences are still going to lean into the best mechanism at that time to learn, educate and entertain.”
## **Change, choose, convert**
Flume Training uses a process they call “change, choose, convert” to attract new business.
First a customer must realise they’ve got to change as there’s something wrong with their current approach.
They then need to make a choice by examining potential new suppliers, before finally making contact with that provider.
Raoul claimed this process has “not changed” despite the digital transformation of our industry, however the mechanisms and tools used to carry it out have evolved to include 365 engagement.
He added: “If you’re just going to go down a traditional route of just doing live events and that’s it, you might be able to cover all of those for only two days a year.
“But your audience is engaging, buying and making decisions – even about decisions for six months time – they’re starting now.
“It’s all going through their minds and that decision – emotionally and rationally – is happening.
“If you’re not adapting to that and helping that customer find it easy to come to you every single day of the year, then you’re going to miss out when that event happens or you’re going to miss out when they make a decision.”
Online communities are similar to a business-to-consumer subscription economy model which has seen a 435% surge over the last nine years, [according to Zuora research](https://www.zuora.com/resource/the-end-of-ownership/).
The approach creates predictable, recurring revenue streams for businesses, and can be used by exhibition organisers to have suppliers subscribe for a year of activity rather than a one-off event.
One approach to this model can be through online marketplaces.
The retail industry evolved quickly from a reliance on the in-store channel to an omnichannel model, where the buyer has control of how and when they want to buy.
This could be whether shopping online from a mobile device, a laptop or in a brick-and-mortar store.
If an organiser wants to replicate this they must create an omnichannel experience with a year-round platform that can directly connect buyers and sellers throughout the year.
**Download our free** [**Marketplace Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) **for an in-depth expert guide on how to do this.**
**Categories:** Monetisation
---
### [Eventprofs on show as IMEX America goes live in Las Vegas](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20221010/)
**Published:** October 10, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**[IMEX](https://www.imexamerica.com/) America kicks off this week bringing thousands of eventprofs together for industry education, networking and business.**
The show has launched with its new educational format designed to give new insights to professionals across four themes.
Meanwhile, Hyve has revealed a better than expected recovery which saw its shares surge in value.
The group’s strategy has seen it remove risk for a concentrated portfolio of market leading events, with clear opportunities for continued growth.
Find out more about how you can grow more flexible and secure revenue streams around your shows with our [**Monetisation Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/).
Read the full Week in Events below.
## **IMEX America live in Las Vegas**
**Thousands of eventprofs are descending on Las Vegas for the launch of IMEX America.**
This edition is set to be its largest ever with participants from across the US and the rest of the world taking part.
The three-day tradeshow kicks off on Tuesday, however a full offering of free educational content takes place through Smart Monday at the venue.
ExpoPlatform will be at the live show with tech-focused sessions about how digital solutions can help our industry:
- **Event Tech Trends for 2023 – Tue 11, 12pm**
- **Hosted Buyer 2.0: How to avoid a Heartbreak Hotel – Wed 12, 11am**
- **How to make content management painless, with Sessionboard – Wed 12, 12pm**
- **How to grow exhibitor leads +250%: If ROI Can Dream – Thurs 13, 12pm**
Join the ExpoPlatform team on **Stand C4645** if you’re heading to Las Vegas for IMEX America.
This year’s event has a new educational format designed to streamline learning process.
It is held under the educational theme of Pathways to Clarity which will be delivered in four simple tracks, reduced from 10.
These are: Respect for People and Planet, Future Self, Innovation and Creativity as well as Event Planner Toolkit.
## **IEG to set up HQ in Singapore**
**The Italian Exhibition Group has further strengthen its position in Asia after agreeing a new deal with Singapore.**
A new regional headquarters will be established by the organiser as part of a memorandum of understanding with the state’s tourism board.
It is hoped to support the development and organisation of new events in Singapore and the strengthening of the entire MICE ecosystem.
Corrado Peraboni, CEO of IEG, said: “The partnership with Singapore Tourism Board marks another important step forward in IEG´s internationalisation process and consolidates its presence on the Asian continent.
“Singapore currently boasts a highly developed economic structure based on services and manufacturing with high added value.
“This is an important piece in a strategy that, in every respect, aims to establish IEG as a community catalyst for the industries its events represent by taking them to the most promising markets, generating value also in terms of business for exhibiting companies, associations, authorities, and all the stakeholders.”
IEG has also recently signed a letter of intent with CEMS-Conference & Exhibition Management Services for the acquisition of two strategic trade shows in the luxury and food segments.
## **Hyve recovery causes buzz around shares**
**Hyve saw its shares surge after recording a better than expected comeback this year in its latest update.**
Stocks grew 17% following the announcement that the group saw 85% of revenue on a pro-forma basis compared to 2019.
It is expected to have delivered revenue for 2022 of approximately £122m (2021: £22m), after excluding discontinued operations in Russia, Ukraine and Turkey.
The group successfully ran a full schedule of events outside China, while it has also announced the sale of its Turkish business.
> Our CEO [@markshashoua](https://twitter.com/markshashoua?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) shares his optimism for the year ahead in our pre-close trading update. Read more: [pic.twitter.com/QP6KjALy37](https://t.co/QP6KjALy37)
>
> — Hyve Group (@hyve\_group) [October 7, 2022](https://twitter.com/hyve_group/status/1578320275606999040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mark Shashoua, CEO of Hyve Group, said: “It is clear that our business has now almost fully recovered from the turbulence of the last two years, and in many cases, we are pleased to have delivered significant growth compared to pre-Covid performance.
“The continued growth of customer like-for-like spend reinforces our strategy of focusing on only market leading events as customers are clearly directing marketing budgets towards key events in their sectors.
“In terms of our geographical focus, we continued to concentrate our capital on high growth industries in advanced economies.
“The sale of the Turkish Business announced today is another milestone in this direction. We are pleased to have found the right buyer who can offer the necessary investment and support to the team, along with regional expertise.
“We enter FY23 with a de-risked and concentrated portfolio of market leading events, clear opportunities for continued growth – both through analogue and digital – and our ever-present commitment and energy to make those a reality.”
## **What could GDPR changes mean for events?**
**Plans have been announced for the UK to replace the EU’s data privacy regime with its own system.**
The move has been criticised as creating another layer of friction with the union, as it still applies to any data collected from its citizens.
However, the minister insisted changes to the GDPR rules were going to be more favourable to businesses by removing “unnecessary red tape”.
> This is madness. UK companies will still have to abide by GDPR if they want any online business in the European Union (as other non-EU companies already do). So UK divergence will simply mean UK double costs. [pic.twitter.com/G0mdFQo8SY](https://t.co/G0mdFQo8SY)
>
> — Chris Bryant (@RhonddaBryant) [October 3, 2022](https://twitter.com/RhonddaBryant/status/1577005619072335872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Culture secretary Michele Donelan said: “We will be replacing GDPR with our own business and consumer-friendly British data protection system.
“I can promise it will be simpler, it will be clearer, for businesses to navigate. No longer will our businesses be shackled by lots of unnecessary red tape.”
GDPR imposes obligations onto organisations anywhere who target or collect data related to people in the EU, which the UK was still part of when the rules came into force.
It issues fines against those who violate its privacy and security standards, with penalties reaching into the tens of millions of euros.
## **Industry faces ‘huge talent gap’ – Asia CEO Summit**
**The events industry faces a “huge talent gap” unless urgent work is done to attract new talent, an inaugural summit has heard.**
Leaders gathered for the first Asia CEO Summit in Singapore to underline commitment to the region’s growth.
Topics were focused on sustainability, innovation, new business models as well as attracting a skilled workforce.
It was co-organised by a number of events organisations, including Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS).
Richard Ireland, president of SACEOS, said: “During the pandemic, many business events organisers and venues had to pause activity or switch focus, causing the loss of talent in the industry.
“Many of our talented colleagues have left our industry as our sector was not valued for the role it played in context of trade, economic development, social and investment – causing a huge talent gap that if not addressed will slow down our ability to recover.
“Our sector has always been able to attract bright, motivated, and uniquely talented people, but we need to focus on attracting and retaining this talent to build our industry for the future to continue to be able to aid our market and geographical communities.”
Regional industry leaders and government representatives agreed key areas of collaboration during the opening joint leadership summit last week.
The event also offered an opportunity for business connections to be made and build momentum for more shows across the market.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Should organisers brace for more Covid pain?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/are-organisers-braced-for-another-covid-wave/)
**Published:** April 18, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**We’ve witnessed a week that industry trends were put under the spotlight in major stories – a celebration of physical exhibitions announced, the importance of technology in facilitating that, omnichannel optimism for Hyve and fears over coronavirus restrictions resurface.**
Here’s everything you’ll find in this latest edition of the Week in Events:
- **Exhibition celebration highlights industry role**
- **How Smart Events make you money**
- **Event organisers brace for another Covid wave**
- **Omnichannel optimism for Hyve**
- **London Book Fair marks major in-person return**
# **Exhibition celebration highlights industry role**
**A global day of celebrations for the exhibition industry highlights the important role it plays in economic recovery, according to UFI.**
Organisers and associations have managed to quickly bring live events back with similar or higher levels of attendance compared with those before the pandemic.
Global Exhibitions Day (Ged) brings together major players in our industry to advocate for the value of physical and face-to-face business events for driving the global economy.
Monica Lee-Müller, UFI president, said: “Ged puts the spotlight on the exhibitions industry. It is a recognition and a celebration of this spirit of innovation and resilience in the industry, and everyone is welcomed to join – working together to showcase who we are as an industry and what vital role we play.”
> ? Trade show organisers & associations are back – serving businesses & communities❗
>
> Global Exhibitions Day advocates the value of physical exhibitions & face-to-face business events in bringing people together & driving the economy.[\#GED2022](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GED2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/K6cJ1DX1Oy](https://t.co/K6cJ1DX1Oy)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [April 14, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1514526141289312258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
World-leading exhibition organisers have joined the association in highlighting the vital role of our industry – including **Clarion Events, Comexposium, Diversified Communications, Emerald, Informa Markets, RX** and **Tarsus**.
The seventh annual Ged will take place on June 1 with a focus on the “irreplaceable value” of physical shows and face-to-face business events in creating platforms for economic growth and recovery. It will also be an occasion to network and meet other people.
This day of advocacy is supported by more than 40 national and international industry associations.
Charlie McCurdy, CEO of Informa Markets, said: “The spirit of connection and collaboration are at the heart of our industry’s purpose – when people come together to achieve common goals, they thrive. Our platforms help communities grow together through relationship building, innovation, discovery, and business opportunity.
Over the last few years, we have united as an industry to bring safe, successful events back to life. We’re once again celebrating the magic of face-to-face connection, and creating a sustainable future, together.”
Hugh Jones, CEO of RX, added: “Nothing speaks of the power of face-to-face events to drive business recovery, growth and innovation, as the sight of customers streaming back through our show doors. But in these fractured times, our events also celebrate the importance of community, of coming-together, of shared experiences where everyone is made to feel welcome.”
# **How Smart Events make you money**
**Our industry has undergone a massive digital transformation which means there are far more opportunities to enhance the value of events for all participants.**
We estimate there is now 20 times the amount of data available which can be used to improve offerings, streamline services and create highly personalised experiences.
[**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) have emerged as the format to do this, but many planners are still unsure how they can make the most of the opportunities now available.
That’s why ExpoPlatform has just launched its Smart Event Showcase Series to explain how our solutions can improve your business with this model.
The first session was about **How Smart Events Make You Money** and explains how organisers can create different tiers of packages, as well as how they upsell digital solutions. **[Watch it here](https://expoplatform.com/events/).**
[](https://expoplatform.com/events/)
This format also helps planners to futureproof their business by widening the scope of their revenue potential. In-person is back and coming back strong, however, things have changed and the smart planner will recognise that.
Luke said: “The overall context for why revenue diversification is important should be familiar to everyone after the last couple of years that we’ve had. AMR’s top 20 list over from 2019 to 2020 shows the top organisers lost around 70% of revenues in that first year of the pandemic.
“Covid-19 levels in the UK right now are as high as they’ve ever been, but it’s a fairly mild version of it and restrictions have all been lifted. That’s not the case in other parts of the world like China. [Sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) is going to increasingly be an issue – and there is an awful war happening 1,000 miles to my east.
“There’s all sorts of reasons why in-person events are going to have to be able to stay agile, have to diversify their revenue stream. The move to digital revenues and the importance of digital revenues is not going anywhere.”
An AMR study predicts digital revenue for an organiser is due to go from 2% of their total in 2019 to 25% moving forward.
But this change means an organiser’s customers are getting more from an event and pricing should reflect what’s now being offered.
Luke added: “That’s a real shift and I certainly believe that all teams in all industries need to find a way to make this digital transition. There’s been so much disruption – everything has had to chop and change.
“If you’re relaunching your in-person events as a Smart Events with new bells and whistles – not just booking a stand anymore, you’re also going to get leads retrieval, ROI dashboarding, a year-round marketplace -present all of that as a complete step-change in what came before and make a break from those legacy price points.”
# **Event organisers brace for another Covid wave**
**Organisers must prepare for a future where there will “always be some level of Covid-19 risk with an event”, according to an expert.**
Those are the thoughts of Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, who explained a newer strain of coronavirus is much more transmissible and significantly cuts the chances of zero-risk productions.
It has been warned that organisers must now prepare for another wave of uncertainty as this variant spreads.
[He told EventMB](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/another-covid-wave) that planners would now start considering building in plans to combat this new reality much further into the future than hoped.
Amesh said: “More risk-averse event organisers may shift things outdoors, but the point is that this is never going to end. There will always be some level of Covid risk with an event – even 50 years into the future – because the virus will not be eliminated or eradicated.
“The goal is to make it more manageable – and that’s what vaccination, antivirals, and monoclonal antibodies do.”
# **Omnichannel optimism for Hyve**
**Major organiser Hyve has taken another big move towards an omnichannel future through the acquisition of a leading US financial technology event.**
Fintech Meetup has facilitated over 250,000 meetings requests to meet and 50,000 virtual meetings since its launch last year, with founders “now excited to launch in-person” shows from March 2023.
It is the brainchild of fintech industry insiders Anil Aggarwal and Simran Rekhi Aggarwal, who also created the online networking platform Retail Meetup which Hyve acquired in December 2020.
> We're pleased to announce our acquisition of [@FintechMeetup](https://twitter.com/FintechMeetup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), alongside the launch of the brand’s first in-person event scheduled for March 2023 in Las Vegas, as part of a plan to create the biggest & best in-person and virtual fintech events. Read more: [pic.twitter.com/LfkmLll0OR](https://t.co/LfkmLll0OR)
>
> — Hyve Group (@hyve\_group) [April 12, 2022](https://twitter.com/hyve_group/status/1513904408731566086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Hyve CEO Mark Shashoua said: “The addition of Fintech Meetup to our group delivers on Hyve’s goal to acquire market-leading events in large industries that are undergoing dramatic, decades-long, technology-driven changes.
“In a short space of time, Fintech Meetup has delivered significant value to thousands of individuals and organisations across the industry and established itself as a leading hub of the sector.
“It holds tremendous potential for short- and long-term growth, especially with its first in-person event scheduled to take place in just 12 months.”
This comes as McKinsey & Co study found that 94% of B2B customers now find an omnichannel sales approach at least as effective as the more traditional model, compared with 65% in April 2020.
Hyve claimed in its trading update that it has continued to execute its omnichannel strategy through the rollout of facilitated meetings across key in-person events and the delivery of online networking programmes.
The group announced in March the board had made the decision to formally exit the Russian market due to Putin’s war on Ukraine.
# **London Book Fair marks major in-person return**
**Around 15,000 visitors attended London Book Fair as it marked a major return to in-person, according to reports.**
The annual event also saw about 850 exhibitors packed into Olympia London for the global marketplace for story creators.
It is the first time the show has been able to take place in person since 2019, due to coronavirus restrictions, and was helped to be delivered by ExpoPlatform.
Exhibition News reported these figures and how it was described as the “best ever” outing for London Book Fair by a representative at Heron Publishing.
Show director Andy Ventris [told the publication](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/15000-visitors-attend-london-book-fair): ”This is the first face-to-face edition of The London Book Fair since 2019. The publishing industry has done some great things in the last three years, but it hasn’t met like this.
“More than 15,000 people from 70-plus countries, 850 exhibiting companies from all sectors of the industry, over 100 seminars covering the key issues in the industry today and so many highlights.”
Highlights of the RX-owned show – held between April 5 and 7 -included talks from authors Maggie O’Farrell, Greg James and Chris Smith, Afra Atiq and illustrator Diane Ewen. Booker prize-winning Ben Okri gave the keynote speech.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Chart of the week: New business to drive revenue growth in next five years](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-22020128/)
**Published:** January 28, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Almost double the number of executives see new-business building as a key priority for driving their revenue growth, according to a new survey.**
McKinsey & Company’s [2021 Global Report on new-business building](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/2021-global-report-The-state-of-new-business-building) polled 1,178 business leaders and found they expect half their revenues to come from new products, business and services by 2026.
A total of 55% said this was among their top three priorities now – nearly double from 28% who said the same in 2018-20.
More than 80% of respondents consider it a crucial factor to prepare for disruptions or demand shifts.
A significant 62% said they are focusing on creating new businesses to generate multiple revenue streams. Another 24% felt this is critical for their company’s financial health and will be their main source of new revenue growth.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The urgency to build new business has become a global phenomenon.
Factors that have made it a top strategic priority for organisations include:
- Developing new revenue streams
- Adhering to sustainability goals
- Adapting to technological change
- Changing customer expectations and demand
Sustainability in particular is key to new-business building. Almost 92% of the respondents said they want to meet the demand for sustainable products and services while another 42% wanted to make sustainability a core part of their business proposition.
The uncertainty brought about by Covid has triggered many of these changes. Organisations can no longer depend on the traditional ways to generate revenue – they need to adapt and evolve with the increased use of digital technology and shifts in buying behaviour.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
A similar pattern can be observed in the B2B events industry where customers want more digitally-infused experiences.
Organisers are working on ‘Smart Events’ that can provide more value to their attendees, drive conversions and generate revenue.
ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk said:: “A Smart Event is an in-person event with extensive use of technology, where we simplify the visitors’ and exhibitors’ journey and make participation more effective.”
Visitors and exhibitors attending trade shows and exhibitions no longer expect the same old in-person interactions as before. They want value that can be measured and improved.
This is possible only by analysing the millions of data points with digital tools and advanced AI algorithms. Learn what this means by reading our guide to [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
As an organiser, you will also need to make sense of how future events are being reinvented using data science and AI. **[Download our free ebook the AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)** to get further insights, tips and advice on this topic.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Pyotr Bakash joins ExpoPlatform for Middle East expansion](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/pyotr-bakash/)
**Published:** September 6, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has appointed a new Middle East and North African regional director to expand its presence in the market’s exhibition industry.**
Pyotr Bakash joins the event technology provider after many years developing digital revenue streams for organisers such as [Informa Markets](https://www.informamarkets.com/en/home.html) and RX.
It comes as the company hit its 100-employee milestone for the first time, having more than doubled its numbers since the start of 2021.
ExpoPlatform already provides Smart Event solutions to leading planners across the region – including GITEX by Dubai World Trade Centre among others – but this latest appointment signals strong momentum towards further growth.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, said: “Having worked closely with Pyotr at Informa, I couldn’t be happier that he is now joining ExpoPlatform.
“It is an exciting time for event technology and I look forward to Pyotr unlocking the huge potential for using digital technology to make more valuable in-person events and communities.”
Pyotr added: “Having spent over 15 years in exhibitions, I am very excited to have the opportunity to add value to the industry through ExpoPlatform technology.
“I look forward to working closely with industry peers on integrating Smart Event solutions to many more events in the region for the benefit of the communities they serve.”
ExpoPlatform is an international event technology company supporting the world’s leading exhibition organisers. This includes Informa Markets, Reed Exhibitions, DWTC, Clarion, Comexposium, MCI and many more.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Attendee costs 25% higher than pre-pandemic - study](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220815/)
**Published:** August 15, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Two reports this week highlight how economic developments are hitting the pockets of planners.
A study by [CWT](https://www.mycwt.com/) shows attendee costs are now 25% higher than in 2019, while another reveals how eventprofs are having to increase budgets to tackle inflation.
Download our [**Monetisation Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) for a guide on how to diversify and fortify your business model through digital revenue.
## **Attendee costs soar 25% since 2019 – study**
**The average cost per attendee is around 25% higher than pre-pandemic levels, according to a new report.**
Findings from CWT also show spending hikes will hit the pockets of visitors a further 7% in 2023.
It suggests that an influx of events – coupled with shorter lead times – are driving up prices across venue hire, accommodation, food and production.
> Global travel prices are predicted to continue to increase in the remaining months of 2022 and throughout 2023, according to the 2023 Global Business Travel Forecast, published today by [\#CWT](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@GlobalBTA](https://twitter.com/GlobalBTA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [\#GBTA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Forecast](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Forecast?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#BusinessTravel](https://twitter.com/hashtag/BusinessTravel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/rSKvWhtl3Z](https://t.co/rSKvWhtl3Z)
>
> — CWT (@my\_CWT) [August 10, 2022](https://twitter.com/my_CWT/status/1557253060698804225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The Global Business Travel Forecast said: “Barring any severe geo-political risks, or further tightening of Covid-related restrictions in 2023, prices are likely to continue increasing, just not at the rate observed in 2022.
“While prices will remain at a premium next year, buoyed by continued demand, corporate budgets are likely to be reassessed and expectations revised in line with this.”
The report comes after many people left the events industry during the pandemic, creating a hot labour market.
CWT claims it is likely that higher food and beverage prices are linked to global inflation and the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
## **Budget increases for eventprofs ‘forced by inflation’**
**More than two thirds of events business are being forced to increase budgets to meet inflation and the cost of living crisis, according to a new study.**
Findings from Global DMC Partners show 68% cite rising costs as the reason behind increases in spending limits.
More than half of respondents (52%) said budgets for meetings have increased from 2021 to 2022, while 41% reported growth for 2022 to 2023.
The Meetings and Events Pulse Survey said: “Many respondents cited in their comments that rising travel, flight and hotel costs are also causing budgets to increase.
“In addition, rising airfare costs are affecting the chosen destinations for many planners. Some cited in their comments that their organisations or clients are choosing locations based on where the majority of their attendees are located, or locations that are closer or less expensive to help offset the rise in airfare costs.”
Other reasons behind budget increases included programme format changes (29%), company decision (29%), change in attendee numbers (23%), while 18% said it was another reason and 10% were unsure.
## **Questex launches new Hospitality Show**
**Questex is partnering with a major travel accommodation organisation to launch a new exhibition.**
The organiser has teamed up with American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) to create the Hospitality Show.
It will be hosted in Las Vegas in June as a three-day event, bringing industry leaders together to meet and conduct business.
Questex Hospitality Group president Alexi Khajavi said: “The Hospitality Show will serve as the rally point for hospitality professionals across all aspects of the industry to gather, build relationships and get business done. The timing is perfect for an industry event that brings the entire ecosystem together in one place.”
## **Tech and sustainability focus for International Travel Show**
**The International Travel Show has revealed a packed programme of content covering changes in technology, sustainability and responsible tourism.**
Participants are set to descend on New York in October for the show which has a theme focusing on the future of the industry.
Day one of the event will be open to trade only, while it will be widened to the public for the following two days.
A line-up of executives and thought leaders is still set to be announced but are expect to who will speak on industry recovery, innovation and responsible travel.
The latter covers the safety, welfare, and survival of travel destinations and the communities served by tourism.
## **EICC staff recognised for pandemic work**
**Staff at a major conference venue in Edinburgh have been recognised for helping the coronavirus vaccination operation.**
Scotland’s capital is currently hosting the Fringe – the world’s biggest arts festival – with the city growing in size massively over its duration.
But during 2021, the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC)’s doubled as a major vaccination centre with four guards from Croma Vigilant on site each day during the period to ensured security of stocks.
Paul Williamson, executive operations director at Croma Vigilant, said: “2021 was a challenging year for so many people – our EICC based security team had to adapt rapidly from an event stewarding mindset to an empathetic patient care setting alongside the NHS.
“While being a very different brief for us, it was great to be involved in such a vital programme which supported the health of our community, this was such a rewarding experience on many levels and showed the versatility of our security team.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [78% of eventprofs rate tradeshows as irreplaceable - RX](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220718/)
**Published:** July 18, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This week saw the release of a new study by RX highlighting the crucial importance eventprofs place on live shows.**
The Customer Mindset Tracker revealed 78% of businesses believe tradeshows offer them something unique that cannot be created elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Emerald acquired a major wholesale marketplace as it looks to improve its ecommerce and in-person offerings for its NY NOW exhibition.
Other stories this week include a US journalist joining a partnership to boost UFI’s North American presence, record revenue numbers of IFEMA Madrid as well as top consumer concerns highlighted by McKinsey & Co.
## **Three quarters of eventprofs place high value in live – RX study**
**More than three quarters of eventprofs believe live shows offer them something which can’t be replicated elsewhere, according to a new study.**
The RX Customer Mindset Tracker aims to understand customers’ current business challenges and priorities. It is an evolution of the Covid-19 Barometer research the company released in 2020 and 2021.
Face-to-face remains a key priority for survey respondents, with 78% of businesses stating that trade shows offer them something unique that cannot be created elsewhere. This is up from 68% in 2021.
> [\#RXevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/RXevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) are back in business? – and our latest research findings?show that they have a vital role in helping our customers [\#rebuild](https://twitter.com/hashtag/rebuild?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and grow their [\#businesses](https://twitter.com/hashtag/businesses?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in a post/late COVID world.?Discover more; [\#EventProfs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventProfs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Facetoface](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Facetoface?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/z18k7t0QgE](https://t.co/z18k7t0QgE)
>
> — RX (@RXGlobal\_) [July 15, 2022](https://twitter.com/RXGlobal_/status/1547879794230013952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Gaby Appleton, chief digital product officer, said: “The research confirms that there is a strong desire among exhibitors and visitors to grow their businesses and expand to new products and markets.
“RX is well-positioned to help them do this, not only through our global portfolio of face-to-face events, but also through our digital lead generation, networking, meeting and brand promotion tools.”
The Customer Mindset Tracker highlights five challenges for exhibitors and attendees post-pandemic including reduced sales, meeting new customers and keeping on top of market trends.
## **Emerald acquisition to boost NY NOW**
**Emerald has acquired a major wholesale marketplace as it looks to improve its offerings at its NY NOW exhibition.**
The takeover of Bulletin – which connects more than 3,000 brands with over 26,000 retailers in the industry – aims to help buyers discover more innovations through in-person and e-commerce.
All employees will join Emerald as part of the acquisition, including co-founders Alana Branston and Ali Kriegsman.
> We have important NY NOW News!
>
> Click the link in bio to Read the Full Press Release.[\#nynow](https://twitter.com/hashtag/nynow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#pressrelease](https://twitter.com/hashtag/pressrelease?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/l8seyYNMtw](https://t.co/l8seyYNMtw)
>
> — NY NOW® (@nynowmarket) [July 13, 2022](https://twitter.com/nynowmarket/status/1547249738642329600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Karalynn Sprouse, EVP at Emerald, said: “NY NOW is experiencing a period of transformation and revival. The combination of Bulletin and NY NOW not only provides us with a dynamic platform that delivers year-round discovery and engagement.
“But Alana, Ali and the Bulletin team’s thought leadership, forward-looking perspectives and extensive network of makers, designers, influencers, and media will serve as new pathways of expression and creativity.
“In addition, this union reconfirms our unwavering commitment to NY NOW, especially as our 100th anniversary of being the preeminent resource for the gift and home industry grows near.”
The move aims to create a year-round platform for brands and retailers to connect and transact with each other.
It will mix the NY NOW Gift and Home Show with Bulletin’s “entrepreneurial spirit”, industry expertise and extensive customer base of brands and retailers.
Emerald hopes the union of these two platforms will provide small businesses access to a solution that allows them to fuel innovation and design and provide buyers with year-round inspiration and discovery.
## **Madrid venue sees record turnover post-pandemic**
**IFEMA Madrid has reported record turnover numbers after it spearheaded the nation’s return to live events.**
The venue made a strong comeback in the six months since the health crisis reached its pinnacle, having accelerated its operations to pre-pandemic levels.
It has achieved a record turnover in the first half of 2022 with the institution’s income already topping 115 million euros – 30% more than foreseen in the budget.
> Durante el primer semestre de 2022 en IFEMA MADRID hemos alcanzado una facturación récord, superando los 115 millones de euros y recuperando las cifras prepandemia.
>
> Encabezamos de nuevo la reactivación mundial del sector de ferias y congresos.
>
> ℹ️ [pic.twitter.com/SZgGq9F9g6](https://t.co/SZgGq9F9g6)
>
> — IFEMA MADRID (@IFEMA) [July 13, 2022](https://twitter.com/IFEMA/status/1547240840585699330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
José Vicente de los Mozos, chairman of the executive committee, said: “The first six months of the year were pivotal for IFEMA Madrid.
“We validated our basic lines of work, which will take shape in the coming months in a strategic plan whose main pillars we have already achieved, restoring our business with enormous strength and planning a year that we will conclude with an 80% increase in turnover that will reach 178 million in turnover.”
IFEMA spearheaded the reactivation of the tradefair and congress sector by hosting FITUR in January. It was followed by 145 fairs, congresses, corporate and leisure events in the first six months of the year.
## **UFI aims at expansion with US journalist**
**A new partnership has been announced with an award-winning journalist which aims to promote UFI’s presence in North America.**
Danica Tormohlen, who has covered the trade show industry for more than two decades, will work alongside MAD Event Management (MAD) to drive content creation for the association.
The move follows the announcement of a strategic partnership that UFI and MAD announced in June which aims to expand the exhibition association’s presence across the continent.
> [\#UFInews](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFInews?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ?️As the official UFI representative in North America, [@MADEventMgmt](https://twitter.com/MADEventMgmt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is partnering with award-winning journalist [@DanicaTormohlen](https://twitter.com/DanicaTormohlen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! ?
>
> See the media release: [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventsindustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventsindustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibitionindustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibitionindustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/mS4kUbjpEd](https://t.co/mS4kUbjpEd)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [July 15, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1547934450041794563?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, said:: “Welcome Danica. We have been working together on projects in the past, both directly and indirectly with our colleagues at SISO and we are thrilled to write the next chapter of this collaboration now.
“With her depth and breadth of industry experience and connections, Danica will help us drive content for UFI and the industry ecosystem in North America as we gear up for UFI’s Global Congress that is coming to the US for the first time in 2023.”
The 90th UFI Global Congress will take place in November 2023 at the ARIA Resort & Casino Las Vegas.
During the course of her career, Tormohlen has won numerous awards for outstanding editorial and design, including the Folio: Eddie Award for Editorial Excellence and several Azbee Awards for Editorial Excellence in business-to-business journalism.
## **European consumers concerned by price hikes – McKinsey**
**Rising prices and the invasion of Ukraine are the top concerns for consumers across Europe, according to a new study.**
Figures from McKinsey & Co’s latest Consumer Pulse Survey show 53% nor rank the cost of living as their biggest worry, with 15% citing Putin’s war.
It also reveals the pandemic, which has dominated public life for the past two years, now ranks only fifth on the list of major worries.
The study found rising prices are particularly worrying for low-income consumers and millennials, while high-income consumers and baby boomers are most likely to identify the invasion of Ukraine as their primary concern.
UK consumers display the greatest focus on inflation, with more than two-thirds naming this as their biggest worry -up from 60 percent in April.
The proportion of those claiming price rises as their greatest concern has risen by seven to 10 percentage points since April in every country.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Border rules deepen divide of industry recovery](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220404/)
**Published:** April 4, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
This edition of the Week in Events highlights how border rules are deepening the divide of industry recovery. Shanghai has suffered another blow after a major show decided to relocate due to coronavirus travel restrictions, while we’ve reported the success Singapore has seen by opening up. We also take a look at the metaverse fashion week which featured global brands and how the hospitality industry is doing its part for Ukraine.
- **Border rules deepen divide for industry recovery**
- **Treasury rejects appeal for industry fuel aid**
- **Catwalk hits the metaverse**
- **Hospitality auction for Ukraine**
- **Berlin gets events business funding boost**
# **Border rules deepen divide for industry recovery**
**Shanghai is the latest events destination to be hit by travel restrictions as the divide deepens between where our industry is recovering and where it is stalling.**
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its 78th AGM and World Air Transport Summit will now take place during June in Doha, Qatar.
IATA put the decision down to continuing coronavirus-related restrictions on travel to China and comes after Shanghai brought in new lockdown rules as cases rise in the city.
> We are pleased to announce that the 78th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit will take place 19-21 June 2022 in Doha, Qatar, hosted by [@qatarairways](https://twitter.com/qatarairways?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw).
>
> More details on this change of location ➡️ [\#IATAAGM](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IATAAGM?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/w8j8UdNDsH](https://t.co/w8j8UdNDsH)
>
> — IATA (@IATA) [March 25, 2022](https://twitter.com/IATA/status/1507301546874359812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Hong Kong has also seen a number of shows relocate due to its tightened borders, with Singapore being the beneficiary as the Government opened the country back up for business.
Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, said: “It is deeply disappointing that we are not able to meet in Shanghai as planned. In the meantime, we are pleased to be returning to the dynamic aviation hub of Doha.
“This year’s AGM will be an important opportunity for aviation’s leaders to reflect on the shifting political, economic and technological realities facing air travel as the industry’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic gathers pace.”
This will be the second time that the global gathering of aviation’s top leaders will be held in Qatar, having also taken place there in 2014. The body represents some 290 airlines, making up 83% of global air traffic.
Informa Markets has moved Jewellery & Gem WORLD (JGW) from Hong Kong for a “special edition” in Singapore this year, with relaxed borders cited as one of the reasons for the decision.
Cosmoprof Asia will be also held in Singapore instead of the special administrative region, as it would make the experience “more convenient” for exhibitors and visitors who want to attend in November.
# **Treasury rejects appeal for industry fuel aid**
**The Treasury has rejected an appeal to make concessions over its red diesel ban which will see events industry bills soar.**
Live shows are now prohibited from using rebated diesel and rebated biofuels in generators and site plant machinery, meaning organisers are expected to see their fuel bills rise by at least 50%.
Red diesel and some biofuels, including hydrotreated vegetable oil, are taxed more favourably when compared to the white diesel used in road vehicles.
Tom Clements, president of the National Outdoors Events Association, had written to the Chancellor calling industry-specific support – but this was rejected.
Helen Whately, exchequer secretary to the Treasury, said in a letter: “With regard to wider Government support for the events industry, the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme supports live events such as music festivals, sporting and business events that are at risk of being halted or delayed due to an inability to obtain Covid-19 cancellation insurance.
“Over £800 million in cover is available to purchase alongside standard commercial events insurance for an additional premium.”
“I appreciate you may be disappointed with this response, but I do hope it at least explains why the Government is making these tax changes and the action we are taking with regard to the concerns you have raised.”
This final part was in relation to Chancellor’s Spring Statement announcement that it is cutting fuel duty on petrol and diesel by 5 pence per litre for a period of 12 months.
# **Catwalk hits the metaverse**
**Fashion week in the metaverse? Yes, you read that right. Some of the world’s biggest names in the business took to virtual reality to hit the catwalk.**
More than 60 brands and hundreds of new looks were showcased during the four-day Metaverse Fashion Week (MVFW) event, along with four after parties and numerous prominent artists.
It provided a glimpse into the future of how our industry might work to utilise this new technology for [exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/metaverse/).
> Level up & experience the radiant glow of [\#AdvancedNightRepair](https://twitter.com/hashtag/AdvancedNightRepair?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) like never before during [@decentraland](https://twitter.com/decentraland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s [\#MetaverseFashionWeek](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MetaverseFashionWeek?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! Get your glow on with this Advanced Night Repair inspired NFT, created by [\#EsteePartner](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EsteePartner?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@thealexbox](https://twitter.com/THEALEXBOX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw): [\#MVFW](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MVFW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/HwqcWvPf5L](https://t.co/HwqcWvPf5L)
>
> — Estée Lauder (@EsteeLauder) [March 25, 2022](https://twitter.com/EsteeLauder/status/1507402000262123527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The show was free to all on Decentraland but visitors could buy NFTs of the fashion brands using the platform’s cryptocurrency.
Exclusive digital events were also part of the MVFW with runway events, tech demos and meets with designers were part of the VIP events.
Fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger showcased its spring 2022 collection virtually and opened a digital store for visitors to buy NFTs connected to the label.
The designer also joined in a panel discussion to talk about how the industry could operate in the metaverse.
# **Hospitality auction for Ukraine**
**Hospitality industry representatives have created an auction of experiences to help raise funds for Ukraine.**
A range of prizes have been donated by organisations to the good cause with aim of providing much needed support to the country during its fight against Russia
Hospitality Auction4Ukraine has seen items includes such as a suite and cocktails at the Savoy, a private dining experience for 12 guests at Corrigan’s of Mayfair as well as a stay at Claridge’s.
Proceeds will be donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee, which is operating in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help meet the needs of refugees and displaced people.
**Hospitality Auction4Ukraine will close at 9pm on 14 April and can be [accessed here](https://superstars-auctions.com/lunch4ukraine).**
The move follows the launch of Events With Ukraine, a free resource providing an up-to-date account of **Russia’s illegal invasion** of the country and its brutal attacks on innocent people.
It sets out the history, culture and important role Ukraine plays in the modern world. The most important part is this website shows how eventprofs can help.
Many organisers, associations and individuals have already taken action in light of Putin’s war, **but we can do more**. Please [share this resource](https://eventswithukraine.com/) among your friends and colleagues as we **Stand With Ukraine**.
# **Berlin gets events business funding boost**
**The German capital has been given €290million funding boost as part of plans to kickstart the city’s tradeshows.**
Measures include B2B marketing campaigns aimed at generating visibility for Berlin as a tourist destination and as a location for exhibitions and conventions.
ReStart Berlin includes more than 30 tailormade measures intended to offer relief to affected companies and help boost their business.
Almost all Covid-19 restrictions in the city have now been lifted meaning participants will now be able to attend major events, without providing a negative test or proof of vaccination.
Mayor Franziska Giffey said: “Our city is a magnet for people from all over the world. Berlin is already one of the most important economic, cultural and scientific locations in Europe.
“With the gradual return to normality and our restart programme for the Berlin economy, we want to actively stimulate and specifically support the hotel industry, gastronomy, the trade fair and congress business, retail, event management and the cultural industry for an economically strong, attractive and vibrant Berlin.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Designing Hybrid Event Models for 2021 and Beyond](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/designing-hybrid-event-models-for-2021-and-beyond/)
**Published:** February 19, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The digital medium’s ability to keep business operations going last year has propelled virtual events into becoming an efficient, cost-effective way to connect with audiences across the globe.
[According to industry research](https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/virtual-events-market), the global virtual events market is projected to grow at a ‘compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.2 percent from 2020 to 2027’.
This growth will likely be spurred by rising demand from corporates and individuals adopting remote working policies, as well as the increasing traction of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and Unified Communication as a Service (UCaaS) among businesses worldwide.
With an uncertain timeline for the full return of physical events, and the foreseeable future expected to be built around virtual spaces, event professionals are crafting their business event strategies around[ hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) that provide both in-person and virtual experiences.
We have discussed in an earlier post the[ top tips you should keep in mind while planning hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/crucial-tips-you-should-keep-in-mind-while-planning-a-hybrid-event/) and the[ different planning skills](https://expoplatform.com/top-event-planning-skills-to-manage-virtual-and-hybrid-events/) you need to manage them. Let’s now take a look at the different types of hybrid event models you could consider in 2021 and beyond, depending on the needs of your audience and event goals:
## **Community-based model**
The idea of a community-based model, especially for exhibitions and trade shows, has been proposed in the form of an ever-available marketplace where buyers and exhibitors can connect all-year for networking and business activities.
The components that comprise an effective hybrid event model design include:
- A large live event, preferably hosted annually, which would serve as the primary engagement forum for the participants
- Smaller digital events based around the main event, like a webinar series or online workshops covering niche topics in detail
- Digital networking sessions like one-to-one or group meetings and Happy Hour meetups
- 365-day event platform membership subscription to a community-based marketplace. The marketplace would provide a common platform where one can regularly announce product launches, share new content and connect with buyers and sellers.
But the elements you select, and the approach overall, will differ according to the needs of your audience and their understanding of the organiser’s terms of service.
[**Learn how you can develop an online marketplace alongside your events business.**](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace-platforms-live-events/)
## **Global digital model**
This model, with its increased accessibility via digital channels, means you can pitch domestic events as having a global following to audiences worldwide. It is a cost-effective way to expand the reach of your event and maximise business and networking opportunities.
Here is how you can design a global digital hybrid event model:
- Set up a local physical event with in-person hosts and moderators to smoothly navigate the transition from live to virtual audiences
- Create parallel digital events anchored to the main event but with a regional flavour. Bring onboard language translators and industry experts from those particular regions
- Stream live sessions online with a presence effect.
## **Networking-focused model**
Events focused around networking are popular with attendees and exhibitors as they allow them to establish new communication with prospects, to cement personal relationships with customers and to explore new business opportunities. Examples of these events include industry conferences, roundtable events and exhibitions and trade shows.
In a networking-focused hybrid events model, you can mix three main components:
- A primary physical event at a venue where a limited number of participants can gather in according with domestic safety regulations
- Digital networking events before and after the main event, giving participants a chance to connect and interact with each other and share mutual business interests
- On-demand sessions like training and workshops to provide access to attendees in different time zones.
## **VIP experience model**
Many participants are willing to pay an extra fee to get a premium experience at exhibitions, conferences or corporate events. For these participants, a curated VIP experience will give them greater value and opportunities.
The design of a VIP-experience hybrid event would include:
- A main live event open to everyone, but with access to exclusive content and paid training and workshops for continuing education credits
- Personal VIP access to speakers and industry experts through online one-on-one sessions
- Access to [hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/), extra sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, and data analytics to review attendee engagement.
Before adopting any of these models, you need to clearly define your goals so a sustainable business template could be created for future hybrid events. You might need to add some features or remove the ones you don’t require as you work on more hybrid experiences that are engaging, ROI-driven and boost business growth.
But plan these components wisely, and you will be able to present your audience with something quite unlike that which they have experienced in the past.
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Top three organisers 'unchanged' in revenue rankings](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20220919/)
**Published:** September 19, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The top three of global exhibition revenue rankings for organisers has stayed unchanged in latest figures.**
Results from AMR Internationals list put Informa on top yet again, with RX and CFYC holding onto second and third place.
Informa Markets has placed a huge focus on its their digital strategy, with double-digit growth spearheaded through lead generation and content marketing.
**Download our free [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to find out more about using data science and technology in events.**
Read on below for your full Week in Events.
## **Strong results for early lockdown exiters**
**Exhibition organisers with strong portfolios in markets which were fast to recover from lockdowns have emerged on top of global revenue rankings, according to new figures.**
Informa Markets remains in the number one spot in AMR International’s latest Top 20 for 2021, with RX and CFTC holding onto second and third place.
IFEMA Madrid and Shanghai-listed DLG Exhibitions debuted in the rankings, while Easyfairs rejoined.
Florent Jarry, partner at AMR, said: “Organisers with strong portfolios in countries with earlier recovery such as China performed relatively better than others.
“This has led to the ranking being substantially different from pre-Covid years. This year’s AMR Top 20 is a snapshot and not representative of longer-term market positions.
“We can expect to see further changes next year as most organisers return closer to their pre-Covid portfolio structure.”
Informa Markets is one of the organisers who have pursued expansion of their digital strategy, with double-digit growth spearheaded through lead generation and content marketing.
**Download our free [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to find out more about using data science and technology in events.**
## **Merger creates €1bn sales hub for home and living industry**
**A new merger by Messe Frankfurt has created a powerhouse of home and living brands worth €1 billion in annual sales through a digital platform.**
Nextrade is now known as nmedia.hub to combines its services with nmedia, meaning retailers no longer have to use multiple resources and can manage many of their daily tasks centrally.
It creates a powerhoplace for 400 top brands, 20,000 retailers and over €1bn in sales volume per year for the home and living industry.
Nicolaus Gedat, managing director of nmedia GmbH, said: “Our company and the name nmedia have enjoyed a high level of trust in the home & living industry for over 20 years.
“At the same time, the services and products of Nextrade and nmedia have grown together more and more over the last two years.
“For us as a joint nmedia team, as well as for Messe Frankfurt and EK/servicesgroup, it was therefore clear that the next logical step is to bundle all offers on the platform even more strongly and thus make it easier for retailers and brands to enter into digital business processes under one roof.”
## **Transport ‘key issue’ for sustainable events**
**Transportation of participants and services has been identified as one of the biggest contributors to tradeshow environmental impacts, according to a new study.**
The Finding the Future, Together research focused on how exhibitions in the US and Canada are producing carbon emissions and what steps can be taken to tackle the issue.
Transportation, waste at venues and booth construction were highlighted as some of the biggest factors for [**sustainable events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/sustainable-events/) in our industry.
> Tradeshows play a vital role in our world. Through “Finding the Future, Together,” we have identified areas of focus needed to contribute to a more [\#sustainable](https://twitter.com/hashtag/sustainable?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) future. Download the report to see how you can help. [pic.twitter.com/WIxedJn63M](https://t.co/WIxedJn63M)
>
> — SISO – Society of Independent Show Organizers (@SisoOrg) [September 14, 2022](https://twitter.com/SisoOrg/status/1570125598923579394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Heather Farley, chairwoman of the SISO Sustainability Committee, said: “The B2B tradeshow industry delivers enormous social and economic benefits and is an essential engine for connection, knowledge transfer, trade, education, and employment.
“Like all industries, we know that our impact extends to the environment as well, and that, through working and partnering in a collaborative way, we can keep progressing towards a more sustainable, lower-carbon future.
“To support and inform these efforts, it was important to conduct authoritative independent research to evaluate the most material environmental impacts of the US and Canadian B2B tradeshow industry.”
**Download our [Sustainable Events Checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/sustainable-events-checklist/) to see how you can reduce the impact of in-person shows.**
Transitioning to renewable electricity at all parts of the transportation supply chain was identified as a key area for development.
The taskforce has backing from representatives from major organisers such as IMEX, RX, Emerald and Informa among others.
## **International visitors spur IEG show’s growth**
**International participants have seen Italian Exhibition Group beat pre-pandemic visitor numbers with its latest Vicenzaoro September.**
The jewellery and fine watch exhibition saw number of those taking part grow 10% compared to 2019, with those from overseas surging 20%.
Foreign countries drove the success accounting for 51% of total visits from 124 countries with Spain, USA, France and Germany in the lead.
Europe was the most represented with Spain (7.3%), France (5.5%) and Germany (5.1%) in the lead. Among non-European countries, the United States (5.7% of the total) took first place.
There was also good attendance from Turkey (3.3%) and the Middle East, especially Israel (2.5%) and the UAE (2.3%).
## **New Web 3.0 summit launched over digital concerns**
**Emerald has launched a new summit focusing on Web 3.0 after concerns were raised about digital transformation among corporations.**
A recent nationwide survey shows executives at more than 500 mid-to-large companies ranked the this as their top worry.
Respondents identified this as their highest priority ahead of even market stability, staying ahead of the competition or accelerating growth for their companies.
[Emerald’s Xcelerator](https://www.emeraldx.com/emerald-xcelerator/) division has now launched D2, a new brand focused on helping business leaders understand the potential of Web 3.0 including, blockchain, digital assets, NFTs and the metaverse.
Megan Effertz, vice president of Web 3.0 at Emerald Xcelerator, said: “Our research confirms that corporate executives are tapping the latest digital trends to transform their businesses, but there’s a knowledge gap when it comes to Web 3.0.
They are looking to learn and want to hear what early adopters are doing, what’s working and what’s not.
“Our lineup of participating industry experts at the inaugural D2 Summit have been handpicked to provide key insights into Web 3.0 transition and related topics with a focus on successful strategy, execution and scale.”
The Emerald Xcelerator division is dedicated to launching and transforming dynamic brands that curate year-round communities through face to face and digital experiences.
A 365 business strategy can help boost digital revenue by more than 300%. Find out how by downloading our free [**Community Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Informa's digital drive with Industry Dive](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220725/)
**Published:** July 25, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Informa has doubled down on efforts to improve its digital services through the acquisition of a business journalism publisher.**
The move involves the takeover of Industry Dive, which has a portfolio of more than 25 brands which focus in on specific sectors.
It signals a clear push for better digital services to keep event communities engaged year-round through content.
This week also saw Italian Exhibition Group reveal its strategic plan, ASM Global is partnering with the Malaysian Government for APAC expansion and Messe Frankfurt revealed big losses in 2021 – but remains confident.
Hyve Group has also announced that it will sell its Ukrainian business but remains supportive to create a seamless handover.
## **Informa acquires Industry Dive in digital drive**
**[Informa](https://www.informa.com/) has acquired Industry Dive as it expands its digital services through specialist business journalism.**
Takeover of the Washington DC-based publisher came at a reported cost of $389 million, with the its portfolio including 27 brands such as BioPharma Dive, Construction Dive and Cybersecurity Dive – with a total audience of 13 million.
The move by Informa Tech is part of ongoing efforts to improve its digital offerings which can work alongside live events, with a number of in-person shows expected for these big names.
> We're excited to be welcoming [@industrydive](https://twitter.com/industrydive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to the Informa Tech team soon! [\#audienceengagement](https://twitter.com/hashtag/audienceengagement?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#marketingservices](https://twitter.com/hashtag/marketingservices?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#digitalcontent](https://twitter.com/hashtag/digitalcontent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/xGVOn9uWOX](https://t.co/xGVOn9uWOX)
>
> — Informa Tech (@InformaTechHQ) [July 19, 2022](https://twitter.com/InformaTechHQ/status/1549360104595750913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Stephen Carter, Informa Group CEO, said: “Our improving performance enables us to embark on further market and geographic expansion, including the acquisition today of Industry Dive which further enhances our B2B digital services portfolio.”
“Industry Dive, which like Informa champions the specialist, has repurposed the traditional B2B publishing model for specialist markets in the digital age.
“It provides high quality digital content and business journalism to 13 million decision makers through its 27 specialist Dives.”
The group also pre-released preliminary figures for the six months to June 30. These numbers confirm strong growth in revenues, adjusted operating profit and cashflows and the return of ordinary dividends.
Informa will file its full set of interim results as a matter of record on July 28. Its underlying revenue growth is expected to be more than 40% and underlying adjusted operating profit growth over 120%.
## **IEG to aims for €267m turnover in 2027**
**The Italian Exhibition Group has unveiled a new strategic plan with the aim to exceed pre-pandemic revenue by almost 50% in 2027.**
Its route forward seeks to achieve marked development of €267 million in turnover and an adjusted EBITDA1 which will rise from €13m in 2022 to €69m in five years.
IEG´s 2022/2027 Strategic Plan, which was unanimously approved by board of directors, consists of a strong approach to development that aims to reach more than 49% in revenue compared to 2019.
Corrado Peraboni, CEO, said: “The Strategic Plan outlines the growth perspective with an Italy-foreign strategy that aims to position the group among the top global players in terms of profitability, generating value for all stakeholders, and also looks to accelerate internationalisation in high-potential, non-European markets.”
IEG has set a target of becoming the community catalyst for the industries it represents at its events.
Tradeshows will become an element support throughout the year through the integrated use of regional and international events that accompany the main show held in Italy.
It will also include investments into making processes digital and upgrading the infrastructures that host IEG´s leading exhibitions.
## **ASM Global makes deal with Malaysian Government**
**ASM Global has expanded its Asia-Pacific presence in a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Government.**
The move sees the business team up with the Ministry of Youth and Sports via Perbadanan Stadium Malaysia to enhance existing operations and event activity at the Kuala Lumpur Sports City precinct.
It comes as a further step forward in the government’s ambition to see the National Sports Precinct at Bukit Jalil develop a world-class reputation as the host of leading sports, entertainment and community events.
> CEO of Malaysia Stadium Corporation, Mr. Mohd Faidz Sanusi and ASM Global Vice President Mr. Ed Sanderson exchanging documents in London today after signing a strategic partnership to see Kuala Lumpur Sports City as a world-class venue for sports, entertainment & community events [pic.twitter.com/4OWTp76yqX](https://t.co/4OWTp76yqX)
>
> — Stadium.Malaysia ?️?? (@StadiumMalaysia) [July 23, 2022](https://twitter.com/StadiumMalaysia/status/1550841178127745024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
ASM CEO Ron Bension said: “We’re on a robust growth curve in this part of the world. The Kuala Lumpur Sports City precinct is representative of the types of projects we’re championing that significantly enrich the venue benefits and utilize our vast international expertise and best practices.”
This will expand ASM Global’s footprint in Asia with the addition of a big name sports and events precinct, including the 87,400-seat Malaysia National Stadium.
It is the largest stadium in Asia outside North Korea and is now the largest stadium in the company’s worldwide collection.
## **Messe Frankfurt confident of return to form despite losses**
**Messe Frankfurt has said it remains confident despite revealing worse losses in 2021 than the previous year.**
The Germany-based organiser had sales of €154 million last year, down from €257m in the 12 months beforehand.
That compares to €736m in the year before the outbreak of coronavirus, however the planner remains positive numbers will return to around €400m in 2022.
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO, said: “The high level of interest in events held under the Messe Frankfurt umbrella, both in Germany and internationally, permits us to look to the future with confidence and optimism.
“If everything goes according to plan, if we are free to organise trade fairs – and, in turn, if the event business continues to return to normal – we expect sales for the current financial year to be more than €400m.”
The cause of struggling numbers in 2021 was out down to how many of the organiser’s events were cancelled.
## **Hyve sells Ukrainian business**
**Hyve has announced it is selling its Ukrainian business for a deal worth up to £3 million.**
Operations will be taken on by ProExpo in a management buy-out led by Anatoly Sushon, managing director of the firm there.
The London-based events organiser said it will receive up to £3m via an earnout consideration, to be paid annually until September 2027 based on profitability.
Mark Shashoua, CEO said: “Premier Expo, our Ukrainian business, has been a valued part of Hyve for over 20 years. We care deeply about the employees and their families and have supported them through these challenging times.
“Both parties believe that by transitioning ownership to the experienced and committed local management team, the business will have the agility to recover for the future.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Simone Castelli joins ExpoPlatform for Italian expansion plans](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/simone-castelli/)
**Published:** June 28, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Simone Castelli has joined ExpoPlatform as part of plans to expand our presence in the Italian exhibition industry.**
Simone, founder and CEO of Fairsgate, has many years of experience in developing exhibitions in Italy, including Italian Exhibition Group and others.
His appointment as regional director comes at a time of high growth for the leading Smart Event and 365 Community platform, which has now more than doubled its workforce over the last 12 months.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, said: “I’m delighted to welcome someone with Simone’s experience to our team.
“We already work closely with the organisers such as Fiere Bologna to deliver exceptional events such as Cosmoprof.
“This partnership will help us to unlock the huge potential of the Italian market for digital transformation.”
Simone added: “I am pleased to work with ExpoPlatform because partnering with the leader in the digital marketplace will expand the solutions for the Italian exhibition organisers: their unique set of modules – from the unique [Lead Intelligence](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/) dashboards, to [Hosted Buying](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/) – all will give more value to the Italian market.”
Simone and Luke will both be attending the GRS ExpoNetwork Forum conference in Milan in July to introduce the partnership to senior exhibition leaders.
ExpoPlatform is an international event technology company supporting the world’s leading exhibition organisers.
This includes Informa, Reed Exhibitions, Fiere Bologna, Clarion, MCI and many more. It applies digital innovations for making better, more valuable in-person events.
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [How community content is key to boosting ticket sales](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/joe-pulizzi/)
**Published:** May 4, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**A three-part “amazing content” gameplan is key to building a community around your events and boosting ticket sales, according to an industry expert.**
Joe Pulizzi, founder of the [Content Marketing Institute](https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/) (CMI), has set out what he believes are the key steps to building a [365 engagement approach](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) around your shows.
He is the founder of several startups and is best known for his work in content marketing, having first used the term in 2001.
Speaking to ExpoPlatform, he described the instrumental role publishing regularly had for the success of his business.
Joe said: “Most event companies just run events. There’s nothing wrong with that, but to build a community you need to deliver an amazing content experience every day – at least that’s what we believed at CMI.
“Everyday we delivered a how-to post to help our audience do their jobs better. Every Tuesday we would do a Twitter chat that talked about a key challenge in our industry. Every Friday we would deliver a strategic insight via our email newsletter.
“Every quarter we delivered a print magazine to our community, so that they could give it to their bosses – to help them in their job. Mind you, that didn’t happen all at once. It was a process.”
Joe, a bestselling author of seven books, was one of the expert contributors to our latest ebook – **the Community Blueprint. [Download it here](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/).**
He set out three things CMI “did best” in focusing on when building its audience:
- **A “world-class” blog**
- **An “amazing” email newsletter**
- **The industry’s “leading” research**
Joe added: “From that, we were able to build about 50,000 email subscribers. Our first year we had over 600 at our event. Four years later we had over 3,000 attendees from over 50 countries.
“I can’t tell you how much easier it is to sell in-person event tickets with an opt-in email newsletter.
“I believed then – and still do today – that an email newsletter is the number one thing an event needs to build. An event always comes second.”
# **Be a community content scientist**
An organiser can set themselves apart from the competition by creative use of content types: doing something different.
Tools like cost calculators or checklists can be far more useful than just the written word, so it’s worth testing a range of formats to see what resonates with an audience.
Organisers who are trying to build 365 Community should act like scientists, trying to crack the formula of what resonates with your audience.
Content is where you make your value proposition real every day, with new useful information to engage your industry.
This is what keeps your social media channels active and engaging, makes your email newsletters get opened and the thing that starts to pull in new audiences through search engines.
But the market is saturated. It’s getting increasingly hard to compete with the huge wealth of online content.
Every day there are 720,000 hours of YouTube videos uploaded, 7.5 million blog posts published and 835 million Tweets tweeted.
There are also dedicated news organisations for all sectors meaning publishing press releases is not enough to cut through the noise.
Success is determined by whether your content is useful and different enough to add real value to your community.
Joe said: “If you have your listening pods on, you should identify emerging communities quickly. At the CMI we monitored the performance of every blog post.
“We tried to cover everything in our industry, even outlier ideas, and we monitored what spread. Also, when we received speaking submissions, we reviewed each one, analysing titles and phrases.
“Key phrases that we normally didn’t cover but kept coming up we did additional research on, using tools like Google Trends, to see if there was a search spike.
“But there’s also nothing better than talking to your audience, which we did all the time, specifically through our quarterly research projects.
“Whatever they were struggling with, we knew because they told us.”
This 365 engagement approach has flourished since businesses were forced to rethink how they connect and inform their audiences.
It now provides a model for organisers to create year-round revenue and heighten their brand awareness using digital tools.
A 365 community can increase engagement year-round by delivering “always-on” content, [marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) which can traffic leads over 12 months.
Findings from a recent McKinsey & Co study show 94% of B2B decision-makers say the new omnichannel sales model is at least as effective to the sales model they used before the pandemic – that’s up from 65% in April 2020.
# **Going niche with community events**
Joe highlights how in-person events will remain the highlight for many planners in the years to come, however he predicts a growth in more bespoke productions.
It comes amid concerns over travel uncertainty and increased familiarity with doing business online, requiring an organiser to have a strong argument for people to attend some of their offerings.
Joe argues that this provides a perfect opportunity for more “niche and focused” offerings with a smaller but more dedicated audience.
He said: “I believe community-focused events will boom in 2023. People will just want to see other people. I would say 2022, but the travel and paid training budgets won’t return by then.
“Instead of the large mega-events, I think smaller – 500 or fewer people – will win the day, with content way more niche and focused.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Smart Events 'amplify' revenue opportunities - Timothy Skennion](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-tim-skennion/)
**Published:** April 7, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Smart Events can create “amplified opportunities” for bringing in tradeshow revenue if “executed correctly”, according to an industry expert.**
This format makes the most of digital tools to enhance the value of in-person productions for all participants – including AI matchmaking, showfloor navigation and realtime analytics.
But it can also offer new ways for an organiser to bring in more revenue – as well as improving the return on tried and tested avenues.
Timothy Skennion, managing director of the Derabo Advisory Group, believes Smart Events can build on the opportunities that emerged through the formats we saw develop over the last two years.
He said: “The revenue opportunities are similar to what hybrid events offer, with perhaps somewhat amplified opportunities if executed correctly.
“These are mainly a more engaged audience as well as an ability for the audience to engage with content and each other, pre and post-event.
“They offer an extension of the sponsor’s investment, with benefits being delivered well beyond the day of the event.
“There is also increased opportunities to measure engagement and consumption, collect unique data points that can be leveraged outside of the event and the ability to create a clear and defendable ROI.”
Smart Events are sometimes mistaken for hybrid events due to the widespread use of digital technology. **[Hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)** are a mix of in-person and virtual events.
This format caters to attendees who can’t attend the venue for any number of reasons such as distance, physical limitations or the cost.
This blend of experiences can happen simultaneously or separately. Virtual engagement can take place before, during or after the live show or even all year round in the form of a 365 community.
On the other hand, **[Smart Events are physical shows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-defined/)** where the focus is on improving the experience of all participants through tech. But a year-round community can also help to enrich the experience of those taking part in the show before, during and after.
ExpoPlatform estimates that the cost of setting up this Smart Event technology through a vendor could be worth more than seven times that figure.
It comes as a [recent McKinsey study](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/b2b-sales-omnichannel-everywhere-every-time) shows that omnichannel B2B sales is now felt to be equally or more effective by 94% of B2B buyers, up from 65% in 2020.
Having a community or ecommerce marketplace in your portfolio is now an essential building block to create an omnichannel experience. The world of retail has talked about this for some time.
It means allowing a combination of in-person, remote and digital transactions. A customer can begin their journey in one channel, purchase through another, then receive customer service through a third.
This allows buyers to flow seamlessly between digital and in-person experiences at their own convenience. Combining your physical tradeshow with an online marketplace means you as a B2B organiser can also offer this kind of experience.
Research from ExpoPlatform and the Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) Club show 40% of shows in 2022 will be Smart Events.
More than a third (35%) ranked location tracking as being important or very important. A further 26% rated this as being a medium priority for their business model over the next year
**There are three main areas where Smart Events can help generate revenue:**
**Branding –** Exhibitors can drive brand awareness by a range of advertising positions across the online platform and emails. Inventory can include display banner ads, video pre-rolls to run ahead of content sessions, promotion in email newsletters, typically sold by cost-per-thousand impressions or tenancy. In addition to monetising their inventory, many organisers also sell the retargeting of audience across other third-party platforms and the geotargeting of visitors in the physical venue. The mobile app is also a key sponsorship opportunity at your in-person events. This tool can be “owned” by a headline sponsor, who also receives branding around all promotions of the app and through in-app advertising positions.
**Thought leadership –** Sponsored content sessions are both a thought leadership and lead generation opportunity. The client’s logo is associated with sessions and they will receive the leads of all viewers. These sessions can be hosted live and kept on-demand to continue the promotion post-event.
**Lead generation –** Target attendees using the web or mobile app to receive a popup message on their screen or smartphone. Exhibitors can request the content, date and time of the alert. This could be announcing a demo of your product or directing an attendee to a booth.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, has set out more ways how this new format can boost the value of in-person productions for all by improving and opening up opportunities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbH6Sn4zX5A&t=136s
She said: “[**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) use digital technology to increase the value of the experience for visitors, exhibitors and organisers.
“They have become an essential part of making profitable, engaging live events. We have spent the time during the pandemic developing new digital approaches.
“Now is the time to bring those back to live events, making more engaging experiences for participants and more money for organisers.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [#EventsWithUkraine - The Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220304/)
**Published:** March 7, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**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](https://www.linkedin.com/company/expoplatform/), from the UK, India, United States, France, Portugal, and even colleagues within Russia itself are united and [\#StandWithUkraine](https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?keywords=standwithukraine&highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6904363053090226176) 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 [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#conference](https://twitter.com/hashtag/conference?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventmarketing](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventmarketing?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventsales](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventsales?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofsuk](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofsuk?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ZZxPpMDZdp](https://t.co/ZZxPpMDZdp)
>
> — International Confex (@IntlConfex) [January 26, 2022](https://twitter.com/IntlConfex/status/1486284900156297222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
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** ](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)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](mailto:r.breach@expoplatform.com) 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.
> ??? ??? ???? ???? ????????!
>
> 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](https://t.co/pDoP7qCOEe)
>
> — Cosmoprof Asia (@CosmoprofAsia) [March 2, 2022](https://twitter.com/CosmoprofAsia/status/1498943891914977281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
[A statement said](https://www.cosmoprof-asia.com/): “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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [New Crowd Connected partnership to drive Smart Event agenda](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/crowd-connected/)
**Published:** February 11, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has entered into a strategic partnership with Crowd Connected to drive the exhibition industry’s Smart Event agenda.**
Our mobile apps will now be location aware by harnessing the fellow UK-based technology provider’s best-in-class indoor positioning solutions – benefitting organisers, exhibitors and visitors as live shows return post-pandemic.
The integration of [Crowd Connected](https://bit.ly/3oxwqUQ)’s software into our offerings means ExpoPlatform now provides an enhanced suite of data-driven services, making our mobile app ever more valuable through the partner’s full toolset:
- **In-app blue-dot navigation and wayfinding, overlaid on an interactive floorplan**
- **Location based personalisation and recommendations**
- **Footfall-based exhibitor performance insight for every stand/booth at a show (via Crowd Connected’s Bluebird product)**
- **Real time data visualisations such as heatmaps**
- **Industry leading visitor behavioural analytics**
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO and co-founder of ExpoPlatform, said: “Our mission is to accelerate the digital transformation of the event industry through smart technology. Crowd Connected’s credentials meant they were the natural partner for us when it came to the location technology component of our platform.”
Mark Maydon, commercial director at Crowd Connected, added: “ExpoPlatform’s focus on helping organisers create more valuable live experiences is completely in tune with our own approach. We’re delighted to be working closely with their team to help organisers deliver smarter, data-driven in-person events.”
Their first combined deployments are scheduled for Q2 in 2022.
A **[Smart Event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)** is an in-person event that uses digital technology to increase the value of the experience for all participants.
The last two years of running virtual events have generated a huge rise in data, familiarising organisers and participants with digital tools – all of which can be used to measurably improve customer experiences at live events.
Findings from ExpoPlatform and Exhibition Think Tank Club show 40% of shows in 2022 will be Smart Events.
More findings reveal that 365 engagement would be the most important aspect of this, however more than a third (35%) ranked location tracking as being important or very important.
A further 26% rated this as being a medium priority for their business model over the next year.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [New Sessionboard partnership for seamless content transfer](https://expoplatform.com/blog/partnership/sessionboard/)
**Published:** July 27, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**ExpoPlatform has teamed up with Sessionboard to create a seamless integration experience for synchronising session and speaker data at events.**
The partnership creates a user-friendly process for a painless information transfer to the leading event tech provider once users have approved the information in Sessionboard.
This simplifies the complex management workflows before synchronising with agendas in ExpoPlatform – making it an important feature for more academic and content-heavy events.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, said: “We are really impressed with the Sessionboard streamlines content workflows for conference producers.
“This partnership is a great addition to our technology stack and enhances our all-in-one offering for conferences of all sizes.”
Chris Carver, co-founder and CEO of [Sessionboard](https://www.sessionboard.com/?utm_source=expoplatform&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=partnership), said: “When building out Sessionboard and the integration with ExpoPlatform, our team was fully dedicated to ensuring that the end user experience – the organiser, the evaluator, the speaker and the attendee – was second to none.
“Our goal is to save conference organisers a great deal of time, while giving them a powerful tool to help elevate their event. The ExpoPlatform and Sessionboard integration is an exciting step in that direction.”
The partnership will specifically work by integrating the approved sessions and collected content – bio’s, headshots, presentations and more – from Sessionboard into ExpoPlatform.
This process allows for a seamless update to the event website and mobile app in real-time.
The integration is built in such a way that an organiser can easily activate it in minutes through the Sessionboard platform.
ExpoPlatform is an international event technology company supporting the world’s leading exhibition organisers.
This includes Informa, RX, Fiera Milano, Clarion, MCI and many more. It applies digital innovations for making better, more valuable in-person events.
Meanwhile, Sessionboard allows organisers to view real-time dashboards that highlight the onboarding status of every speaker.
Conference managers save time, relieve stress and get their content to market faster with their next generation speaker and content management platform.
The move comes at a period of high growth for ExpoPlatform, which is close to hitting its 100-person milestone for the first time after more than doubling its workforce over the last 12 months.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Partnership
---
### [Personalisation is key for most modern customers - study](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220318/)
**Published:** March 18, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Better navigation and relevance are key priorities for first-time customers when it comes to personalisation, according to a new study.**
Figures from McKinsey & Co reveal 71% of buyers want offerings to be tailored to them, while 76% said they became “frustrated” when it wasn’t.
The research goes even further by pinpointed the exact kinds of content that customers want to be personalised, with ease of navigation and relevancy of products or services ranking highest.
Three-quarters wanted the tailoring to make it easier for them to make their way around an in-person or online store, 67% wanted the offerings to be appropriate for them and 66% said they wanted messaging to be customised for them personally.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
People and businesses have become more connected than before over the last two years. New digital avenues for attendees have made it easier connect and interact with each other, while also increasing the amount of data available to tailor content and offerings.
Groups and channels on social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter quickly became a hub for industry buzz. Meanwhile, advancements in event technology were happening at a rapid pace.
Organisers recognised the need to create similar, niche community platforms having the desired functionality to engage their members. This meant providing tools to enhance personalisation, helping buyers and sellers connect and sharing content and industry updates around the year.
Audiences now want to continue exploring opportunities beyond the limited timeframe of physical shows as they begin to return in a digitally enhanced format – [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
They are also eager for more educational content and engagement opportunities around the year, as our [last week’s chart analysis](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/chart-of-week-20220218/) showed. This has encouraged organisers to create focused communities that allow people to connect anytime, anywhere – while also making those connections relevant.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Year-round communities are a great source of content and social interactions. They offer ample opportunities to nurture quality leads, generate revenue and increase audience satisfaction.
For most organisers, this model has become a part of their roadmap for future engagement strategies. It’s crucial to equip these communities with powerful tools that will create value-driven outcomes for attendees and exhibitors. These tools include:
**1)** **AI matchmaking:** Intelligent AI algorithms to connect users with relevant people, products and content.
**2) 365 marketplace:** Year-round product discovery platform where buyers and sellers can connect, explore products and conduct business deals.
**3) Content hub:** Share educational resources and industry updates to help users make a more informed decision about different brands and products.
**4) Sponsorship opportunities:** Increase revenue through digital advertising, lead generation programmes etc and boost exhibitor ROI.
Wondering where to begin? Learn how to [**create a 365 community**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) for your events. Need a quick overview of the tech requirements to set up an online community? [**Download our 365 Community Technology checklist now**](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [How Covid fast-tracked digital transformation of Informa's Global Licensing Group](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/covid-digital-transformation-informa/)
**Published:** July 9, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
If the past 18 months have proven anything, it’s that technology has greatly increased the speed at which markets are able to adapt to a sudden downturn.
But when the world’s leading brand licensing event was forced to close in the wake of the pandemic, few could have predicted it would bring the world’s largest organiser closer than ever to one of its key markets.
Anna Knight, Vice-President of Licensing at Informa Market’s Global Licensing Group (GLG), provided one of the standout sessions at the second 2021 Exhibition Think Tank Club with her account of the Licensing Expo, and of the opportunity arising from crisis in the exhibition industry.
From experimentation with the digital offering, through destabilisation and the emergence of new exhibitor and attendee requirements, her team’s journey was not without jeopardy. But while the pandemic forced GLG’s hand, the result was no temporary measure; instead catalysing a new strategy and an enriched proposition for a rapidly evolving audience.
Here, we provide a closer look at Anna’s presentation – given online in **[partnership with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/partnership-programme/)** – as she documented event technology’s ability to adapt to the changing needs of exhibitors and organisers in an event industry landscape forever changed.
## **The licensing universe**
The brand licensing marketplace is a global, horizontal market that spans hundreds of verticals, with customers including consumer brand owners, manufacturers and retailers (in-store, online and omni-channel). The team’s licensing portfolio boasts major brands including Disney, Amazon and Formula 1, just three names from a potential universe of around a million organisations.
Digitally, GLG reaches around 150,000 of these, with 20,000 people attending the licensing portfolio’s physical licensing shows, the largest of which is Brand Licensing Europe – an event geared towards brand and IP discovery.
Back-to-back meetings comprise the bulk of activity for the three-day physical event and Anna’s team doesn’t complicate this with simultaneous conferences, instead presenting two standalone conferences on licensing news, associated trends and analysis.
GLG’s KPIs are built around enabling IP owners to showcase their brands and allow potential buyers to identify which of these are available to license.
As an overall proposition, Anna categorises her division’s events in three ‘buckets’; content, matchmade meetings and the marketplace (essentially a directory for IP and brand discovery).
## **Out with the old**
In 2019, a clear separation existed between the media and events operations at GLG. Despite physical attendees constituting just a small fraction of the potential market, GLG’s sales team derived 95 per cent of its business from the in-person trade show. Print and digital media activity was limited to a news website, print magazine and email newsletters.
So when in-person attendance gave way to online alternatives in 2020, Anna’s team began experimenting with different types of online events and products. Their goal was common to all international event organisers; replacing the loss of in-person revenue with online revenue.
Digital content replaced print. Podcasts, white papers and webinars-on-request grew out of this reactive strategy, all with the aim of improving the proposition of an industry forced to operate remotely. These supported two online events in 2020, the latter and largest of which was the month-long Festival of Licensing; four sequential events tailored to key licensing territories, each supported by the Global Licensing Group’s regional event brands.
The online strategy required a rethink of the sales team’s duties. A single manager was put in charge of each account, responsible for both event and digital media sales. This carried with it a number of complications, not least the fact that the account manager was now managing the dichotomy between physical and digital event spend. And while the former was historically the more lucrative revenue generator, the latter had the legs in a world still doing business remotely. Nonetheless, the feedback from Anna’s customers was that they wanted to deal with a single account manager.
## **In with the new**
The pivot to digital also introduced new efficiencies. Anna’s team’s digital media output changed in accordance with new online behavioural data, products becoming more personalised for the individuals they were trying to reach.
“We now have touchpoints with our customers all year round,” she explained. “This could be anything from a podcast to a webinar, to an in-person event or an online event. But it’s very much about making sure that we do something every month, and that we make these connections.”
The team’s strategy is of course conceived to align its offering with the spending habits of its audience. Organisations were forced to re-distribute their marketing budget in the absence of physical events, and if GLG couldn’t provide alternatives then this money would be channeled elsewhere.
“Over the three-year period things have changed and we’ve tried to adapt to where the market itself is going,” said Anna, adding that she was using “the strength of that community” to both drive [extra monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) and keep customers engaged.
## **The main event**
By the second half of 2020, Anna’s team had begun asking questions of both its exhibitors and attendees to establish what they would want from a **[hybrid event in 2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)**.
“We talked about the idea of a simultaneous hybrid event and it tested poorly,” Anna recalled. “When customers are onsite they really only want to concentrate on those meetings, they don’t want to have virtual meetings at the same time.
“What came out of that was that when they are at in-person events, they miss out on certain connections, they miss out on people that kind of walk past their booth, or perhaps have a five-minute conversation with someone but wanted that conversation to be longer – or to involve other team members.”
This is a virtue of the live event medium as we know it. The ability to engage one another while under the same roof and with interests piqued. But the accessibility and sustainability of online interaction, coupled with widespread familiarity of online meetings, has now given credibility to transmuting those conversations and content into the digital medium.
Long gone are the days where we rely on the chance encounter, as former Reed Exhibitions chairman Mike Rusbridge once observed. However, we can now emulate them to some degree in the digital space.
GLG developed a system for its 2021 event that enabled follow-up by tracking activity throughout the event; an integral part of its hybrid trade show model. By combining lead-retrieval data from the in-person event with the accountability of the online system, you can grant attendees the best of both worlds.
“The online event now has a dual purpose, the first purpose being for those who weren’t able to attend in person to still have some kind of event experience. And secondly, this follow-up idea where perhaps you only had a very short conversation with a customer, and you want to use this online event to follow up with them,” said Anna, adding that by doing this very close to the in-person event, “you’re able to still have a very relevant conversation”.
It soon became apparent that conversations could also be sparked via the online event. By keeping the platform open for three months after the in-person event, releasing on-demand seminar content and presenting directories, attendees could be drawn back to the platform.
## **Making money**
By combining the serendipity of a live event and the accountability of an online event with an unprecedented degree of personalisation, the value of the hybrid proposition was becoming clear to attendees.
The question soon became how to monetise this, and specifically to align GLG’s pricing with the event’s newly perceived value.
A flat-rate pricing model had been in place for October’s Festival of Licensing. But Anna’s team soon found a clear correlation between the square metres an exhibitor would take at a physical event and the number of meetings – and therefore representatives – the exhibitor would typically field. It was clear that when shifted into the online medium, the value was greater for an exhibitor or attendee capable of completing a higher number of meetings.
“We hadn’t changed the charging model, it was a flat charging model for everyone, which meant that a one-man-band able to have a maximum of 250 meetings was charged the same as someone like Hasbro, which could have had 30 people in the system and therefore 30 times as many meetings,” she explained.
“The value was incorrect from that point of view, so we decided in the hybrid world to correlate the two, a different tier of cost depending on which square foot bracket you fall into.”
For online-only exhibitors, Anna’s team tied prices to the number of people that they wanted to put in the system. It also offered a concierge/[hosted buyer](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/) service, helping exhibitors to arrange the most potentially valuable meetings. By mining the system and identifying the best people to meet, the return on investment could be increased – particularly for smaller exhibitors with smaller teams.
The Global Licensing Team also moved to annual subscription packages, providing platinum, gold and silver tier services including both online and physical marketing components.
Anna’s team had now made a compelling case for virtual attendance, and in convincing attendees of the value of online events, they had paved the way for monetisation.
“We’re putting something out there that says we believe in the value of virtual, and that we will be charging for this in the future. So we want you to know that there is a value to it, even though for 2021 we’re actually including it in the price of the exhibition,” she said. “In terms of the opportunity, online events are driving bigger audiences, and new audiences as well, given that trade shows aren’t meeting.”
## **The way forward**
GLG’s digital licensing journey has enabled it to reach a much larger audience, a significant percentage of which had not attended a licensing event in two years.
As we outlined at the start of this article, Anna’s team’s digital reach is about 150,000 of a potential universe of one million, with 20,000 of these attending the event in person before the pandemic. Excluding sister events from the portfolio, there’s a huge number of customers already in the market that not all of GLG’s trade show exhibitors are benefiting from.
The bigger marketplace that Anna’s team is not yet penetrating, but which they are now going after, can only be reached through online activity. Of more than 11,000 pre-registered attendees for the 2021 event (the number at the time of Anna’s presentation in early May) almost 8,000 had not attended a licensing event in the past two years. More than half of those were new to GLG.
With these new attendees spending time building their online presence and making business decisions on the fly, the situation demanded a **[year-round online community platform](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)** able to provide increased networking options. Anna’s team jumped on this realisation, exploring hybrid event models that extended their reach beyond the traditional event crowd.
“There is always going to be a place for face-to-face, but we’ve got to work harder than ever to deliver return on investment and improve the relevance of those events,” says Anna. She further adds:
The innovation and opportunity offered by digital alternatives is too significant to ignore. While still a work-in-progress for GLG, the move to annual subscription packages providing platinum, gold and silver tiers covers a range of benefits. A year-round directory listing showcasing brands and IP, matchmaking and a dashboard with live and digital leads and analytics is virgin territory for the world’s largest organiser. But one thing’s for sure; creating an integrated online experience will drive more value for customers than they would get from just attending in-person events.
Organisers that can join those two together and offer their audiences something that’s aligned and integrated, are definitely going to be the ones that win out.
**Categories:** Hybrid Events, Virtual Events
---
### [UFI survey: Digitisation key comeback issue for exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20220801/)
**Published:** August 1, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Digitisation is one of the key issues facing exhibitions as the industry’s comeback from coronavirus continues.**
Those are the findings of [UFI](https://www.ufi.org/)‘s latest Global Barometer, which checks the pulse of businesses around the world.
It also highlights how many planners are already getting on board with event tech as well as how revenues are making a strong return.
Other top stories this week include IEG’s expansion into Germany, a Spanish institution debuts in China with the takeover of two venues and ExCel London becomes a UK-first with a green scheme award.
We also highlight a recent report which found US organisers place less importance on sustainability than their UK and European counterparts.
## **UFI survey: Digitisation is key for Covid comeback**
**Digitisation is one of the key issues facing organisers as the industry continues its live comeback, according to an UFI survey.**
The association’s latest Global Barometer provides insights on the “bounce-back” of organiser businesses as well as some outlook for 2023.
One of the most pressing issues for eventprofs was found to be digitisation, which came only second to internal management challenges in the study.
But figures from the survey also revealed global exhibition revenues are expected to reach 73% of pre-pandemic levels in 2022 – and 87% in the first half of 2023.
> [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)'s newly released Global Exhibition Barometer research takes the pulse of the industry. The results highlight the quickening pace of the industry’s recovery in 2022, after the continuing impact of [\#COVID](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)-19.
>
> Find the results, free to download, at . [pic.twitter.com/Ul3riz3T2N](https://t.co/Ul3riz3T2N)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [July 26, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1551930807815749632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Kai Hattendorf, CEO at UFI, said: “The bounce-back of exhibitions around the world has entered its next phase and pre-Covid levels will be within reach as early as next year in some markets.
“As the industry manages this amazing recovery, it is also dealing with significant staffing challenges and is working to apply key learning from the pandemic around the digitisation of events and services into its business model.”
The most pressing business issues suggest the industry is now focusing on post-pandemic challenges and opportunities.
Internal management challenges was highlighted by 20% of respondents, impact of digitisation was chosen by 17%, while competition with other media was highlighted by 15%.
A total of 65% of respondents have already added digital services or products – such as apps, online advertising digital signage – to their existing exhibition offerings.
The survey also found that around six in 10 companies are reporting “normal activity” – up from just three in 10 six months ago.
Seven in 10 companies expect to be operating at normal levels by the end of the year, while only around 5% of companies still expect to have “no activity” from September.
Lifting current travel restrictions and the “readiness of exhibiting companies and visitors to participate” was highlighted by six in 10 respondents as one of the key drivers to support the comeback of our industry.
## **IEG expands in Germany with new subsidiary**
**The Italian Exhibition Group has expanded its presence in Germany with the foundation of a new subsidiary.**
IEG Deutschland will work to be a driving force for growth of relationships and business on one of the world´s major expo markets.
It comes just a week ago after the group announced its arrival in North America with Deutsche Messe. There have also been moves to grow in the UAE and Brazil.
The new subsidiary has set itself the goal of boosting IEG´s presence in Germany, establishing relationships with players in the association and business world as well as organising delegations of exhibitors and visitors attending its major Italian expos.
Thomas Grenot has been revealed as head of IEG Deutschland, taking on the role of country manager.
## **ExCel London first in UK for green scheme**
**ExCel London has become the first UK venue of its kind to be awarded an internationally recognised green scheme certificate.**
The major premises has taken a significant step on its journey to net zero by becoming carbon neutral approved with PAS 2060 status.
Benchmark sustainability practices include using 100% renewable electricity, offsetting any remaining emissions for gas, fuel, waste, water and employee commuting as well as the installation of water fountains that save 200,000 plastic bottles every year.
> ? [\#ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is now certified carbon neutral!!! ?
>
> A key milestone on our journey to net zero and the first UK venue of its kind to achieve the international recognised PAS2060 standard ?
>
> Discover how below ⬇️ [\#ExCeLIsCarbonNeutral](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLIsCarbonNeutral?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Sustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/19bjnHLrJA](https://t.co/19bjnHLrJA)
>
> — ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) [July 29, 2022](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1552949062428680193?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Jeremy Rees, CEO of ExceL, said: “Sustainability is at the top of our agenda and minimising our carbon footprint is pivotal to that success.
“It is no longer a nice to have but a right to play across all businesses – not just the events sector – and the reason we’ve chosen to act now not later.
“We’re very proud to be able to call ourselves a carbon neutral venue, but it’s only the beginning on our journey to becoming net zero – a roadmap and ESG Strategy we’ll be sharing in the coming months.”
ExCeL is also signed up to the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge, committing the venue to a 50% emissions reduction by 2030 and to fully carbon neutral by 2050.
## **Fira de Barcelona debuts in China**
**A Spanish tradeshow institution has announced its takeover of two Chinese venues, marking its debut in the market.**
Fira de Barcelona will be running Xuzhou Greenland Huaihai International Expo Center and Nanchang Greenland International Expo Center alongside Greenland – Fira.
The move sees the institution begin management of both international venues, which have a total area of around 240,000 m².
> Fira de Barcelona refuerza su estrategia de expansión internacional con la gestión de dos recintos feriales en China:
>
> ✔️ Nanchang – 170.000m2
> ✔️ Xuzhou – 66.000m2 (136.000m2 en fases posteriores)
>
> Más info ? [pic.twitter.com/tmp0Cyv7ne](https://t.co/tmp0Cyv7ne)
>
> — Fira Barcelona (@Fira\_Barcelona) [July 28, 2022](https://twitter.com/Fira_Barcelona/status/1552569364171395073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Ricard Zapatero, director of international business at Fira de Barcelona, said: “The management of the two international venues consolidates Fira in China’s market.
“Moreover, we are embarking on this journey at a crucial time when trade fairs are being revived across the country.”
Fira will now take on commercial, technical, logistical and operational management of the venues.
## **US planners have ‘lower concern’ for sustainability**
**US organisers do not rank sustainability as much of a priority compared with other Western markets, according to a new study.**
The latest Business of Events Global Report on International Planners Statement focussed on 12 specific areas, ranging from
ease of travel to venue quality.
Eventprofs in the US ranked sustainability as having an importance of 6/10, whereas the the UK and Europe gave it a rating of 8/10.
Instead, their top priories were found to be accessibility, security, quality of welcome and suitability of venue.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Workplace mental health in focus 365 and in-person](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/week-in-events-20220627/)
**Published:** June 27, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Mental health at the workplace has become a growing problem for employees and employers across the globe. That’s part of the reason behind Emerald’s move to introduce a new 365 platform and in-person brand to tackle it.**
Findings from the Harvard Business Review show more staff are leaving jobs for mental health reasons than ever, including those caused by workplace factors like overwhelming and unsustainable work.
This edition of the Week in Events highlights how Mentera aims to build a more connected community of relevant experts and leaders through a year-round digital platform and live forum.
Meanwhile, other top stories include the first ever sustainable wine and spirits show launched in Bourdeaux by Vinexposium.
We also highlight Snapchat’s partnership with Vogue to deliver an augmented reality fashion show, Italian Exhibition Group gets its fingers green and Expo City Dubai has been announced as the venue for Cop28.
## **Emerald tackles mental health at workplace**
**Event organiser Emerald has announced the launch of a 365 and in-person brand to tackle mental health problems at the workplace in the US.**
Mentera’s aim is to create and foster a more connected community of relevant experts and leaders through a year-round digital platform and live forum.
The inaugural conference and exhibition is scheduled for May at the Hyatt Regency Salt Lake City, Utah, with hopes for progress in tackling workplace mental health issues.
Wilfred Krenn, brand leader, said: “Improving mental health has become a top priority for employers and this recent first-hand research further validates the degree to which leaders across all industries are struggling with how to serve the needs of many.
“Our goal is to help connect all key stakeholder groups while focusing their collective expertise in support of better mental health solutions and successfully addressing the associated challenges in new and creative ways.”
> Introducing Mentera, the first-of-its-kind brand focused on workplace mental health.
>
> There’s never been a more pressing need or a more critical time. Online or in-person, let’s get better together. Read the release at:
>
> — Mentera (@JoinMentera) [June 22, 2022](https://twitter.com/JoinMentera/status/1539653507606687744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
A recent nationwide survey by Mentera found top executives at more than 500 mid-to-large companies identified the mental health of their workforce and employee retention as the most important HR issues.
The research further revealed employers want to know more about how benefits programs, planning optimisation, tools, services and performance analytics can help create better workplace solutions for the mental health of their employees.
Mentera’s 365 digital platform will be designed to create opportunities for stakeholders to connect virtually, provide ongoing collaboration and present new product offerings.
The conference and exhibition will be structured to help employers source effective services and solutions from providers while providing educational resources and networking opportunities.
## **Vinexpo stages first green-scheme wine show**
**The first business event for wine and spirits certified by a green scheme was staged by Vinexposium in Bourdeaux.**
Vinexpo Meetings connected environmentally committed producers and qualified professional buyers with pre-planned business meetings, with the help of ExpoPlatform’s event tech.
This two-day event attracted an global with a selection of more than 1,000 French and international decision-makers.
Shubham Goswami, ExpoPlatform technical account manager, said: “Two days of interactive business meetings between local and international wine producers and buyers, committed to an environmental approach was so magnificent – it is worth attending to see the convention live.”
## **Snapchat partners with Vogue for AR exhibition**
**Snapchat has teamed up with Vogue for an augmented reality exhibition to showcase the possibilities of digital transformation.**
The event – Redefining the Body – has been curated by Edward Enninful to illustrate how physical outfits can be digitally transformed using the platform’s technology.
It will be hosted at the Centre d’art La Malmaison in Cannes, France, to showcase clothing designs from seven of the world’s leading fashion brands and designers.
> Experience more inclusive and accessible fashion through augmented reality with the Snapchat x [@Vogue](https://twitter.com/vogue?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw): Redefining The Body exhibition.
>
> In partnership with [@Edward\_Enninful](https://twitter.com/Edward_Enninful?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [\#Cannes2022](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cannes2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Cannes\_Lions](https://twitter.com/Cannes_Lions?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/l4SxeiqfUy](https://t.co/l4SxeiqfUy)
>
> — Snapchat (@Snapchat) [June 22, 2022](https://twitter.com/Snapchat/status/1539690293351444480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Edward said: “It has always been important to me to make fashion accessible for all. Using augmented reality, Vogue x Snapchat: Redefining the Body is an exhibition that invites everyone – regardless of race, gender, sexuality and size – to experience and enjoy fashion from some of the world’s very best designers and luxury brands. It doesn’t get better than that.”
Visitors can walk through custom designed rooms showcasing archive, contemporary and exclusive fashion designs from Balenciaga, Dior, Gucci, Kenneth Ize, Richard Quinn, Stella McCartney and Versace.
Snapchatters around the world will be able to try on Lenses from these designers which will are available in the Lens carousel and can be found in the Dress Up tab in Lens Explorer.
The AR experiences were developed in collaboration by Arcadia, Atomic Digital Design and Snap’s newly established Paris AR Studio.
## **Expo City Dubai to host Cop28**
**Cop28 will be staged at Expo City Dubai as world leaders descend on the UAE in a bid to find solutions for climate change.**
The Cop28 conference will run for 12 days in November at the Expo 2020 legacy district, which was set to make a comeback as District 2020 before the new rebrand.
It will be held under the directive of UAE President President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
> الإمارات ماضية في التزامها بدعم العمل المناخي وتعزيز إسهاماتها في خفض الانبعاثات.. نتطلع إلى استضافة العالم في مؤتمر الأطراف [\#UAECOP28](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAECOP28?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) وتحقيق تقدم عملي في مواجهة تداعيات تغير المناخ من خلال تضافر الجهود وتكاملها.
>
> — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) [June 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1537844984359034885?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Expo 2020 was a World Expo hosted by Dubai in the UAE which recorded more than 24 million visits in its six months.
## **IEG takes 75% share of company behind major garden show**
**Italian Exhibition Group has acquired a 75% share of the company behind a major horticultural and garden tradeshow.**
V Group is organiser of Myplant & Garden which is described as the most important horticultural, floricultural, landscape and garden exhibition in Italy.
The move by IEG will not change the firm’s governance and Valeria Randazzo – who created the show – sill still act as CEO.
Lorenzo Cagnoni, president of the Rimini-based company, said: “This is a strategic acquisition that further enriches IEG´s exhibition calendar. The aim is to generate new development horizons for companies.
“We will create new prospects for events connected to this business. We are perfecting a development project that will find mutual points of synergy between Myplant & Garden operators and some of our outdoor contract exhibitions.
“The plan will come into effect in 2023 and we will be presenting it in detail next November.”
The next edition of MyPlant & Garden is scheduled to take place in the Fiera Milano Rho halls in February.
## **Something extra this week: Congrats to AEO Awards winners**
**This week saw the AEO awards ceremony take place in London – and we want to congratulate all who were recognise.**
Among those to pick up gongs were IMEX for Best International Show – Americas, as well as Informa for Best International Show – Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific – for Arab Health.
> The winner for Best International Show – Middle East, Africa & Asia Pacific (sponsored by [@ADNECGroup](https://twitter.com/ADNECGroup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) goes to [@InformaPLC](https://twitter.com/InformaPLC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) for Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, congratulations! [\#aeoawards22](https://twitter.com/hashtag/aeoawards22?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/79CXXRhB1M](https://t.co/79CXXRhB1M)
>
> — AEO (@aeonews) [June 24, 2022](https://twitter.com/aeonews/status/1540350630555942916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Informa also was took Marketing Campaign of the Year – Trade Show – with Decorex. Meanwhile, Hyve picked up Best Conference for Africa Oil Week.
Congratulations to everyone who was recognised at the ceremony!
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Calls for UFI's Russian members to be suspended](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/eventswithukraine_ufi/)
**Published:** March 8, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Russian members of UFI should be “suspended” from the organisation in response to Putin’s war on Ukraine, a global conference has heard.**
A special session was held at International Confex on Tuesday to highlight how eventprofs can help support those suffering the atrocities committed on behalf of the Kremlin.
Carina Bauer, CEO of IMEX Group, joined ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk to speak at #EventsWithUkraine having already led efforts to make an impact in our industry.
It was highlighted how a number of associations and businesses have stepped up to provide funding, humanitarian aid and take measures against Russian-linked individuals and enterprises.
> It's critical for [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to speak out and take decisive action.
>
> Join our CEO [@pinchuk\_tanya](https://twitter.com/pinchuk_tanya?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ?? along with [@IMEXCarina](https://twitter.com/IMEXCarina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@Julian\_Agostini](https://twitter.com/Julian_Agostini?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) at [@IntlConfex](https://twitter.com/IntlConfex?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as they discuss how you can condemn Putin's war in Ukraine and support those in need [\#EventsWithUkraine](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventsWithUkraine?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ?? [pic.twitter.com/ywyCBt5pXz](https://t.co/ywyCBt5pXz)
>
> — ExpoPlatform (@ExpoPlatform\_) [March 8, 2022](https://twitter.com/ExpoPlatform_/status/1501143393644457986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trevor Foley, managing director of tfconnect, spoke from the audience as he challenged UFI to suspend its members from Russia and told how he wrote to a number of event planners urging them to put pressure on the organisation.
He said: “Russian members should be suspended. I put a note out to Clarion, Informa, anyone that’s a British member – tell UFI what you think.
“When FIFA and the Paralympics committee tried to fudge the issue they were told that wasn’t acceptable. We effect every industry, every sector, we can do our bit.”
Nick Dugdale-Moore, UFI head of regions, would not be drawn on the global association’s positioning on the war. It was heard that a meeting would be held on Thursday to set out what steps could be taken against Russia.
He added: “We have members all around the world, this isn’t an issue we can decide independently – this is something that has to be ratified by our members. Our board of directors is our highest decision-making power to approve that.”
Doug Emslie, CEO of Tarsus Group, highlighted how SISO had decided to take a raft of measures to support Ukrainians while also banning Russian members from accessing the society’s events. It was also heard AEO was working to provide funding but stopped short of measures against individuals or businesses.
> [pic.twitter.com/5vTmMzSknD](https://t.co/5vTmMzSknD)
>
> — IMEX (@IMEX\_Group) [March 1, 2022](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group/status/1498589804279255043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
IMEX Group was the first major organiser to announce it would be suspending Russian businesses from its events. Carina told how they “didn’t feel it was right” to take money from those companies.
She said: “We want to make a stand about that. We also didn’t think it was right to give them a platform to benefit from the global exhibitions industry.
“We decided to suspend the participation of Russian state enterprises. We were very keen not to discriminate against Russian people, that’s why we wanted to limit it around Russian state enterprises.”
Tanya, who is originally from Ukraine, told the audience she was thankful for the stand Carina had decided to take with her organisation. But she warned that the invasion currently happening is a “disaster” for Russia as well.
She told how news operations in the country are like “George Orwell’s 1984” where civilians are under a “police state” which is “calling black white and white black”.
It comes after [she launched the #EventsWithUkraine campaign](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220304/) calling on industry professionals to give support to forces fighting against Putin’s military and provide support to those impacted by the invasion. Tanya has also previously called on event directors to take a stand by banning or boycotting Russian businesses.
She added: “Sometimes I feel like a traitor being here and not fighting there. This is an example for the whole world how we can stand together to defend freedom, free speech and democracy.
“What’s happening now is an unexpected disaster. But it’s not a disaster just for Ukraine or the rest of the world, it’s a disaster for Russia as well. They are sending young boys to kill innocent civilians – a lot of innocent people in Ukraine are dying.
“This person can be stopped – that’s what we are trying to do by running our campaign. Now I feel like I made the right choice in joining the exhibitions industry. I think that we have a power to support protest. We as an industry here can reach out to any business internationally.”
Mykyta Fastovets, CTO and co-founder of ExpoPlatform, highlighted how measures against the Kremlin should let the Russian people know the cost of Putin’s actions.
It came in response to a point made in the audience that actions against businesses could be counterproductive as it may cut the possibility of information flow.
Mykyta, who is also originally from Ukraine, added: “These are things that (Russians) as an international community benefit from. This isn’t a punishment for you, but this effects your daily lives because your government has decided to break international rules, morals and standards.”
**If you would like to help Ukraine in the fight against Putin’s war you can contribute with a donation to [Ukrainian forces](https://bank.gov.ua/en/news/all/natsionalniy-bank-vidkriv-spetsrahunok-dlya-zboru-koshtiv-na-potrebi-armiyi) with a SWIFT bank transfer or the [British Red Cross](https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal?c_code=175151&c_source=google&c_name=Ukraine%20Crisis%20Appeal&adg=&c_creative=brand&c_medium=cpc&gclid=CjwKCAiApfeQBhAUEiwA7K_UH4umezkjkG92fJy27gwzkIjO05pWGRJDZLSO06luH5EEJFC1wQlythoCUrEQAvD_BwE) who are providing food and shelter to those in need.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Another huge trade show moves from Hong Kong](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220321/)
**Published:** March 21, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This edition looks at how another major trade show has relocated from Hong Kong amid the city’s tough travel restrictions. We also place a focus on a piece which investigates DEI policies in our industry, while also featuring a first acquisition for Raccoon Events. Here are the five stories we highlight:**
- **Asia’s largest jewellery show moves from Hong Kong**
- **Industry’s role in diversity and inclusion**
- **Raccoon events makes first acquisition**
- **Las Vegas secures more new shows**
- **Six CX pitfalls to avoid**
# **Asia’s largest jewellery show moves from Hong Kong**
**Asia’s largest B2B jewellery show has become another major event to be moved from Hong Kong amid the city’s tight lockdown restrictions.**
Informa Markets has announced that Jewellery & Gem WORLD (JGW) will have a “special edition” in Singapore this year, with relaxed borders cited as one of the reasons for the decision.
Hong Kong currently has some of the toughest coronavirus measures in the world which has raised concerns about how the events industry can sustain its competitiveness in the city.
David Bondi, senior vice-president of Informa Markets in Asia, said: “The last two years have been extremely challenging for everybody, and we, as an industry, have been doing our utmost to not only keep businesses running, but moving forward.
> Jewellery & Gem World ([\#JGW](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JGW?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) is temporarily relocating from Hong Kong to [\#Singapore](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Singapore?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) this September to stage Asia’s biggest and most significant [\#B2B](https://twitter.com/hashtag/B2B?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) sourcing fair… [\#JNA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JNA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#JNAmagazine](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JNAmagazine?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#informamarkets](https://twitter.com/hashtag/informamarkets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#jewelryexpo](https://twitter.com/hashtag/jewelryexpo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#tradeshow](https://twitter.com/hashtag/tradeshow?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#exhibition](https://twitter.com/hashtag/exhibition?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#jewelry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/jewelry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#hongkong](https://twitter.com/hashtag/hongkong?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Informa Markets Jewellery (@Informa\_MJ) [March 11, 2022](https://twitter.com/Informa_MJ/status/1502367000810586112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
“Industry stakeholders overwhelmingly told us they wanted safe and secure physical fairs that they could participate in and Informa Markets delivered by successfully hosting enhanced large-scale in-person events in the US, Europe, Middle East and Asia in the last several months, with many more firmly scheduled for 2022 and beyond.”
Direct entry to Hong Kong 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.
Informa Markets and BolognaFiere Group previously announced Cosmoprof Asia will be held in Singapore instead of Hong Kong, as it would make the experience “more convenient” for exhibitors and visitors who want to attend in November.
JGW is due to be held at Singapore EXPO at the end of September.
# **Industry’s role in diversity and inclusion**
**EventMB has shone a light on how eventprofs are responding to their duty to uphold diversity and equity policies in the public sphere.**
[The piece](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/event-industry-response-to-lqbtq-and-aborion-issues-in-texas-and-florida) places a focus on SXSW in Texas and how companies are responding to the state’s recent directive, which demands that gender-affirming treatments for trans children be investigated as child abuse.
Clubhouse claimed its decision to pull out of the event was to protect staff from potential discrimination, while also as a matter of maintaining its DEI policies on the broader public stage.
In a statement it said: “This was a decision we came to relatively quickly as a team when we realized we wouldn’t feel comfortable asking LGBTQ+ voices from the Clubhouse community to come to Texas. and if we feel that way, we shouldn’t be there at all as a brand.”
It also highlights a recent study by Destinations International which looked at the issue of DEI in one subsection of our industry: destination marketing organisations.
This year’s edition was the first to include the following prompt: “Our destination organisation’s external messaging demonstrates and reflects the diversity of the community we represent.”
A majority of respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that their external messaging reflected the diversity of their communities, however more than 18% neither agreed nor disagreed and almost 8% disagreed or strongly disagreed.
# **Raccoon Events makes first acquisition**
**Raccoon Events has made its first acquisition after announcing a new partnership.**
The National Running Show owners have taken on the Snowbound festivals from Snowsports Industries America (SIA), a not-for-profit member-owned association for the USA winter outdoor industry.
It was also announced that the organiser and SIA would be entering into a long-term partnership in conjunction with the B2C event.
Raccoon Events CEO Mike Seaman said: “This is an exciting development for our US business and is a sign of our continued ambition to deliver exciting and engaging B2C events for specialist self-identifying consumers passionate about health and well-being.
“SIA is the perfect partner in this venture and shares our vision to create an inclusive event that is environmentally sensitive and built around a premium start-of-season retail experience.”
SIA president Nick Sargent added: “Consumers are a major initiative for SIA. This partnership allows us to serve our members with best-in-class consumer show opportunities both here and abroad and offer a premium experience for the consumer and the entire winter outdoor community. We are excited to partner with Raccoon to grow and evolve the Snowbound experience.”
Snowbound Expo is due to take place in November and will offer winter outdoor enthusiasts a retail experience, speaker line-up and a plethora of interactive features.
# **Las Vegas secures more new shows**
**Las Vegas has secured two more major shows and extended the contracts of a raft of others as business continues to grow in the destination.**
The National Confectioners Association announced that its Sweets & Snacks Expo will rotate between the city and Indianapolis for the next 10 years, while GSMA will move its North American edition of Mobile World Congress there for the first time in September.
It comes as the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has secured the future of several existing contracts.
> We look forward to welcoming [@SWEETSandSNACKS](https://twitter.com/SWEETSandSNACKS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to the destination with an [\#OnlyVegas](https://twitter.com/hashtag/OnlyVegas?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) experience. [@CandyUSA](https://twitter.com/CandyUSA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#VegasMeansBusiness](https://twitter.com/hashtag/VegasMeansBusiness?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
>
> — Vegas Means Business (@LVCVA) [March 15, 2022](https://twitter.com/LVCVA/status/1503808252638867463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
LVCVA said the signing of new shows is a boost as the destination continues to recover after the pandemic brought in-person meetings to halt.
Traditional years saw business travel to Las Vegas accounting for more than $11 billion in economic impact to the area.
# **Six CX pitfalls to avoid**
**A new piece has highlighted six customer experience pitfalls to avoid in the business world.**
McKinsey & Company’s latest article shines a light on how firms need to build the right organisational capabilities and culture to plan, execute, and sustain the transformation.
The piece claims delivering best-in-class customer experiences is becoming increasingly important for businesses to succeed.
It also shows how building a culture of customer-centricity is a critical, which needs targeted efforts to build employee skills across an organisation.
Outperformers were claimed to create customer experience (CX) capabilities to enable all employees to clearly articulate its value.
The use approaches focused on agility and design thinking, while considering the customer in every decision they make.
**[Here are six areas it sets out](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/six-customer-experience-pitfalls-to-avoid):**
1. Failure to link CX to value
2. Fragmentation
3. Solving for touchpoints
4. Limited creativity
5. Sidelining customers upfront
6. CX on its own island
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Financial services event tech growth - a complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/financial-services-event-tech/)
**Published:** September 9, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Growth of financial services event tech continues to grow at a rapid rate.** **The surge of fintech and pandemic-related challenges have spurred digital transformation and online engagement in the industry.**
Online trading, mobile banking transactions and remote customer support have become the tools and strategies of the future. To address this change, financial services providers have started moulding their operations in a digital model.
This new approach will have **virtual events at its core** to educate and connect key stakeholders and customers.
## **Fintech market growth puts digital adoption on full throttle**
Fintech or “financial technology” is a key aspect of this services industry that finds application in fields such as retail banking, investment banking, stock trading and hedge funds.
Some examples include:
**1) Mobile banking** – Apps enable users to access accounts from anywhere, anytime. Users can check balances, transfer money between bank accounts, pay bills, make payments and even withdraw cash directly from ATMs.
**2) Online lending** – Lenders offer loans over the internet without having to visit brick and mortar locations. Consumers can apply for credit cards, personal loans, mortgages and car financing online.
**3) Payment processing** – Firms process transactions electronically instead of manually entering information into ledgers. This saves time and reduces errors.
Technology advancements and digitisation made necessary by the pandemic are driving fintech on fast-track growth.
According to [market research firm Reports and Data](https://www.reportsanddata.com/report-detail/fintech-market), the global fintech market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% between 2021 and 2028 to reach £138.6 billion ($190.8 billion).
Key growth factors include:
- Rising demand for mobile commerce
- Growing use of AI and blockchain technologies
- Adoption of big data, cloud infrastructure, cryptography, biometrics and cybersecurity
*Let’s take a look at other trends that will continue to drive virtual events growth in financial services in 2021 and beyond.*
## **Trends driving digital transformation in financial services**
Here are the trends and themes driving digital transformation in financial services:
**1. Modernising legacy systems**
Many financial services systems couldn’t handle the digital shift in 2020. Legacy systems were slow and dated while information flow was restricted due to siloed data. Adapting to this pace of digital transformation requires a flexible, scalable and secure technology infrastructure.
**2. Rise in contactless payments**
Use of contactless payments grew significantly during Covid-19. Financial services firms have introduced mobile apps and other contactless finance solutions to address this. Meanwhile, the global contactless payment market is also projected to [increase at a CAGR of 11.7%](https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/contactless-payments-market-1313.html) from USD 10.3 billion in 2020 to USD 18 billion in 2025. This will further encourage investment in data analytics tools, AI and other services.
**3. Personalised insurance**
Insurance providers had their task cut out amid a major health crisis at hand and nations in economic distress. It became essential to offer services that were tailored to the specific needs of different customers. Providing this level of hyper-personalisation has required a massive upgrade in technology to enable quick, contextualised interactions and solutions for customers. The need for personalised insurance will beyond 2021 as data analytics and AI continue to improve.
**4. Location-agnostic trading floors**
Trading activities are no longer restricted to physical trading floors or exchanges. The necessity of remote work created the need for location-independent trading that could be carried out from home. To create a robust infrastructure that would allow secure logins from any place, it has become crucial to invest in resilient cloud infrastructure equipped to handle global financial activities.
**5. Work-from-anywhere**
Many companies adopted remote work policies in 2020 that are expected to continue in the future. While this allowed flexibility for work, it also created challenges for companies to keep their employees and customers engaged and connected.
Work-from-anywhere hybrid solutions have become vital to financial services industry. This is because workers now need powerful computing hardware and customer response platforms. These create a work environment which supports in-person and remote workers, by combining mobile and digital experiences with flexible hardware.
*These factors will continue to contribute to the rise of virtual financial events where organisers can educate customers and showcase the latest products and solutions.*
## **Types of virtual financial services events**
****
**Live webinars**
In recent years, banks and financial firms have turned to live webinars to engage people on a range of topics. These include personal finance management, wealth planning, retirement plans, insurance policies, mortgages, credit cards, loans, investments and much more. Some examples are:
- Wells Fargo’s Beyond College series
- Oracle’s Capital Clarity webinar series
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s technology webinars
**Virtual fairs and trade shows**
Many banking and financial service providers organise virtual fairs and trade shows to highlight innovative solutions developed by their team. These events help firms build relationships with potential partners and customers – as well as providing insights into emerging technologies. Below are some examples:
- Virtual FinTech Fair, a series of virtual events highlighting FinTech companies across Asia
- GTR Asia, a virtual event that connects representatives from banks, MNCs, insurance, stockbroking, fintech firms and more
- Dock Digital, a virtual roundtable event by FinTech Futures that connects digital transformation decision-makers in banking and financial services
**Virtual conferences**
Virtual financial conferences are aimed at helping banking and related agencies. They allow them to connect with stakeholders, present new products and solutions to potential clients and get feedback on new ideas and innovations. Some examples are:
- Morgan Stanley Virtual U.S. Financials Conference
- Gartner CFO and Finance Executive Conference
- Fintech Finance Banking World Forum – a fintech event focused on mobile payments, AI, lending and insurance.
- Impact Investing World Forum – a virtual conference based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing.
## **Benefits of hosting a virtual financial services event**
Virtual financial services events provide numerous benefits including cost savings, increased productivity, improved customer experience and enhanced brand awareness. They also allow participants to connect regardless of location or time zone. Let’s understand each in detail:
**Cost reduction**
The cost-saving potential is huge with virtual events compared to face-to-face events. Organisers don’t have to rent out a venue or pay for travel and accommodation costs. This reduction in expenses helps drive bottom-line growth and improves ROI.
**Increased productivity**
Another advantage of virtual events is they enable remote workers to participate without having to leave home. Virtual events encourage greater interaction among team members, leading to higher levels of creativity and innovation.
**Customer Experience improvement**
Virtual events offer customers the opportunity to interact with company representatives 24/7. This can be through live chat, email, phone calls, video conferencing and more. Customer experience is also improved by personalising the event for individual attendees at every touchpoint.
**Expand brand awareness globally**
Boost brand awareness by reaching out to a global audience with a virtual event. Prospects and customers can view the latest products, schedule consultancy calls or book a demo before making their purchase decision.
**Get in-depth data insights**
At virtual financial services events, you can generate in-depth insights by analysing your attendee’s digital footprint. These data-driven analytics help understand which sessions saw the maximum participation, which was the most engaged exhibitor booths, videos watched, ads clicked and content downloaded to create a more complete buyer persona.
## **How virtual event technology can help**
Virtual event tech software allows organisers with the necessary tools and platform to create high-quality events. These are better equipped to engage the audience, enhance networking and generate leads. Here’s what all you can do with an event tech provider like ExpoPlatform:
- Deliver international events in multiple languages
- Create scalable, hybrid experiences
- Use [AI-matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/) to connect attendees to people, products and content
- Build [365 community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) platform to engage attendees all year-round
- Create a customised, modular experience
- Be in full control of your data
- Discover new products and services with our [product discovery platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/)
- Use advanced lead scoring system through ROI dashboard
- Optimise your event for SEO
- Leverage [hosted buyer programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/) for VIP customers
- Build a [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) website with ease
- Manage exhibitors through [exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)
*[Read about these features and services in detail here](https://expoplatform.com/reasons-why-expoplatform-is-the-ideal-solution-for-your-events-and-communities-in-the-new-normal/)*
## **Conclusion**
The digital landscape we now live in means there is a risk of information being scattered at virtual events. This can be down to disconnected tools and siloed data. It is especially true for the financial services industry – which involves a lot of number crunching and data analysis. A virtual event tech platform helps reduce a lot of this headache by bringing all the functionalities at one place through integrated modules and API hooks. This streamlines the event organising process, saves time, improves reporting and drives ROI.
*You will get all these features in ExpoPlatform. [Connect to book a demo now!](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)*
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [Exhibitions face 'radical' future driven by tech](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/eleni-lialiamou/)
**Published:** September 9, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Future exhibitions will have “radical elements” which help bring business people together using technology, an industry leader has predicted.**
Eleni Lialiamou, EVP of product management at[ Informa Markets](https://www.informamarkets.com/en/home.html), believes new technology and the information it brings is a gamechanger in the development of tradeshow offerings.
She highlighted how digital acceleration has hit every industry – even impacting the way we live, communicate and transact – as the main driver behind improvement.
Speaking at the ExpoPlatform Digital Leaders session, Eleni said: “The big question I asked myself is ‘what would an event look like in 10 years? Does it really contain the same components as it does now?’
“The other big element is the generational shift that we as an industry and our communities are experiencing.
“The upcoming view and expectations of next generations who see the world differently, that engage differently even in their professional life, that are used to a different way of how you connect and how you build trust.
“What is really interesting in exploring this space is what is an event going to look like when it actually gets engaged with the next two generations following us.
“I believe it will have radical elements that it doesn’t have today, while at the same time putting the human connection at the centre of it – because that’s what really brings humans together.”
**Visit our events on-demand section to watch the [Re-imagining event experiences](https://expoplatform.com/events/) webinar with Eleni.**
Informa Markets calls this new tech-driven future format of our industry a [Smart Event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
It uses digital tools to increase the value of in-person show for all participants.
She added: “Everything we do is becoming smarter and smarter, in the true sense of being able to optimise the function that it performs.
“It’s either because they get more out of it because it’s efficient or because it really tries to create memorable experiences for us.
“Everything is becoming smart. What that really means is using technology, which has progressed significantly and is still progressing significantly.
“It’s using good information to allow us to make better, more efficient decisions which allow us to form connections.”
## **New technology as a problem solver**
**Eleni’s role at Informa Markets sees her working to improve the organiser’s product offerings.**
New technologies play a crucial role in gathering information to provide deep insights into what is working – and what is not – at their events.
This involves an attitude of trial and error without fear of getting it wrong, but learning fast to grow.
She said: “One of the big things you do as a product manager is to have an approach of trying things and failing fast.
“You have to have the mentality of being very empathetic and really understanding the problem you’re solving.
“Regardless of how big or small that change is – it could be a very small thing you’re changing on your event up, or it could be an entirely new journey you’re creating.”
Eleni added: “It’s very important to know that not everything is going to work – it’s a foundational principle, you have to be in that learning mindset.
“You’re observing, you’re taking action and then you’re measuring the outcome so that you can take new action.”
This means that sometimes features have to be retired if they have reached a point where they are no longer useful.
Eleni claimed “very good product managers” know their role is also about about removing features and “really understanding the things that truly matter”.
## **Organisers in ‘position of strength’**
**At the core of product development is using data alongside human interaction that organisers have the advantage of getting with their audience.**
Innovations come as a result of small improvements using insights from both digital and real-life information gathered in this process.
Eleni said: “Innovation is not necessarily a eureka moment. There are examples for so many innovators with the common thread that they were on it for much time.
“It wasn’t that they’re failing in trying to innovate, they were actually constantly testing new approaches and ultimately there was something that worked.
“Innovation is often incremental. Innovation can happen in small things that we don’t necessarily think are big ideas.”
She added: “It’s quality information about our audiences – about their activities, about their products, about critical supply chains and elements of what they do more holistically.”
“All of those are building blocks for a team to actually pull together in different ways that actually then create something that didn’t exist – that is innovation.”
**Download our [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to learn how you can make use of data science in exhibitions.**
Her belief is that exhibition organisers have an advantage over industries who only do business digitally.
That is because they can complement the physical event with technology to build a deeper understanding or their audience – something which is “hard to replicate”.
She said: “My belief is that exhibition organisers are in a position of strength, because they bring people together.
“Some other things that can happen digitally – through information, through technology, through quality data – to help them solve other problems.
“They’re in a position to bring them together, which is a unique competitive advantage versus somebody that could purely allow them to transact, connect or do business digitally.
“That would be one point that exhibition organisers should consider as part of their strategy – they have something that is hard to replicate.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Boring trade shows won't cut it, we need tech - Informa leader](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/ett-club-20220224/)
**Published:** March 2, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Live events need to be “tech-enabled” moving forward because a “boring trade show is simply not going to cut it anymore”, according to an industry leader.**
Wouter Molman, executive vice president of Informa Markets, told how his company would be pursuing a digitally enhanced **[Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)** model.
This format is an in-person show that uses technology to increase the value of the experience for all participants.
His comments came during the Your New Strategy Landscapes workshop, which is the latest part of ETT Club’s strategy and innovation mission. He hosted the session alongside Wilbert Heijmans, managing director of Info Salons Group.
Woulter said: “We are a business that has decided that it wants to come out of the whole Covid-19 pandemic like a different business than it was before. We are really reinventing ourselves in terms of our mission.
“We really think experience is what the future of our business should be about – to continue to entice international visitors. We need to make sure that there is a real reason for them to come down. Just a boring trade show is simply not going to cut it anymore.
“For us what this means is tech-enabled events that aim to optimise customer experience and customer outcome.”
There were three elements outlined which were needed to meet this mission:
- Closeness to customers and market through year-round engagement
- Deep understanding of the connections they make through data insights
- Ensuring they are trading today and ready for the future
Wouter told how the company has moved on from calling itself an “event organiser” with the aim of being a “leader in B2B market access” in its specialist industries.
The hope is to be hitting around 90% of 2019 B2b revenues by 2024 and for 25% of B2B revenues to be made up of digital components by that year.
Wouter added: “It touches pre-show planning and discovery, it touched on the registration experience, it touches on your arrival at the event, you digital access to the show and your digital interactions onsite. It touches on digital data capture, behaviour that we’re capturing through that.”
Meanwhile, Wilbert set out a detailed presentation of the components for strategic planning. He highlighted the need to compare your organisation’s strengths and weaknesses against your competitors, as well as external considerations such as the political, economic, social and technical issues.
Individuals at the workshop were then asked to go and identify areas for each of those mentioned categories. Wilbert highlighted threats for the industry coming from economic uncertainty, technology providers who take control of data as well as clients being more price conscious
Danger for the events industry coming from social media platforms was also raised by Matthias Tesi Baur, founder of the [ETT Club](https://www.exhibitionthinktank.com/). This comes amid a time when many Big Tech giants are increasingly interested and investing in online events.
Wilbert said: “Many external developments could be both opportunities and threats, it’s sometimes difficult to know where to put it – is it a threat or an opportunity?
“We need to treat it accordingly. It’s beneficial helping us with connecting people, but it shouldn’t help them too much.”
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [For Meta or Worse? The Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/week-in-events-20220207/)
**Published:** February 7, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This edition highlights Meta’s biggest ever fall in stocks after the company set out its route to a virtual reality. Meanwhile, a new trends report from Emerald has highlighted how year-round connectivity is a key priority for event professionals.**
**Here’s everything you’ll find this week:**
- For Meta or worse?
- Hotel profits starting to recover across US
- Calls for New Zealand’s borders to reopen
- Global events market to hit $1550bn b7 2028
- Trends report highlights year-round engagement is top priority
# **For Meta or worse?**
**The company formerly known as Facebook took its largest one-day hit which saw it s stock plummet more than 26%.**
Meta saw its market value plunge by more than $230 billion as the social media business navigates towards a focus on virtual reality.
It comes after an earnings report on Wednesday and CEO Mark Zuckerberg setting out how the company would transition to the metaverse.
Several issues facing the business have impacted their earnings, with one being changes to Apple’s privacy policy about tracking behaviour on apps.
Mark said: “We had a solid quarter as people turned to our products to stay connected and businesses continued to use our services to grow.
“I’m encouraged by the progress we made this past year in a number of important growth areas like Reels, commerce, and virtual reality, and we’ll continue investing in these and other key priorities in 2022 as we work towards building the metaverse.”
Meta has invested heavily invested in a virtual reality after announcing its plans late last year.
The CEO’s 90-minute online presentation included talk about teleporting, holograms and communicating “across different layers of reality”.
It was even claimed this metaverse will free people from screen addiction and enable more genuine human connection.
The event industry witnessed its own virtual transformation recently, but has seen a strong return to in-person experiences with digital enhancements.
This massive investment in a niche area is a bet which is still very unclear as to whether it will pay off.
# **Hotel profits starting to recover across US**
**US hotel profits reached more than half of their pre-pandemic levels last year but business bookings are slower to recover, according to a new report.**
Findings from STR show gross operating profit for the businesses reached 52% of the comparable 2019 takings.
It shows that strong demand in November and December helped overall profitability levels, with the final month showing 2021’s highest recovery index in each of the key metrics.
Raquel Ortiz, assistant director of financial performance at STR, said: “Though the industry still has a way to go on the path to full recovery, a lot of headway was made in 2021.
“Each passing month we saw revenues and profits continue on a positive, upward trend. Profit margins were relatively strong throughout the year, remaining close to pre-pandemic levels.”
Markets that rely heavily on business demand – such as San Francisco and San Mateo – were found to still have more ground to cover in terms of reaching pre-pandemic ) levels.
# **Calls for New Zealand’s borders to reopen**
**An industry body has called on the New Zealand Government to announce when it will reopen its borders without isolation.**
The nation has pursued a zero-coronavirus route to tackling the pandemic, but has recently updated its five-part plan to emerging from the restrictions.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) has cautiously welcomed the New Zealand government announcement, to begin a phased opening of international borders, although vaccinated incomers are still required to self-isolate upon arrival in the country.
Lisa Hopkins, chief executive of BEIA, stated: “The sooner the government can announce opening to Australian manuhiri without isolation, the sooner our sector can begin to recover.
“We do take some optimism from the government’s decision to continue to review these restrictions. However, given planning is required for business events, the sooner we know borders can open without isolation, the better.
“The reality is a business visitor will not isolate in a hotel for seven to 10 days if they are expected to attend a three-day conference. The sector will now be fielding cancellations and postponements from Australia.”
The organisation highlighted that currently NZ$150 million (US$100m) worth of business events are at risk because of international border settings.
> From Monday 21 February 2022, Australia will reopen to all fully vaccinated visa holders, welcoming the return of tourists, business travellers, and other visitors. Further updates to come in due course. [pic.twitter.com/KxGonw8j60](https://t.co/KxGonw8j60)
>
> — Australian Government (@ausgov) [February 7, 2022](https://twitter.com/ausgov/status/1490584580201627648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Meanwhile, the Australian Government announced that its borders would be reopened to fully-vaccinated travellers as of February 21.
# **Global events market to hit $1550bn by 2028**
**The global events market value will increase by more than a third to be worth more than $1,550 billion dollars by 2028, according to new research.**
Latest findings show the industry will grow by 37% from its 2019 when it generated $1,135.4bn.
These findings from[Allied Market Research](https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/events-industry-market.html)show it will be worth $1,552.9bn a decade since that valuation. The figures include all events ranging from conferences to music concerts.
Aniket Kadam, senior research analyst, said: “Increase in popularity of such events among the global population, especially the youth and middle-aged individuals, which boost the growth of the events industry.
“Furthermore, such music concerts and events offer valuable opportunities for promoters and brands to align themselves with people attending concerts.”
Corporate events and seminars segment garnered the maximum events industry share in 2019. The research puts this down to a rise in number of companies and shows conducted by them.
This segment was the highest contributed $314.7bn to the industry in 2019, but is estimated to reach $454.6bn by 2028. Meanwhile, the music concerts category is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period.
Europe was the highest revenue contributor in 2019 as it was extremely successful in winning conferences of international associations. More than half of the top cities and countries across the continent were selected as destinations for international association conferences.
The region accounted for $419.0bn of the global market in 2019 and is estimated to reach $498.5bn by 2028.
# **Trends report finds year-round engagement is top priority**
**A major events business has released its first annual research report focussing on changing expectations influencing and shaping the future of the B2B industry.**
Emerald surveyed more than 1,000 B2B professionals across the US and Canada to understand how shows are driving business growth while still recovering and evolving.
The report also examined how constant connectivity is driving the demand for year-round engagement, which was found to be the number on priority.
**Some key points include:**
- In-person event organisation and attendance are expected to rise in 2022, but won’t fully offset 2019 vs. 2021 declines
- The 2022 growth projection estimates a **50% increase in the number of in-person events and participants** from 2020
- An expectation for sales pipeline attributed to events — live and digital — will **make up for the downturn from 2019**
- The number one priority for the future was the **quality of contacts and engagement levels** beyond actual events
- All survey groups are searching for a dynamic model to **combine physical and digital**
- All survey groups, including 84% of attendees surveyed and 67% of B2B vendors/providers and planners polled, want organisers to enable and help **facilitate e-commerce transactions**
Andrew Gaffney, president of Emerald’s G3 Communications division, said: “Events have served as the central part of pipeline-building strategies for most B2B brands, and while the survey responses suggest that will continue, there are evolving expectations around how events will guide more of the entire buying journey.
“While the core, in-person aspect of an event will remain critical, companies appear to be looking for year-round engagement, diversification, commerce and community.
“Event organisers would do well to consider using content to build dialogue, meet buyers where they live and make it a more seamless process to move from discovery to evaluation to selection.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Live from Confex: The Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220314/)
**Published:** March 14, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
This is a special edition of the Week in Events focussing on International Confex. Thousands of eventprofs descended on London for the show to discuss the future of our industry and make crucial business decisions. We highlight five of the top sessions taking place over the two-day production including a look at how the metaverse might impact our sector, sustainability and tech-enhanced live shows.
# **Metaverse is ‘amazing opportunity for events’ – Meta leader**
**The metaverse is “definitely coming” and will give the events industry an “amazing opportunity” to build engagement and make money, according to a Meta leader.**
Andy Mihalop, vertical marketing lead EMEA, told the audience in London how there is much excitement for the future of this format at the organisation formerly known as Facebook.
It was heard there would be opportunities for event planners to make money from virtual and augmented reality, however the technology is still in its “early days”.
He said: “It’s definitely coming. When you think about how the industry had to shift from physical to virtual events, it’s a step on from that. From an events perspective, it’s going to be an amazing opportunity to participate and interact in more ways than you could ever imagine previously.
“The metaverse is coming, we are just going to see an escalation in platforms and technology that will enable it. We’re still at a very early stage. It’s much more about building an awareness about how this is developing.”
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, announced his company would be pursuing the metaverse — a futuristic digital world – late last year.
He delivered a 90-minute online presentation which included talk about teleporting, holograms and communicating “across different layers of reality”.
It was even claimed this metaverse will free people from screen addiction and enable more genuine human connection.
The event industry has witnessed its own virtual transformation recently, but has seen a strong return to in-person experiences with digital enhancements: [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
Andy added: “There’s quite a lot of hope and excitement about the metaverse – that’s our longterm strategy. I’m personally very excited about the shift in our business. One of the things that we often get asked is how will companies make money in the future through the metaverse.
“It’s still very early days, but I think if you look into the future you could have branded stalls. You could have Nike have a virtual stall, you could go into that stall, you could look at items. In terms of the event industry, you could still charge somebody to attend or exhibit.”
Andy compared this with how people can “create things in the digital world” such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and then sell them.
An NFT is a non-interchangeable unit of data stored on a blockchain, a form of digital ledger, which can be sold and traded. This can be something such as a Gif, photo, videos, text message or audio.
# **Boosting profits through Smart Events**
**Organisers need to create “streamlined experience” through data to build engagement with their audiences and increase profits, according to ExpoPlatform’s CTO.**
Mykyta Fastovets was speaking at the Event Tech Theatre on Wednesday when he set how a new tech-enhanced format for live shows could help planners in a range of ways.
[**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) use digital tools to help your audience get the most from your exhibitions, conferences and trade shows – this includes providing more value, delivering quality leads and driving higher growth and business revenue.
Connecting the data gathered from online communities, virtual shows and in-person productions can help organisers created much more profitable experiences.
Mykyta said: “The data is your oil in this new age. It’s about connecting data sources in a centralised, streamlined experience.
“We’ve had this very long pandemic period where anything and everything is always happening online. I think we have all collectively learned that capturing information online is actually much easier than capturing it onsite.
“We’ve become a little bit spoiled by how easy it is to capture information online and bring it all into context. This is much more complicated when we talk about an onsite scenario.
“Technologies that can be deployed can be expensive and can be difficult to deploy, so capturing data onsite is extremely important and there should be various tools at your disposal to do that.”
Smart Events allow participants to plan for the show by discovering relevant exhibitors and contacts and pre-arrange meetings ahead. Tools like hosted buying and RFPs can also be used to connect visitors and vendors.
An organiser can also give real-time lead dashboards to exhibitors so they visualise customer touchpoints in one place. This technology can help increase the volume of leads and opportunities to meet the right visitors.
Engagement and reach can be extended by linking you live shows to a 365 community, while vendors can have profiles available year-round in a marketplace.
It allows a planner to capture content for live streaming and on-demand to keep remote audiences engaged and extend the life of the content, creating new monetisation opportunities. Mykyta described this process as the “Netflixification of events”.
He added: “We want to create an environment that’s as engaging and attractive as Netflix, where professionals go to our event and our communities for their daily news.
“This is the endgame we’re trying to get to – data is one thing we can use to understand how to get there. Find a way to find out what your vendors want and need.
“Set expectations and measure your results. One of the key things you don’t want to do is have a minimum product that doesn’t fulfil the needs of your audience.”
# **How green is Confex?**
**The event director of International Confex has told how they “have to keep going” with their sustainability initiative after a the low level of exhibitors joined the scheme.**
Liz Agostini was among a panel discussion focusing on how the show performed in this area but also within the wider industry. The audience was asked how many had offset their travel emissions, with only one saying they had done so.
It was heard the total impact of Confex was 2,000 tonnes worth of Co2, however a “low level” of exhibitors had joined the production’s sustainability certificate scheme.
Speaking to ExpoPlatform, Liz said: “In the overall scheme of everything – they’re preparing for their stand, they’re thinking about exhibiting, engaging with the app, all of that kind of stuff – another form to fill in is perhaps a push too far.
“But we’ve got to keep going with this initiative because it will then become woven into the experience of being at Confex – or being at any of our shows.
“We recognise and give recognition to the most sustainable stands so that visitors – for whom it’s a really big issue – know who is working really hard to achieve best practice.”
Liz was joined by Event Supplier and Services Association director Andrew Harrison, MediaHut sales and marketing director Karl Dukes, Whitespace Group managing director Mary Cole and Matt Grey, director at EventDecision.
The audience was told there was some real “passion” among eventprofs to make our industry [more sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/), however there is still a long way to go with achieving that goal.
It was heard that a key area for trying to hit targets on becoming more green would involved a better standard of measurability – however finance was a problem.
Karl said: “The elephant in the room is the budget. Organisers want to do the right thing until they see it will cost 10% more.
“The passion is definitely there. Having a strong measurable, targetable goal and a cross-association commitment – all working toward the same goal, having a harmonised message – is the way forward.”
Andrew added: “There’s that fine line between carrot and stick in terms of how we incentivise and move forward on this topic.
“I think we need to be more strategic in how we mandate people. Everybody’s starting on that journey, to play that major role, but I don’t think we’re doing a good job at knitting it all together.”
The biggest contributor to the carbon footprint of events by far is through international travel. Findings by MeetGreen estimate air transport makes up about 70% of the emissions created by a largescale professional gathering.
A further 10% is through car journeys, 8% on guest room energy, 4% on venue energy, 4% by train travel, 3% on food and 1% on freight.
# **Digital has potential to attract more customers – UFI leader**
**Live shows will benefit from digital offerings which can widen audiences and attract more customers, according to an UFI leader.**
Nick Dugdale-Moore, head of regions, was delivering and overview of the association’s research into the state of our industry moving forward and how it has been impacted by the pandemic.
The findings show there is a huge appetite for in-person productions and business could be back on track if we are able to emerge from restrictions.
He said: “During the pandemic everyone was forced home, everyone was on Zoom. In terms of the event space, we were forced to do our daily work online.
“All event organisers were forced to turn to digital events. There were those that predicted the death of our industry.
“There are benefits to digital events – you don’t need to travel, lower cost of attending and the content scores quite high visitors to digital events.
“But if you look at the others, live shows far out way the possibilities that digital offers.”
Nick highlighted how the model of a trade show has not really changed form the Great Exhibition held at Hyde Park, London, in 1851.
However, the pandemic’s forced shutdown of live events has seen a digital transformation of our industry which must be held onto moving forward.
Smart Events are in-person productions where technology is used at every step to significantly enhance the value for audiences.
This audience includes attendees and exhibitors who are no longer hesitant about using technology at venues.
Nick added: “There’s no evidence of a fundamental shift from live events. Within 12 months, if we are allowed to run our events, things are looking good.
“Digital has the potential to deliver content and widen audiences. There’s a huge opportunity for us to widen our communities and bring in more customers to our shows.”
# **Hiring eventprofs of the future**
**Trust and transparency are two of the main drivers for budding eventprofs pursuing a role in the industry, according to a special panel.**
Shonali Devereaux, director of the Diverse Speaker Bureau, chaired the session at the Confex People and Culture Hub to uncover the topics which matter most to up-and-coming trade professionals.
The three-person panel was made up of co-founders of Future Event Leaders – Gemma Gilbert, Sasha Green and Naomi Hollas.
Sustainability, trust and a clear path for progression were all highlighted as key area for attracting budding professionals – with transparency over salary being another driver.
Gemma said: “I’ve just come into the industry so I don’t really know what it should be. It’s very hard to ask in an industry which is a new career and you don’t know what they expect.
“That was a very hard question for me to be asked and I think that’s why salary should be there with the application.”
Naomi added: “We are looking for transparency in the job description – we don’t want to waste either person’s time.”
Meanwhile, Sasha highlighted how a company’s values aligned with her own was a major draw for her applying for a role.
More than a quarter of Millennials and Gen Z have ranked environmental concerns as their top priority in a poll – and these are already the largest proportion of the workforce worldwide.
Findings from the Deloitte Global’s [2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey](https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/global/Documents/2021-deloitte-global-millennial-survey-report.pdf) show 26% of both generations ranked protecting the environment as their top personal concern.
This comes despite threats to health, family welfare and careers being closer to home and imminent in the current climate.
Sasha said: “A big value for me is for an employer to be sustainable. We are the conscious generation, we are always consuming information about what’s going on in the world.”
She claimed there was an opportunity for the events industry to improve by combining for experience of sector professionals with the awareness and enthusiasm of younger generations.
Naomi added: “We want to showcase what we have learned and put that into process. For a company to be able to nurture that and bring that into the industry is something that’s really valued.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Content is the 'oil' that can finetune event curation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/paul-miller-webinar/)
**Published:** December 2, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Content is “the oil” that gives an organiser the ability to finetune a personalised and efficient experience for attendees, according to an industry leader.**
Paul Miller, CEO of Questex, was speaking at the latest Digital Leaders webinar from ExpoPlatform about how technology can help with live show curation.
**You can watch the full session and others [on demand here](https://expoplatform.com/events/)**.
Key to this is looking at the online behaviours they have in the communities built around in-person productions – such as profile views, articles read and other interactions.
He said: “Content brings in people – that’s the oil – then you’ve got data and once you’ve got data, you’ve got intelligence.
“Once you’ve got intelligence, you’ve got efficiency and saving people on the time that they’re expending.
“Make sure they’re getting the best use of the time they can if they could get so they’ll come back again – it’s a no brainer.”
He was speaking at the **How to crack curation through content** webinar, which saw him reveal how[Questex](https://questex.com/) has been implementing these techniques to improve their offerings.
It was heard how placing such a focus on experience has helped the organiser hit great net promoter scores in the last year. They were:
- Tradeshows: 32
- Conferences: 54
- Hosted Buyer Events: 83
- Virtual Events: 52
- Overall: 43
Paul gave an example in marketing how analysing content consumption would allow them to better tailor approach.
This could mean sending an invite to a specific part of an event based on articles they have been reading, rather than leading with the whole live show.
Another part of this is trying to streamline experiences as much as possible – rather than celebrating huge numbers at tradeshows, try to make sure they are all getting as much value as possible.
He said: “The biggest issue for business is time – how much time can you afford to go five days to another event anymore?
“If you’re gonna do it, we better make it efficient for you.
“We’re trying to move to mass personalization, which is what Amazon and others do.
“As an industry we’ve got to flip from where we’ve been in terms of thinking about the ‘three days in March’ – actually the three days in March are a combination of the other 362 days that you’ve been interacting with your with your community.”
Paul believes the key to creating great content is to have someone within your team who is constantly engaged with your audience.
That allows them to understand their needs, interests and what keeps bringing them back to your community.
He said: “I’m a huge believer in the value of content, I think content has always been central to a media and event business – even things that we sometimes don’t consider content are actually content.
“The gold standard is to have a content team that is immersed in the industry they’re serving.
“It doesn’t always have to be 20 people, it can be one person to begin with.
“But somebody who understands the industry who is talking to the industry, who is talking to customers and talking to the audience and at the very least aggregating the most important stuff in that industry.”
Paul described how gathering content from your audience can be a great option, as long as this is “curated crowdsourcing”.
He added: “If you can have these experts in, if you can have them working for you, it’s golden.”
Subtlety when trying to promote your business through content is key to it being successful, according to Paul.
The main goal should be to inform your audience and help them solve a problem, rather than boldly promoting your solutions.
There are many forms this can take but it is important that it comes in a form that engages your community.
Paul added: “Content marketing at its very best, as long as it helps the eventual customer solve a problem or become more educated, I don’t think it really matters who produces it.
“It’s a bit of a sacrilegious comment in a editorially based environment, but great content is really not what we think is great content – it’s what the audience thinks is great your content.
“A very well written advertorial, which is helping to solve problems and very subtly saying ‘we might be part of that problem solving’ can be just as useful as a great editorial article from a content producer.
“The bad advertorials are ‘here’s my product and here’s all of its features and here’s why you should buy it’.
“Nobody cares for that – those days have gone.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Event tech trends outlined at IMEX America](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20221017/)
**Published:** October 17, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The rise of event technology was outlined at [IMEX America](https://www.imexamerica.com/) as thousands of industry professionals gathered in Las Vegas.**
ExpoPlatform was at the event to showcase our solutions, learn from colleagues and gain new insights about the future of live shows.
We found a number of key trends around digital tools which will emerge in 2023.
**Download the [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to learn how data science can help improve the offerings of a organiser.**
Meanwhile, IMEX America coincided with the world’s largest tech show as innovators went to Dubai for GITEX Global.
The show, which utilised ExpoPlatform digital solutions, saw the announcement of a new GITEX Africa. Read the full Week in Events for more.
## **Event tech in focus at IMEX America**
**Predictions for the development of event tech were set out at IMEX America, with key trends to keep an eye on.**
The 11th edition of the show involved four days of business and networking that heralded a welcome return to form for the industry.
Around 12,000 people took part – including more than 4,000 buyers of which 3,300 attended the hosted buyer program.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s Chief Growth Officer, was among the event tech experts who set out predictions for the rise of digital solutions through 2023.
He said: “Smart Events – using technology to add value to in-person events – is arguably the most important trend for the year ahead.
“Planners are focusing on using technology to create more valuable live experiences, taking the tools they adopted during the pandemic and applying them improve key areas of the visitor or exhibitor journey.”
Examples of this include the surge of mobile app use – three times higher than 2019, more focus on improving exhibitor ROI, tech-fuelled hosted buyer programs as well as personalisation.
Dahlia El Gazzar told ExpoPlatform how this final area will be key for the coming year.
The founder of Dahlia+Agency said: “What I see will happen with event technology in 2023 is that it will humanise and personalise journeys of each stakeholder when it comes to an experience.
“For examples, for attendee it’s going to personalise the conversations they can have and the content they consume.”
You can read Luke’s full analysis for [**event tech trends in 2023 here**](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-imex-can-tell-us-event-tech-2023-luke-bilton/).
## **New GITEX venture launched at tech mega show**
**A new international venture from GITEX has been announced at the mega tech show.**
Thousands of innovators met at the Dubai World Trade Centre to meet, learn and do business last week.
The latest edition of the showcase saw the launch of a new international venture through GITEX Africa, in partnership with Morocco’s Digital Development Agency.
> GITEX AFRICA marks the first international venture for world’s mega tech showcase, in partnership with Morocco’s Digital Development Agency! [\#GitexGlobal](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GitexGlobal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/0COoz7wMzO](https://t.co/0COoz7wMzO)
>
> — GITEX GLOBAL (@GITEX\_GLOBAL) [October 11, 2022](https://twitter.com/GITEX_GLOBAL/status/1579805819343773697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trixie LohMirmand, executive vice president of Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The time for Africa is now. Against a stuttering world tech market, Africa has risen and punched well above its weight recently, with big tech investments rocketing and start-ups funding recording the best year ever in 2021 at six times over the global average.
“It takes a lot to build and sustain an outstanding tech event. GITEX has a global following of communities that trust the brand’s motivation in discovering new tech geographies and marketplaces for greater empowerment and knowledge sharing in the new generation economies.
“The Digital Development Agency Morocco is committed to accelerating widescale digital transformation of its society and the tech modernisation of the wider African continent.
“The unified commitment from the stakeholders embodied in GITEX AFRICA shall amplify the African tech opportunities and bring to forth the world’s next biggest digital economy.”
The inaugural GITEX Africa will take place between May 31 June 2 in Marrakech, Morocco.
ExpoPlatform provided event technology for the mega tech GITEX Global show at the DWTC.
## **Easyfairs becomes co-owner of services firm**
**Easyfairs has become co-owner of an exhibition stands constructor based in Sweden.**
The move follows a long-standing collaboration between the organiser and Malmö Mäss-Service to build effective meeting places.
Easyfairs now assumes a 50% ownership in Malmö Mäss-Service from co-founder Lena Rosén Persson while Peter Hinderoth, co-founder and 50% owner, remains as CEO.
Joachim Warnberg, CEO of Easyfairs Nordic, said: “It is a great pleasure for us at Easyfairs to further strengthen the successful collaboration with Malmö Mäss-Service and CEO Peter Hinderoth.
“We strive to deliver inspiring, effective and sustainable meeting places for the communities we serve, and the partnership with Malmö Mäss- Service makes us better at doing just that.
“By working even closer together, we will be more efficient and able to deliver superior customer value whilst reducing our carbon footprint.”
## **Messe Frankfurt joins net zero mission**
**Messe Frankfurt has signed the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge with a view to driving forward sustainable development in the industry.**
This was initiated by the Joint Meetings Industry Council and is supported by various organisations and associations across the sector.
All those that sign the pledge commit to making their events more **[sustainable](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/)** and climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest.
> Sustainability first: [\#messefrankfurt](https://twitter.com/hashtag/messefrankfurt?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is one of around 1,000 companies participating in the pilot project for the new UN [\#globalcompact](https://twitter.com/hashtag/globalcompact?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reporting, which is based on internationally recognized sustainability standards. From 2023, they will be mandatory for all companies. [pic.twitter.com/teGmp9Bbzo](https://t.co/teGmp9Bbzo)
>
> — Messe Frankfurt (@messefrankfurt) [October 12, 2022](https://twitter.com/messefrankfurt/status/1580187325828513792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Wolfgang Marzin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt, said: “Messe Frankfurt aims to work closely together with the sectors to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable events.
“Through its active membership of national and international associations, the group plays its part in gradually reducing emissions and working towards the target of zero net emissions in the global event sector by 2050.”
Eventprofs can download the free [**Sustainable Events Checklist**](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/sustainable-events-checklist/) which sets ways organisers can reduce their carbon impact.
## **Leaders set goals for Asian events growth**
**Decisionmakers across Asia have identified five key collaborative areas to focus on to grow business.**
The Joint Leadership Summit in Singapore saw government representatives and events industry leaders gather for talks.
It saw them agree to develop five key areas to activate the potential of shows and to boost growth through international and regional collaboration.
**The areas of focus are:**
- Define Business Events as “controlled gatherings”
- Establish Business Events as both an economic and tourism tool
- Accessibility
- Talent and capability development
- Sustainability
Dato’ Vincent Lim, president of the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Associations, said: “All of us are united in rebuilding and reviving Asia’s Business Events and MICE industry together.
“We hope for businesses and governments to work with stakeholders in closer collaboration to create a powerful synergy to drive our industry forward and upwards, as it is an important and invaluable economic contributor to many countries.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [VIP buyers expect curated events using tech - IMEX leader](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/sarah-lloyd/)
**Published:** October 12, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**High profile buyers expect “specialist, curated” experiences aided by seamless event tech, according to an industry specialist.**
Sarah Lloyd, from [IMEX Group](https://www.imexamerica.com/), told ExpoPlatform how digital tools are being used to improve the offerings of their global scale shows in Frankfurt and Las Vegas.
She heads up the organiser’s hosted buyer programme, which facilitates a VIP experience for some of the most important customers across an industry.
One of the key developments she has witnessed since the recent digital revolution of events is the expectation of more personalised offerings.
**Get your free copy of the [Hosted Buyer Playbook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hosted-buyer-playbook/) for practical guide on the next generation of curated meeting programs.**
This latest Transformation Stories interview comes as IMEX America kicks off in Las Vegas.
The director of hosted buyer programmes said: “People want more specialist, curated experiences. They don’t want to be pigeonholed into just interested in DEI or sustainability and so on.
“They want that but we need to make it easier for them to pick those parts out at the show.
“There’s so much that happens at IMEX in America and Frankfurt, we have to make it easy for them.
“That’s something we’re really trying to look at – how to bring those curated experiences to the hosted buyer programme at the promotional stage as well as the live show.
“They want those specialist experiences. They want to understand technology and they want to know what’s out there.
“We have to make it easier for them to understand that there are providers that can help them, that’s another trend that we’re seeing.”
## **Key ingredients of a hosted buyer programme**
**IMEX Group highlights the efficiency, exclusivity and value brought by being part of a hosted buyer programme.**
But having a network which knows what the customer wants is key to that all coming together, according to Sarah.
Partners are crucial to the IMEX team being able to understand what the market needs and how they can best serve them.
Sarah said: “We couldn’t put the show on without them. You need good partnerships, good relationships and they need to understand their buyers – people they’re trying to attract to the show.
“What do they want, what are their needs, how can they best service them at the show?
“You can’t assume that you know what a buyer wants without talking to them.
“You have to actually go out there – listen to them, listen to their challenges.
“That’s one of the things that we learned after Covid-19, we really needed to adapt – our business model changed and we really needed to keep in contact.
“I keep going back to relationships and having a team of people that are curious – they’re staying in touch with your buyer needs.
“It’s a people business ultimately, it’s about bringing people together in a live environment face-to-face. That’s why my team is built on understanding people.”
## **Using technology to improve the live show**
**The role of technology in promoting the hosted buyer programme can clearly be seen through building a 365 Community.**
This year-round approach can build engagement, extend your audience and help identify market trends to help improve your product.
Sarah highlighted how a community model helped to improve their European show in Frankfurt, while also setting out how they hope to use more digital tools to improve other operations.
This had even more significance given that eventprofs worldwide had been unable to connect due to lockdown restrictions for so long.
She added: “We’ve seen lots of new buyer groups that have come together through technology that want to share ideas through online platforms.
“We’re now looking at how we can get those communities into the live shows.
“We had two successful groups that came to Frankfurt on the back of community building, so they do work hand in hand.
“We’re looking now at how we can really complement that community and bring that to the live show.
“We’ve looked at how technology can improve the operations and the admin so that my team can be looking at relationships.
“We’re now looking at how it can improve the buyer journey at the show – from the arrival point to how we can make sure that they have a really good experience.
“They can now put their actual needs into the portal before the meeting so exhibitors can understand what they need so they’re prepared and they can have a really meaningful meeting.”
Sarah added: “We’re looking at various ways of innovating and putting buyers and exhibitors together according to their needs.”
## **How to set up the team**
**The IMEX hosted buyer team is made up of 12 members who all play to their strengths.**
They are split into two groups with one focusing on operations, while the other takes charge of the relationship side of the strategy.
Sarah highlighted how the ability for them to be working together was critical to the success of their programme – experience is everything.
That’s because they have to handle logistics such as flights, ground transportation, hotel rooms, or buyers who often want to extend the day or arrive earlier to do meetings.
Sarah said: “It’s about that whole experience not just at the show – the journey and the logistics have to be right.
“We have a relationship team that works with our clients, understanding what buyers want.
“Then we have a big team that works on the logistics and operations to make sure a buyer’s experience – from when they arrive at the airport in Frankfurt or Las Vegas – is a really good experience.”
She added: “Communication between the two parts of my team is really important so that we can get the whole thing delivered smoothly.”
Education is a key part of developing the team so they can keep on top of changing attitudes and expectations of the most high profile buyers.
This means attending association events to learn about new ways of handling operations or even going to non-industry shows to see how they can be more engaging.
Sarah said: “We’re constantly taking ideas from other events to bring them into IMEX.
“You can’t stand still, you have to be constantly listening to podcasts, reading what’s going on to stay up to date – this industry is changing so much.”
The name of the game for a hosted buyer programme has always been to facilitate good business.
But Sarah has noticed that there is a much higher expectation to build relationships that match the priorities of the intended customer.
She added: “We’ve seen the buyers now want to have to experience and work with people that have the shared values that they have.
“For IMEX Frankfurt this year, we had intermediaries that brought buyers who were only interested in sustainability.
“It’s still doing business but they wanted to focus on sustainability, learn and do more about that.
“It’s a massive undertaking that the IMEX puts into a hosted buyer programme.”
## **How to promote a hosted buyer programme**
**Partnerships, exhibitors and a good content strategy are just three ways IMEX promotes its hosted buyer programme.**
Those first two relationships identify potential prospects, while the latter can bring in high-profile customers through engagement.
Sarah highlighted how most of their targets are brought in through exhibitors who pay to be at their shows.
She said: “We rely on them to bring the majority of our buyers, but we also work through bespoke marketing.
“We have more automated email campaigns now that we can target specific buyer types that we can bring into the IMEX world.
“They engage now in our content, we have 365 content so we can find out what they’re interested in and ultimately get them to the live show.
“Marketing is key as well as those relationships with our partners.
“We go to their events – we meet with their buyers and exhibitors – and find out what’s happening in the marketplace. Partnerships are key.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Hosted Buyer
---
### [How event tech can drive up engagement](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/event_tech_engagement/)
**Published:** September 23, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Event technology can be used to significantly improve engagement around your live show.**
But boosting interactions with attendees and exhibitors remains a key problem for planners to tackle – especially with new expectations since the digital transformation of all industries.
That’s why Romain Dejoie, head of product at ExpoPlatform, has set out his expert advice to help eventprofs increase engagement with their offerings before, during and after the live show.
He said: “This is really a moment for event organizers to use technology to increase the value of the experience for all participants, which feels way more engaging for your attendees.”
## **Exhibitor engagement**
Here are some ways you can engage your exhibitors before, during and after the live show.
**Make onboarding easy**
Onboarding is major pain-point, forcing exhibitors to move from platform to platform with different logins.
It can lead to products from previous events being forgotten, leading to low adoption and a poor level of information for visitors.
This is also a missed opportunity to monetise through micro-transactions.
However, an [Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/) solution is a set of dynamic and interactive forms to make this process painless.
It features an ordering system that can collect payment on checkout with flexible payment options: credit card or invoicing.
A fully customizable funnel is offered with deadlines, reminders, document uploader, inventory management.
**Make the mobile app central**
A mobile app digitally extends the Smart Event experience by helping your audience connect and network, generate leads and share content on the go.
Use the tool to scan, collect and qualify visitors through notes and contact ratings. This saved data is constantly synchronised with an omnichannel exhibitor dashboard to offer real-time insights.
Do you have multiple shows under a single portfolio? Using a container app, you can group all the events under one umbrella rather than having a separate app for each.
Design a custom app homepage with your branding and important messaging. The homepage can be customised to include all the information your audience needs to get started, such as login details, profile pages, contact information and links.
**Prove the value of Lead Intelligence**
An omnichannel lead retrieval solution allows you to scan badges and QR codes to connect exhibitors with visitors then store real-time data for them. They can also use ratings and notes to assess and segment leads.
Visitors can scan QR codes on exhibitors’ online and offline booths to view information such as complete company profiles, shared content or products. The exhibitor ROI dashboard also reflects these scans from visitors.
Lead Retrieval works even if you don’t have access to the internet – all data is cached and automatically synced at the next available time.
This omnichannel Smart Event approach is proven to increase leads by more than 250%.
**Increase team members using the tech**
There is a strong correlation between the number of exhibitor team members using the app, and the number of leads scanned.
To maximise ROI, remove any barriers to exhibitors adding all their team to the platform.
Ensure lead retrieval is part of event app, for all exhibitor team members.
**Engage on exhibitor showroom opportunities**
Organising an exhibitor webinar that showcases the organiser showroom means they will know how to fill out their profile and optimise their visibility.
Exhibitors increase their profile in search as well as their chances to be recommended by the matchmaking engine and found by attendees. A higher completion rate generates more leads.
**Empower exhibitors to follow up leads with ease**
An interactive dashboard features all the touchpoints with your company, team and products in details: page view, favourites, meeting, message, badge scans.
It allows them to reconnect with the lead directly from the dashboard or the export, with anyone who’s been viewed on the mobile app also seen.
This gives clear and detailed exhibitor ROI, a convenient way to manage and score leads as well facilitating post-show follow-ups.
## **Visitor engagement**
Here are some steps you can take to engage your attendees.
**Digital weeks in run-up to the event**
**What:** Opening the platform ahead of the physical event increases unique leads to exhibitors significantly.
**Why:** Kickstart discovery by encouraging users onto the platform pre-show with digital weeks, webinars and networking.
**Provide higher quality meetings**
**What:** AI matchmaking is useful but only goes so far in creating quality meeting programmes. Hosted buyer events have significantly increased NPS compared with tradeshows.
**Why: Improve turn-up rate by giving visitors valuable agenda they can’t miss.**
**QR code scanning for the show floor**
**What:** Automatically generated QR codes which can easily be accessed for product information.
**Why: Each product can be assigned a QR code so that visitors can scan that QR code easily through the event mobile app and get to know more about the articles.**
**Plan app notifications ahead**
**What:** Admin notifications allow you to schedule notifications that are sent to website and app users.
**Why:** Segment them by target audience and set the date and time when they will be sent, meaning you can boost engagement at key moments.
**Make your content on-demand**
**What:** Record your live streams and turn them into on-demand sessions.
**Why: This will extend the content lifecycle and generate more reach and more leads in time. On-demand leads can be available using the session reports.**
**Remember:** Create a deadline that this content can be accessed through the event platform. That way it can be included later through an upgrade path on your 365 Community.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### ['No forced closure' of events after Queen's death](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20220912/)
**Published:** September 12, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Officials have issued guidance for organisers after the UK entered a period of national mourning to mark the Queen’s death.**
Eventprofs have been told they will not be forced to cancel or delay shows, but they may consider doing so depending on the nature of their business.
This week we have also seen Lisa Hannant announced as the new CEO of Clarion Events.
She highlighted how the company had seen significant growth in its digital offerings since the return to live.
Download our [**AI Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to learn how you can use new technologies to power in-person events.
Read on for your full event industry news roundup.
## **Organisers ‘may consider postponements’ after Queen’s death**
**Organisers face “no obligation” to cancel shows after the Queen’s death but should “consider” changes, according to the UK Government.**
Her Majesty passed away on Thursday aged 96 at Balmoral, Scotland, marking the end of a 70-year reign as head of state.
The UK entered a period of national mourning after the death with organisers being told to “consider” closing or postponing events, although there will be no forced changes.
> The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
>
> The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow. [pic.twitter.com/VfxpXro22W](https://t.co/VfxpXro22W)
>
> — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) [September 8, 2022](https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/1567928275913121792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
A Government spokesman said: “There is no obligation on organisations to suspend business during the national mourning period.
“Depending on the nature and location of their business and the tone of planned events, some businesses may wish to consider closing or postponing events, especially on the day of the State Funeral, however this is at the discretion of individual businesses.
“Public services will continue as usual, although there may be some changes to service availability. Further guidance on any potential considerations relating to the day of the State Funeral will be issued if needed.”
The Queen’s funeral is due to take place at Westminster Abbey at 11am on Monday September 19 September, Buckingham Palace has said.
King Charles has since announced the occasion will made a bank holiday, which may cause concerns for organisers having to deal with last minute changes.
## **DWTC and dmg events partnership hungry for growth**
**Dubai World Trade Centre has teamed up with dmg events to create a new portfolio of global shows for the food and hospitality sectors.**
The signing of a joint venture agreement sees the creation of KAOUN International with the aim of building on past DWTC events to bring these industries to new markets.
Its first international market expansion sees the launch of the Saudi Food and Beverage Show and the SaudiFood Manufacturing Show in Riyadh next June**.**
> We are delighted to announce the signing of a joint venture agreement between [@DWTCOfficial](https://twitter.com/DWTCOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and dmg events to create a new portfolio of global events for the food and hospitality sectors.
>
> Read the full story here [\#dmgevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/dmgevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#DWTC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DWTC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/PCB3MLI813](https://t.co/PCB3MLI813)
>
> — dmgevents (@dmgeventsglobal) [September 6, 2022](https://twitter.com/dmgeventsglobal/status/1567136595983187968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, said: “Developing new markets and providing access for our global food and beverage business community to emerging growth markets is our collective focus.
“Working together, dmg and KAOUN International will leverage our existing complementary experience, networks and brands to create a synergistic portfolio of food, hotel and hospitality events that offer far greater opportunities within targeted geographies.”
Matt Denton, president of dmg, said: “The dmg and KAOUN International partnership combines market leading food and beverage industry events with international infrastructure and an existing hotel and hospitality portfolio.
“Having grown our regional and international operations significantly in recent years, dmg clearly shares KAOUN International’s view of high-growth opportunities in the region.”
## **Lisa Hannant becomes new Clarion CEO**
**Clarion Events has appointed Lisa Hannant as its new chief executive officer.**
Lisa joined Clarion in 2008 before stepping onto the board as group managing director in 2013, with responsibility for driving international expansion.
The organiser has grown significantly since that time in key US, European and Asian markets.
She takes over from Russell Wilcox, who moves to the position of executive chairman.
Lisa said: “The return to live events over the past year has gone well, with many of our events back to 2019 levels.
“We’re seeing significant growth with digital and organic launches across the business, not to mention some important acquisitions that are contributing significantly.
“We’ve spent the last two years really focusing on creating a customer-centric way of working across the organisation.
“This work continues and is an essential part of what, I hope, Clarion will stand for in the future.
“If we can build the highest levels of customer value and satisfaction, then we will have an incredibly strong and resilient business.”
## **Hyve board member steps down after GMG move**
**A Hyve board member has stood down after being appointed CEO of the [Guardian Media Group](https://www.theguardian.com/gmg)**
The organiser announced that Anna Bateson, non-executive director, tendered her resignation which would be effective from Friday.
A process is now underway to fill the post and Hyve with further information expected in due course.
> Guardian Media Group appoints Anna Bateson as chief executive
>
> — The Guardian (@guardian) [August 25, 2022](https://twitter.com/guardian/status/1562773673953873921?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Richard Last, chairman of the group, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to extend my gratitude to Anna for her contribution to Hyve since her appointment earlier this year.
“While we are disappointed not to have benefited from her valuable experience and insights for longer, we are extremely supportive of her new appointment and look forward to witnessing her success at GMG.”
Anna joined the board on March 2022 and is chair of the ESG committee as well as a member of the remuneration and audit committees. Jo Rabbett, the group’s chief of staff, will act as interim chair of the ESG committee.
The appointment of Anna as GMG chief executive was revealed by the media group last month.
## **Informa buys back €200m of Eurobonds**
**Informa has bought back €200 million worth of Eurobonds due to mature in July next year.**
The successful tender offer was the maximum aggregate principal amount available from the €650m total.
Completion of the first £400m of its GAP II share buyback programme was also confirmed, with around 70m bought through Merrill Lynch International since it started in February.
Stephen Carter, group CEO, said: ”We are reducing gross debt while strengthening our balance sheet and that combined with our robust operating performance and cash generation, provides flexibility for further shareholder returns, reinvestment and expansion.”
****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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.****
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Digital growth continues in events](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20220905/)
**Published:** September 5, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The rise of technology in our industry got another boost as the Italian Exhibition Group announced €1 million in digital turnover as part of a wider transformation strategy.**
That news came as ExpoPlatform reached a milestone of its own by growing to more than 100 employees for the first time, alongside a move to expand in the Middle East.
Learn more about how to make the most of the digital transformation of events in our [**Monetisation Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) – a practical guide to driving digital revenue streams for organisers.
## **IEG reaches €1m digital figure**
**The Italian Exhibition Group’s digital department has hit €1 million in turnover as part of a wider transformation strategy.**
Its aim was to to further enrich exhibitor and visitor attendance at tradeshows with an online component.
This latest milestone comes as part of work the organiser has been doing with [AMR International](https://amrinternational.com/), with demand for digital services accelerating since 2019.
Simone Zaccherini, head of IEG´s Innovation Area, said: “Demand for digital services was already growing at the end of 2019, but the pandemic caused things to speed up even more quickly.
“Between 2020 and 2021, due to sudden changes in legal and safety aspects linked to the restrictions imposed on trade fairs, we moved to hybrid or fully digital editions, even on the eve of events.
“Among others, I would mention two case histories which featured a wealth of protagonists, content and networking: Ecomondo 2020 and Sigep Exp 2021.
“A tough yet fruitful training exercise that involved every area of the company with the agility for which it has always stood out and that satisfied the customer and even fuelled a new strategy.”
The group has a digital strategic path which is due to be fully operational in 2023 – with two primary objectives.
It first aims to increase digital offerings with new functionalities to benefit the business of different audiences at physical shows, while secondly strengthening the experiential aspect within the digital ecosystem of its brands.
## **ExpoPlatform hits employee milestone with Middle East expansion**
**ExpoPlatform has appointed a new Middle East and North African regional director to expand its presence in the market’s exhibition industry.**
Pyotr Bakash joins the event technology provider after many years developing digital revenue streams for organisers such as Informa Markets and RX.
It comes as the company hit its 100-employee milestone for the first time.
ExpoPlatform already provides Smart Event solutions to leading planners across the region – including GITEX by Dubai World Trade Centre among others – but this latest appointment signals strong momentum towards further growth.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, said: “Having worked closely with Pyotr at Informa, I couldn’t be happier that he is now joining ExpoPlatform.
“It is an exciting time for event technology and I look forward to Pyotr unlocking the huge potential for using digital technology to make more valuable in-person events and communities.”
Pyotr added: “Having spent over 15 years in exhibitions, I am very excited to have the opportunity to add value to the industry through ExpoPlatform technology.
“I look forward to working closely with industry peers on integrating Smart Event solutions to many more events in the region for the benefit of the communities they serve.”
## **Easyfairs announces new chair and CEOs**
**Easyfairs has announced its new chairman who has appointed two CEOs to lead the group.**
Eric Everard, who founded the business in 2004, has taken on the position while naming Anne Lafère and Matt Benyon as the chief executives.
The organiser stated that both appointments has been welcomed by the advisory board.
Eric said: “I have worked with Anne and Matt for many years, and I am fully confident that they will successfully steer the Easyfairs Group through the next stage of its growth.
“They are both very strong and motivating leaders with very complementary skillsets.
“In my new role as chairman I will work to validate the group’s vision and overall strategic agenda.
“That means I will always be available to Anne and Matt to provide advice and act as a sounding board.
“I will play an active role in business development, working with fellow entrepreneurs to convince them of the benefits of working with the group, and supporting the group’s overall growth plan.”
## **UFI highlights Africa as continent for exhibition growth**
**UFI has announced a special one-day event to highlight the potential of Africa as “the next frontier for growth” in the exhibitions industry.**
The Africa Exhibition Industry Outlook will take place in September, co-organised by GL Events South Africa and the African Association of Exhibition Organisers (AAXO).
It will feature expert speakers from across the continent and the Middle East, including the multi-award-winning journalist and author Bruce Whitfield.
> ? Naji El Haddad, Regional Director MEA at UFI, says: “Africa represents the next frontier for growth and development for the exhibitions industry. There is great potential for investing in, developing and bringing global events to Africa.” ?[\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#UFIevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFIevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [August 31, 2022](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1564997807362146306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Naji El Haddad, Regional Director MEA at UFI, says: “Africa represents the next frontier for growth and development for the exhibitions industry. There is great potential for investing in, developing and bringing global events to Africa.
“It’s particularly interesting to note the launch of geo-adapted events that are being brought to Africa, which is a testament to the ever-increasing confidence and opportunities available on the continent.”
Africa accounts for around 17% of the world’s population and is the world’s youngest and fastest-urbanising continent.
It is estimated to have 24 million more people, on average, living in its cities each year between 2015 and 2045 – more than India and China combined.
The workshop will be hosted on September 13 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in South Africa.
## **Business events booming Down Under**
**Confidence in live shows in Australia has increased among decision makers, according to new figures.**
The Business Events Consumer Demand Project 2022 reveals an 26% increase those who ranked it as an attractive destination.
A total of 86% view Australia as an appealing location for an incentive event, with 73% saying then intend to plan a trip over the next six to 12 months – up 22%.
Robin Mack, of Tourism Australia, said: “The research provides us with key insights into how Australia is perceived as a business events destination.
“Now that Australia is open for business this will help guide our strategy as we continue to move through recovery.
“It’s fantastic to hear that decision makers remain optimistic about the future of events and there is such a strong intention to visit Australia for an event over the next two years.”
The Consumer Demand Project surveyed 159 associations and 399 corporate decision makers from the incentive sector in nine of Australia’s key markets.
Leaders acknowledged that the event landscape has changed as a result of the global pandemic, however concerns have now shifted from catching the virus to the impact it has on the process and costs related with travel.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Arc makes first US-based acquisition](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20220830/)
**Published:** August 30, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This week we’ve seen a major milestone for Arc as the group announced its first US-based acquisition.**
The move sees the organiser take over HighQuest and its large portfolio of agribusiness events.
Another top story this week includes IBTM World’s decision to make culture creation the theme of its upcoming show in Barcelona.
It comes after our industry has seen a major shift in workplace practices alongside new technology advancements.
Learn more about how to make the most of this digital transformation in our [**AI Blueprint**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) – a practical guide to data science of event organisers.
## **Arc announces US move with Boston-based firm**
**Arc has announced its first move in to the US with the takeover of an agribusiness media and events company.**
HighQuest, based in Boston, hosts some of the world’s largest gatherings in the agriculture sector across the nation as well as the UK and Japan.
The acquisition sees Arc take on major events such as Global AgInvesting, Women in Agribusiness, Unconventional Ag and the Ag Club.
Simon Foster, Arc Group CEO, said: “This is a great business, in a high-growth sector, that also happens to be a perfect fit for our network.
“These brands sit at the intersection of our established sector communities – finance, agriculture, food, and sustainability – and have a particularly strong fit with brands like Professional Pensions, Sustainable Investment and Bridge2Food.”
Greg Mellinger, HighQuest CEO, said: “With an increasing global focus on food security the need to connect on sustainable strategies to propel forward the future of global agriculture has never been more pressing.
“We have big ambitions to assist our clients’ growth and success in this sector and so we are extremely pleased to be partnering with Arc to further develop the business.”
## **Culture creation at heart of IBTM World 2022**
**IBTM World will bring new ways of working and culture creation under the spotlight at its upcoming major show in Barcelona.**
Organisers claim it will bring together attendees to discover how modern business challenges are building opportunities across the industry.
It will explore the theme at the show in the Fira Barcelona from November 29 to December 1.
David Thompson, event director IBTM World, said: “Business events are back to fill the gap they left, but they have also stepped up to fill the new gap that’s appeared: the place where business culture lives.
“This year, we’re looking at how the technology we are using, the experiences we are creating and the destinations we are visiting create limitless cultures for businesses and incredible potential for events and deliver the opportunity for better business results.”
> ¡GRACIAS! A todos ustedes, la comunidad asistente a IBTM Americas por ser parte esencial de esta industria. Por re construir juntos y trabajar en conjunto ?? tenemos los mejores visitantes, speakers, expositores, patrocinadores, aliados y el mejor equipo ?
> ¡Vamos por más! [pic.twitter.com/N0ezzZexlt](https://t.co/N0ezzZexlt)
>
> — IBTM (@IBTMevents) [August 26, 2022](https://twitter.com/IBTMevents/status/1563137094741921794?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The news comes as IBTM Americas completed its successful show in Mexico City.
## **ASM Global takes four top ANZ venue spots**
**ASM Global has taken four of the top five spots for gross revenue sales at venues Down Under, according to new figures.**
The Pollstar rankings gave the company’s Qudos Bank Arena (QBA) in Sydney top position with $9.9m, Newcastle Entertainment Centre coming in at number three, followed by RAC Arena Perth in fourth and Brisbane Entertainment Centre in fifth.
Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne took second place in the Australia and New Zealand [Focus Charts](https://data.pollstar.com/Chart/2022/08/AustraliaNewZealandFocusCharts_1022.pdf).
Harvey Lister, ASM Global CEO, said: “These results prove that in times of uncertainty artists, promoters and audiences seek support from their trusted loyal partners, such as ASM Global, to maximise guest experience.
“We have been managing venues in the Asia Pacific region for more than 40 years. It is an honour and a privilege to host the world’s premier artists and to have our venues selected as the promoters’ first choice.”
## **Canada’s largest solar rooftop system installed at venue**
**Canada’s largest rooftop solar system is to be installed at one of the country’s major venues.**
The Edmonton Expo Centre will host the new $5.05 million (£3.3m) power project with 5,754 panels installed across 193,735.5 square feet during phase one.
It is expected to yield operational savings in the realm of $290,000 to $460,000 per year by generating at least 2.8 gigawatts of energy annually – equal to that of about 375 homes.
> Take a look at the largest rooftop solar array in Canada currently being built on the roof of the [@yegexpocentre](https://twitter.com/yegexpocentre?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [\#yegSolar](https://twitter.com/hashtag/yegSolar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is popping up all around the city and the [\#yegEXPOsolar](https://twitter.com/hashtag/yegEXPOsolar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) array will soon offset the equivalent of 375 homes’ power usage! [pic.twitter.com/QPvrKKGkr0](https://t.co/QPvrKKGkr0)
>
> — City of Edmonton (@CityofEdmonton) [August 22, 2022](https://twitter.com/CityofEdmonton/status/1561733682829971456?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Program manager Brad Watson said: “The City of Edmonton is committed to becoming an energy sustainable and climate resilient city.
“The Edmonton Expo Centre is a unicorn of sorts when it comes to rooftop solar panels.
“Its size and dimensions, unobstructed sightlines and lack of interfering rooftop infrastructure allowed us to build an array of this size.”
This solar installation is part of a $98 million rehabilitation project at the Edmonton Expo Centre.
## **IEG gold and jewellery show to host more than 1,000 exhibitors**
**More than 1,000 exhibitors are set to attend a major gold and jewellery tradeshow organised by the Italian Exhibition Group.**
Vicenzaoro September will also host top speakers such as Guido Grassi Damiani and Lynn Yeager at Vogue USA.
NFT digital technologies and the metaverse will be up for debate between experts and opinion leaders on the sector´s innovation strategies, together with sustainability, market dynamics, training and young talents.
The show takes place from September 9 to 13 at Vicenza Expo Centre, together with VO Vintage from September 9 to 11.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Confidence in attendee engagement leaps 50%](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/confidence-in-attendee-engagement-leaps-50/)
**Published:** August 26, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Confidence in the future of attendee engagement has jumped by more than 50% this year, according to new research.**
Respondents to IACC’s [**Future Meetings Barometer for August 2022**](https://www.iacconline.org/iacc-meeting-room-of-the-future) were asked to compare how upcoming events would compare to pre-pandemic shows.
The findings show confidence that engagement will be better has increased to 45%, up 29% from the previous report in spring.
Future physical shows are expected to offer enhanced networking opportunities and personalised audience experiences.
The report indicates event participants also demand advanced content delivery – indicating changing consumer preferences with the adoption of digital technology.
IACC’s barometer report analyses insights from event professionals, IACC venues and industry experts across three different continents. The next report will be released in November 2022.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The findings from IACC back those from another **[barometer report by UFI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/digitisation-of-exhibitions-continues-to-grow/)**. According to the association, digitisation of exhibitions has increased rapidly through use of new services and products.
This has reshaped audience expectations for live show offerings – the usual one-size-fits-all approach is no longer tenable.
People want an immersive, personalised experience right from the moment they sign up on the event website. Their pain points, needs and preferences all need to be accounted for in the buyer’s journey.
The widespread adoption of new tech tools and solutions are playing a key role in fulfilling these expectations. Read more about these tools in our **[Future of Events ebook series](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks-library/)**.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**Live shows in the MICE industry have become more tech-driven since the pandemic.**
It follows the boom in ecommerce and digitalisation of our personal lives, making these features more of an expectation for professionals.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, [said](https://www.xliveglobal.com/b2b-experience/state-event-tech-post-pandemic-era): “In events, the trend towards more digitally-enabled experiences was already there, and the pandemic has been a massive acceleration of this.”
These tech-enhanced experiences are called **Smart Events** and characterised by greater audience engagement, improved networking, innovative content delivery and increased ROI.
For smarter live events, organisers should consider including these tools:
1. [**AI-powered matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/): Enable meaningful business interactions using people-to-resource mapping algorithms.
2. [**Hosted buyer programme**](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/): Use online hosted buyer software to create a curated buyer-seller experience, increase leads and boost sales.
3. [**Lead retrieval**](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/): Scan leads real-time, qualify and nurture prospects and make decisions with analytics dashboard.
4. [**365 community**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/): Build an online community to offer personalised experiences, networking and revenue generation opportunities before, during and after the live event.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Digitisation 'key issue' for exhibitions - UFI](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/chart-of-week-20220812/)
**Published:** August 12, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Digitisation is the second-biggest issue facing exhibitions worldwide, according to an UFI survey.**
The association’s latest Global Barometer ranked the challenge only behind internal management issues.
A total of 17% put it as a top hurdle, up from 16% in January – while it was ahead of media competition which was picked by 15%.
**Download our [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) for a free guide on how to digitise your business with data science.**
The latest results show significant variations from the previous edition of the barometer, released in the February.
In particular, the impact of Covid-19 on the business has dropped from being the most pressing issue, to the sixth-most pressing – from 19% down to 11%.
An analysis per industry segment – organiser, venue and service provider – shows no differences for the three most pressing issues
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**Some differences can be seen with the impact of digitisation, with different markets struggling with it at different levels.**
The [barometer](https://www.ufi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/29th_UFI_Global_Barometer_july_2022.pdf) shows it is the most pressing issue in Colombia (24%) and Germany, Malaysia and Thailand (20%).
Meanwhile, Covid-19 remains the most important issue in China (21%) and Hong Kong and Japan (20%).
It comes as organisers are digitising their internal processes and workflows and shaping their overall strategies to sync with their customers’ expectations.
This is because event tech has allowed organisers to push new boundaries of personalisation, immersion and interactivity while providing crucial engagement and networking metrics to boost ROI for exhibitors.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**Digitally-enhanced exhibitions are no longer a value-add but a necessity – meaning organisers have to place this as a top priority.**
Business models are being reinvented for specific exhibitions, product offerings as well as entire strategies.
Legacy platforms are being phased out and a more modular, integration-based tech stack is being adopted. This allows organisers to make quick changes to their user experience without having to risk a critical process.
This evolution of event tech has given rise to Smart Events – where organisers can use digital solutions to create value for both the attendees and exhibitor.
These modular solutions include [**AI-powered matchmaking**](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/), **[Hosted Buyer Programme](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/)**, **[Lead Retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)**, [**Analytics**](https://expoplatform.com/analytics/) and others. A modern event organiser is equipped with these tools to create richer, ROI-driven experiences for their audience.
Want to know more about Smart Events? [**Read how you can make money with them!**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/)
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Lead retrieval tech 'boosts booking rates' in Germany](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/gunnar-heinrich-comeback/)
**Published:** July 28, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Lead retrieval event technology has helped achieve “much higher” booking rates since the in-person comeback in Germany, according to an industry leader.**
Gunnar Heinrich, CEO of Munich-based adventics, told how the market had experienced a much stronger return to live than expected after years of lockdown restrictions.
It was claimed that many eventprofs were glad to see the back of tools such as virtual sessions, however he highlighted the role our industry’s digital transformation continues to play.
He said: “Regardless of who you talk to, they all tell you finally face-to-face is back and all the digital stuff we had the last two years wasn´t too useful at all..
“But there are several elements to this event tech space which add value to the face-to-face experience.
“This is the area where we’re all concentrating our efforts on at the moment – components like clever matchmaking during an event, lead retrieval and so on.
“We have much higher booking rates than before with lead retrieval because the value of leads is becoming more clear.
“Every technology you can use to amplify your onsite face-to-face experience is welcomed while many others are definitely not.”
Omnichannel [**lead retrieval**](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/) allows exhibitors to gather all touch points – onsite and online – in one dashboard.
This capability allows them to see real-time analytics and has been shown to boost their ROI by 300%.
ExpoPlatform research ranked lead retrieval as the second-most important technology feature for the comeback of in-person events.
The [**Event Tech Returns to Live survey**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-returns-to-live/) gave this a weighted score of 7.8/10, which was only beaten by on-demand content at 8.2/10.
## **German market’s return to live**
**All consultants at the European management consultancy were previously in management positions at exhibition companies in Germany, England, Belgium, the Netherlands or Austria.**
They have worked for years alongside organisers across these markets, putting the company in prime position to read the success of the return to live.
Gunnar told ExpoPlatform how the comeback has been “excellent” despite a fall in participants – however he warned there are now higher expectations for seamless technology experiences.
He said: “The return so far was excellent – in my opinion, much better than expected.
“We had fabulous shows starting after Easter and we had a bunch of shows in May and June. They all turned out to be fantastic.
“There’s been a fantastic mood amongst the attendees and exhibitors.
“I would say it exceeded my expectations but also the expectations of all people I talked to – and we’ve talked a lot in the last few months.”
He added: “We have seen, of course, a decrease in exhibitor numbers. There is no no fixed rate but sometimes up to 30% lower.
“We have also seen in many cases a slight decrease of visitor numbers, but the overall perception of how the events have been is that they were more than satisfied.
“They said it was even better than before because they had so much quality time, they had exactly the right people in place.
“Now all the people who want to make business show up and it is really high quality.”
This is backed up by findings from ExpoPlatform’s research into how our industry has made a comeback to in-person events.
The Event Tech Returns to Live survey found achieving good exhibitor ROI was the most important challenge faced right now.
Hitting pre-pandemic audience levels came out third with a weighted score of 8.26/10, also coming behind a seamless experience across platforms.
## **Measuring event quality**
**There has long been an argument that organisers need to pursue better quality visitors over higher quantity of visitors.**
This has proved a difficult metric to measure in the past, but Gunnar believes the emergence of event tech solutions will help to turn this into a much more concrete measurement.
He said: “This idea has been lingering around for a long time. It was always a phrase an excuse for when you lost visitor numbers, but people would say the quality was better.
“Nobody could prove it because there were no numbers, no statistics, no analytics, no insights.
“But now with modern systems like ExpoPlatform you can have a better understanding of your community and really communicate the quality aspect.”
Gunnar told how adventics puts a real focus on measurement but highlighted how our industry has lagged behind others in this area.
The pandemic forced eventprofs were forced into a digital transformation once lockdown came in, meaning there are now higher expectations as we emerge from restrictions.
He added: “They moved to social media marketing, to web marketing, to other platforms and other media. All of these substitutes offered perfect measurement.
“Our industry hasn’t been doing that and are now being compared to these modern media channels.
“All marketing channels for tradefairs or the exhibitions are completely lagging behind. So this gave it another demand to have their perfect measurement.”
## **A threat from Big Tech?**
**Organisers know the industries they operate extremely well and this gives them an upper hand against potential outside competitors.**
However, Gunnar warned that they should not rest on their laurels as disruptors have been able to show the benefits of solutions they offer.
He issued a call to action to planners to get on board with event tech so they can continue to hold their strong position and deliver from their clients.
Gunnar said: “The exhibitors are demanding continuous marketing services over the year, but they’re wondering whether exhibition organisers are the right companies to offer these services.
“Will we see other companies – like in media or technology – filling this gap or filling this demand?
“It’s not automatically certain that because you did a tradeshow for the last 40 years that you are the master of the industry.
“There are new technologies and there can be other suppliers and other providers.
“If organisers recognise this, I think they can make a lot out of their existing positions – they have a good position but they have to do something about it.”
## **Staffing shortages in German market**
Gunnar highlighted three areas which were presenting hurdles for the live return of the German industry – all of which focused around staffing.
The [**Event Tech Returns to Live survey**](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-returns-to-live/) placed a lack of skilled resource as the fourth-most important challenge for the in-person comeback at 7.72/10.
A total of 31% of respondents put it as a top priority, while a further 41% put it in the second highest tier.
Furthermore, the latest [UFI Global Barometer](https://www.ufi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/29th_UFI_Global_Barometer_july_2022.pdf) found 75% of German organisers were recruiting new staff but struggling to find talent since reopening.
Gunnar split difficulties facing human resources into three categories – layoffs, digital skills and sales knowledge.
He said: “Currently, the biggest challenge is human resource because many organisers have laid off people on average in Germany around 20% of staff – in some cases it’s 50%.
“Regardless of how many of these people are now missing, now we have an exhibition tsunami.
“It’s like a huge wave coming over the country and the remaining people have their hands full to make these exhibitions happen.”
“The other thing is if you now want to innovate or bring in new digital business models and new technology, you need completely different skill sets anyway.
“You need more digital people, maybe from another background or another industry and these are also completely lacking.
“The third aspect is sales. So if you have digital products – like matchmaking, banner advertisements or even simple things – you need to sell it.
“The sales people are not used to selling digital products, they sell square metres.
“They still sell booths, stand building services, but they have no idea how to argue about digital products. All of this comes together as a human resource shortage across the industry.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [The ultimate email marketing guide for tradeshows](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/email-marketing-guide-for-tradeshows/)
**Published:** July 13, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Email marketing is proven to build high-impact, low-cost campaigns to reach your audience and drive business growth.**
If you are planning to organise an exhibition or tradeshow, emails help you connect with past and potential customers, build relationships and promote your event.
But creating an effective marketing campaign can be a challenge because inboxes can be overloaded and a lot emails can get lost in the noise.
Which template will work the best for your tradeshow? How to segment the list to make sure you’re sending the right message to the right people? How to increase the open rate of your emails?
Our guide to email marketing for tradeshows attempts to answer these questions and more.
**Here’s what you will read:**
- **[Why do you need an email marketing strategy?](#stepone)**
- **[Benefits of personalising your email campaigns for tradeshows](#steptwo)**
- **[Five ways to personalise your email campaigns](#stepthree)**
- **[Type of email templates for events](#stepfour)**
- **[Introduction to ExpoPlatform’s email builder](#stepfive)**
- **[Tips to keep in mind for successful event email marketing](#stepsix)**
- **[Conclusion](#stepseven)**
## **Why do you need an email marketing strategy?**
You need to have a clear idea of who your ideal customer is before you take the plunge into email marketing. Understand their pain points, aspirations and challenges.
The best way is to conduct industry research and **create buyer personas** for your events. These personas help create a detailed email marketing strategy where the objectives and KPIs are aligned with the event goals.
A well-crafted email campaign allows you to target specific audiences and create unique messaging to keep your event top of mind. Pre-show emails **help build hype and create awareness for your event**.
Follow through with a daily agenda, highlights, testimonials and things to do at the venue. Finally, post-show follow-up is crucial to measure success and close the loop on your marketing efforts.
## **Benefits of personalising your email campaigns for tradeshows**
Personalised emails and targeted campaigns speak directly to an individual and encourage them to take interact with your tradeshow. Here’s how they benefit organisers:
**Build trust and credibility**
The success of any event email marketing campaign hinges on its ability to build trust and credibility with potential attendees. **Organisers need to:**
**1) provide timely and relevant communication**
**2) share value-packed content**
**3) deliver on their pain points**
When potential attendees see an event specifically pitched to solve their problems, they are more likely to trust and sign up.
**Increases audience engagement**
Emails are widely used to spread brand awareness, boost website traffic and keep prospects and customers engaged. You can **create compelling subject lines** to grab the reader’s attention. A snappy, enticing subject line is crucial to increase email open rates and keep the audience engaged before and after the tradeshow.
**Encourage signups and nurture leads through drip marketing**
Once the event ends, you want to keep the connection going with your visitors. You can use **drip marketing** to nurture your leads and convert them into customers.
It’s a marketing technique where promotional messages are regularly delivered to customers or prospects on a timed schedule.
Drip marketing can be used to prompt email subscribers to take a particular action – like downloading a product brochure, requesting a demo or signing up for a webinar.
**Promote future events**
Promote your future shows by building a list of potential attendees and inviting them to sign up for updates. Sending out timely emails with event information and relevant content helps create a buzz and ensures healthy attendance.
**Build your mailing list**
Personalised emails are a proven way to get new subscribers, send special offers and send content and event updates. This helps build your mailing list, increased loyalty and improves open and click-through rates.
## **Five ways to personalise your email campaigns**
**1. Segment your email list**
When you send the same message to different people, your open rates can suffer. By segmenting your email list, you can target each group with messages that are relevant to them – increasing the chances that they’ll read and act on them.
**2. Address them by their actual name**
Using a recipient’s name in the subject line or body makes them feel like you’re speaking directly to them. You can get much more granular than just using people’s first names – try mentioning their job titles or their organisation name to deepen the connection.
**3. Include custom fields in your emails**
Take personalisation a step further by adding custom fields to your emails. This will give you more information about your recipients and you can create campaigns that are tailored specifically for them.
**4. Personalise the “from” name**
Another way to make sure an email reaches the right person is by personalising the “from” name. This tells recipients who sent the email and helps ensure that they won’t mistake it for spam. Again, use an actual person’s name instead of just the company.
**5. Test or ask your audience what’s best before sending an email campaign**
It’s always a good idea to test your email campaign on a small segment of your list to see how they respond. This list can be a curated selection of loyal customers who are willing to share feedback and help you improve your event offerings. This gives you valuable inputs to create emails that are guaranteed to give results.
## **Types of email templates for events**
As a B2B events organiser, it’s important to stay on top of your marketing game. A proven strategy is to use different email templates that are designed to capture the attention of your target audience and encourages them to act.
This saves you time and ensures your messages are consistent and professional. A few things to keep in mind when creating your templates:
- Consider your audience and what information they need.
- Think about the overall look and feel of your brand and how you want to communicate with your contacts.
- Make sure to include a call-to-action (CTA) so that recipients know what you want them to do next.
Here are the different types of email marketing templates you can use:
**Event invitation and registration template**
Inviting your target audience – including existing customers – is the first step to putting the wheels in motion for your tradeshow’s success. Here’s an example of an invitation email:
*Subject: You are invited to \[event name\]!*
*Hi \[First Name\],*
*We are pleased to invite you to \[Event Name\] in \[date\].*
*\[Event description\]*
*Register below to get early access*
*Thank you,*
*\[Name of organiser – include both person and company\]*
**Event registration confirmation email template**
*Subject: Your booking is confirmed*
*Hi \[First Name\]*
*Your registration for \[event name\] is confirmed! We’re looking forward to seeing you at the event.*
*Here are the event details one more time:*
*\[Event name\]*
*\[Event date\]*
*\[Event time\]*
*\[Event location\]*
*If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.*
*Thank you,*
*\[Name of organiser\]*
**Event reminder email template**
An event reminder email is a great way to keep your attendees updated on what to expect, and help them stay organised. Here’s a template to get you started:
*Subject: Event Reminder – \[Event Name\]*
*Hi \[First Name\],*
*We hope you’re as excited as we are for \[Event Name\]! Here’s a quick reminder of what to expect:*
*\[Event Description\]*
*Date: \[Date of Event\]*
*Time: \[Start Time\] – \[End Time\]*
*Location: \[Location\]*
*If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We can’t wait to see you there!*
*Thank you,*
*\[Name of organiser\]*
**Event welcome email template**
An event welcome email template helps you build relationships with your attendees before your event and ensures a great turnout.
Be sure to include all the key details about the event, including date, time, location, and what to expect. You can also add links to your event website, sponsor websites and social media channels. Highlight any special offers and discounts.
*Subject: Welcome to \[Event name\]!*
*Hi \[First Name\]*
*We are delighted to have your participation at \[Event name\].*
*\[Event description and details\]*
*Explore more resources \[link to content hub\]*
*If you have any questions or queries, do not hesitate to contact \[number\].*
*Thank you,*
*\[Name of organiser\]*
## **Introduction to ExpoPlatform’s email builder**
ExpoPlatform’s **[email editor](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/)** is found on the event management platform wherever emails are involved. We will explain the thinking behind the email editor and how to use it.
The main screen of the email editor is divided into three parts: header, list of available blocks and the email template.
In the header, you can select the sender email, subject and other general settings.
The list contains all available blocks that can be dragged and dropped to the email template. You can also edit the content of the selected block – like image or button links, add header and footer – and its appearance – font, size, colour.
An email template is an area where the email is built. You can select different blocks and place them one by one. All texts in the block can be changed there.
You can also undo/redo your actions, select an image from a gallery, show a live preview, send a test email and download the template in HTML format.
The e-mail templates consist of a list of **predefined system variables** that are unique and can be added to the text block by clicking on the insert variable button.
After clicking on the variable tab you will be able to see the list of all the predefined variables applicable to that e-mail template.
- You can change the positioning of these variables inside the text block
- You can also add the variables which consist of links inside the “button block link field” to enhance the look and feel of your template.
### **Registration emails**
The registration emails in ExpoPlatform can be accessed in the registration setting. The following emails can be configured:
**Visitor**
- **Visitor Registration** – this email template is sent to visitors when they register through the registration form of a public event.
- **Visitor Self Registration** – used for private events when a visitor self-registers via the form of a private event.
- **Visitor Approval** – this template is configured and sent when a visitor is approved by the organiser for a private event.
- **Visitor Repeated Registration** – this email template is sent when a visitor registers through the registration form, but already holds an active account (from another event).
- **Visitor Registration Cancellation** – sent when the registration of a visitor is cancelled for an event.
**Exhibitor**
- **Exhibitor Pre-registration** – sent when an exhibitor completes a pre-registration form.
- **Exhibitor Password** – sent when an exhibitor account is created or made active.
- **Exhibitor Team Member** – sent when an exhibitor team member is assigned to an exhibitor.
- **Exhibitor Registration (organiser notification)** – sent to the organiser when an exhibitor completes a pre-registration form.
**General**
- **Reset Password** – this email is sent when an account requests a password reset.
- **Day Registration Report** – sent to organiser once a day with a report of daily registrations.
- **Badge Scans Report** – sent when reporting badge scans.
### **Emails to interact with exhibitor manual**
Here are the different emails that can be configured in the ExpoPlatform email module while interacting with the **[exhibitor manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)**:
**Exhibitor notification**
- **After Page Submit-** this email is sent to the exhibitor when they submit one of the pages of the manual.
- **After All Manual Submit-** sent to the exhibitor when they have submitted all the pages of the manual.
- **After Profile Submit-** sent when the exhibitor has submitted their profile.
- **After Team Member Submit-** sent when the team member information is submitted.
- **Submission Deadline Warning-** sent to the exhibitor when the deadline date for submission of the manual is near.
**Organiser notification**
- **Exhibitor Page Submit-** this email is sent to the organiser when the exhibitor submits one of the pages of the manual.
- **Exhibitor Profile Submit-** sent when the exhibitor submits their profile.
- **Exhibitor Team Members Submit-** sent when the exhibitor submits details of their team members.
- **Exhibitor Manual Submit-** sent to the organiser when the exhibitor has submitted all pages of the exhibitor manual.
**Vendor notification**
- **Exhibitor Page Submit-** This email is sent to the vendor when the exhibitor submits one of the pages of the exhibitor manual.
## **Tips to keep in mind for successful event email marketing**
Email marketing is the preferred mode of communication for most B2B organisers. However, there are some pitfalls – over-saturation has made it difficult to stand out from the competition and get the audience to even open their emails. What steps should you take to make your email campaigns more successful?
Here are some tips:
**1) Subject lines should be catchy and create FOMO**
Your email subject line is one of the most important elements of your email marketing campaign. It’s what entices your subscribers to open your email and if it’s not effective, your email will likely be deleted without being read.
To create a subject line that will make your subscribers want to open your email, you need to create a sense of FOMO, or Fear Of Missing Out. Your subscribers should feel like they will miss out on something important if they don’t open your email. Tips for creating a FOMO-inducing subject line include using words like ‘**exclusive**,’ ‘**limited time only**,’ or ‘**act now**.’
**2) Your emails should look visually pleasing on mobile devices**
Creating visually appealing emails has always been important, but now it’s more important than ever to make sure that they look good on smaller screens. There are a few things to keep in mind when creating visually appealing emails for mobile devices.
First, use a responsive design. This will ensure that your email looks good on any size screen. Second, keep your content concise. Mobile users are often on the go and don’t have time to read long emails. Third, use large, easy-to-read fonts. Fourth, use images sparingly – too many will overwhelm the reader!
**3) Use images that impress**
Images help with retention rates and improve click-through rates. They also provide visual interest and engagement which makes them great for social media posts. Use high-quality images that are relevant to your brand and offer value to your audience.
**4) Maintain a clean design and avoid clutter**
A cluttered email is unappealing to recipients and can be a turn-off. If it’s tough to find the necessary information in a deluge of text and images, your email strategy will likely be unsuccessful. To avoid this, it’s important to maintain a clean design in your email. This means using plenty of white space, clear and concise language, and well-organised content.
**5) Have a clear and bold (CTA)**
Your email’s CTA is one of the most important elements in your event marketing. It is your opportunity to tell recipients what you want them to do next, and it should be clear, bold, and to the point. A good CTA will encourage recipients to take the desired action – whether it is registering for your event, downloading a white paper or simply clicking through to your website.
## **Conclusion**
A comprehensive email marketing strategy is essential for tradeshow success. Email marketing software plays a big role – you can deliver aesthetically pleasing, professional emails, use personalised templates and set up auto-reminders, confirmation and more.
Keeping your contact list clean and up-to-date and following up with potential leads maximises your chances to make meaningful connections at tradeshows. With a little effort using event tech, you take your tradeshow game to the next level. Check out how ExpoPlatform’s **[email marketing module](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/)** can help.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Exhibition tech is 'huge advantage' for emerging markets](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/paul-maerz/)
**Published:** July 6, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**AI matchmaking and scheduling through event tech is a “huge advantage” for exhibitions in emerging markets, according to an industry leader.**
Paul Maerz, managing director at fairtrade Messe, told ExpoPlatform that infrastructure problems can cause major headaches for buyers and sellers in markets across Africa and the Middle East.
The organiser has long been one of the leading planners for professional international agrofood and plastprintpack events across the regions.
Participants can often face long journeys or delays to reach a tradeshow, which takes up valuable time from networking and business opportunities – but event tech provides a remedy.
He said: “We are in frontier markets, which is not the easiest kind of market. If you go to Sub Saharan Africa, if you go to the Middle East – especially when it comes to infrastructure – some of these countries are very challenging.
“If I think about our exhibition in Lagos, it can still take you five hours travelling within the city to get to the exhibition because you’re stuck in traffic.
“So preparing and knowing who you’re going to meet is a huge advantage that you have if you use tools like ExpoPlatform. Because then I can have five meetings already lined up and my day will be very efficient.
“What we have on the show floor is of course that serendipitous moment, but I am also prepared with scheduled meetings. That part is very, very important.”
Paul explains how another advantage with event technology is that it can help show which suppliers are operating in your area.
This is especially useful in these emerging markets, where a Google search might bring up thousands of sellers who can’t provide a solution in that region.
A more focused approach using event tech can instead pinpoint suppliers who operate in the market you need.
He added: “This is a huge advantage because we can show these companies are active in your country or your market, so it makes search much easier.
“But of course in the end, this only works if a company or if the exhibitors see the benefit and put energy into it. This is where we are.”
## **365 marketplace solutions for emerging markets**
**Exhibitors get fairtrade’s event technology components when they buy a package with the planner, but it’s up to them to “make the best” of it.**
fairtrade Messe’s exportal plaza presents solutions and innovations of the agrofood and plastprintpack industries all year round.
It extends the event websites and offers an overview of all the exhibitors from tradeshows by fairtrade in the MEA region.
Suppliers and products can be filtered by topics, countries and interests which allows for a business match who is contactable 24/7.
The team at fairtrade Messe has been pushing for more sellers to get on board with this digital transformation, however it can sometimes prove difficult.
Paul added: “This is what we’re trying to communicate to them, still many don’t put enough energy into it yet.
“It takes a lot of time to convince them to really set up nice profiles to have all the team members on it and so on.”
But this is not the same across all parts of these markets. Paul told how countries like Algeria or Iraq have not seen much uptake in technology, whereas Nigeria and Iran see customers who are “really into everything” about this digital transformation.
He added: “When events really restarted in autumn 2021, the focus of most of the organisers went back to live events. Our focus definitely did.
“But I think event tech will remain very relevant and we should not lose the focus on that topic because there’s so much potential in it.
“We should keep the momentum, keep the focus on what we have achieved and continue on that journey.”
## **Monetisation opportunities**
**The opportunity for [event tech monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/making-money/) has “huge potential” if organisers can get access to the right data, according to Paul.**
He believes that all this information should be held in one platform rather than having to switch between different systems to get valuable insights.
It means offering a seamless experience during the online and onsite experiences which can help improve visitor offerings and boost exhibitor ROI.
Paul added: “There’s huge monetisation potential that we have from these new tools, but a big challenge is that each organiser has their own platform and does their own thing.
“If I’m an exhibitor or if I’m a visitor, I don’t want to create 10 different logins into 10 different platforms.
“I want to use one – like one Amazon or one LinkedIn or one Facebook – and I want to find everything on that platform.”
Part of the problem Paul identified comes down to organisers who are building their own platforms which operate differently.
This is part of the reason behind VSef, a body launched by Explori to introduce a standardised form of data across our industry for better interoperability.
Paul also believes there is more opportunity for AI machine learning if this data can be shared between organisers to improve the user’s experience – but recognises this is an unlikely move.
He said: “If I take a look at our industry, there are four or five different organisers that are creating platforms.
“From the user’s point of view, it’s not the way it should be. But it’s very hard to change because none of us want to share the data.
“There’s definitely lots of potential if we find a way to use the same data or use the same users.”
## **Advantage over Big Tech**
**New data brought through event tech gives crucial insights to help improve the overall user experience in live shows.**
It provides a better understanding of how attendees are engaging with the content onsite, which sessions and speakers they find the most interesting – and the level of participation in polls, surveys and giveaways.
Information like this helps make better decisions about future improvements that could include:
- Personalising the attendee journey at all touchpoints
- Developing effective training programmes by identifying areas of improvement
- Improving customer service by learning the most effective ways of reaching out to attendees and providing quick solutions
- Increasing revenue opportunities by targeting new audiences based on previous attendance patterns
This is even more crucial when considering the digital transformation our industry has been through, where it is anticipated Big Tech companies will try to compete in this space.
But Paul believes organisers still have the upper hand over these would-be planners – and that is the level of expertise industry professionals and businesses have.
He said: “We have a big advantage because we have face-to-face events and they don’t. We know how to run them and our customers trust us in running them.
“We can sell that serendipity events that lots of our exhibitors like to experience because they know that in the past.
“In the future, they will also get lots of business opportunities out of that and this is something that we have uniquely that the Big Tech companies don’t have.
“That’s an advantage we should use for industry also in the future.
“We need to supply these very valuable business contacts for our exhibitors. That’s what we’re good at, but of course we always need to improve.”
## **Highlighting the ‘full story’ on sustainability**
**One of the key topics which will dominate our industry moving forward is [sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/), according to Paul.**
We saw event leaders take part in Cop26 in Glasgow in 2021 where they pledged to hit a net-zero target by 2050.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, delivered this landmark commitment at the UN global summit along with a series of other goals within the initiative.
Paul said: “Now the sustainability issue in our industry is becoming really important, you see it everywhere.
“This will be one of the key topics of the future – especially in Europe and in the US.
“We need to be very careful about this topic – if you only look at the travel aspect, then it doesn’t look very good.
“Look at how much travel we avoid by bringing in people from all over the world in one place, instead of them visiting each other in many different countries.
“This is the story we need to tell. We should not show the industry in a bad state, but already in quite a good state.
“But sustainability and pressure on that will be very high – that will be one of the key topics I see.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Boosting exhibitor ROI needs lead intelligence - here's why](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/exhibitor-roi-showcase/)
**Published:** June 24, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Exhibitor ROI is such an important topic right now and for many reasons, but the expectation to see measurable results on investment is higher than ever.**
The digital transformation of buyer and seller behaviour has massively accelerated over the last two years – and marketing is is no different to that.
One of the major trends over the last decade has been the use of platforms such as Google, Facebook, LinkedIn and PPC tools that have measurable and transparent metrics.
Lockdown meant marketing was forced to go completely through digital channels, but the return of in-person events means customer expectations have risen with that.
Luke Bilton, Chief Growth Officer at ExpoPlatform, said: “It was a problem anyway, but now more so than ever. Exhibitors expect to see really measurable, tangible results for their investment.
“I believe it is probably the biggest issue that the exhibition industry needs to deal with right now – how do we justify to our clients that we’re worth the money?”
ExpoPlatform was joined by Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO of [H2K Partners](https://www.h2kpartners.co/), to do a deep dive into how boosting exhibitor ROI can be a gamechanger for your events.
## **Why is exhibitor ROI an important metric?**
**Put simply, ROI is the most important metric as it’s the one valued most: almost half of respondents to an ExpoPlatform survey ranked it as their highest priority.**
This is backed up by comments from Brian Field, COO of Emerald, in an [interview](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-tech-brian-field/) with ExpoPlatform about event tech and marketing.
He said: “The way things used to be done was increasingly dissatisfying to CMOs because of the ROI factor. Being able to use data and tools to produce clear mechanisms and metrics around ROI – that are going to be satisfying to a CMO who has many other channels to achieve success in their business – is required, we have to do it.”
[**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) – digitally enhanced in-person shows – create several opportunities for creating more value. Let’s go through them in detail:
**Curating better connections (before and after)**
- Personalised recommendations and meeting scheduling
- Hosted Buying concierge programme
Extending the value (before and after)**
- Increase the duration of event with digital weeks for remote participants
- 365 Marketplace
- On-demand content streaming
**Measuring the impact (before and after)**
- Full-funnel omnichannel ROI analysis of all customer interactions
Luke said: “Lead Intelligence is an omnichannel view which can bring together all of these different touch points can generate at least three times more leads to exhibitors than if they were just relying on people who walked up to the stand alone.
“When you bring together all of the online views of your exhibitor list – people who have looked at products looked at content, messages, advertising, webinars, white papers, as well as visitors being able to scan as well – this event has far more touch points than just people being scanned at a stand.
“If we don’t find some way to value that, then there’s a real risk that exhibitors are just going to measure everything based on just a small part of what the overall picture is.”
## **‘It’s not just about a lead, it’s about a lead that is a prospect’**
**Heather argues that [tradeshow lead retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/trade-show-lead-retrieval/) is not what exhibitors are really after, they want leads that end with results – prospects that are qualified and generating qualified demand.**
She said: “It looks like a duck, it’s walking like a duck and it sounds like a duck, but then it’s got to actually be a duck.
“You want it to go into pipeline, you want to accelerate pipeline and you want to make sales and marketing more efficient, thereby taking up your entire pipeline process.
“You can’t do that with leads, leads are just context in order to get to a prospect that you know has interests that will then enter the pipeline which you then can accelerate because you’re smarter and know more about that prospect. You have to have data.”
## **What the data can provide you with**
**Bringing all of these data points togethers gives you an omnichannel view of all customer interactions.**
[**Lead Intelligence**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/omnichannel-lead-intel/) shows all online and onsite exhibitor engagements in a single dashboard – which has been shown to quadruple the number of leads.
This is one area that Heather sees as increasingly important for an event organiser to offer.
She said: “That to me, has an exponential dollar figure premium that I can absolutely see anyone who actually wants to generate the best ROI from the event, because it’s also their responsibility and now you’re giving them the tools to do so.”
But Heather also highlights that demographic data can be collected alongside this behavioural information to build up a bigger picture.
Combining these two allows you to pinpoint prospects who are the ideal targets of your exhibitors.
For instance, someone may scan at your booth who is in the same company as five others who have visited your profile or engaged with your content.
It makes it much more likely that this attendee is someone you want to spend time with, as there is more evidence of interest.
Heather added: “It’s not just about a lead, it’s about a lead that is a prospect that is qualified and has interest and intent that can then get into the pipeline.
“You want to make sure that your sales team and marketing team are doing everything possible to capture that person before your competitor.”
Another area the data helps is that it allows you as an organiser to provide a curated meeting package that offers shorter meetings with the right people – by utilising data.
Heather said: “One of the big complaints I hear both on the exhibitor side and the attendee side, especially with large events, is you feel like you’re lost in the sea of people.
“There’s this networking event with 1,000 people – wonderful, it’s fun – but did I really get any value out of it in terms of meeting great people?”
Technology is the enabler for this to happen – you have to have the right architecture to enable all of these different types of curated experiences. But you also need the right team in place to do that.
## **Using online to benefit onsite exhibitor ROI**
**One of the best areas for increasing exhibitor ROI is through building a [365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).**
But that year-round model needs to suit your audience – some value content while others want a **[marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/)**.
This gives more touchpoints with customers which can then be used to learn and improve the in-person experience at your events.
Heather said: “You want to know that buyer discovery information before they get there because you want to give a terrific experience to the audience.
“You want to be able to actually follow up after the event with more awesome information and do other micro-events perhaps, but you need to have a way to understand what their needs are first.
“You have to do it by behaviour, not just sending out surveys and having to fill out forms. It means creating a very robust digital strategy that you can invite your audience and your suppliers to engage in and monetise.”
## **Final thoughts on boosting exhibitor ROI and event value**
**Heather has pinpointed the proper management of data and system integration as the key starting point for improving event value.**
This allows for you as an organiser to start delivering personalised offerings which target the right people.
But it also means you have learned a lot about these buyers and can bring those quality profiles to your sellers.
Heather said: “I would talk to maybe 10 or 20 of your top customers and I would say ‘we have some really important data that we’re capturing on a real time basis about your prospects’. If I was to show you what we could possibly deliver to you – before the show, at the show and after the show – would this be something that you’d find valuable?'”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Top Five Event Tech Features - survey](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/top-tech-survey/)
**Published:** July 20, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The return of live shows is being boosted by the digital transformation our industry has witnessed.**
Findings from ExpoPlatform’s latest **[Event Tech Returns to Live](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-returns-to-live/)** survey sets out which of these tools and features are most important to eventprofs.
This article highlights the top five and provides a bit more detail on each component. **Download the full Event Tech Returns to Live report [here](https://expoplatform.com/research/event-tech-returns-to-live/?utm_source=pipedrive_campaigns&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=return_to_live_survey_results_email).**
## **On-demand content**
The ability to offer on-demand content after an event came out on top, with with a weighted rating of 8.2/10.
This feature allows an organiser to extend the lifecycle of their event, increase engagement and boost revenue.
A total of 45% of respondents said it was a high priority for them, with a further 31% saying it was quite important.
Success is determined by whether your content is useful and different enough to add real value to your community.
An organiser can set themselves apart from the competition by creative use of content types: doing something different.
Planners should act like scientists who trying to crack the formula of what resonates with their audience
## **Lead retrieval**
**[Lead retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/omnichannel-lead-intel/)** was rated 7.8/10. A omnichannel approach using technology allows exhibitors to gather all touchpoints – online and onsite – into one dashboard for real-time analytics. This technology has been proven to boost their ROI by three times.
Our survey saw 38% placing it in the top tier and a further 34% saying it was quite important for their needs.
**See how ExpoPlatform’s Lead Intelligence can triple exhibitor ROI at your events. [Book a demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/).**
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, said: “The ability to retrieve – and ideally score – leads in an efficient and measurable manner provides the exhibitor with the clearest path towards defending their investment.”
## **Event mobile app**
The addition of an event mobile app to your in-person productions was rated as the third most important technology feature.
It received a weighted rating of 7.1/10 having grown in popularity over the last few years as attendees become much more comfortable with downloading apps.
This is because people have also become more comfortable with digitisation. They expect immersive, personalised event experiences using modern software and tools as well as virtual access options if their plans change unexpectedly.
This format is known as a [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) – an in-person show which includes extensive use of digital technology to increase value of the experience for all participants.
For organisers, the easiest way to add a digital layer to in-person events is through a mobile event app. Using apps to boost event engagement and participation has been common, but their popularity has surged more in the post-Covid era as they play an important role in:
- Building year-round community experiences
- Contributing towards sustainable events by minimising the use of paper
- Delivering real-time updates and content
- Providing on-the-go access to remote and mobile audience
## **365 Community and Marketplace**
Building a platform which offers your attendees a place where they can engage, network and do business year-round came out fourth.
Robyn Duda, CEO of RDC, was fascinated by the results for a 365 Community and Marketplace – features which offer year-round engagement with your audiences.
This came out fourth in our survey, with a weighted average of 6.8/10 and 34% saying it was of average importance.
She said: “I think the industry has and is approaching the community building piece all wrong – which is why it’s not working. It’s not an event challenge, it’s a brand challenge. There should be a greater emphasis here from a high level to foster the feeling of a community for the community’s benefit – not for an organiser or sponsor’s benefit.”
Events are a powerful tool to bring people together, but they are not the whole picture. Participants also need to keep those relationships alive all year long and digital platforms offer a way to do that.
Live shows can build trust face-to-face at an annual celebration of the industry, while an online community can reinforce that year-round. They benefit each other.
**Full breakdown of weighted ratings:**
- On-demand content for post-event – 8.2
- Lead retrieval – 7.8
- Event mobile app – 7.1
- 365 Community and Marketplace – 6.76
- Interactive floorplan – 6.66
- AI Matchmaking – 6.48
- Simultaneous hybrid streaming – 6.28
- Self-service exhibitor stands – 6.14
- Hosted Buyer meetings – 6.00
- Location-based notifications and analysis 5.18
## **Interactive floorplan**
The rise of Smart Events makes an interactive floorplans important for enhancing the visitor experience.
That will be why it came out fifth in our list of priorities for event tech, achieving a weighted score of 6.66/10.
Interactive floorplan allow an organiser to provide a more seamless experience for customers – one that’s not only easy, but fun as well.
These digital maps can be used by organisers to visualise the layout of an event’s space. They also allow quick insights into how many people will be using each area of a venue.
This allows an organiser to make better decisions about where to place tables chairs, exhibits as well as plan out staffing needs. They’re also a great way to help attendees navigate the tradeshow floor and find the booths they are interested in.
These floor plans are integrated into the [**mobile event app**](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) and fit right into your workflow.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [US cancel rates under 10% for first time since 2019](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-week-20220527/)
**Published:** May 27, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
[Blog](https://expoplatform.com/blog) / [Live Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/) / US cancel rates under 10% for first time since 2019
3 minutes reading
# US cancel rates under 10% for first time since 2019
**US B2B exhibition cancel rates have fallen below 10% for the first time in more than two years, according to new figures.**
Cancellations were found to be at 9.2% in the first three months of this year, compared with 91.3% during the same period in 2021 and 21.9% in 2020.
The [Center for Exhibition Industry Research](http://www.ceir.org/) (CEIR) released the findings in its 2022 First Quarter Index.
Allen Shaw, CEIR economist, said: “B2B exhibitions offer opportunities for buyers to find alternative reasonable-price supplies under the current elevated inflation environment and persistence of global supply chain challenges.
“The B2B exhibition cancellation rate should decline further and the performance of completed events will continue to improve.”
# **What’s behind the figures?**
**The indications are that the industry’s recovery will accelerate alongside a strong intent to return to trade shows in 2022, particularly on the exhibitor side.**
As coronavirus-related troubles lessen there is more motivation to return to participating in the B2B exhibition channel.
Unsurprisingly, there continues to be pent-up demand for face-to-face engagement. Other survey results indicate that an overwhelming percentage of show organisers have plans to run their 2022 events, despite Covid-19 being a factor when the survey was fielded.
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# What does it mean for event organisers?
**It looks like this is a trend that is only going to get better. But if there’s one thing we’ve learnt over the last two years is that flexibility is always a good thing.**
Event participants have now come to expect high-tech solutions in our industry. The benefits gained from the last two years of digital disruption should not be forgotten.
Bringing in Smart Event technology offers organisers more options for engagement, reach and revenue – what is there to lose?
**Here’s a list of resources to help you plan ahead:**
The Hybrid Blueprint: mixing physical and digital experiences effortlessly is easier said than done. This guide provides detailed advice from experts on how to prepare a hybrid framework for your events. **[Download the ebook now](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)**.
The Community Blueprint: learn how to create an 365 engagement platform to help your audience stay connected throughout the year. A must-have option that insures a business against any kind of lockdown! **[Download it for free here](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/)**.
The Monetisation Blueprint: events have become more reliant on digital technologies more than ever. **[Download this ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)** to understand how you can monetise this medium and increase business revenue.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
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### [One in five eventprofs 'have no idea' about the metaverse](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/chart-of-week-20220401/)
**Published:** April 1, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Around one in five eventprofs have no idea what the metaverse is or what it could mean for our industry, according to an exclusive poll.**
This edition of Chart of the Week highlights findings from ExpoPlatform and EIN’s special session investigating this virtual future for our industry.
We took a deep dive into what the [**metaverse**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/metaverse/) might mean for tradeshows, featuring some top industry contributors and looked for feedback from our audience.
**Watch the full session [on demand here](https://expoplatform.com/events/).**
A total of 18% respondents said they had no idea about the metaverse, while 35% said they knew just the basics.
It comes as [**Gartner research**](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-02-07-gartner-predicts-25-percent-of-people-will-spend-at-least-one-hour-per-day-in-the-metaverse-by-2026) predicts that by 2026, 25% of people will spend at least an hour every day in the metaverse, whether for work, shopping, education, socialising, or entertainment.
Marty Resnick, research vice president at Gartner, said: “Vendors are already building ways for users to replicate their lives in digital worlds.
“From attending virtual classrooms to buying digital land and constructing virtual homes, these activities are currently being conducted in separate environments.”
“Eventually, they will take place in a single environment – the metaverse – with multiple destinations across technologies and experiences.”
He added that enterprises could improve and enrich their audience engagement models by “moving from a digital business to a metaverse business”.
The rise of digital currencies and emerging tech like nonfungible tokens – known as NFTs – will further augment this new virtual economy, the report states.
# **What’s behind the figures?**
**The metaverse is expected to influence new business models that focus on engagement through virtually enhanced physical and digital realities.**
This is backed by **[estimates from Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/blog/metaverses-80-billion-etf-assets-by-2024-virtually-a-reality/)**, which projects the metaverse to reach $800 billion in value by 2024. [**Statista data**](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/chart-of-the-week-metaverse-consumer-spending-to-almost-triple/) has also shown consumer spending on this virtual shared space is anticipated to almost triple by 2023.
Nick Rosier, digital director at 2Heads, told the session: “We already live in the metaverse. A lot of technologies out there are used day to day which make part of what the metaverse will be – digital identity and avatars.
“We have profiles all over the web, we use ecommerce to make online payments, we have relationships with people online – people meet and maybe never meet face-to-face – but are still able to form real relationships.”
It follows two years where virtual events were forced into becoming a major part of our industry due to restrictions. Now, organisers want to use that technology to improve their live events.
This is why we have seen the emergence of [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/): in-person productions where digital tools enhance the value for all participants.
**Book an appointment at the [Smart Event Clinic](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) to find out how technology can boost the value of your events.**
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform chief growth officer, said: “It was a real period of improving virtual platforms. Where we are now is the Smart Events era.
“What we’re seeing is that organisers are very quickly moving away from doing virtual events and instead looking at how to blend some of the best bits from the virtual event period with in-person events.”
# **What does it mean for organisers?**
**Digital technology has radically altered the way events are organised and how attendees are engaged. This is just another step on that journey.**
Metaverse enthusiasts want to use globally interconnected virtual and augmented reality environments to achieve boost communication and business on a massive scale.
**Learn more about the opportunities currently available to make sure you futureproof your organisation:**
**Smart Events** utilise data-driven tech to enhance value at every touchpoint during in-person events. This creates a richer audience experience to deliver quality leads and higher ROI. **[Download the Smart Event tech checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/smart-event-tech-checklist/)** to learn what tools can help you get started.
**365 communities and online marketplaces** that allow people to interact and network with each other any time of the year, browse products and services, conduct transactions and more. **[Learn how you can set up a 365 community now.](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Metaverse: what it means for tradeshows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/metaverse/)
**Published:** March 30, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The metaverse – in some form for another – is coming to tradeshows. That’s the view of an expert panel which looked at how this futuristic reality will impact business.**
How that world develops is still unclear, but we do know it is a theme of hot debate across business, technology and finance sectors.
That’s why ExpoPlatform joined with EIN to take a deep dive into what the metaverse might mean for tradeshows, featuring some top industry contributors. **Watch the session [on demand here](https://expoplatform.com/events/).**
In this piece we will highlight some of the key takeaways from that event, as well as taking a closer look at some of the topics which emerged.
# **What is the metaverse?**
**The metaverse is a major buzzword at the moment, but finding a tight definition is rather elusive.**
That’s because it can mean almost anything to anyone: it can be a completely immersive gaming world, a way to try out new outfits, somewhere to buy virtual real estate or even just a way to do grocery shopping online.
It might also explain why almost one in five respondents to our poll said they had no idea what the metaverse was, with 35% saying they knew “just the basics”.
A simple definition would be to describe it as an immersive virtual or augmented world which is accessed through online technology. Most scenarios involving the metaverse will have three common features: a VR interface, digital ownership and avatars. There is also likely to be a focus on being present, feeling like you’re really there and that other people are there with you.
Matthew Ball, a venture capitalist who has written extensively about the metaverse, describes it as “a sort of successor state to the mobile internet”. There was a time when smartphone apps were seen as an unnecessary addition, now they are ubiquitous money-making tools. The same is predicted for the metaverse.
Nick Rosier, digital director at 2Heads, said: “We already live in the metaverse. A lot of technologies out there are used day to day which make part of what the metaverse will be – digital identity and avatars.
“We have profiles all over the web, we use ecommerce to make online payments, we have relationships with people online – people meet and maybe never meet face-to-face – but are still able to form real relationships.”
Children are spending a significant amount of time in virtual worlds, signalling a rising demographic of users comfortable with interacting in these environments. In 2020, Roblox generated $920 million of user revenue and a concert hosted on Fortnite was attended by 45 million users.
Interest in this futuristic digital world was massively heightened in 2021 when Facebook announced it would be rebranding itself as Meta as it puts this vision of engagement at its core.
CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced his company would be pursuing the metaverse late last year. He delivered a 90-minute online presentation which included talk about teleporting, holograms and communicating “across different layers of reality”. He even echoed Matthew Ball by saying they believed it would be the “successor to the mobile internet”.
The company’s Reality Labs division – which makes virtual reality goggles, smart glasses and other future products – lost more than $10 billion in 2021 as it built the business. However, this development is key to securing their vision of an online world where people would share virtual experiences across different platforms.
For context, the $10bn investment in the metaverse is more than five times the amount paid for the Oculus VR business in 2014 and 10 times what it paid to buy Instagram in 2012.But it’s a bet that the company is willing to place and estimates for growth could suggest why. For instance, figures from Statica show how the market size for augmented and virtual reality is due to grow to nearly $300 billion by 2024 – up from $30.7bn last year.
The Meta CEO has even claimed this metaverse will free people from screen addiction and enable more genuine human connection. Our industry has witnessed its own virtual transformation recently, but has seen a strong return to in-person experiences with digital enhancements: [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
# **Metaverse-enabled Smart Events**
**The metaverse is coming and some of the early features of this new world for our industry can be seen in Smart Events and [365 engagement](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).**
Organisers now have a wealth of options through digitally-enhanced formats to connect with their event audience. For example, a year-round community and online marketplace allows people to interact and network with each other any time of the year, browse products and services, conduct transactions and more.
Smart Events utilise data-driven tech to enhance value at every touchpoint during in-person events. This creates a richer audience experience to deliver quality leads and higher ROI.
These developments have all followed on from the pivot to online events which was forced by lockdown restrictions. Now our industry is keen to learn from those experiences to improve their in-person offerings.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform chief growth officer, said: “It was a real period of improving virtual platforms. Where we are now is the Smart Events era. What we’re seeing is that organisers are very quickly moving away from doing virtual events and instead looking at how to blend some of the best bits from the virtual event period with in-person events.”
The metaverse is yet another version of technology that seeks to take conversations, meetings and collaborations into a virtual world. It aspires to use globally interconnected virtual and augmented reality environments to achieve this on a massive scale.
At present, this future might sound far-fetched to be implemented for B2B shows, especially where tactile engagement is key to close deals. However, it’s recommended that organisers start preparing the groundwork in case the need for a transition arises.
Face-to-face meetings will remain crucial to building trust, but there’s no denying the possibility of a massive metaverse disruption to the events industry down the road. There are most probably going to be two main types of metaverse experiences: an augmented showfloor experience and a remote virtual attendance.
**Augmented reality on the show floor**
The first of these options would allow you to move around an exhibition using technology like a headset to see how products might interact with an individual or space. This could be a catwalk at a fashion show, or experiencing products in a new way at an engineering show.
**Remote virtual experiences**
The second is a more immersive route which allows attendees and exhibitors to take part in a show experience from afar. Similar to the virtual events of 2020-21 what this loses in face-to-face interactions, it can make up for in convenience – attracting global audiences and [sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/).
# **How far away is a tradeshow metaverse?**
**Some parts of metaverse are already here. But the full extent of this digital future is still some time away.**
Our industry is strongly linked with consumer behaviour. There are many predictions that audience engagement opportunities in this new world are going to grow strongly.
[Gartner research](https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-02-07-gartner-predicts-25-percent-of-people-will-spend-at-least-one-hour-per-day-in-the-metaverse-by-2026) estimates that 25% of people will spend at least an hour every day in the metaverse by 2026 – whether for work, shopping, education, socialising or entertainment.
The rise of digital currencies and emerging tech like nonfungible tokens – known as NFTs – will further augment this new virtual economy, the report claims.
Marty Resnick, research vice president, said: “Vendors are already building ways for users to replicate their lives in digital worlds. From attending virtual classrooms to buying digital land and constructing virtual homes, these activities are currently being conducted in separate environments.
“Eventually, they will take place in a single environment – the metaverse – with multiple destinations across technologies and experiences.”
According to Resnick, enterprises could improve and enrich their audience engagement models by “moving from a digital business to a metaverse business”.
He added: “By 2026, 30% of the organisations in the world will have products and services ready for metaverse.”
**Applications of the metaverse are already being used by exhibitors such as SK Telecom’s 4D Metaverse ride at Mobile World Congress 2022.**
Further [estimates from Bloomberg](https://www.bloomberg.com/professional/blog/metaverses-80-billion-etf-assets-by-2024-virtually-a-reality/) forecast the metaverse to reach $800 billion in value by 2024. Meanwhile, [Statista data](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/chart-of-the-week-metaverse-consumer-spending-to-almost-triple/) has projected consumer spending on this virtual shared space to almost triple by 2023.
Adoption of virtual reality in the mass market seems to be around 2024. It is through the adoption of the technology which enables a user to access the metaverse which is likely to be the real driving force for it being used as a feature in our industry.
Adam Parry, editor of EIN, said: “I think much of what we’ll see in the events industry will be driven by the attendees acquiring the technology, acquiring the appetite to actually engage in events that way. It’ll be interesting to see how tradeshows can or fix that into part of their event formats.
“We’ve got a long way to go. I’m really excited that we get to talk about this now because maybe we will look back in 10 years and some of the things we talk about today will be spot on and other things we might be totally off the radar.”
Another important element to the metaverse becoming a useful tool for event organisers is how those platforms all come together. The idea is it needs to be a seamless experience for the attendee and exhibitor to enter into.
Nick predicts in around five years time we will see much better cross-platform networking which will allow for different “identities” to be tracked across this digital reality.
He said: “We’re trading in a 2D view of the world, that is the internet as we know it. That turns into a 3D world that we can actually live inside and talk to people inside.
“A lot of the technology is there, but at the minute the price is high, which is when we’re looking at trade shows and events and exhibitions you’re not necessarily seeing a huge amount of adoption – 2D is a primary format because that is what people can do because that’s what is affordable.”
“If we skip forwards five years from now, what are we likely going to see? We’re going to see increasingly networked platforms.
“Right now it’s a bit of a wild west with virtual and hybrid events. You’ve got a lot of different platforms built by different people in-house. We’re going to see all of those start to become more and more integrated and start to build this metaverse concept.”
# **Making money in the metaverse**
**The role of a tradeshow is to return good value for all participants – whether it be in a physical or digital space.**
Research from ExpoPlatform shows that digital platforms generate 20 times more data available to an organiser than there was at the start of 2020.
That’s down to the digital transformation our industry has already witnessed, with tech tools becoming more and more of an expectation than a nice extra.
It is clear the amount of information you can gather will grow even further in a world where a person is acting out in the metaverse. This will allow for artificial intelligence to develop much better matchmaking, personalisation of content as well as targeted advertising.
Having more data allows you to much better train algorithms to carry out these tasks, something our industry has struggled with so far. The opportunities for collecting more information through the metaverse are “enormous”.
Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO of H2K Partners, said: “Why are you going to this event whether it’s virtual or not – and how are you enabling this buyer-seller journey to be effective, worthwhile and meaningful for both sides?
“That has a lot to do with the engagement you’re providing, how you’re doing the matching, how all of the data is driving it. If the metaverse is part of that, the amount of information you could capture with this strategy is enormous.”
The important thing to remember is that the metaverse should add value to your live shows. It is why Smart Events have become the favoured format of leading organisers moving forward – it is a format which uses technology to make in-person productions better.
Narisa Wild, SVP digital solutions at Informa, highlighted how monetisation opportunities can be created ahead of the show where you can attend the venue in the metaverse to work out what you actually want to see.
She said: “As a representative of Informa, I can’t endorse moving away from live events. However, what I can endorse is the ability to create opportunities before we get there.
“Now, I could actually spend the time going into those booths and experiencing those products before the event – pulling those products samples, doing the work that I would do.
“Then I would have a much richer view and the data that we’re collecting about me and the activities I’m doing would be much richer.”
Nick added: “We’re going to start working out where we’re able to monetise, because in the tradeshow world we’re selling space – we’re filling this physical real estate.
“So how do you apply a comparable value to virtual real estate which is in theory limitless? Well, you can look at the cryptocurrency market to show how a virtual asset can be monetised and it’s all a matter of controlling supply and demand. If there’s a limited supply of something, then that’s where you get value.
“We’ll have all these platforms together, being able to track those identities across platforms. We’re going to know so much better what our what our attendees are doing, what they’re thinking, how to target them, how to talk to them and what they’re interested in.”
That is why privacy and transparency will be two key issues for organisers to grapple with as we delve deeper into this format. It follows on from the debate about who should control this information – the platform of the planner – which culminated in a resounding industry response that the responsibility should be with organisers.
Event planners must now work out how they can create an environment where buyers and sellers can trust each to interact on big deals in a totally immersive digital metaverse.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “It’s extremely important. We are building a community and communities are about membership. We want to know who that member is. We are sharing knowledge and experiencing ideas, so having someone who is attending anonymously to be our choice, not a setting of the platform or of metaverse where this event happens.
“I am a strong believer in in-person events. When we are at an in-person event, we see this human being and we trust them. We want to know who we are communicating with. This is very important for the industry – to facilitate the identity, privacy and unique identity for every user at the B2B event.”
# **A threat from Big Tech?**
**If you listened to the Big Tech giants, there should be nothing to fear from them pushing the metaverse on the events industry.**
In fact, a Meta leader told ExpoPlatform their role is just to build this futuristic digital reality which can allow organisers to “thrive and make money”.
Andy Mihalop, vertical marketing lead EMEA, told ExpoPlatform how the company formerly known as Facebook is concentrating on building a virtual and augmented reality platform which can help businesses make money.
Concerns have previously been raised that Big Tech players such as Meta could be moving into space occupied by traditional event organisers, with social media giants such as LinkedIn already showing an interest.
Andy said: “I don’t think it’s our core business. Our core business is really to build the hardware, to build products and platforms to enable you to thrive and make money through the metaverse.
“It’s a completely new world and I think it’s the next wave of tech. It is going to come and if you’re working in the event space as an exhibition organiser, you need to be aware of how that technology is going to evolve and how quickly you can start to think about making that shift.
“The biggest opportunity at the moment is just understanding how the hardware works – what virtual reality actually is. You’ve almost got to try it to start to understand the potential.
“That’s the place to start – get yourself a set of Oculus, experiment with it, see what virtual reality actually feels like – because it’s pretty amazing.”
Oculus is Meta’s virtual reality headset which allows users to enter the metaverse. One of the barriers to opening up this new world to consumers and businesses is the cost of the technology, however it is suggested that prices could drop as the market grows.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Will the metaverse transform tradeshows? The Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20220328/)
**Published:** March 28, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
This edition of the Week in Events showcases a special session focusing on the metaverse and tradeshows. This event was held by ExpoPlatform and EIN to provide some expert insight into how this futuristic world might impact our industry. We also take a look at how some nations are benefitting from relaxed travel rules, as well as a return to form for US exhibitions. Here’s everything we’ll cover:
- **How will the metaverse transform tradeshows?**
- **US B2B exhibitions see significant bounceback**
- **Singapore travel rules removed as confidence grows**
- **Eventprofs’ views sought on UK reinsurance scheme**
- **Boost for business Down Under as borders relaxed**
# **How will the metaverse transform tradeshows?**
**It’s the buzzword of business, tech and retail – but was does the metaverse mean for tradeshows?**
That’s been the question on the lips of many eventprofs ever since Facebook rebranded itself as Meta, with a $10 billion investment to go with it.
ExpoPlatform joined forces with EIN to answer that very question. In short, it seems this digital reality will be an extension of the [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) format we see emerging now.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform CGO, said: “We’re starting to see how Metaverse only events could start to take over from virtual events. I think that transition seems like a relatively straightforward one.
“Next, we’ve got metaverse-enabled Smart Events. Taking that Smart Event platform and starting to add in Metaverse tools and technologies, augmenting that product set with different elements of the metaverse.
“We should be expecting a relatively slow adoption based on having organisers having the right product offering, the demographic shift of people who’ve grown up on those virtual virtual worlds entering the workplace and of course the mass adoption of the technology itself.”
Adam Parry, editor or EIN, added: “I think much of what we’ll see in the events industry will be driven by the attendees acquiring the technology, acquiring the appetite to actually engage in events that way. It’ll be interesting to see how tradeshows can or fix that into part of their event formats.”
**Download our [Smart Event checklist](https://bit.ly/35aoF0o) to make sure you have the right live show tech.**
Face-to-face meetings will remain crucial to building trust, but there’s no denying the possibility of a massive metaverse disruption to the events industry down the road. There are most probably going to be two main types of metaverse experiences: an augmented showfloor experience and a remote virtual attendance.
The first of these options would allow you to move around an exhibition using technology like a headset to see how products might interact with an individual or space. The second is a more immersive route which allows attendees and exhibitors to take part in a show experience from afar.
**[Watch](https://expoplatform.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dc91a1de0bf9297c698a22a67&id=dbcd1e74a0&e=ed441d8355) the full session on demand now for more insights from our expert panel:**
- **Nick Rosier, digital director at 2Heads**
- **Tanya Pinchuk , CEO of ExpoPlatform**
- **Adam Parry, co-founder and editor EIN**
- **Luke Bilton, CGO at ExpoPlatform**
- **Narisa Wild, SVP digital solutions at Informa**
- **Heather Holst-Knudsen, CEO of H2K Partners**
# **US B2B exhibitions see significant bounceback**
**The US B2B exhibition industry saw a “significant” bounceback in the final quarter of 2021 with a major drop in cancellations.**
Figures from the latest Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) report shows the rate of events been called off dropped to 12.5% from 91.3% in the first quarter, 66.2% in the second quarter and 20.6% in the third quarter of 2021.
Despite this, the sector still remains below 2019 levels for its overall performance, registering a decline of 45.3% compared with the pre-pandemic results. This improvement still has given eventprofs a boost in confidence – but fears have not completely disapperead.
CEO Cathy Breden said: “With more vaccine mandates and safety measures implemented at large gatherings – and with a majority of the population vaccinated – the recovery of B2B exhibitions should continue in 2022, unless a new variant causes a severe fifth wave of Covid-19 infections.”
The US economy has been growing since May 2020, with a sharp rebound in the third quarter of 2020 and a continued recovery through the fourth quarter of 2021. Real GDP in Q4 2021 exceeded its peak in the fourth quarter of 2019 by 3.2%.
# **Singapore travel rules removed as confidence grows**
**Singapore’s restrictions are to return to almost pre-pandemic levels as the country continues to capitalise on growing event industry interest.**
Testing and quarantine requirements for travellers will be streamlined under a new simplified Vaccinated Travel Framework, while most restrictions for fully vaccinated visitors entering the country will also be lifted.
This will provide another boost to Singapore’s events industry which has already managed to poach major shows from Hong Kong, which has some of the toughest border rules in the world.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: “I thank everyone for your collective effort, especially businesses and essential workers who kept our economy going and healthcare workers who have made great sacrifices at heavy personal cost.
“Do resume more normal lives, gather in larger groups with family and friends, go outdoors without masks, or reunite with loved ones abroad. But please also continue to exercise personal responsibility, test yourself if unwell, and self-isolate if you test positive.
“We are not at the finishing line yet, but we are getting closer. Let’s get through this pandemic as one united people.”
Informa Markets has moved Jewellery & Gem WORLD (JGW) from Hong Kong for a “special edition” in Singapore this year, with relaxed borders cited as one of the reasons for the decision.
Cosmoprof Asia will be also held in Singapore instead of Hong Kong, as it would make the experience “more convenient” for exhibitors and visitors who want to attend in November.
# **Eventprofs’ views sought on UK reinsurance scheme**
**The UK Government is asking eventprofs for their views on a reinsurance scheme which was launched late in the pandemic.**
Ministers introduced the £750 million initiative in September and are now seeking out feedback on its effectiveness.
It has been criticised for its limited scope – only providing cover for events cancelled due to government mandated lockdown or local authority bylaw – as well for its timeliness.
A Department for Culture Media and Sport spokesman said: “In September 2021, the Government launched the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme to support live events across the country — such as music festivals, conferences and business events — that are at risk of being halted or delayed due to an inability to obtain Covid-19 cancellation insurance.
“Cover through the scheme is available to purchase alongside standard commercial events insurance for an additional premium.
“We committed to a review point for the scheme in spring 2022, as part of our ongoing efforts to make sure the scheme achieves its objectives to support live events following the impacts of Covid-19.
“We are gathering views on the scheme from the live events sector to help inform this review. The purpose of this survey is to gather views from organisations and individuals in the live events sector on key issues relating to the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme.”
The survey asks about how business turnovers were hit during the pandemic and what other insurance they hold, however it doesn’t specifically ask whether they took out policies under the Live Events Reinsurance Scheme.
# **Boost for business Down Under as borders relaxed**
**Australia’s federal government has given business a boost after announcing coronavirus-related travel restrictions would be lifted.**
The decision to remove pre-departure testing for international arrivals from April 17, having previously had some of the toughest rules globally.
Melissa Elf, general manager of global corporate travel management brand FCM Australia, welcomed the move and called for firms to return to the air for business.
She said: “The removal of pre-departure tests for international arrivals is the last major step in Australia truly reopening to the world for corporate travel – big businesses now have the confidence to book and fly without the fear of last minute cancellations.
“We’ve already seen small-to-medium-sized enterprises roaring back to recruitment, events, and trade since domestic borders reopened as they recognise this is their window of opportunity to make big leaps forward – now is the time for big business to do the same.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Event tech market set to double over five years](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/chart-of-week-20220311/)
**Published:** March 11, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**The global event management software market is set to double in around five years, according to a new report .**
Our latest Chart of the Week highlights [ReportLinker](https://www.reportlinker.com/p05561780/Event-Management-Software-Market-by-Component-Software-Service-Deployment-Type-Organization-Size-End-User-And-Region-Global-Forecast-to.html?utm_source=GNW) research which shows that the market size is projected to increase from $7 billion to $14.1bn at a CAGR of 14.9% between 2021 and 2026.
Segment-wise, services are expected to record strong growth in the period. This is due to the rising demand for professional services needed for deployment, integration and maintenance of the software.
The event tech market is projected to double in around five years. Our weekly chart analyses this stat and how it would affect future event strategies.
The cloud segment is also anticipated to rapidly grow on demand for flexible, scalable event management solutions using cloud-deployed connectivity. Participants profiled in the report include event management software vendors from across the globe.
The region split was: North America – 38%, Europe – 26%, Asia Pacific – 18%, Middle East and Africa – 10% and Latin America – 8%.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Companies were using event software to host conferences, exhibitions and trade shows even before Covid-19. But many still depended on manual processes to get by.
The ensuing digital transformation changed the industry landscape. Tech-based solutions became commonplace – whether you were organising purely virtual events or implementing hybrid show strategies.
With the return of in-person events, most organisers have permanently shifted to online event management platforms to run live shows. New and existing vendors are also bringing innovative solutions to address audience demands for richer and more connected experiences.
It means the event management software industry is growing at a rapid pace. This trend is expected to continue in the future as businesses look for ways to create tech-enhanced shows.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
The ROI of face-to-face events is undeniable. People are keen to meet each other again in person but also want the experience to be more valuable than before.
The experiment with online tools and technology to improve interactions, networking, content sharing and lead generation has been a remarkable success. Attendees, exhibitors and sponsors want digitally-infused tangible event journeys and touch points that will provide them the best of both worlds.
These [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) are quickly becoming the template for future shows to drive ROI and revenue for businesses. It’s imperative for organisers to reshape their strategies to prepare for Smart Events.
The first step is to understand what smart shows are all about –[ **read our complete guide**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) to get started. It’s also crucial to be aware of the Smart Event tools that can enhance the live experience. [Download our checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/smart-event-tech-checklist/) and get a quick overview.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Industry 'bouncing back globally' - The Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/industry-bouncing-back-globally-the-week-in-events/)
**Published:** February 21, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This edition highlights an expert UFI panel’s claims that our industry is bouncing back “strongly and globally”. We’ve got findings from health officials that an NYC anime convention was not a superspreader event – after fears had been raised about Omicron last year. There’s also results from a survey which reveal almost 70% of industry professionals have year-round community engagement as a priority.**
**Here’s everything you’ll find this week:**
- Events industry ‘bouncing back globally’ UFI panel
- NYC anime convention ‘not superspreader’ – report
- Top 10 event tech tools for 2022 revealed
- Communities priority for almost 70% of eventprofs
- New exhibitions framework for market conditions
# **Events industry ‘bouncing back globally’ – UFI panel**
**The “sun is coming up” on the events industry as it starts to “bounce back strongly and globally” from the pandemic, according to an UFI panel.**
UFI Connects’ latest session focused on how businesses in our sector are recovering and drew an international audience to hear top insights.
CEO of the organisation Kai Hattendorf, ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath and Sven Bossu, CEO of AIPC, were the three industry chiefs heading up the discussion.
Although there were still some concerns raised about uncertainty moving forward, the mood of participants about the future was positive.
Kai said: “The message the industry is sending is a very clear and very positive one. We’re no longer talking about the light at the end of the tunnel, the light that we see is actually the sunset.
“The sun is coming up, the industry is getting back to business. There will be challenges around that, but the industry will bounce back and will bounce back strongly and globally.”
One of the main things which was said to be driving this confidence was the reopening of borders around the globe.
This is partly because the removal of restrictions provides a greater degree of certainty of travel for business making travel decisions to join a show.
Sven also said “authorities” had a better idea of how to handle further outbreaks so that can give organisers greater confidence.
However, he did raise concerns about that large-scale shows could be impacted by how corporations have seen their costs cut.
He added: “Corporates stepped out of big organised meetings over the last two years. They saw a drastic cost-saving, they saw a drastic cut in travel etc. Will corporates actually start to reinvest back into big events?”
One of the key trends which was predicted was a move towards more regional events, which Kai described as the “end of globalisation”.
More and more shows are likely to have a more regional focus, with some leaders having suggested “copycat” shows could be shown in different markets.
This is fuelled by a drive to reduce our industry’s impact on the environment as well as provide greater security against travel restrictions.
More importance will also be placed on year-round engagement as audiences have come to expect it more.
Senthil highlighted how the quality of content has really been elevated over the last 24 months and this is something that will have to continue.
He said: “What we discovered in the last two years is community engagement is here to stay, I think we have all really learned how important it is.”
# **NYC anime convention ‘not superspreader’ – report**
**A major anime convention in New York City was not a superspreader event, according to a new report.**
Fears had been raised the 53,000-delegate show had contributed to an Omicron outbreak after an attendee was the first known US person to be identified with the variant.
However, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study has revealed that “evidence of widespread transmission during the event was not identified” and any transmission had been among “social circles”.
The event was held in November last year in a venue equipped with high-quality filtration, with attendees required to wear a mask indoors and have at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine.
An Omicron case was then identified in an attendee by the Minnesota Department of Health about two weeks later.
CDC health officials [tracked down](https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7107a4.htm?s_cid=mm7107a4_w "https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7107a4.htm?s_cid=mm7107a4_w") coronavirus test results for 4,560 of the Anime NYC convention’s attendees and found just 119 came back positive.
The report said: “Findings from this survey and a related cluster investigation of a portion of attendees suggest transmission occurred primarily among social circles and during indoor unmasked activities during the event rather than at official event activities.
“These findings reinforce the importance of implementing multiple, simultaneous prevention measures.”
# **Top 10 event tech tools for 2022 revealed**
**The top 10 industry tech tools for 2022 have been revealed as the drive towards [Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) continues.**
International Confex announced its ranking of the best solutions on the market to drive digital revenue and engagement.
ExpoPlatform and Crowd Connected were among those in the top 10, as audiences and exhibitors expect more technology enhancements at their in-person experiences.
> Announcing the Top 10 Event Tech Tools of 2022! [@VirtualExpo247](https://twitter.com/VirtualExpo247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@FFAIR\_UK](https://twitter.com/FFAIR_UK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@ExpoPlatform\_](https://twitter.com/ExpoPlatform_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@crowdconnected](https://twitter.com/crowdconnected?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@LTBePosters](https://twitter.com/LTBePosters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@VIIEvents](https://twitter.com/VIIEvents?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Virtuworx\_io](https://twitter.com/Virtuworx_io?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) konduko [@nfssoftware](https://twitter.com/nfssoftware?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Glisser](https://twitter.com/Glisser?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventtech](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventtech?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventtechnology](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventtechnology?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#seeyouatconfex](https://twitter.com/hashtag/seeyouatconfex?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — International Confex (@IntlConfex) [February 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/IntlConfex/status/1494290253506658309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-defined/) format is an in-person show that uses digital tools to increase the value of the experience for all participants.
A major element of this development will be through data-driven insights which can be gathered and utilised through mobile apps.
Release of the report comes ahead of Confex’s gathering in London next month.
# **Communities priority for almost 70% of eventprofs**
**More than two-thirds of industry professionals have communities as one of their key priorities this year, according to a new poll.**
The [EventMB survey](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/trends-for-event-professionals-2022) explored how our industry has learned lessons from the pandemic and what that means moving forward. It highlighted 11 trends for 2022 with plans for communities being a key component for event platforms.
Respondents were asked whether they had tried to keep attendees engaged with this format. Just over 40% indicated they already had thriving communities or were beginning to build them, while a further 29% said they had plans to build them.
**Read our complete guide to building an** [**effective community engagement strategy here**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/).
Adopting a 365 community-based approach is a crucial step in accelerating digital engagement and building a resilient event strategy. Creating always-online content is quite different from planning activities for a one-off live or virtual event.
It has to be a constant engagement process with numerous low-stake interactions as well as high-value experiences that drive networking and business conversations.
To create a year-round, online community engagement strategy, it is recommended to set up a content hub. This is where members can read, discuss and interact with all the updates and resources being shared.
# **New exhibitions framework for market conditions**
**A new strategic model for successful trade shows has been released by a major consultancy firm to help eventprofs adapt to new market conditions.**
AMR International’s [Exhibitions 3.0](https://amrinternational.com/white-paper/exhibitions-3-0/) builds on previous white papers s to show organisers how to secure longevity for their brands through improved customer relationships.
The framework includes advice for honing a future vision combined with new metrics and measures of customer success linked to it.
It comes amid a “digital transformation” of our industry which has seen the wealth of event data available to organisers explode. ExpoPlatform estimates there is now 20 times more of this information than in 2020.
However, AMR said its report goes beyond focussing on how new technology has become available. The study is about using data, technology and insight to “generate valuable connections across both physical and online channels”.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Chart of the week: Audiences want year-round content](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/chart-of-week-20220218/)
**Published:** February 18, 2022
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Exhibitors and attendees are keen for more year-round educational content and engagement opportunities, a new survey reveals.**
Research from Emerald’s [B2B Events Industry Outlook 2022](https://www.emeraldx.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/B2BEventsIndustryOutlook2022.pdf) shows that 55% of exhibitors surveyed were eager for more meetups and networking opportunities.
Another 47% preferred webinars while 46% of those polled wanted in-person roundtables and forums.
A similar sentiment was echoed by the surveyed attendees – 62% were keen to attend more webinars and 54% showed interest in meetups and networking.
Almost half the respondents wanted online roundtables and forums while 46% indicated a preference to have the same face-to-face.
The report surveyed more than 1,000 event organisers, vendors and attendees in the US and Canada to analyse the trends influencing and shaping the future of B2B events.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Digital transformation has shaken up things in the events industry. Traditional formats have evolved, technology has become dominant and audiences’ expectations have shifted dramatically.
Attendees and exhibitors today expect more value from the shows they attend, especially in the form of digital experiences.
A conventional three-day meeting model no longer cuts ice – your audience demands immersive, personalised and year-round accessibility and networking options.
That means an exhibitor or attendee should be able to connect with each other any time of the year to keep the conversations going and conduct business deals.
Moreover, it’s also important to stay abreast of industry trends and explore the latest products and insights through content-driven initiatives like webinars, podcasts, meetups and more.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Social media channels like LinkedIn have long been used as platforms to connect like-minded professionals. However, their utility is severely limited by the lack of functions.
The solution to create year-round connections for a niche group of buyers lies in the form of 365 community platforms.
Such a specialised platform is equipped with tools and functions like content hub, AI matchmaking and sponsorship features.
These help you build an all-in-one educational, networking and lead generation platform – accessible anytime and anywhere.
You can publish and share digital content, host webinars and podcasts, promote upcoming events and do a lot more.
This creates an engaged community of members that can be nurtured into potential leads, driving exhibitor ROI.
You can also help interested buyers explore the latest products and conduct transactions through an online marketplace.
**[Download our Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)** to learn how you can set up one easily. Interested in learning more about 365 communities? [**Check out how ExpoPlatform can help**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [Exhibition models 'must adapt or risk irrelevance'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/ett-club-20220215/)
**Published:** February 15, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Exhibition models must “fundamentally” adapt to a changing environment and broader audience or else risk becoming “irrelevant”, according to an expert panel.**
Three event industry leaders took part in the latest [ETT-Club](https://www.exhibitionthinktank.com/) session focusing on what needs to change in trade show strategy moving forward.
Topics included discussions about event technology, the need to attract wider audiences and struggles with recruiting a new generation of professionals with a digital skillset.
Jake Austin, strategy consultant at Austin Media Consulting, highlighted how the demographics of exhibition participants are changing – and planners who fail to adapt risk being left behind .
He said: “The view of the Millennial is different in how they want to work and Covid-19 has had an accelerating impact on a number of the trends that existed pre-Covid.
“The model fundamentally needs to take into account the changing environment to kind of cater to a broader audience. If we don’t do that, then there’s a risk of our core products becoming irrelevant.”
More than half of the global workforce will be Gen Z or Millennials by 2025 before rising to around three-quarters by 2030, according to ExpoPlatform analysis of UN population projections. These age groups have an affinity for technology which has already reshaped the retail industry.
Product information, reviews and price comparisons are at their fingertips through smartphones or tablets which has seen them turning to brands that offer the most convenience at the lowest cost.
Personalisation and a seamless buying experience is now customary in all of our private lives – the same is expected in the professional arena.
# **365 Communities and Smart Event technology**
Gaurav Juneja, director at MEX Exhibitions, told how exhibitors now demand year-round engagement with their audience as well as [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) technology to improve the performance of in-person shows.
He said: “Now we have to give a client a 360-degree solution. It’s not only selling a standard three-day or four-day exhibition, we have to give them all year round activity.
“We have to adopt new technologies, we have to focus on customer behaviour. We’ve seen in the shows that we’ve done in last six months that operationally a lot of things have changed.
“We’re getting more authentic and correct data of visitors now and we can use that data in terms of the AI and business matching. With these things we can easily come up with new strategies to compliment our exhibitors.
“I have seen a lot of shows where visitor footfall was very good and we have seen more serious and genuine buyers.”
A Smart Event is an in-person event that uses digital technology to increase the value of the experience for all participants, with previous research from ETT Club and ExpoPlatform revealing round 40% of exhibitions will be held in this format in 2022.
Findings from a survey of the organisation’s members show 65% rate [**365 community engagement**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) as being in their top two tiers of importance, with the vast majority saying this would be down to news and editorial content.
# **Challenges with recruitment**
Paul Woodward, chairman of Paul Woodward Advisory, told how chief organisers are “terrified” of having to take on the challenges associated with this digital transformation.
This was down to how most industry professionals have a background in traditional sales stands, while it has also proved difficult to recruit talent with this technical knowledge.
He said: “Getting the right people with the right skillsets is absolutely critical – and probably the biggest challenge that every CEO in the industry I talked to is telling me about.”
However, he added that the level to which a change from the traditional model would need to be would depends on the type of exhibition taking place.
Smaller scaled shows would not have such a high demand for a rethink of strategy, but he did raise a question about what customers would be expecting having gone without the in-person experience for so long.
Hong Kong was used as an extreme example as the special administrative region has had to adapt to alternative options for more than two years.
Paul said: “We’re into a third year of events not having taken place, so all of those big consumer sourcing fairs that used to happen in Hong Kong they’re into a third year now.
“They must have been exploring and using alternative ways to develop new business and I wonder how well we understand the alternatives that our customers have been exploring.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Confidence boost as restrictions ease: The Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20220214/)
**Published:** February 14, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**This edition highlights how the UK has been declared “open for business” as travel restrictions were eased and confidence returns. We’ve also got some top takeaways from the AEO Forums 2022. Meanwhile, Informa has seen its shares rise 7% after doing a deal for its Pharma Intelligence business, while a German travel trade show has gone on tour after a “rethink” of event concepts.**
**Here’s everything you’ll find this week:**
- Informa sees shares rise after pharma intel deal
- UK confidence back to pre-Covid levels as restrictions lifted
- ExpoPlatform announces partnership to drive **[Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)**
- German travel trade show ‘rethinks concepts’ as it goes on tour
- Eventprofs must tackle climate change together – report
# **Informa sees shares rise after pharma intel deal**
**The world’s largest organiser has seen its shares rise after agreeing to sell its Pharma Intelligence business.**
Informa PLC has [done a deal](https://www.informa.com/globalassets/documents/investor-relations/2022/informa-plc---divestment-of-pharma-intelligence-for-1.9bn.pdf?_t_tags=language:en,siteid:c65bbe3e-31a7-4fc3-aa2f-886eff6e6700&_t_hit.id=Informa_Domain_Models_Pages_NewsArticlePage/_470a666f-b72d-4fc4-93e6-fbb66b2afaae_en&_t_hit.pos=1) with New York-based investment fund Warburg Pincus worth £1.9 billion.
Share prices rose 7% after the announcement on Thursday with the businesses having drawn “significant” interest over the last few months.
Stephen A. Carter, group chief executive, said: “Since announcing the intention to divest our Informa Intelligence portfolio, we have received significant interest in its high-performing brand portfolio, leading to today’s binding agreement for Pharma Intelligence, which reflects the quality and value created in this business, as well as its significant future potential.”
Pharma Intelligence – which provides data on clinical trials, drug treatments and medical devices – made up about 40% of Informa’s Intelligence unit in 2020.
This part of the division also reported revenues of £305 million and around 50% of reported divisional adjusted operating profit of £103m.
Informa’s deal with Warburg is expected to be completed by June, while the group has separately announced it will also start a share buyback.
# **UK confidence back to pre-Covid levels as restrictions lifted**
**The UK has been declared “open for business” as confidence returns to pre-pandemic levels for the first time after travel restrictions were eased.**
Passengers arriving in the UK no longer need to show proof of a negative test as long as they are fully vaccinated, removing a great deal of uncertainty for our industry.
New [figures from UKInbound](https://www.ukinbound.org/uncategorised/confidence-returns-to-pre-pandemic-levels/) released after the measures were lifted show business confidence has returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time.
> Today we are lifting the remaining testing requirements for fully vaccinated travellers entering the UK.
>
> Britain is open for business.
>
> Thank you to the millions of people who have come forward for their jabs and made this step possible. [pic.twitter.com/VJBGcYXyCb](https://t.co/VJBGcYXyCb)
>
> — UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) [February 11, 2022](https://twitter.com/10DowningStreet/status/1492083504464728086?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK has eased international travel measures for COVID-19 and now has one of the most free-flowing borders in the world – sending a clear message that we are open for business.
“As our travel sector rapidly recovers, and we accelerate towards a future where we want travel to remain open for good, these rule changes coming ahead of half term are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the restrictions would be eased in England last month, before coming into effect on Friday. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also removed the measures on this date – but travellers to all nations must still fill out a passenger locator form.
UKInbound’s Q1 Business Barometer Member Survey shows that 56% of inbound tourism businesses are confident about bookings, visitor revenue and customer orders for the next 12 months. The association said this figure has not been recorded since July 2019.
Joss Croft, CEO of UKinbound, said: “After a two-year hiatus it’s fantastic that business confidence is finally returning, and that the UK is now open for business.
“Our members are eager to welcome back international visitors with open arms and start trading their way to recovery, but we can’t let confidence levels mask reality – 2022 is going to be tough.”
Meanwhile, France, Portugal and Greece have also updated entry requirements for fully vaccinated travellers. The changes mean these people heading to Portugal and Greece no longer need to provide a negative test to enter. France has said it will drop the measures in the near future.
# **German travel trade show ‘rethinks concepts’ as it goes on tour**
**A major German travel trade show has launched a foreign tour for the first time as it works to “rethink concepts”.**
ITB Berlin has announced it will host three event formats as part of its 2022 schedule, which includes networking opportunities abroad.
The virtual ITB Berlin Convention will take place from 8 to 10 March as well as the Digital Business Day on 17 March.
Two live in-person events will also be held in other European countries for the first time as they launch a new series of exclusive live B2B networking events.
David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, said: “If there is one thing that is good about the pandemic, it is that we can completely rethink concepts.
“In addition to the virtual formats of the convention and Digital Business Day, it was important for us to satisfy the urgent need for face-to-face meetings by offering fascinating networking events.
“These events give us an opportunity to spread out services over the course of the year and bring some 200 senior decision-makers together with relevant providers in selected markets. This is a first and we are already looking forward to it.”
The exact dates and locations of the B2B networking event series will be announced soon.
# **Top takeaways from AEO Forums**
**The AEO Forums 2022 signalled a “reset” of the events industry as professionals gathered to share insights for the year ahead.**
Conversations focused on topics such as mental health support, sustainability and embracing flexibility to tackle recruitment challenges.
Anna Knight, vice president of the global licensing group at Informa Markets, gave us her top takeaways from the event.
She said: “Is it time to reset targets or are we going to go back to the time of quantity over quality? In the same way engagement trumps volume in the digital space, what’s the happy medium for in-person?
“Recruitment is harder than ever but it’s not just about the money. Any workplaces that think expecting employees to do 5 days a week in the office or that don’t fully embrace flexibility will struggle with recruitment and lose existing talent.
“Surprise surprise – everyone wants data driven marketers. My view is all marketers should be data-driven or at least data-curious.
“Mental health is a super important topic. Lots more people have found the balance now with balanced working so don’t screw it up by under-resourcing teams again.
“We should be getting to the stage where our clients are partners not suppliers or one-off transactions. How much do we know about our clients to truly drive a partner relationship?
“Marketing should be given a seat at the table in all decision making and hope to see more commercial leads coming through marketing.”
# **Eventprofs must attack climate challenge together – report**
**The events industry must rethink its relationship with climate change, according to a new report.**
BCD M&E’s new Sustainability Report for Meetings & Events shines a light on the impact shows and corporate travel has on the environment.
It also places a focus on how event profs can move together towards a more [sustainable future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/).
> Our 2022 Sustainability Guide for Meetings and Events, in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group and Liberty International Tourism Group, is here! Download your copy at: [\#BCDME](https://twitter.com/hashtag/BCDME?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#sustainability](https://twitter.com/hashtag/sustainability?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — BCD Meetings & Events (@bcdme) [February 9, 2022](https://twitter.com/bcdme/status/1491412410393055233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The report highlight five key areas of concern that have a “big opportunity” for change:
- **Events with many in-person attendees (100 or more), such as a congress or sales meeting**
- **Events with a high proportion of delegate travel (especially via air)**
- **Events with a tradeshow or exhibit hall component (which tends to produce high waste)**
- **Events that don’t require RSVPs or have a history of no-shows (potential for high food waste)**
- **Events that take place in venues, regions or countries that don’t prioritise sustainability**
Kathy Jackson, vice president, said: “As an organisation, we would be remiss not to acknowledge the impact that climate change is having on our planet and our industries’ role in that
impact.
“By working together with our industry partners, we can attack this complex challenge with intention, discipline and cautious optimism to build a better future for us all.”
# **EXTRA: ExpoPlatform announces partnership to drive Smart Events**
**Here’s a final extra from us – ExpoPlatform has entered into a strategic partnership with Crowd Connected to drive the exhibition industry’s Smart Event agenda.**
Our mobile apps will now be location-aware by harnessing the fellow UK-based technology provider’s best-in-class indoor positioning solutions – benefitting organisers, exhibitors and visitors as live shows return post-pandemic.
The integration of [Crowd Connected](https://bit.ly/3oxwqUQ)’s software into our offerings means ExpoPlatform now provides an enhanced suite of data-driven services, making our mobile app ever more valuable through the partner’s full toolset:
- **In-app blue-dot navigation and wayfinding, overlaid on an interactive floorplan**
- **Location based personalisation and recommendations**
- **Footfall-based exhibitor performance insight for every stand/booth at a show (via Crowd Connected’s Bluebird product)**
- **Real time data visualisations such as heatmaps**
- **Industry leading visitor behavioural analytics**
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO and co-founder of ExpoPlatform, said: “Our mission is to accelerate the digital transformation of the event industry through smart technology. Crowd Connected’s credentials meant they were the natural partner for us when it came to the location technology component of our platform.”
Mark Maydon, commercial director at Crowd Connected, added: “ExpoPlatform’s focus on helping organisers create more valuable live experiences is completely in tune with our own approach. We’re delighted to be working closely with their team to help organisers deliver smarter, data-driven in-person events.”
**Read the [full announcement here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/crowd-connected/).**
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Global events market to grow to $1,550bn by 2028 - Chart of the Week](https://expoplatform.com/blog/corporate-events/global-events-market-to-grow-to-1550bn-by-2028-chart-of-the-week/)
**Published:** February 4, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The global events market value will increase by more than a third to be worth more than $1,550 billion dollars by 2028, according to new research.**
Latest findings show the industry will grow by 37% from its 2019 when it generated $1,135.4bn.
These findings from [Allied Market Research](https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/events-industry-market.html) show it will be worth $1,552.9bn a decade since that valuation.
The figures include all events ranging from conferences to music concerts.
Aniket Kadam, senior research analyst, said: “Increase in popularity of such events among the global population, especially the youth and middle-aged individuals, which boost the growth of the events industry.
“Furthermore, such music concerts and events offer valuable opportunities for promoters and brands to align themselves with people attending concerts.”
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Corporate events and seminars segment garnered the maximum events industry share in 2019.
The research puts this down to a rise in number of companies and shows conducted by them.
This segment was the highest contributed $314.7bn to the industry in 2019, but is estimated to reach $454.6bn by 2028.
Meanwhile, the music concerts category is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR of 13.1% during the forecast period.
Europe was the highest revenue contributor in 2019 as it was extremely successful in winning conferences of international associations.
More than half of the top cities and countries across the continent were selected as destinations for international association conferences.
The region accounted for $419.0bn of the global market in 2019 and is estimated to reach $498.5bn by 2028.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
The digital revolution our industry has witnessed will play a key part in its growth over the coming years.
But if one thing is for certain, it looks like we’re going to be in for further uncertainty during that time.
To tackle this there will be a clear trend within the industry of like-minded partners coming together to navigate these times together.
Here are three areas that will develop:
- **Technology partnerships –** A digital transformation of our industry means we’re in a vastly different position to 2020. The last two years have seen event organisers leap into short-term pilots with a lot of new technology, but there is now an increasing maturity in the year ahead. Planners are considering features that will help to create a strong value proposition for their market, while also prioritising longer-term relationships with technology vendors. These partnerships will be built on a shared vision and an ability to adapt to meet market needs.
- **New business models –** including increased use of virtual and hybrid event technology and 365 community engagement – have created a far more information-rich environment which need to be utilised. Unlocking the power of this data can have a transformative effect on a company’s success – and that’s where leading organisers will focus their efforts.
- **Diversification –** Organisers will look to accelerate plans to diversify their business through mergers and acquisitions. We have already seen Hyve acquire omnichannel meetings programme organiser 121 Group, Tarsus has created a division to put event acquisitions alongside their new digital acquisition and Informa announced the next stage of their transition to [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/). This will be key for many leading companies.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Corporate Events
---
### ['Priority should be in-person shows' - The Week in Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220117/)
**Published:** January 17, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Your weekly event news roundup from ExpoPlatform – in-person shows are becoming increasingly attractive to planners, which is why an industry leader has said they should be a priority. Also, an update on anti-terror measures for UK venues, a new board announced for an industry representative body and more.*
## **Going forward ‘the priority should be in-person events’**
The head of the world’s largest technology exhibition has urged others in the event industry to follow their lead in holding in-person events moving forward.
Fears had been raised the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2022) in Las Vegas may be forced to cancel due to concerns about safety for attendees due to coronavirus.
Despite this the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) event managed to open in-person with full health protocols in place and has been described as a “phenomenal success”.
The show saw more than 2,300 exhibitors as well as around 45,000 industry executives, buyers and tech enthusiasts.
Now, CEO of CTA Gary Shapiro has urged other planners to see them as an example as to how live shows can be run as we struggle with uncertainty and restrictions.
> Well folks, as they say in the industry, that’s a wrap ?
>
> Thanks for joining us at [\#CES2022](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CES2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and we can’t wait to see you next year!
>
> Signing off, but not for long✌️[pic.twitter.com/nQzreAMeBx](https://t.co/nQzreAMeBx)
>
> — CES (@CES) [January 8, 2022](https://twitter.com/CES/status/1479628302704857094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He [wrote on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/going-forward-priority-should-in-person-events-gary-shapiro/): “After almost two years, our nation’s leaders, and increasingly leaders around the globe are adjusting to a new status quo that involves living with this virus.
“Ultimately, I am convinced we did the right thing in choosing to move forward with CES 2022 as an in-person event.
“Not only did we adopt leading healthcare measures, but we provided a critical platform for the thousands of companies – many of them small and medium sized businesses – who rely on CES.
“We also showed leadership, helping industry to define a ‘new normal’ as we learn to live with the virus.”
**Read our guide on how to make better [in-person Smart Events in 2022](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).**
His comments come after Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association, described the opening as [an example for other organisers to follow](https://www.ustravel.org/press/us-travel-ces-model-conducting-professional-events-2022).
The show had faced particular difficulties towards the end of last year when large companies announced plans to withdraw from the in-person component of CES.
Gary claims the organiser was then placed on huge pressure by commentators online to hold the exhibition entirely remotely.
But he said that the cancellations from traditional exhibitors also “created opportunities for small companies to shine”.
They were confident to go ahead due to the health measures they had put in place such as requiring all attendees to be vaccinated.
Despite these rules a number of attendees were reported to have tested positive for coronavirus.
However, Gary described these developments as not “surprising” given the rate of infections across the US.
## **The ‘year of meeting up’ as planners inclined towards in-person**
In-person show are becoming a much stronger focus for event organisers in the year ahead as 97% favour live, according to new research.
Findings from [etc.venues](https://www.etcvenues.com/blog) show that 28% of organisers have planned events only in this format for 2022.
This is higher than 20% who said in July 2021 they plan to host only in-person shows this year.
A total of 97% of event professionals are also said to be “increasingly inclined to meet in person”, according to the fourth biannual survey from the event venue provider.
Adam Simpson, director of marketing for etc.venues, said: “While virtual and hybrid are here to stay for the foreseeable future, the driving urge among event planners to return to live only events continues to grow as their appreciation of their value increases now that they have started to go back to them. We think 2022 will be the year of meeting up.”
The study found that 70% of organisers are eager to meet their colleagues face-to-face more often this year.
Moreover, 46% said they value the more interactive and engaging nature of in-person meetings and another 42% considered them an effective way to build relationships.
## **New board for Events Industry Council**
A new board has been announced for this year for a leading representative body in our sector.
The Events Industry Council revealed the new make up of the panel with Cathy Breden, chief operating officer at International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), now taking on the position of chairwoman.
She will now be tasked with helping the body create new research and products to support the sector in its recovery globally.
> The Events Industry Council has today announced its 2022 Board of Directors. Cathy Breden, CMP, CAE EVP and COO at [@IAEE\_HQ](https://twitter.com/IAEE_HQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and CEO of [@CEIR\_HQ](https://twitter.com/CEIR_HQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> has been elected as Chair of the board. A full list of elected board members can be found here – [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/BYY8uhMhs9](https://t.co/BYY8uhMhs9)
>
> — Events Industry Council (@Events\_Council) [January 13, 2022](https://twitter.com/Events_Council/status/1481678338037059589?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Cathy said: “Over the past year, I have seen first-hand how the guidance and information published by the EIC has benefited the global events sector in its recovery.
“I would personally like to thank the entire 2021 board, in particular Mark Cooper and Paul Van Deventer, for their dedication in what has been a tremendously challenging time for us all.”
She will be supported by incoming chair-elect Sherrif Karamat, president and chief executive officer at PCMA.
## **UK venues may need to enforce anti-terror measures**
Venues could have a legal duty to enforce security measures for terror attacks under UK Government plans.
An 18-week consultation for the so-called Protect Duty was updated last week.
It comes as a response to the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017, which saw 22 people killed as they left an Ariana Grande concert.
Ministers will seek to introduce the legislation to Parliament at the earliest opportunity, according to the Home Office.
There is currently no law forcing organisations or venues to consider security measures at the vast majority of public places.
A consultation launched in February 2021 [found that seven in 10 of the 2,755 respondents](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/protect-duty/outcome/government-response-document) agreed those responsible for publicly accessible locations should have measures to protect the public from attacks.
## First venue on island of Ireland to achieve top green certificate
A meetings venue has become the first on the island of Ireland to receive a top accolade for [sustainability](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/).
The International Convention Centre (ICC) Belfast, together with sister entertainment venue, Waterfront Hall, has been awarded the Green Meetings Silver Award.
It means it has become the first meetings and events venue on the island of Ireland to receive the accolade.
Julia Corkey, ICC Belfast chief executive, said: “We are delighted to be the first venue on the island of Ireland to be awarded the Green Meetings Silver Award. This is a significant achievement for the venue, particularly as we welcome events back to Belfast and Northern Ireland.”
The Green Meetings accreditation, launched by Green Tourism in 2021, was designed specifically for meetings and events venues.
It provides the opportunity to demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to sustainability and highlight the high environmental standards in place.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [The Week in Events: Machinery buyers geared up for digital future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/week-in-events-20220110/)
**Published:** January 10, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Your weekly event news roundup from ExpoPlatform – Machinery buyers are harvesting the power of digital according to new research, Emerald X takes over the world’s largest cannabis industry trade show and the opening of CES 2022 is hailed as an event planner’s guide to beating omicron.*
## **Heavy machinery buyers harvest power of digital**
Buyers of heavy machinery are harvesting the power of digital as remote and ecommerce are the preferred choice of around half, according to a new study.
Exclusive research from ExpoPlatform and LECTURA reveals a surge towards digital sales opportunities across a range of related industries.
Findings show ecommerce transactions have increased in popularity for sectors such as material handling and transportation, although less so in agriculture and construction.
The survey of 25,000 buyers reveals nearly half of material handling and transport machinery buyers were interested in buying through [ecommerce](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/).
Construction and agriculture buyers preferred face-to-face interactions, but one-third still rate digital as their preferred channel to do business.
While in-person interactions remain popular, the convenience of digital self-service ecommerce and remote contact with sales teams have now taken the lead.
More than two-thirds (67%) of materials handling buyers preferred to purchase heavy machinery through digital channels, the survey shows.
This is 62% for the transport sector, 56% for construction and 46% for agriculture.
The findings also show high levels of spending has moved online for industries such as construction, agriculture, materials handling and transportation.
More than half of the respondents would spend up to $50,000 this year, while around a quarter would go as high as up to $500,000.
**Download the [full report](https://expoplatform.com/research/digital-disruption-in-machinery-buying/) to find out more.**
## **Emerald buys out world’s largest cannabis trade show**
The world’s largest cannabis industry trade show has been taken over by a major organiser for at least $120 million.
Emerald X [has completed the acquisition](https://www.emeraldx.com/emerald-acquires-mjbiz-a-leading-b2b-event-and-content-platform-for-the-cannabis-industry/) of MJBiz, a leading event producer and content platform in the rapidly growing sector.
Emerald paid $120m as initial consideration upon closing of the transaction, with potential future payments contingent on performance throughout 2022.
Hervé Sedky, Emerald’s CEO, said: “This is a transformational acquisition for Emerald as it represents an important next step in the implementation of our strategic initiatives and underscores our commitment to evolve and grow our customers’ businesses 365 days a year.
“MJBiz’s leading event and content portfolio coupled with their 365-day engagement platform, which connects the entire cannabis supply chain, will diversify our collective product offerings, enhance our growth profile and enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers over the long term.”
Cassandra Farrington, MJBiz co-founder, added: “Our organisation has experienced massive growth since its inception, initially as a how-to resource to help dispensary owners run their businesses better, into our position today as the leading commercial resource for the cannabis sector.
“Integrating with a larger organisation provides the additional resources and channels to unlock the next phase of MJBiz’s growth and is the right next step in our evolution as a business.”
The acquisition includes the world’s largest and oldest related trade show, MJBizCon and related brands such as award-winning publications MJBizDaily, Hemp Industry Daily and MJBizMagazine.
## **Opening of CES in Las Vegas ‘model for 2022’**
The opening of a major electronics event in Las Vegas has been hailed as a model for events in 2022.
Fears had been raised the Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2022) may be forced to cancel due to concerns about safety for attendees due to coronavirus.
Despite this the Consumer Technology Association’s (CTA) event managed to open in-person last week with full health protocols in place.
> Well folks, as they say in the industry, that’s a wrap ?
>
> Thanks for joining us at [\#CES2022](https://twitter.com/hashtag/CES2022?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and we can’t wait to see you next year!
>
> Signing off, but not for long✌️[pic.twitter.com/nQzreAMeBx](https://t.co/nQzreAMeBx)
>
> — CES (@CES) [January 8, 2022](https://twitter.com/CES/status/1479628302704857094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association, has since described the opening as [an example for other organisers to follow](https://www.ustravel.org/press/us-travel-ces-model-conducting-professional-events-2022).
He said: “By staging an influential live event that safely convenes thousands of global professionals across the technology, business and political spectrum, CES is nothing short of a model for how business trade events can and should take place in 2022.
“It is our sincere hope that other professional event organizers will follow their lead this year.
“Gary Shapiro and his team at CTA are to be commended for navigating today’s challenges while ensuring that attendees can build meaningful relationships and plan for the future of technology.
“And the health and safety protocols in place at the Las Vegas Convention Center and throughout the hotel and hospitality community has further enabled the safe return of this and other major events.
“The success of this year’s CES will contribute to the recovery of business travel in general and related industries. But of critical importance, it is producing jobs for American workers who are dependent on the safe return of all sectors of travel, which accounted for 1 in 10 US jobs pre-pandemic.”
This 52nd edition of the show opened between January 5 and 7, one day shorter due to Covid-19 challenges.
Early reports suggest there were 1,900 exhibitors participating despite several large companies, including Amazon and Google, cancelled their onsite plans.
## **Industry body blasts Sunak’s latest round of industry support**
Industry members are being urged to contact their MPs over a lack targeted support from the Chancellor’s latest aid package.
The Meetings Industry Association (mia) has blasted the £6,000 one-off grants offered by Rishi Sunak, describing it is as “insulting”.
It is now calling on its members to write to their MPs and has [provided a template](https://www.mia-uk.org/write/MediaUploads/Jan22_Hospitality_Fund_-_MP_Letter_V2.docx) for those wishing to do so.
> We feel the business meetings and [\#events](https://twitter.com/hashtag/events?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) sector is simply being forgotten.
>
> We are asking members to consider writing to their local MP to demonstrate the need for intervention to support the future viability of our industry.
>
> Download our template ? [pic.twitter.com/FI3GxwnMRw](https://t.co/FI3GxwnMRw)
>
> — The Meetings Industry Association (@MIAuk) [January 5, 2022](https://twitter.com/MIAuk/status/1478723519836049412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Kerrin MacPhie , mia chief executive, wrote to members: “Following Rishi Sunak’s announcement of a £1bn hospitality support package on 21 December, we feel the business meetings and events sector is simply being forgotten and is being put at a distinct disadvantage.
“We are therefore asking members to consider writing to their local MP to individually demonstrate the sector’s plight and concerns alongside the necessary intervention that is needed to support the future viability of our industry.”
## **Exhibition planners ‘riding out’ the Omicron wave**
Trade show organisers are remaining confident despite the threat of the latest coronavirus strain, according to a report.
A story in the Financial Times highlights how some of the world’s largest event planners are getting set for a string comeback after the latest wave.
It reports that industry leaders have had to be flexible over the last two years but are now keen to position their companies to take advantage once the pandemic finally subsides.
Stephen Carter, CEO of Informa, [told the newspaper](https://www.ft.com/content/2b84924c-8d9d-466e-9703-5878d531855e): “Effectively, we have been scheduling, rescheduling, negotiating.
“It has been very demanding on our teams, and it’s been quite demanding on our relationships with venue partners and contractors.
“Customers have remained very committed to participating — when they’re able to.”
The report also highlights how companies such as Informa are also trying to take advantage of the data generated by exhibitions.
This includes through the use of specialist mobile apps, matchmaking and post-event analytics along with compulsory online registration due to health concerns.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Chart of the Week: sales surge towards omnichannel future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220107/)
**Published:** January 7, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The rise of omnichannel B2B sales continues to surge as findings show it is the preferred method of almost 95% across industries, according to a survey.
A total of 94% told the McKinsey & Co. study that a multi-option approach where customers can buy face-to-face, remotely and online is as effective or more than before Covid-19.
The research found buyers roughly stick to a rule of thirds for these formats.
However, the [B2B Pulse survey](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/b2b-sales-omnichannel-everywhere-every-time) also shows customers are more willing than ever before to make purchases through remote or online sales channels.
The findings show 35% would spend at least $500,000 in a single transaction, up from 27% in February.
Meanwhile, 77% of B2B buyers are also willing to spend $50,000 or more.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Online consumption was a custom experience well before the pandemic hit.
The private lives of buyers saw seamless experiences through platforms like Amazon and Netflix – why would they not want the same in business?
Meanwhile, the imposition of lockdown measures saw a rapid move towards digital solutions.
Buyers and sellers turned to online channels, with their popularity now expected to remain high in the future.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
[Online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) are the perfect example of the networked business which have risen to dominate the web. There are a number of reasons why marketplaces are an attractive line of business:
- **Network effects**: the more users you get, the more useful/cheap your product becomes, the more users you get – Uber vs. taxis.
- **Barrier to entry**: Once they have a strong network effect, it becomes increasingly difficult to enter or replicate the marketplace – Airbnb vs. hotels. Ecoystems of users are the new source of competitive advantage and market dominance.
- **No inventory** means they are can be cheaper to operate easier to scale and easier to pivot.
For event organisers, online marketplaces come with some specific advantages:
- **Audience growth.** Your brand can become embedded into the workflows of buyers year-round by providing an essential tool for [finding and comparing products and services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), which can significantly grow your audiences.
- **Revenue growth.** Bundling recurring revenue subscriptions to a marketplace alongside exhibiting at an event is an opportunity to increase the value of exhibiting, gives suppliers more leads and ROI.
- **Brand protection**. Most importantly, having a marketplace in your portfolio presents the opportunity for forward-thinking organisers to embed themselves in the transactions between our visitors and exhibitor audiences outside the confines of an exhibition.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Event industry trends for 2022 - the Year of Partnerships?](https://expoplatform.com/trends/event-industry-2022/)
**Published:** January 5, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Farewell 2021, hello 2022. We have a year of opportunity ahead of us, but it’s important to know what we will be faced with.
That’s why ExpoPlatform has worked alongside a panel of top event industry experts for their insight into which topics are going to dominate the sector over the next 12 months.
Here are eight key trends our industry will see over the course of 2022:
- [**The Year of Partnerships**](#stepone)
- [**Cultivating communities**](#steptwo)
- [**Focus on data growth**](#stepthree)
- [**Getting smart about events**](#stepfour)
- [**Continued uncertainty**](#stepfive)
- [**Online buying and selling surges**](#stepsix)
- [**Driving towards diversification**](#stepseven)
- [**Serious about sustainability**](#stepeight)
Thank you to all our contributors: Kathryn Frankson, Timothy Skennion, Robyn Duda, James Hampton, Paul Maerz and Matthias Tesi Baur.
## **The Year of Partnerships**
If one thing is for certain, it looks like we’re going to have another year of unpredictability.
To tackle this, we’re seeing a clear trend within the industry of like-minded partners coming together to navigate these times together.
Here are two areas strong partnerships will be forged:
- **Technology partnerships** A digital transformation of our industry means we’re in a vastly different position to 2020. The last two years have seen event organisers leap into short-term pilots with a lot of new technology, but there is now an increasing maturity in the year ahead. Planners are considering features that will help to create a strong value proposition for their market, while also prioritising longer-term relationships with technology vendors. These partnerships will be built on a shared vision and an ability to adapt to meet market needs.
- **Exhibitor partnerships** Kathryn Frankson, Informa Market’s director of event marketing, believes 2022 will see organisers having “fluid” longer-term partnerships with their sponsors, able to flex and create opportunities for engagement together. She said: “The previous ROI goals have been tied to short-term demand generation and with the rate of competition in each vertical there will be a renewed focus on brand building. Sponsors will have a guiding hand with event design, partnerships will be aligned based on shared values and impact will be measured beyond just short term KPIs.”
## **Cultivating communities**
Online communities are set to see huge growth in 2022 as more and more event planners want to secure monetisation and growth opportunities 365 days a year.
They offer a way to drive year-round revenue and engagement with audiences, as well as improving the experience of your in-person offerings.
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, said: “Events will evolve from single-day activity to 365-day engagement programs.”
“Innovative event producers will build programmes that engage and nurture their audiences year-round.”
“Events act as the key vehicles for engagement and monetisation of your audience, but the community content offers return on investment for all stakeholders.”
He sets out these opportunities as:
- **Attendee** – access to content and people that are important to them year round.
- **Sponsor** – more targeted and engaged audiences, increased access to buyers on multiple formats and channels, event investment extended throughout year and increased ROI.
- **Event producer** – ability to segment, target audience more effectively based on behaviour, content consumption and monetise audiences year round.
**Find out how to grow your communities with** [**our complete guide**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/grow-events-with-online-community-platforms/)**.**
Robyn Duda, founder of advisory firm RDC, takes this one step further in warning there could be a move towards “community-owned events”.
She believes that content creation being controlled by organisers creates a risk when the public seem more intent on producing their own – and engaging with those who do.
Robyn said: “The concept of community-owned events really intrigues me when it comes to event design.
“As much as the industry would like to believe they know their audiences, creation still stems from a few.
“As we’ve seen with the trend of democratising currency and the desire of people to own more of their fate, the fact that there is no ownership among the masses in events could pose a threat.”
James Hampton, MCI UK director of operations, sees the 365 engagement opportunities as a way for Associations to diversify their revenue streams and add some element of security during these times.
He said: “We are adopting a hybrid mentality with our clients’ association events as we wish to keep the door open to the new audiences we gained during the virtual editions these past two years and allow the 365 engagement possibilities through digital platforms.
“Associations themselves will need to address their value proposition and revenue streams asking themselves the question – is one source of revenue a risky business model in the new climate i.e. their annual conference.
“We will be supporting Associations on that strategy.”
## **Focus on data growth**
The debate over who should control attendee data was settled in 2021 – it must reside with the organiser, not the tech provider.
Upcoming research from ExpoPlatform shows the vast majority of event professionals believe planners should take responsibility.
Now the focus moves to how to take this resource and build their businesses around it.
Our industry has seen the number of data points on each participant increase by a factor of 20 since this digital transformation.
New business models – including increased use of virtual and hybrid event technology and 365 community engagement – have created a far more information-rich environment which need to be utilised.
Unlocking the power of this data can have a transformative effect on a company’s success – and that’s where leading organisers will focus their efforts over 2022.
## **Getting smart about events**
In-person events have become more enhanced through technology – whether it’s for registration, scheduling meetings, networking, feedback surveys or lead capturing.
Attendees expect a seamless blend of physical and digital elements for a more rewarding experience – this is what is known as a **[Smart Event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/)**.
It makes sense – our personal consumer habits are dominated by personalised platforms such as Netflix, Spotify or Amazon.
Paul Maerz, managing director at Fairtrade Messe, added: “When events restarted in autumn 2021, the focus of most of the organisers really went back to life events – our focus definitely did.
“Event tech will remain very relevant and we should not lose the focus on that topic because there’s so much potential in it.
“We should keep the momentum even though we can deliver live events once again.
“Of course we prefer to do that, but we should focus on what we have achieved and continue on that journey.”
## **Continued uncertainty**
We all hoped and believed we wouldn’t be in this position in 2022, but the pandemic isn’t going away soon.
Governments such as the UK and Germany have introduced stricter safety measures as the highly infectious variant gathers pace around the world – with no clear end in sight.
Organisers have now started to wearily cancel and postpone Q1 events until later in the year again, with some even being put on hold until 2023.
High-profile shows impacted include BOE International, Furniture China, Tefaf Maastricht, Toronto Boat Show, Embedded World 2022 Exhibition and Conference and Agritechnica 2022.
https://twitter.com/boemesse/status/1471406748024152070
The continuation of this uncertainty is one which needs a business model which is flexible.
Matthias Tesi Baur, founder of ETT-Club, has set out two scenarios that will impact how event professionals should move forward over the next 12 months.
He said: “In the best case scenario, the pandemic situation becomes more under control and shows have the security to reopen and stay open in most regions across the world.
“That would allow us to start the journey of recovery which means we still have 60% to 80% of enthusiastic exhibitors and visitors who love to meet again as they have really missed a F2F platform.
“We would need to work hard to grow the shows back to the old level and bring back the missing 20%-40% of our customers.
“That will require a grow-back strategy with new USPs, new onsite formats, new digital beyond-show benefits and more.”
The second scenario he sets out is one where the pandemic continues to strike with new variants which spread across the globe.
Tesi added: “We need to take this scenario very seriously as long as we do not have a worldwide vaccination rate to prevent mutations.
“The seriousness of that scenario will mean that even loyal customers will readjust their marketing activities to new formats when a show has not happened for two or even three times.
“It means we would need to boost our digital efforts purely to stay relevant and to widen our offer to the market.
“Just to be clear – boosting our digital efforts is important in both scenarios, but the second scenario will require more digital functions even more to stay relevant as a partner for our customers.”
## **Online buying and selling surges**
B2B buying and selling has rapidly moved online over the last year – and it will continue to do so.
A total of 35% of buyers are willing to spend $500,000 or more in a single transaction, according to a recent McKinsey study – up from 27% in February.
More than three-quarters of customers told the B2B Pulse survey they would fork out $50,000 or more.
The research also shows 94% of decision-makers say the new omnichannel sales model is as effective or more compared to the sales model they used before the pandemic.
The pandemic has accelerated the process of remote forms of interaction adoption across all industries, however this shift has been experienced differently by industry sectors.
It means B2B suppliers can no longer rely on one avenue for doing business – ignoring the omnichannel, digital future isn’t an option.
## **Driving towards diversification**
Organisers will look to accelerate plans to diversify their business through mergers and acquisitions.
We have already seen Hyve acquire omnichannel meetings programme organiser 121 Group, Tarsus has created a division to put event acquisitions alongside their new digital acquisition and Informa announced the next stage of their transition to Smart Events.
Timothy Skennion said: “The event tech space has become saturated and this, coupled with some anticipated corrections in terms of valuations, make the sector highly attractive to potential buyers.
“Expect a lot of activity from mid-tier event tech providers with transactions largely driven by private equity-led consolidations and strategic acquisitions by ancillary solutions providers – agencies, CRM and MarTech – looking to add event tech platforms to their existing tech stacks.”
## **Serious about sustainability**
“The time for talking is done and the time for action is now” was the message as global event industry leaders spoke at Cop26.
High-profile figures from our sector spoke in Glasgow to deliver a pledge towards a net zero future by 2050 “at the latest”.
The Net Zero Carbon Events [initiative](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) has already brought more than 200 organisations together to tackle the issue.
But that means the work really starts in 2022.
James Hampton said: “Sustainability is something that has been talked about for a long time and with an injection of energy post Cop26 it’s time for clients and agencies to push the dial and start including strategies into their events.”
> We're proud to announce that we have signed the “Net Zero Carbon Events” pledge, a joint commitment across the events and meetings industry to achieve the targets laid out in the Paris Climate Accord. Read the full [\#MediaRelease](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MediaRelease?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) here: [\#NetZero](https://twitter.com/hashtag/NetZero?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@COP26](https://twitter.com/COP26?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/jBIlxlzmfL](https://t.co/jBIlxlzmfL)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [November 10, 2021](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1458449773967650824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Paul Maerz said: “Now the sustainability issue in our industry is becoming really important, you see it everywhere.
“This will be one of the key topics of the future – especially in Europe and in the US.
“We need to be very careful about this topic – if you only look at the travel aspect, then it doesn’t look very good.
“Look at how much travel we avoid by bringing in people from all over the world in one place, instead of them visiting each other in many different countries.
“This is the story we need to tell. We should not show the industry in a bad state, but already in quite a good state.
“But sustainability and pressure on that will be very high – that will be one of the key topics I see.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Five reasons picking the right event partner beats building your own](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/five-event-tech-partner/)
**Published:** December 29, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Technology has become critical to planning and executing successful shows – whether they are physical, hybrid or virtual.
It’s now almost unthinkable to imagine organising an exhibition or trade show without using tech for different aspects of the event.
This includes [registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/), check-ins, audience engagement, [lead capture](https://expoplatform.com/lead-capture/), monetisation, feedback, booth setup and others.
The rapid evolution of event tech has led companies to ask themselves – can they develop and implement these solutions in-house?
But what might seem achievable on paper can turn into a complex maze with no end.
Here are five reasons why you should go for a partner instead of building your own event tech solutions:
## **\#1 Expertise to implement event management solutions**
Planning an event and executing it are two very different things.
Let’s consider the German event industry to explain it better.
More than a million people work in the country’s IT industry.
Many among these also work for exhibitions and trade show companies.
A lot of their colleagues are organisers who attend various shows and see event tech solutions in action.
These organisers want to build their own platforms using subsidies from the government.
But they also tend to underestimate the implementation aspect by quite a bit!
Attendee satisfaction depends on a lot of factors like user experience, performance, stability and security of the [event management platform](https://expoplatform.com/conference/).
These are found in specialised products that have matured after years of development and deployment in different scenarios.
Event tech providers can ensure a rich user experience optimised for all touchpoints by customising these products.
They can easily pinpoint any drawbacks and smoothen out glitches or bugs by doing enough dry runs before going live.
Building such software from scratch is not only an uphill task but also fraught with risks, especially for large-scale exhibitions and trade shows.
## **\#2 Scaling up the tech**
Scalability is a big issue when it comes to using event tech software.
Many companies organise different shows of a similar nature and prefer a platform that can be customised for every individual event.
Event tech providers have years of experience in developing platforms that have been tested in different formats.
These platforms offer various unique features like [AI-powered matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/), [hosted buyer programmes](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/), lead capture solutions, [mobile event app](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/) and more.
Such features can be tweaked to create unique templates for different event needs.
As a result, it’s easy to replicate the same version of the platform for your shows – you don’t have to waste time planning for each one.
Doing all this in-house can be difficult, time-consuming and quite expensive. Read the next point to learn how.
## **\#3 Save time and cost**
Trying to set up event management solutions yourself can be a monumental task, even if you possess the technical acumen for it.
Issues of hiring an experienced development team, potential internal restructuring and logistical delays with vendors tend to result in cost overruns.
This can adversely affect the launch of your custom-made platform.
Questions then arise about whether it makes financial sense to build your own solution rather than reach out to event tech providers?
When you sign up with a platform partner, there’s no question of:
- Internal issues that could delay your event
- Incurring huge costs on software developers
- Long turnaround time – deadlines are final
You deal directly with technical account managers who assist in the entire process of event setup as well as payment, training and customisation.
Ultimately you save time, money and avoid a lot of headaches.
## **\#4 Dedicated customer support team**
Most event tech providers have dedicated customer success teams to provide support for live, hybrid, and virtual shows.
These teams play a crucial role in planning and executing successful events.
Here are the different ways they make the life of an organiser easier:
**Onboarding and training:**
It’s tough to figure out on your own how an event platform works.
The technology could be hard to grasp and you might not be able to use it in an optimal manner.
A customer support team reduces this headache by onboarding your event planning workforce to the platform.
They also set up training sessions and workshops to understand the best features of the tech and how to best utilise it to create a memorable experience for the audience.
**Real-time troubleshooting:**
Technological issues such as last-minute glitches can happen with any event, no matter how good the software is.
Moreover, attendees, speakers and sponsors might have questions about different features of the platform or need support if they are stuck somewhere.
The customer success team works around the clock to troubleshoot these issues real-time and ensure the event moves along smoothly.
**Measure event success and plan for the future**
It’s just not enough to organise an event – you need to assess the performance by benchmarking it against different metrics.
The customer team helps you make sense of the captured audience data and use it to generate in-depth reports that can be shared with exhibitors and sponsors.
You also get crucial insights to improve your event strategy and plan more value-driven shows in the future.
## **\#5 Year-round maintenance and upgrades**
Any event management software needs to be checked for bugs and fixes to ensure its smooth working.
Regular upgrades around the year are also a must. For example, introducing new features, improving the UI and adding third-party integrations indicates the platform is being continuously updated.
This is taken care of by the event tech provider. They also keep a tab on the industry trends and shifts to futureproof the platform and get it hybrid-ready if required.
This is obviously a herculean task if you have to maintain and upgrade your own proprietary event software.
Getting additional resources to handle it means running up a huge labour cost.
There’s also the risk of someone leaving the company in between and spoiling the scheduled releases in the product roadmap.
With an event tech partner, you are spared these hassles and can focus on other important aspects like content, audience engagement, speaker sourcing and event marketing.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Chart of the Week: audience safety biggest challenge for live shows](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-week-20211210/)
**Published:** December 10, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Audience safety continues to be the biggest obstacle for resuming in-person events – however fears have had a significant drop, a new survey reveals.
Findings from EventMB’s [State of the Event Industry 2021](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-report) report show 35% of the respondents polled were concerned about attendee and stakeholder safety at live shows.
This figure is significantly lower than last year when 55% considered safety at physical events as their top concern.
Other factors like travel limitations (21%) and lockdown and related restrictions (15%) were also cited by respondents in affecting the return to live shows.
A small percentage (9%) remained hampered by financial constraints while those facing budgetary issues rose to 10% from 6% in 2020.
EventMB surveyed hundreds of event planners, managers, technologists and marketers throughout 2021 for its industry report.
Most of the respondents were located in North America (60%) and Europe (23%), followed by Asia (7%), Africa and the Middle East (6%) then South America (3%).
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The decline in numbers can be attributed to the global vaccine rollout that has made organisers more confident in planning events while ensuring their audience’s safety.
However, the emergence of the Omicron variant could play spoilsport if new Covid-19 cases rise at a rapid rate and there’s a delay in administering booster vaccine shots.
This could trigger new lockdown measures and international travel restrictions – already enforced in some countries – and may again affect face-to-face meetings and events in the coming year.
In a recent update though, the European Medicines Agency gave tentative approval to the WHO-backed findings of Omicron being less severe than the Delta variant.
This suggests nations could be better equipped to handle new cases and host large gatherings.
Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech said a new jab for this particular variant would be available by March 2022.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Organisers should be prepared for all outcomes.
This means having a strategy in place to continue with virtual meeting options alongside hybrid and in-person events.
Focus should also be on boosting revenues digitally and investing in ‘always-on’ communities to keep their audience connected.
We recommend going through our checklists to get top insights and best practices into these approaches:
**Hybrid Monetisation Checklist**: a step-by-step guide to help you drive revenue growth through both offline and online mediums. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/hybrid-monetisation-checklist/).
**365 Community Technology Checklist:** learn what goes into building a successful online community by investigating each technical element in detail. A must-read if you plan to select an event platform for your community. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/).
**Event Data Safety Checklist:** events have become more digitised than ever. It’s important to use the wealth of data available in a safe and efficient way. This checklist includes all the questions you need to ask your technology provider to ensure you are on the right side of control. [Download it now](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/event-data-safety-checklist/).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Smart Events defined: What event professionals want in 2022](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-defined/)
**Published:** January 20, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Smart Events in 2022 – what does it mean and what do event professionals want? Well, we’ve gathered industry feedback to find out exactly that.**
Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) and ExpoPlatform brought together a group of industry professionals to define [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/), the benefits and to discuss the areas of focus for the year ahead.
Find out what this format means and why ETT club members believe that 40% of events this year will be Smart Events.
## **What is a Smart Event?**
**A Smart Event is an in-person event that uses digital technology to increase the value of the experience for all participants.**
The last two years of running virtual events have generated a huge rise in data, familiarising organisers and participants with digital tools – all of which can be used to measurably improve customer experiences at live events.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “A Smart Event is an in-person event with extensive use of technology, where we simplify the visitors’ and exhibitors’ journey and make participation more effective.
“There are two things that have become clear: firstly, we we will still be in a pandemic situation for several months.
“We have to understand that our events have to be improved and enhanced to improve visitor and exhibitor experience.
“Secondly, our audience is quite mature already with technology because they use technology personally all the time – and they have high expectations.
“They now demand a better experience and a better journey compared to their previous (pre-pandemic) experiences.”
**Download our free [AI Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/) to learn how to utilise data science for Smart Events in 2022.**
## **How do Smart Events create value?**
Smart Events use technology to improve key points of the customer journey for visitors and exhibitors, pre, during and post event.
### **Pre-event planning and discovery**
The pre-event journey is when visitors and exhibitors are registered and encouraged to login to a web-based platform to prepare for the event. Building a personalised agenda of meetings, connections and content to attend. Hosted buying can be helpful in preparing VIP groups of delegates for the event.
### **During the event and post-event engagement**
The live experience utilises a mobile app to improve the in-person experience with navigation, updates on meetings and agendas, as well as facilitating lead scanning. The journey can be augmented with location analytics services to improve the wayfinding around the venue and additional analytics.
Engagement can continue after the event through hosting of on-demand content sessions as well as the continuation of meetings and messaging on a 365 platform.
**There are at least nine key ways in which a Smart Event can improve live experience by adding value to visitors, exhibitors and organisers:**
1. **Pre-event planning and discovery:** Participants can discover relevant exhibitors and contacts ahead of time so they can pre-arrange meetings.
2. **Personalised experiences:** Recommended agenda, exhibitors and products for a more tailored show.
3. **Increase exhibitor ROI:** Real time lead dashboards to increase the number of leads and opportunities to meet their visitors.
4. **Navigation and wayfinding:** Help participants to navigate the venue with a mobile app which utilises beacon tracking.
5. **Create customer insight:** The wealth of data gathered produces valuable behavioural insights to help shape future offerings.
6. **Seamless access:** Remove barriers to entry by connecting 365 community and event data sources.
7. **Extend reach:** Capture content for livestream or on-demand offerings to engage remote audiences and extend its lifecycle, creating new monetisation opportunities.
8. **Increase revenue:** Monetisation opportunities from Smart Event integrated packages and digital upsells to exhibitors. Revenue also available from access to on-demand content
9. **Easy to pivot:** More capability to switch to hybrid or virtual formats during uncertain times when restrictions may be imposed.
Each of these areas can make measurable improvements to the value participants receive and to the NPS of an event.
## **What are the priorities for 2022?**
**ETT Club members were asked to rank on a scale between one and five how important a number of areas are for Smart Events moving forward.**
It comes as our findings show around 40% of shows will be held in this format in 2022.
The survey reveals that 65% rated 365 community engagement as being in the top two tiers of importance, with the vast majority saying this would be down to news and editorial content.
Further findings from the survey also show 71% placed hosted buying and matchmaking in the top two brackets of importance, with the same proportion doing so for lead analytics and ROI for exhibitors.
More than half (52%) ranked a seamless experience between live and online in the same tiers, with the same percentage doing so for personalisation of in-person experiences.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer, added: “When you think of some of the most valuable companies in the world – be they Amazon, Spotify, Google or Facebook – their whole business is around taking huge amounts of data and giving you something that is personalised and relevant to you.
“That’s the role that technology can provide within an exhibition, taking a huge amount of information and giving you the list of the essential things that you need.”
A total of 35% rated location-based tracking in these top tier levels, however a further 26% rated it as of medium importance.
These results were backed up by breakout groups during the session, where members talked about what they expect from Smart Events in 2022.
**Here are some key goals of a Smart Event raised by contributors during that discussion:**
- **Make sure participants know what is on offer:** “Communication is key for everything we want to achieve and offer. Through miscommunication, wrong expectations can be created.”
- **365 engagement:** “Live is the peak of the year, but we can connect and consume content year-round on the same platform.” Another added: “Continuity of the experience is most important. Pre, during and post-event in one single interface, experience. and process.” “Shift the business model to running digital events and 365 communities”.
- **Matchmaking using AI:** “Make the trade fair experience better, smarter and more efficient. Understanding which matches I need when and why. Getting people to interact, physically and online.”
- **Understanding the information:** “Analysing data in a holistic manner to understand needs and cater to them.”
- **Increase exhibitor ROI:** “Convincing an exhibitor that participating at an event is a good spend of their budget.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Smart Events
---
### [Event tech 'best investment area' for shows - UFI poll](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-tech-best-investment-area-for-shows-ufi-poll/)
**Published:** December 3, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Event technology is seen as the largest area for growth in future investment for our sector, according to an UFI report.
Findings from the second [Industry Partners Benchmark Survey](https://www.ufi.org/archive-research/2nd-industry-partners-benchmark-survey/) show 78% reported this as the biggest opportunity to improve shows, compared with 67% in the previous year.
Respondents were asked which segment “do you see the biggest investment to enhance the quality of your event” over the next 12 to 18 months.
Communication and marketing received 61% in second place, up from 54% in 2020.
Booth construction, catering, logistics, general service and “other” all fell from the previous year.
Around 190 companies took part in the project, the majority of which were from Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
This survey benchmarks and assesses the relationships between industry partners, suppliers and exhibition organisers as well as venues.
It also identifies areas for improvement with collaboration.
Demand for digital services was found to be highest amongst those who organise events, which the report team describes as “a core finding from the second edition”.
This comes after our industry was forced into a long-overdue digital transformation when the pandemic struck in 202o.
***Our Blueprint series features three in-depth guides about making a success from the digital transformation of events. [Download yours for free now.](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks/)***
It would come as no surprise then that the inaugural report would rank event technology as the largest area for in investment.
This second survey shows how that move to incorporate digital aspects in-person and online to business models is still a major priority – rising by more than 10%.
However, findings indicates that the demand for more innovation from service providers remains high – and marketing and communications seen to be the most innovative.
Sebastian Witt, vice chairman of UFI’s Industry Partners Working Group and responsible for the survey, said: “This survey offers valuable insights for service providers in our industry.
“We are happy to note that service providers are regarded an integral part of the exhibition ecosystem and contribute tremendously to the success of our industry.
“Nonetheless, we observe that service quality is not consistent and demands from service providers are changing; service providers can and should invest more into innovation.”
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
Event technology is ranked as the largest area for investment – don’t get left behind by competitors.
And it doesn’t whether we’re talking about online or in-person.
Technology can be anything from a [feature-rich mobile app](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/mobile-event-app/), to [online communities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/grow-events-with-online-community-platforms/) and personalised content.
Here we outline three main reasons why organisers will be looking to improve their digital services over the next 18 months.
**Measuring ROI:** Today’s marketers are used to using LinkedIn, Google and Facebook – platforms which all show real-time statistics. It means the event industry needs to be just as transparent about how budgets are being spent. Providing customers with useful information about who is engaging with their profile and content is now a must – organisers can no longer expect rebookings year after year without proof of ROI.
**Personalisation:** The continued improvement of event tech will allow organisers to deliver highly-personalised agendas and recommendations for attendees. Looking at how visitors engage with live shows and online content offers your team the opportunity to tailor shows for them individually, or shape them in a way which can please large audiences. This is simply about following a more science-based approach to planning -rather than intuition.
**Monetisation:** Potential for [monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) through virtual has been historically under-valued by exhibition organisers, who now need to re-balance the pricing of digital and in-person in their budgets. This can ensure that even when corporate workers no longer see a need to travel, a healthy amount of revenue can still be brought in. In particular, 365 Communities and [Online Marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) offer a wealth of opportunities to bring in revenue year-round.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [How to use tech for Smart Events in 2022/2023](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/smart-events-in-2022/)
**Published:** December 1, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Technology is now critical to the success of business events. Every touchpoint of a show is being refashioned as a digital equivalent to meet attendee expectations – as well as insurance against potential disruptions.**
However, in-person events themselves have become more enhanced through technology – whether it’s for registration, scheduling meetings, networking, feedback surveys or lead capturing.
Attendees expect a seamless blend of physical and digital elements for a more rewarding experience. Exhibitors are also keen to leverage the power of both worlds to [maximise ROI and boost business growth](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
It’s clear that [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) which use the best technology available are the need of the hour. Here are four ways technology can be used to plan shows that impress, delight and bring in revenue:
## **1. Mobile apps to personalise the attendee journey**
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all events. Your audience wants better value and expects an immersive, personalised experience tailored to their preferences.
This has traditionally been attempted through a standard mobile app, allowing users to perform basic functions like registration and viewing the event agenda. But this won’t cut the mustard anymore – what’s needed is a feature-rich dedicated app that has:
- AI matchmaking to help attendees find relevant exhibitors, products and content recommendations
- Meeting scheduling through which one can set up a one-on-one appointment
- Recommended agendas to get the best most out of the sessions
- Interactive 3D floorplan with bluedot wayfinding to easily navigate through the event venue
***Find out how to build a powerful event app and take audience engagement to the next level. [Get started now.](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)***
## **2. 365 community to stay connected throughout the year**
From adversity comes opportunity and innovation. This adage held true for the event industry during the pandemic, with organisers realising that hosting just a one-off annual show was fraught with risks.
Cancellations and postponements could happen anytime which would affect business – and we’re seeing the ongoing emergence of coronavirus variants create more uncertainty.
Moreover, buyers and sellers were not always able to make a quick decision in the limited timeframe of the event. Enter the concept of “always online” communities for B2B events that can [connect attendees and exhibitors 365 days](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) in a year.
Think of it as a hybrid of Facebook and the Amazon marketplace where people can interact, plan meetups and discover new products. Similarly, members of these communities can explore and [showcase the latest products](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/), schedule meetings and conduct business deals anytime they want to.
If you plan to offer a complete experience to your audience in the coming year, online communities are the way forward. An overview of what they offer:
- AI-powered algorithm to connect with the right people, products and services
- Leverage on-demand content optimised for SEO
- Generate leads through digital marketplace
- Request for proposal tendering, knowledge sharing forums
***Eager to know more? [Build a 365 community for your event now](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).***
## **3. Event websites that attract and convert**
A well-designed website is the easiest way to promote your event and provide visitors with the necessary information. You can get one created either in-house or outsource the development to a third party.
But what happens when you want to scale up your events and offer unique website experiences for each individual show? The above tactics can become time-consuming, costly and a pain to deal with.
Here’s what you need for a responsive and SEO-friendly website without having to write a line of code:
- Get a drag and drop website builder
- Include features like registration, personalised event agendas and AI matchmaking for networking
- Be able to launch a fully integrated website quickly
- Launch multiple sites using customisable templates
***[Create interactive, user-friendly websites in the easiest way possible with ExpoPlatform.](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)***
## **4. In-depth analytics to review event performance**
In-person events have increasingly become digital. The audience now stays connected before, during and after the live show using the mobile app and 365 communities.
It’s important to track the online engagement to better understand their interests, pain points and to build a more complete buyer persona. This helps in improving future events, nurturing leads and demonstrating ROI to stakeholders.
**An event platform with an integrated analytics dashboard helps in:**
- Sentiment analysis by studying attendee behavioural patterns
- Revealing community trends
- Displaying leader boards of engaged visitors and lead scoring for exhibitors
- Understanding the effectiveness of marketing campaigns
***[Learn how an intuitive analytics dashboard can benefit your event](https://expoplatform.com/analytics/).***
## **New Year, New Event Tech Special Offer**
Choosing your platform provider is part of the battle while planning an exhibition or trade show. But the real headache begins when you have to actually set up an event and figure out how to make the most of the technology at hand.
Thankfully, we have a **new full-service package** for you where we build and configure your solution from scratch. It means you can focus on the business side, while we handle the tech part.
As a **special offer,** any bookings between now and December 31 will get our **new FULL SERVICE offering for free! [Let’s get started.](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [The Monetisation Blueprint under industry press spotlight](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20211129/)
**Published:** November 29, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly event industry news roundup from ExpoPlatform – ExpoPlatform’s Monetization Blueprint is put under the spotlight by the industry press, the debate about data control is set to continue with UFI and some insight into how event professionals can overcome imposter syndrome.***
## **ExpoPlatform’s Monetization Blueprint under industry spotlight**
ExpoPlatform’s Monetiztation Blueprint has received coverage from a leading magazine which highlights the ebook’s analysis of the “problems and opportunities” to drive revenue through new digital channels.
The [article](https://www.c-mw.net/the-monetisation-journey/) in Conference & Meetings World provides an overview of some of the key topics covered in our in-depth practical guide for organizers.
This was the latest in our series of ebooks helping event planners make a success of [monetization opportunities in this new landscape](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) and futureproof their business models.
**Download your [free copy of the ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) here.**
It said: “Covid-19 has changed the way event organisers monetise their digital platforms and ExpoPlatform believes that this industry shift, accelerated by the pandemic, requires new skill sets and new processes that are critical to shifting revenue mixes more equitably between digital and in-person engagement.
“The Monetisation Blueprint looks to provide a practical resource that gives advice to organisers who want to make this change.”
## **Business travel given focus in Australian export report**
The need to build business capability and solve staffing problems has been welcomed as a focus in a new report about the future of Australian tourism.
A panel has published its draft Reimagining the Visitor Economy with 49 recommendations to industry and government leaders following six months of consultation.
It highlights the importance of business travel – including for meetings and events – as being worth £14.9 billion ($27.8bn AUS) to the sector in 2019.
Now, release of the report has been praised by the Australian Tourism Export Council (ATEC) for its focus on some of the major hurdles facing recovery in the country.
Peter Shelley, managing director of ATEC, said: “We are pleased to see the report has comprehensively covered off on the major issues affecting our industry as well as some of the challenges the industry was already facing before the pandemic.
“Issues such as the significant deficit in our workforce, which will be critical to the success of tourism’s recovery, have been highlighted as a major focus for government’s nationally and the need to build the pathway to success from marketing to air capacity, Visas, renewed product offering and building business capability.”
This was the country’s fourth largest export sector before the Covid-19 pandemic, worth £88.9bn ($166bn AUS) and employing 660,000 people in 2019.
Challenges facing the visitor economy were worsened by the outbreak and forced the need for a longterm strategic planning to rebuild and grow the industry.
Contributions are now being sought for on the draft strategy to drive this sector in 2030, with the deadline set at December 23 2021.
## **UFI Connects: the Data debate continues…**
It’s been the hottest topic in town for some time in our industry – the conversations around [data control](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) are not going away.
UFI Connects has announced it will be holding another session dedicated to the topic next month, featuring a panel of industry leaders.
The debate was sparked by [an online event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/) featuring our CEO Tanya Pinchuk at the organisation’s 2021 European Conference, which focussed on how virtual event platforms use the information they are collecting.
It was followed by [an expert panel discussion](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/) over control of event data which saw organisers asked if they are “seriously paying to let the barbarians in”.
Despite research showing strong calls for planners to stay in control from the vast majority of the industry, it seems the argument is not disappearing.
This latest session will allow event professionals to ask authors of [an expert paper](https://ufi.us7.list-manage.com/track/click?u=12ecd4dddeb39e1853cc24e81&id=c95861fccf&e=c8e51f02d3) on this topic about their findings.
It will be held online on December 7 as a Q&A-based session.
## **Updates to EU Covid-19 passports put forward**
New proposals have been put forward to make the EU’s Covid-19 vaccination certificates valid for nine months after full vaccination.
The[ plans by the European Commission](https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/safe-covid-19-vaccines-europeans/eu-digital-covid-certificate_en) have also opened the way for boosters to be linked to these passes, which should provide some clarity for event professionals planning to travel.
EU digital certificate holders should be exempt from free movement restrictions in principle, unless they are necessary and proportionate to safeguard public health.
> We have been fully active in finding solutions to guarantee the safe free movement of people and protect public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.
>
> Today we are proposing a new Recommendation for better coordination of safe free travel.
>
> Here are our updated proposals ⏬
>
> — European Commission (@EU\_Commission) [November 25, 2021](https://twitter.com/EU_Commission/status/1463887592961843200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Proposals were also put forward by the commission relating to those from outside the scheme, prioritising vaccinated travellers:
- Member States should reopen systematically to those vaccinated with vaccines having completed the WHO emergency use listing process, in addition to reopening to those vaccinated with EU-approved vaccines as is the case today.
- Proof of a negative PCR test will always be required for all travellers who have been vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine that is not approved by the European Medicines Agency, and for recovered travellers.
- The updates also introduce a time limit of 9 months for the acceptance of vaccination certificates after the primary vaccination series.
- The updates also include acceptance of vaccination certificates issued after an additional dose.
- Member States should accept non-EU vaccination and recovery certificates deemed equivalent to the EU certificate.
The commission’s proposals will now be discussed by the EU member states, with January 10 earmarked as the date for the new rules to apply.
## **Dealing with imposter syndrome**
“Planners are expected to wear many hats, take responsibility for peoples’ safety, plan a budget, manage challenging situations, incorporate new technology and develop creative solutions to meet event objectives on a deadline. Even under normal circumstances, it’s a lot to juggle.”
That’s one extract from a piece in Event Manager’s Blog about the struggles with imposter syndrome in our industry.
The article outlines how people can struggle with self-doubt and insecurity around their capabilities, competence and intelligence in the workplace.
Covid-19 placed even more pressure on event professionals who already have one of the most stressful jobs going.
This important [piece by EMB](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/mental-health-event-industry-imposter-syndrome) sets out how you can overcome these doubts through gaining a different perspective – and self care.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Chart of the week: sales and marketing drive return for live exhibitors](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-week-20211126/)
**Published:** November 26, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Sales and marketing targets are the main driving force in drawing exhibitors back to live shows in 2022, according to an industry report.
A [study](https://www.ceir.org/news/ceir-launches-omnichannel-marketing-insights-series/) from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) reveals:
- 40% exhibitors surveyed consider B2B exhibitions key to achieving marketing objectives
- 31% had a similar opinion for meeting their sales objectives
These findings were detailed as part of the first report in CEIR’s newly-launched series about omnichannel marketing insights.
It provides exhibitor perspectives during the pandemic and the outlook among companies for the coming year.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Virtual events provided an outlet to connect with customers during the pandemic and to conduct training, workshops and other educational sessions.
However, the lack of tangible options during showcases and the absence of human touch meant exhibitors needed more convincing to prove their investment’s worth.
It was clear that live exhibitions would continue to play a significant role in driving business growth.
Nancy Drapeau, vice president of research at CEIR, said: “Exhibitors are intent on returning to exhibiting.
“The high value in using the channel to help achieve their high-priority marketing and sales objectives is the catalyst driving their return to events.”
This is supported by the fact that the channels used by exhibitors during the pandemic were helpful in addressing business needs but lacked the effectiveness of B2B shows.
Cathy Breden, CEIR CEO, added: “Digital and other channels have helped exhibiting companies and attendees meet their needs during the pandemic, though study results point to their limitations.
“For companies that exhibit, face-to-face marketing is an essential part of their marketing mix.”
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
With live events returning, organisers need to determine the different ways to support the marketing and sale objectives of exhibiting companies.
This includes integrating digital options into the event lifecycle to keep the virtual connection going and maximise the audience experience in both physical and online formats.
To help enhance the buyer-seller experience, you can:
**Use a dedicated mobile event app**: exhibitors can set up meetings, send messages, scan leads and track the success of their campaigns. Learn what [app features](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/mobile-event-app/) are needed to create a [**Smart Event**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) experience.
**Set up a hosted buyer programme**: use an AI-powered platform to connect exhibitors with the right buyers and increase sales leads and ROI. Explore more about this feature [here](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-programme/).
**Create a 365 community:** an ‘always-on’ online community that allows exhibitors to connect with customers any time of the year. They can showcase and sell their products and services and drive business growth the whole year-round. Download our [free 365 Community Technology Checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/) to find out what you need.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Chart of the week: business travel spending to pick up pace in 2022](https://expoplatform.com/trends/chart-of-week-202101112/)
**Published:** November 12, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Global spending on business travel is expected to continue picking up pace in 2022, according to a new report.
Research from ‘[Adapting to Endemic Covid-19: The Outlook for Business Travel](https://wttc.org/Portals/0/Documents/Reports/2021/WTTC%20Adapting%20to%20Endemic%20Covid%20-%20Business%20Travel%20Outlook%20011121.pdf)’ shows spending is to increase 26% in 2021 and a further 34% in the following year.
It was found the Middle East will register the strongest recovery in spending, by 49% this year and 32% in the next.
Spending in Europe is projected to rise by 36% in 2021, followed by a lower 28% growth in 2022.
Following chart gives a forecast of the regional expenditures on corporate travel:
Sector-wise, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and construction that require a physical presence have reported an early rebound.
Meanwhile, service-oriented and knowledge industries are likely to witness longer disruptions in international travel.
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) partnered with McKinsey & Company to interview key industry leaders and stakeholders in the travel and tourism sector.
This report includes insights on the changing trends, challenges and opportunities as business travel adapts to Covid-19.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Global business travel spending fell by 61% in 2020 but has been recovering steadily.
Vaccine rollouts and virus management strategies will be key to recovery even as international border restrictions ease across many regions.
Julia Simpson, WTTC CEO and President says: “Business travel is starting to pick up. We expect to see two thirds back by the end of 2022.”
The slower growth in 2022 could be attributed to the reintroduction of travel restrictions and changing corporate policies with the possibility of the emergence of new Covid-19 variants.
Moreover, individual choice would also factor in as travellers might avoid countries with low vaccination rates.
As Gunther Bright, executive vice president at American Express says: “One of the biggest threats to recovery is the psychology of the traveller; does he/she feel comfortable travelling or not?”
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Reaching pre-pandemic levels of spending on business travel could be difficult as WHO experts predict Covid-19 becoming endemic in a less potent form.
This means event professionals will have to plan future strategies while keeping in mind the lingering threat of the virus.
Some recommended ways to adjust and thrive in a continuing scenario of uncertainty:
**1) Adopt hybrid business model for events**
Provide both in-person and digital options for your audience. Most will want to attend an event physically however others could be more keen on virtual participation. Learn how to plan and execute hybrid experiences with our [blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/).
**2) Expand geographic focus with new business partnerships**
Attract new clients and expand business operations by collaborating with partners in potential markets. This will minimise the need to travel to new regions. For example, read about [ExpoPlatform’s partnership with Adventics](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/expoplatform-adventics-partnership/) for German market growth.
**3) Offer omnichannel marketplace**
Connect buyers and sellers any time of the year by developing an “always available” online marketplace. This allows them to continue conversations and take business decisions – even if travel is restricted. Download our [Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) to know how to set up one for your events.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)**. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Platform formerly known as Facebook: the week in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20211101/)
**Published:** November 1, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Your weekly event industry news roundup from ExpoPlatform – Facebook heads towards the metaverse, global leaders gather in Glasgow and a report into the trade show industry in Asia.*
## **The platform formally known as Facebook**
Facebook is reinventing itself as Meta with a focus on virtual reality to better reflect how connections have evolved, according to the CEO.
Mark Zuckerberg announced a rebrand of his social media company while also revealing it would be pursuing the metaverse — a futuristic digital world.
His 90-minute online presentation included talk about teleporting, holograms and communicating “across different layers of reality”.
It was even claimed this metaverse will free people from screen addiction and enable more genuine human connection.
The event industry witnessed its own virtual transformation recently, but has seen a strong return to in-person experiences with digital enhancements.
This move will be interesting for organisers to see how this pledge from Facebook will impact our industry.
A declaration is made on the company’s about me page which claims “connection is evolving and so are we”.
Meta’s focus will be to bring the metaverse to life and help people connect, find communities and grow businesses.
The company has more than 10,000 people working on augmented and virtual reality projects in its Reality Labs division, while also planning to hire 10,000 more in Europe soon.
It has already committed to spend about $10 billion on metaverse-related investments this year.
## **Events industry at Cop26 for net zero pledge**
The global events industry will be highlighting its commitment to a net zero emissions future with world leaders at Cop26 in Glasgow, it has [been announced](https://www.ufi.org/news-media/media-releases/).
High-profile figures from our sector will be [live at a session](https://unfccc.int/climate-action/global-climate-action-at-cop-26) in the city on November 10 to deliver the pledge and highlight broad support from businesses.
This Net Zero Carbon Events initiative was facilitated by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and supported by the secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
*Read our complete guide to [sustainable events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) here.*
> On climate, the world will succeed, or fail, as one.
>
> Now is the time for real action.[\#COP26](https://twitter.com/hashtag/COP26?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) begins today. We must make it count.[\#TogetherForOurPlanet](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TogetherForOurPlanet?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — COP26 (@COP26) [October 31, 2021](https://twitter.com/COP26/status/1454704696610811909?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
There are already more than 150 businesses from across the sector who are registered supporters, with a range of members from the supply chain involved in developing the pledge and executing the plans.
Signatories to the pledge commit to:
- Before the end of 2023, publish their organisation’s pathway to achieve net zero by 2050 at the latest, with an interim target in line with the Paris Agreement’s requirement to reduce global GHG emissions by 50% by 2030
- Collaborate with partners, suppliers and customers to drive change across the value chain
- Measure and track Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions according to industry best practice
- Report on progress at least every two years.
Events industry leaders taking part in the session include CEO of UFI Kai Hattendorf, CEO of Informa Markets Charlie McCurdy and Bob Priest-Heck, CEO of Freeman, among many more.
This show at Cop26 will be available to view on November 10 at 3pm GMT, while the UN Climate Change Conference will run until November 12.
## **Asia’s trade show recovery to be held back way into 2022 – UFI**
Restrictive quarantine and travel policies are likely to impact the recovery of our industry in Asia well into 2022, according to a new study.
The latest [UFI/BSG report](https://www.ufi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/MR_BSG-report_-COVID-pandemic-hammered-trade-shows-in-Asia-in-2020-and-2021_-28-october-2021.pdf) on the trade fair sector in Asia compares regional markets before and during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
It estimates that the region recorded a 63% drop in net space sold in 2020 compared to 2019.
This was a drop of 24.5 million m2 in 2019 to approximately 9.1 million m2 in 2020.
Travel restrictions and quarantine rules were highlighted in the report as key reasons holding back future recovery.
> We have just released the 17th edition of our annual report on the Trade Fair Industry in Asia, providing a snapshot of an industry reeling from an ongoing crisis. Read the full [\#MediaRelease](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MediaRelease?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) here: [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Research](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Research?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Asia](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Asia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#HongKong](https://twitter.com/hashtag/HongKong?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ExhibitionIndustry](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExhibitionIndustry?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/b8xoZqpRJ3](https://t.co/b8xoZqpRJ3)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [October 28, 2021](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1453632949082075138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mark Cochrane, UFI Pacific regional director, said: “2020 and 2021 will go down in history as two of the most difficult years ever for event organisers.
“Although hopes are high for recovery into 2022, a number of factors continue to hinder a potential return to ‘normal’ – including new Covid-19 variants, government policies, vaccine rates and travel restrictions.”
Hong Kong was found to be the hardest of the large markets, with an approximate 95% drop in net space sold in 2020.
This weak performance is expected to be repeated in 2021 as Hong Kong’s borders remain essentially closed going into the fourth quarter of the year.
Year-on-year comparisons were also rendered “somewhat meaningless” by the onslaught of the global outbreak for the first time in the 17-year history of this paper.
## **‘Hard to imagine any big conference without virtual component’**
Bestselling author Scott Galloway gave his views about the future of events in an interview about his new book.
The and professor of marketing at New York University [spoke to PCMA](https://www.pcma.org/scott-galloway-event-planners-be-bold/) to apply his insights on a post-coronavirus business world to events.
He said: “It’s hard to imagine any big conference now not having a virtual component.
“But at the same time, I think the most notable, iconic conferences will in fact bring people together because there’s fortunately just nothing like it.”
Scott added: “The big ones will have a thousand people in person, or 400 people in person and 1,400 online.”
## **UK Chancellor’s Budget ‘lacking event support’**
Event and related industry leaders have reacted with calls for more support after the UK Chancellor’s Autumn Budget was announced.
Rishi Sunak’s plans include a 12-month discount on business rates for hotels, pubs and leisure venues, a reduction in air passenger duty for domestic flights and investment in transport infrastructure.
He estimates his measures amount to a tax cut of around £1.7 billion over a year.
The Chancellor said: “I’m announcing today, for one year, a new 50% business rates discount for businesses in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors.
“Pubs, music venues, cinemas, restaurants, hotels, theatres, and gyms.
“Any eligible business can claim a discount on their bills of 50%, up to a maximum of £110,000.
“That is a business tax cut worth almost £1.7bn.”
However, there was no sector-specific support announcements in his speech to the Commons on Wednesday.
> A new one year 50% business rates discount for retail, hospitality, & leisure sectors.
>
> A tax cut worth almost £1.7bn and with Small Business Rates Relief over 90% of all these businesses will see a discount of at least 50%.
>
> Taken together, today we cut business rates by £7bn. [pic.twitter.com/DTQPvO3s3B](https://t.co/DTQPvO3s3B)
>
> — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) [October 27, 2021](https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1453336070943354886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
This has led to industry leaders hitting out at the plans and calling for more resources to be directed towards hard-hit businesses.
Simon Richards, treasurer of HBAA Beam, was among those to speak out.
He said: “The Chancellor’s Autumn Budget statement includes many initiatives that are good news for hospitality and travel, but hard-pressed events businesses need more support.
“The 12-month discount on business rates for hotels, pubs and leisure venues, the reduction in air passenger duty on flights within the UK and the investment in transport infrastructure are valuable to the sector while the growth in the economy is encouraging.
“The news about expanding T Levels and apprenticeships is a potentially important contribution to help develop skills and encourage young people into the industry.
“But there was nothing that would directly help agencies and event service providers who don’t own properties and who are struggling to recover from the extensive impact of the pandemic.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Chart of the week: are trade show exhibitor levels back?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-week-20211029/)
**Published:** October 29, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Exhibitor confidence about participation in future trade shows is close to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new survey.
Findings from the [Global Recovery Insights 2021](https://www.explori.com/blog/the-global-recovery-insights-2021-report-published-the-road-to-recovery) report shows 62% of exhibitors intend to exhibit with the same or increased frequency in future events.
The percentage of exhibitors looking to participate “much more frequently” has risen to 10% compared to 4% in 2019 and 2020.
UFI and Explori surveyed 15,000 trade show visitors and exhibitors across 30 countries to assess the industry recovery as physical events make a comeback.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Live trade shows are still the go-to medium for business networking, brand exposure and lead generation.
Exhibitors are eager to invest in shows that focus on visitor quality over the volume of participation.
Most have been slow to adapt to the digital format and are reserving their major budgets for in-person events.
The lower Net Promoter Scores (NPS) for digital events has also made exhibitors wary of participating in online or hybrid shows – instead preferring pure live experiences.
Meanwhile, spending cuts for trade shows are projected to decline to 41% from 50% in 2020.
In comparison, virtual events are not expected to see any increase in spend.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
The power of face-to-face interactions weighs heavily on exhibitor sentiments to return to in-person events.
There has been no substantial shift to the virtual format despite predictions suggesting so over the past – live experiences are back with a bang.
However, that doesn’t mean organisers should completely ditch digital.
A big advantage of the online medium lies in enhancing physical events by providing a year-round community experience.
Organisers can use [365 online platforms](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/grow-events-with-online-community-platforms/) to help their audience meet, connect and do business throughout the year as well as promote their flagship shows.
Here’s a lowdown of the various ways these platforms can improve your value proposition:
**Always-available marketplace:** visitors can discover new products and services any time of the year while exhibitors get access to a pool of qualified leads.
**AI matchmaking:** advanced networking functionality to connect visitors to relevant companies, products, services and content.
**New revenue streams:** sponsorship programmes like digital advertising for suppliers to showcase their products, profiles and content.
**Content hub:** improve buyer purchase intent by providing access to educational materials and tutorials.
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Grow your events with online community platforms](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/grow-events-with-online-community-platforms/)
**Published:** October 26, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Online communities have emerged as a way to drive year-round revenue and engagement with audiences, as well as improving the experience of your event.
Many in our industry were cautious when their businesses were forced to shift to the digital space due to the pandemic.
The lack of human connections and tangible experiences at virtual events weighed heavily on the stakeholders.
However, the benefits with digital became all too evident – flexibility, accessibility, lower operational costs and more.
As the world became more connected, organisers sought to extend these virtual connections beyond the typical timeframe of an event.
With online communities, they found a way to stay in touch with their audience and help attendees and exhibitors network and engage any time of the year.
Getting access to a niche support community with like-minded people and authentic conversations opened a new avenue for business discourse and dealings.
Community members could share experiences, find people facing the same challenges and get a quick resolution to issues.
Moreover, in the age of uncertainty with abrupt cancellations, an online community became a place to build connections and relationships that are all valuable for business.
For organisers, online communities have become indispensable tools to support and grow their events.
One can create a pool of readily available attendees, get brand advocates to promote an event, and convert meaningful interactions into sales.
This article provides a detailed look at the role of [online community platforms](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) for event planning and growth.
Here’s what all we will cover:
- [**What is an online community?**](#stepzero)
- [**Advantages of 365 online communities – take your relationship beyond events**](#stepone)
- [**What is an online community platform?**](#steptwo)
- [**Benefits of using an event community platform**](#stepthree)
- [**How online community platform improves engagement**](#stepfour)
- [**Tech tools you need to build an online community platform for events**](#stepfive)
## **What is an online community?**
An online community is defined as a space on the internet where people with similar interests can meet, interact and connect.
Popular communities are based around common topics or events like sports, movies, books, games e.g. Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr etc.
On the other hand, B2B communities cater to a specific niche and are designed to facilitate professional networking, collaboration, training and education. Examples include **[Institute of Directors](www.iod.com), British Chambers of Commerce, UFI, PCMA.**
These communities play a major role in influencing members’ decisions by opening up communication and encouraging shared experiences to deliver value.
*Let’s understand how online communities can benefit your events.*
## **Advantages of 365 online communities – take your relationship beyond events**
An online community offers plenty of opportunities to take relationships beyond the event. It is a place where exhibitors and sponsors can get user insights into their brands and products, while attendees can find like-minded people to converse with.
There are numerous advantages of using online communities:
**Networking opportunities**
Online communities help connect people with mutual interests and passions. Individuals and businesses can expand their networks and market their products to a wider audience, and in the process create a thriving business.
**Year-round engagement**
You can engage year-round with potential customers and suppliers without having to wait until the next big trade show or conference to reach out to new contacts.
**Easily share and manage content with members**
Communities are a great way to distribute your content and get more traction for your business.
If you’re looking for feedback on your latest project, you could ask questions directly within the forum.
Or perhaps you’d like to see which products or exhibition booths were most popular during last month’s event. You can easily search through the forums and pull together some statistics.
Managing and curating the content is also crucial so the community doesn’t get spammed with irrelevant posts that could turn away members.
It’s recommended to craft a continuous engagement programme that keeps the community active.
ExpoPlatform chief growth officer Luke Bilton has highlighted the [role of content editors](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/community-tech-talk/) to achieve this:
He said: “One of the key roles is to have someone whose job it is to garden that community.”
“It comes down to having solid editorial skills, content editors and community managers, who schedule various activities going on a weekly or monthly basis.”
“That could be things like meetups around particular niches, roundtables, advisory boards – you can use hosted buying programmes to pre-arrange meetings for people.”
**Sponsorship opportunities**
Online communities allow sponsors to gain exposure among hundreds if not thousands of engaged followers. Sponsorships range from freebies, giveaways to paid ads and content.
This sentiment was echoed by [Community Leaders Institute founder](https://www.communityleadersinstitute.com/) RD Whitney, who says that [community marketing is the model of the future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/community-marketing-is-future/) and creates “awesome” opportunities for event organisers.
He said: “Why wouldn’t you take advantage of the fact that you have a great connection and trust with the buyer and the seller?
“Create validation products, create online training products, create certification products, create online directories that can help people connect 365.
“Create peer networks, subscription-based peer networks where non-competing people can come together to learn from each other’s failures and successes.
“You don’t need anybody in the middle and then you can just connect them.”
With digital expected to account for nearly [25% of exhibition revenue post-2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/), virtual monetisation can provide new revenue streams to organisers.
## **What is an online community platform?**
An online community platform is a dedicated space for event professionals to interact, network and do business all year-round.
These platforms are integrated with the tools and functionalities needed to foster collaboration and provide users a seamless engagement experience.
For example, a community for buyers and exhibitors will feature a content hub, 24/7 [online marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/), AI matchmaking and digital sponsorship options.
**How online community platforms differ from LinkedIn or Facebook groups**
Facebook or LinkedIn are usually the first names that pop into mind when you hear the term ‘online communities’.
While an online community platform does the same job of connecting people as these social media networks, their function is vastly different.
These are highly focused private groups where members invest their time to seek personal, professional and business growth.
As an organiser you cater to a niche audience that seeks a comfortable space to ask questions and share experiences while valuing their privacy.
A community platform built on proprietary SaaS software is recommended as it allows you to:
> - **Exercise more control**: Communities hosted on social media or open-source platforms are subject to any changes made. In comparison, you get more control with a dedicated community software as well as a team of professionals to handle issues like hosting, email deliverability, software updates and security vulnerabilities.
> - **Access data insights:** Get data-driven reports to help improve the community experience.
> - **Use community management tools:** Content creation features, engagement tools, performance analytics, omnichannel support and media libraries help create a productive community platform.
> - **Ensure security:** Online community platforms provide enhanced security options for members as they comply with GDPR and other data regulations, which is not always the case with platforms like Facebook. Before selecting a platform provider, [read what their data policies say](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/).
**CASE STUDY**
**PGA 2021 Merchandise Show- Virtual Experience and Marketplace**
PGA Shows wanted to connect the global golf community through multiple channels including virtual events, an online marketplace, webinars, educational content and seasonal in-person events.
> The [\#PGAShowConnects](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PGAShowConnects?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 365 Platform has been driving the golf industry forward this year with innovation through change.
>
> The industry is connecting like never before with access to the top products, services, contacts, & insights virtually. Explore more: [pic.twitter.com/51QGmQ87Nb](https://t.co/51QGmQ87Nb)
>
> — PGA Golf Shows (@PGAShow) [June 8, 2021](https://twitter.com/PGAShow/status/1402295700738740229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Read [how ExpoPlatform helped ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/pga-2021-merchandise-show-virtual-experience-marketplace/)them drive their 365 strategy to fruition and create a thriving community to support their flagship PGA Merchandise Show.
## **Benefits of using an event community platform**
Here are the different ways an online community platform can support your events strategy:
**Building connections**
When you use an online community platform, you’ll find yourself connecting with lots of interesting people who may not otherwise come across each other. This makes networking much easier than trying to meet strangers at trade shows and conferences. Additionally, if the platform has AI matchmaking features, you can even connect to relevant content, products and companies.
**Engaging audiences**
You can build relationships with attendees before, during and after your event. For instance, you can share video teasers, post snackable content pieces and highlight any notable speaker to stir the audience imagination and build hype.
**Streamlining communication**
You can send out reminders via email, text message, push notifications, etc. to remind people about upcoming deadlines, registration dates, workshops, etc.
**Increase brand awareness**
Exhibitors and sponsors can increase their brand visibility and reach out to a large audience on an online community platform. One can also find and partner with influencers for business opportunities.
**Access to downloadable resources and courses**
Many online community platforms provide access to downloadable guides, templates, checklists, tips and tricks, etc.
These platforms also offer training and workshops, webinars, podcasts, e-books that can be found in the resources section.
**Strengthen messaging and marketing**
The best way to communicate effectively with your target market is to speak directly to them. Online community platforms make this easy because you can easily add a link to your website, blog, landing pages, etc.
It’s important to remember though that while you want to engage with your followers, don’t forget to keep things professional. Don’t spam them with promotional material; instead focus on providing useful information and engaging conversations.
**Access to ‘always on’ online marketplace where buyers and sellers can connect, availability of products, services and solutions**
Online communities also give you access to an always-on o[nline marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) where buyers and suppliers can connect, search for products, services and solutions, compare prices, read reviews and leave feedback.
These features can help attract quality leads from all over the world.
Additionally, they are a great way of building relationships with potential customers who may be interested in attending or sponsoring your event.
*User engagement is the most critical factor to grow your events community. Read next on how to keep your community engaged.*
## **Tips to improve engagement on an online community platform** 
Online community platforms provide ample opportunities to keep your target customer base active and engaged. Here are some ways through which you can [improve engagement with community](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-tips-to-build-an-engaged-online-community-for-b2b-events/) members.
**Rewarding brand advocates**
One of the most effective ways to encourage participation is to reward loyal participants. This could mean offering discounts, freebies, special offers, invitations to exclusive parties, etc.
You can create a brand advocacy programme through which members can become advocates and affiliates of your community.
**Encourage user-generated content**
Encourage community members to post and share their insights or any new piece of content they have created. This will give them more visibility while your online community will stay active.
Additionally, when users upload images, videos, links, etc., other users can comment on those posts. The comments section allows everyone to interact with each other and discuss topics related to your business.
**Make the community platform mobile-friendly**
Mobile devices are becoming increasingly popular as consumers use smartphones and tablets to browse the internet. As such, it makes sense to ensure that your online community platform is accessible via smartphone and tablet too.
If possible, consider creating separate apps for Android and iOS phones/tablets. You’ll then be able to reach even more audiences than before!
**Organise giveaways and contests**
Giveaways and contests are another excellent way to increase awareness of your product or service.
To organise a giveaway or contest, allow sharing details of the competition on social media channels like Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.
Create a unique hashtag for your campaign so people can easily find out what’s going on.
**Seek feedback from members and implement suggestions to improve community**
Community managers often receive requests from members asking questions or suggesting improvements. It’s important to respond promptly to all queries and concerns raised by members. Appoint moderators to resolve multiple queries simultaneously.
In addition, don’t forget to thank members for participating in your community. A simple ‘thank you’ message goes a long way towards encouraging further interaction between members.
**Crowdsource event ideas from members and reward the best suggestions**
When organising an event, try to crowdsource some of its ideas from members. Ask them to submit their own proposals and vote for the ones they think would work well.
Reward the top winners with prizes. Also, keep track of the number of votes received per proposal. That information helps you gauge whether there was enough interest among members to hold future events based on similar themes.
**Robust reputation management to recognise user participation**
It’s also worth considering different ways to manage your reputation once your community has been established. This includes recognising positive contributions made by members and rewarding them accordingly.
You could offer special rewards to members who have participated in several activities over a period of time. Or perhaps give away free products or services to loyal participants.
## **Tools you need to build an online community platform for events**
An active and engaged online community is built around technology that serves your event goals.
Here are some tools you would need to create an online community platform for your events:
**Interactive website**
A [user-friendly website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/) serves as the virtual platform where your community can connect.
It should have interactive features like polls and surveys, meetings and messaging tools and allow integration with third-party services to streamline engagement.
Above all, it should have an easy onboarding process so members can make the most of the platform and actively contribute to keeping the community active.
**365 Marketplace**
The rise of digital has allowed buyers and sellers to connect any time of the year instead of limiting interactions to a one-off annual event.
An ‘always-on’ online 365 marketplace acts as a ‘[product discovery platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/)‘ for community members who can browse new products and services year-round.
Additionally, exhibitors can create business profiles to keep members posted about product launches and industry updates. One can also network with each other and initiate conversations to undertake commercial transactions.
**AI matchmaking**
The real value of online communities lies in the networking opportunities they provide.
Instead of taking the funnel-based approach of lead generation, you just need to make the right connections from an already qualified pool of people.
But how does one find these connections in a community teeming with members?
AI-powered matchmaking tools can help cut through the noise to make relevant recommendations based on a user’s preferences.
This feature goes beyond making connections to people by providing suggestions for useful content, products and companies.
Learn how the [AI matchmaking algorithm works](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/).
**Monetisation and sponsorship options**
There are many ways to successfully monetise an online community platform. Below are some examples:
- Offer subscriptions for premium content and offers once the community has a large, dedicated following
- Digital ads and banners
- Sponsorship options for events, mobile apps, podcasts
- Sponsored content and business profiles
- Sell branded merchandise
- Branded giveaways
- Offer paid training and workshops
- Promoting products through affiliate marketing
The digital medium offers endless opportunities to generate revenue. However, it’s recommended to focus more on providing value to the members and explore the monetisation options as the community grows into a group of loyal advocates.
Learn how you can accelerate digital revenue growth with the [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/).
## **Conclusion**
While nothing matches the value of face-to-face interactions, a dedicated online community keeps the engagement going before and after the live events. It’s not enough to simply create one as a value asset – you need to manage and nurture it throughout the year. As the community grows, it can serve as a powerful tool to expand and scale your events and influence positive business outcomes year after year.
**Find out how ExpoPlatform can help you [build a 365 event community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) from scratch.**
**Categories:** Community
---
### [An industry on the move: the week in events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/week-in-events-20211025/)
**Published:** October 25, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Your weekly event industry news roundup from ExpoPlatform – the future of travel in the US, new strategic partnership for Tarsus takes flight and demands from exhibitors shifts towards quality over quantity.*
## **Exhibitors want quality visitors over quantity – UFI survey**
Exhibitor demands have shifted towards higher quality event attendees over pure volume, according to a new [UFI survey](https://www.ufi.org/news-media/media-releases/).
The Global Recovery Insights 2021 report – released over the last week – finds attendance demand has returned to pre-pandemic levels for both buyers and sellers.
However, the results contrast with previous studies in that 86% of exhibitors stated visitor quality is a large influence on their decision to invest in a show against 67% citing numbers.
> [\#UFI](https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@explori](https://twitter.com/explori?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) are today releasing the third part of the [\#GlobalRecovery](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GlobalRecovery?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Insights 2021 report, conducted by live events research specialists, Explori, in partnership with UFI, and supported by [@SisoOrg](https://twitter.com/SisoOrg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
> Read the full [\#MediaRelease](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MediaRelease?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) here: [\#Research](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Research?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/wt7g7Zw2T1](https://t.co/wt7g7Zw2T1)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [October 19, 2021](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1450372447795126278?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, said: “The report gives plenty of reasons for optimism, including quelling doubts about a possible shift away from live events and indicating which shows are likely to bounce back quickly.
“At a time where physical trade shows are restarting around the world, we hope that these findings will help the industry to a fast recovery and beyond.”
The global survey of trade show professionals was carried out in the summer of 2021 and gained 15,000 responses representing participation in over 30 countries.
Findings from the report show 72% of visitors say they plan to attend trade shows with the same or increased frequency in future, with 62% of exhibitors reporting the same intention.
## **Boost for APAC as major venues return to business**
A major venue in Malaysia is reopening and set to provide a springboard for business recovery in the country after coronavirus restrictions were eased.
The nation’s government relaxed rules last week which allowing for corporate events to take place.
This led to the Malaysian International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) announcing it will reopen its facilities.
> MITEC welcomes the Government’s move to re-open the Business Events sector effective today, 18 October 2021.
>
> Talk to us about your next event. Call +603 6206 0100 or log on to for more info.[\#MITEC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MITEC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Mitecians](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mitecians?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#justdifferent](https://twitter.com/hashtag/justdifferent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#event](https://twitter.com/hashtag/event?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#business](https://twitter.com/hashtag/business?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/HkygHQIPrs](https://t.co/HkygHQIPrs)
>
> — Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (@MITEC\_MY) [October 18, 2021](https://twitter.com/MITEC_MY/status/1450019094749536256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Mala Dorasamy, acting chief executive officer MITEC, said: “With the re-opening of business events, we look forward to welcoming back all conferences and exhibitions.
“MITEC has contributed in strengthening SMEs and significantly contributed to job creation.
“We have generated more than 841,000 gig worker labour hours and created jobs for over 100,000 people since our inception.”
It comes after [calls from a representative body](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/week-in-events-20211001/) to allow the fully vaccinated business events industry to return in the nation as soon as possible.
The Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) previously said it is crucial to understand these shows “can operate safely and responsibly” – after a period of increased immunisation.
Business events are now allowed in the states under Phase 3 and Phase 4.
Meanwhile, the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) proposal to allow the return of in-person MICE events to be held under strict rules has been approved.
The nation’s Centre of Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has given the green light to shows which follow coronavirus-free protocols.
It comes after the government’s announcement that fully vaccinated overseas visitors will be allowed to enter Thailand from November 1 without having to quarantine.
## **Tarsus takes flight in new strategic partnership**
Tarsus has announced a strategic partnership to launch a [new aerospace platform](https://www.timesaerospace.aero/) for the industry.
The global B2B events and media group is working with Times Aerospace, publisher of leading magazines and content for the sector across the Middle East and Africa.
It is hoped the move will leverage both parties’ respective strengths to deliver news, insights and exclusives.
https://twitter.com/TarsusGroup/status/1451181221849878532
Tarsus Group CEO Douglas Emslie, said: “Times Aerospace has a great reputation amongst our shared customer base making the partnership a natural fit.
“I’m delighted to be working with them to develop and expand our respective businesses going forward; this partnership perfectly aligns with our strategy of creating deeper connections with our customers and broadening our revenue base beyond events.’’
Tarsus Aerospace – the division involved with the partnership – delivers events in aviation, defence and aerospace.
## **US summit on future travel and sustainability**
A new summit is to bring together leaders and policy makers in the US to discuss how the travel industry will shape up over the next 10 years.
The day-long Future of Travel Mobility event will take place on Tuesday to consider issues central to the coming decade of the sector.
It will see executives in the business, transportation and technology sectors join policymakers and administration officials.
Their focus will be on travel mobility and the traveller experience – including [sustainable travel](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/), seamless and secure travel as well as innovative and emerging travel.
> NEW SPEAKERS JUST ANNOUNCED: [@SecretaryPete](https://twitter.com/SecretaryPete?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@AliMayorkas](https://twitter.com/AliMayorkas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) will join us as the Opening and Closing Keynote Speakers. Join us on October 26th. Register now for the LIVESTREAM ➡️ [\#FOTM21](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FOTM21?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/jVGVl2LwOl](https://t.co/jVGVl2LwOl)
>
> — U.S. Travel (@USTravel) [October 14, 2021](https://twitter.com/USTravel/status/1448715242763079683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association, said: “Our eyes are on the future, where U.S. technologies and advancements promise a new day for travel, mobility, sustainability and infrastructure.”
It comes after Whitehouse confirmed its [border reopening date](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html) which will allow vaccinated travellers into the US from land and air.
Officials have said this rule will come into effect from November 8 and will provide some much needed certainty for our industry as it continues to reopen.
The US Travel Association CEO believes this will add further confidence to the event industry.
He said: The set date of November 8 for entry of fully vaccinated individuals will create confidence in the marketplace, not only for leisure travel, but importantly for the international business traveller who can now travel to the US for meetings, conventions and professional events.
“This critically important segment of travel is now positioned to rebound after severe declines in business travel spending by inbound visitors, which fell by 80% last year.”
## **Christmas comes early?**
The event industry in the UK has been given a boost after the Prime Minister ruled out new lockdowns amid fears over a rise in coronavirus cases.
No 10 has dismissed the need to reintroduce mask mandates, work-from-home orders and vaccine passports – although such measures could be introduced if more people did not come forward for vaccines and booster shots.
Boris Johnson claimed there is so far no evidence to suggest this could be an option for Ministers to choose, providing some much needed confidence for organisers over the festive period.
He said: “I’ve got to tell you, at the moment, that we see absolutely nothing to indicate that that is on the cards at all.”
It comes after Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng also reaffirmed there would be no further lockdowns and encouraged workers to go ahead and book Christmas parties.
Covid-19 cases in the UK are charging ahead of major European nations as it was confirmed the nation had recorded its highest number of new infections over a week for months.
A total of 333,465 people tested positive over seven days, up 15% on the previous week and the highest total since the seven days to July 21.
**Categories:** Sustainability
---
### [Dubai and Hong Kong: a tale of two cities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20211018/)
**Published:** October 17, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Your weekly event industry news roundup from ExpoPlatform – contrasting stories for Dubai and Hong Kong, how to meet sustainability goals and ExCel London given go ahead for expansion plans.*
## **Dubai and Hong Kong: A tale of two cities**
A major exhibition is relocating from Hong Kong to Dubai amid ongoing concerns about the region’s strict coronavirus rules for travellers.
APLF-Leather and Materials+ 2022 will now be [taking place in the UAE](https://www.leatherfair.aplf.com/en-us/Press/Fair-News/A-Special-Edition-of-APLF-to-be-held-in-Dubai-from-30-March-1-April-2022) in March following “extensive discussions” with industry stakeholders.
Dubai is open to international visitors and has already successfully held mega trade shows such as Gitex Technology Week, Gulfood and Arab Health.
Organisers Informa Markets took into account the contrasting scenario in Hong Kong when making their decision, where inbound travel requires testing and lengthy quarantine times.
> .[@HamdanMohammed](https://twitter.com/HamdanMohammed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) officially opens the 41st edition of GITEX GLOBAL x Ai Everything – the world’s most influential technology sourcing and networking event of 2021. [\#Dubai](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Dubai?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/mPKTV2EVr5](https://t.co/mPKTV2EVr5)
>
> — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) [October 17, 2021](https://twitter.com/DXBMediaOffice/status/1449765304389746696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
David Bondi, senior vice president of Informa Markets Asia, added: “Organising APLF outside Hong Kong is a new experience for us, and also suppliers and buyers.
“But with Informa Markets’ strong presence in the Middle East and North African markets, our local resources and regional experience will complement our expertise and most certainly benefit the organisation of APLF’s Special Edition in Dubai.
“Add to that the positive feedback from our association partners all around the world and I am fully confident that a successful edition of APLF will be held in March 2022.”
The Hong Kong government announced in August it will be keeping some strict regulations until March 31.
Non-residents from high-risk countries – including the UK Kingdom and US – are banned from entering Hong Kong.
Vaccinated Hongkongers who return from those countries have to undergo 21-day quarantine.
Fears have been raised that these restrictions could deal a hammer blow to our industry in the region.
This comes in complete contrast with the success of our sector which is now booming in Dubai.
Alongside its major trade shows it had also seen the launch of Expo 2020, which will run for 182 days until March 31.
It includes presentations from 191 nations, making it the largest event to have ever been staged in the Middle East and North Africa.
## **Organisers can ‘take a leaf out of UN sustainability goals’**
Organisers can design sustainable events to match with social responsibilities by using specific UN goals, an industry leader has claimed.
Don Neal, 360 Live Media CEO, believes there is now opportunity to create environments which are transformative for attendees but can also futureproof businesses.
[He said](https://www.pcma.org/getting-serious-sustainable-event-design/) events can be based on any of the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals that are most likely to be accomplished and “align with the mission of the organisation”.
His comments come as ExpoPlatform launched its latest series focussing on [futureproofing your business model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/sustainable-events/) through sustainability.
Meanwhile, Neal recommends these UN aims as a starting point:
1. **End poverty:** Support local food banks, work with schools to pack healthy snacks and host fundraisers.
2. **Promote economic growth and work for all:** Invite community colleges and institutes to visit your event, highlight opportunities for work and economic development.
3. **Take action to combat climate change:** Reduce carbon footprint, get green certified by standard groups and encourage sponsors and exhibitors to support your initiatives.
## **US easing of restrictions a boost for industry**
The White House has confirmed its [border reopening date](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html) which will allow vaccinated travellers into the US from land and air.
Officials have said this rule will come into effect from November 8 and will provide some much needed certainty for our industry as it continues to reopen.
It was previously announced that restrictions for vaccinated travellers would be eased sometime in early November, leaving those in the events and hospitality sectors on tenterhooks for more concrete information.
This latest development is expected to create a surge in attendance with land borders with Canada and Mexico to reopen as well.
The move comes just in time for IMEX America, which is due to take place from November 9 in Las Vegas.
In a statement, [the group said](https://www.imexexhibitions.com/media/press/us-easing-travel-for-foreign-nationals): “We’re absolutely delighted that the US is easing travel restrictions from across the world into America from November 8.
“This decision is a massive morale booster for the industry.
“More importantly, it increases momentum for the US economy and its labour market and for the international travel sector in general.”
## **UK travel may ‘only recover by one-third’ this year**
The UK’s travel and tourism sector’s year-on-year recovery may only [claw back a third](https://wttc.org/News-Article/uk-travel-and-tourism-sector-may-only-recover-by-a-third-this-year) while international spending continues to plummet, according to new research.
Findings from WTTC, which represents the industry globally, shows the bounceback has been severely delayed by the lack of money from visitors.
It estimates the sector’s economic contribution could rise year-on-year by just under a third in 2021, broadly in line with the global average of 30.7%.
Julia Simpson, WTTC president, said: “WTTC research shows that while the global travel and tourism sector is beginning to recover, the UK continues to suffer big losses due to continuing travel restrictions that are tougher than the rest of Europe.
“Despite government announcements the UK still has a red list, costly PCR tests and a requirement for day two tests which simply put people off travel.
“Just as the world opens up the UK has more requirements for the double vaccinated than our neighbours.”
It comes as despite its successful vaccine rollout the UK is set to record further losses for inbound visitor spending than the previous year.
This is compared to a year in which international travel ground to an almost complete standstill.
The research goes on to show that international spending is predicted to plunge by nearly 50% on 2020 figures – one of the worst years on record for the Travel & Tourism sector – making it one of the worst performing countries in the world.
## **Optimism as ExCel London secures extension approval**
ExCeL London has [secured approval](https://www.excel.london/news/excel-london-secures-approval-for-expansion-to-its-world-class-venue) to expand the venue which will represent a significant investment in the Royal Docks venue.
Newham Planning Committee gave the green light to the project which will deliver an additional 25,000sqm of premium event space.
Construction works are expected to start next year but the move will be a shot in the arm for confidence in our sector, which such largescale investment ongoing.
> ? EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK ?
>
> Fly-by of the newly approved expansion plans for [\#ExCeLLondon](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ExCeLLondon?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ?
>
> ✅Additional 25,000sqm
> ✅Enhancing world class status
> ✅Fully sustainable
> ✅Supporting up to 115 jobs
>
> Full details: [pic.twitter.com/5pzHwygqF3](https://t.co/5pzHwygqF3)
>
> — ExCeL London (@ExCeLLondon) [October 13, 2021](https://twitter.com/ExCeLLondon/status/1448290191123353605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Jeremy Rees, ExCeL CEO, said: “This decision is a key moment not just for ExCeL but for our customers and the entire UK events industry.
“The expansion of ExCeL will ensure that London and the UK remains internationally competitive and a destination of choice for world leading events, for years to come.
“Moreover, this investment will ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our customers by providing opportunities for growth, complimented by a world class guest experience.”
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Chart of the week: trade show bookings way behind 2019](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/chart-of-the-week-tradeshows/)
**Published:** October 4, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The recovery of UK trade shows is continuing however new figures reveal a massive drop in exhibitor bookings compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Analysis of 16 exhibitions held in the UK during September reveals weak performance with the comparable shows in 2019.
Findings from the Events Intelligence research shows total bookings were 43% down, an average of 60% of these were held over from the previous show, while 75% were from the UK, 8% from the US and 4% from Germany.
These figures do also show 40% of bookings were new money rather than rolled-over deposits.
The analysis, published by [Flash and Flames](https://flashesandflames.com/2021/09/24/trade-shows-splutter-into-life/), also highlights a drop in distance travelled of more than a third to take part in these shows.
It estimates pre-pandemic international exhibitors travelled an average of 3,070km, while the current distance is of 1,914km.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The report highlights three areas which are holding back event performance:
- Restrictions on travel, transport and public gathering
- Personal fears over attending
- Financial situation of participating companies
However, this all hinges on how governments and industries handle the uncertainty brought by coronavirus.
The threat of the highly contagious Delta variant may increase hesitancy of people to again attend big events.
These could be eased by implementing stringent safety measures that demand proof of vaccinations and mask use for attendance.
## **What does it mean for event organizers?**
Organisers are looking to reshape their strategies to prepare for all outcomes as uncertainty over lockdown restrictions continues.
It means digital can no longer be a small addition to an event planner’s strategy – it should now form a critical part of future plans.
These proposals can include adopting emerging technologies to connect people in all formats – live, virtual and hybrid.
[Hybrid models](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/designing-hybrid-event-models-for-2021-and-beyond/) could define the new industry landscape and will remain a mainstay of events and exhibitions for years to come. Here’s why:
**Monetization:** The hybrid model offers new untapped opportunities to monetize an event and [create additional revenue streams](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/). Investment in digital events is expected to [rise from 2% before the pandemic to 25% post-2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/). These components could include sponsor branding, ads and banners, giveaways, access to training and communities and more.
**Security:** Hybrid solutions offer a backup when restrictions are re-imposed or potential exhibitors remain offput. This gives organizers flexibility and confidence to run a large-scale event without having to pause or alter their schedules.
**Accessibility:** Hybrid events offer both in-person and online attendance options. This makes them way more accessible compared to traditional events. Attendees can log in from a remote location anywhere around the world with just a computer and internet connection. Features such as [hybrid booths](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/hybrid-booths-donna-shaw/) also allow exhibitors to take part even when they can’t attend in person.
*To unlock the full potential of hybrid events, read* [*ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint*](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) *now.*
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Shaun Hinds: event industry must unite and be at heart of recovery](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/shaun-hinds-economic-recovery/)
**Published:** September 29, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The event industry must unite and be at the heart of the UK’s economic and societal recovery as we emerge from the pandemic, according to the Manchester Central CEO.
Shaun Hinds believes some representative bodies failed in securing support for our sector in the most “critical aspect” by not making good connections with governments and policy makers around the UK.
He has now issued a rallying call to these institutions to play a “critical” role in ensuring the event industry can be a key player in economic and societal recovery – but urged event professionals to “come together and co-ordinate”.
Shaun told ExpoPlatform: “There are a few bodies that represent different sections of our industry and I would say that some of them have existed almost in perfect isolation.
“What I mean by that is they go about their work and their jobs and they do good things and it all looks very nice.
“But actually what is the product of the effort that they’re putting in?
“I think pre-Covid and pre-pandemic we’ve probably never really needed to worry about whether there were tangible results and tangible products.
“Now we’ve been thrown into crisis, we start to look around and see actually among these bodies where can we get help or what’s the role that they play.
“Particularly in the most critical aspect which was the route into government and the route into policy makers.
“We’re looking around at these various groups and they’re kind of looking around as well – like the famous John Travolta meme off the internet from Pulp Fiction.
“Everyone’s looking at everybody else to see who is going to help.”
He added: “With a bit more solid leadership galvanization, then some of those groups could have been fundamental in helping us navigate where we’ve come from.
“But critically, they’ve got a massive role to play in taking us forward.
“There’s the economic and societal recovery that the UK needs to go through, plus the opportunity presented by Brexit and an independent UK on a global marketplace.
“The events industry should be at the heart of that – and there are groups that can help us get there, but I’m not sure they actually realise that yet.”
His comments come after a panel session at International Confex, where the challenges and transformation our industry has witnessed was a focus for many.
The discussion – which also included ASM Global executive vice president John Sharkey and founder of Smyle Group Rick Stainton – was based around how the sector became “invisible” to government leaders during the pandemic.
> How did an £84bn sector become invisible❓
>
> A panel of industry leaders came together this morning [@IntlConfex](https://twitter.com/IntlConfex?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to discuss how the events industry was overlooked throughout the pandemic.
>
> Our CEO [@ShaunHinds](https://twitter.com/shaunhinds?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) joined [@MartyFullardUAE](https://twitter.com/MartyFullardUAE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@sharkjp](https://twitter.com/sharkjp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@Rick\_Stainton](https://twitter.com/rick_stainton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ??[\#Confex2021](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Confex2021?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/wqYXSMxC3t](https://t.co/wqYXSMxC3t)
>
> — Manchester Central (@mcr\_central) [September 2, 2021](https://twitter.com/mcr_central/status/1433383254107860996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Shaun told the audience he believes organizers “almost lost the battle right at the beginning” by describing their work as “mass gatherings”, instead of using a more PR-friendly term.
It was heard part of the problem was the industry operates in many completely different spheres – including healthcare, business, festivals and life events to name a few.
Wedding organizers were able to successfully negotiate special arrangements so they could continue to go ahead and be supported, with this believed to be down to leading with a uniformed argument to policy makers.
The Excel London audience heard this was part of the thinking behind the creation of One Industry One Voice, as well as the lack of support from representative bodies.
This project aims to bring together event professionals so they can approach policy makers on a united front and quote strong figures about the sector’s economic worth.
It was heard senior levels of government were unwilling to listen to arguments without hard data, while figures gathered by One Industry One Voice estimate that events are worth around £84.7 billion in the UK.
Shaun said: “It shows if we get on and do it ourselves, we’d probably do better.
“We have got to come together and co-ordinate on this.
“If we rely on official bodies, it’s just not going to happen.
“Taking the statistical information and showing it is probably one of the most positive things that could have come out of this.”
He added: “Reinforce the economic, the human, the interpersonal, the societal benefits and the huge diversity our industry represents.”
**Further figures from One Industry One Voice break down the total value of UK events by sector:**
- **Corporate events and conferences – £20.2bn**
- **Exhibitions and trade fairs – £11bn**
- **Arts and culture – £5.6bn**
- **Festivals, fairs and shows – £6bn**
- **Music events – £17.6bn**
- **Sports events – £9.6bn**
- **Weddings – £14.7bn**
However, the event industry has witnessed its biggest ever shake-up to business models due to the pandemic.
It forced a halt to in-person events and organizers had to scramble to move them to an online format.
As we emerge out of restrictions and into face-to-face many expect a [hybrid model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) – which includes live and some form of virtual – to be the approach moving forward.
This is because hybrid offers greater [monetization](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) and engagement opportunities, while also providing an element of security to pandemic-proof budgets.
This virtual transformation comes as Manchester Central – which is one of the UK’s largest venues – has launched a broadcast-quality studio.
The aim of this Studio Sessions development is to give a professional production experience onsite.
It includes live streaming capabilities through multiple event platforms with full branding capacity for virtual or hybrid events.
*Download our free [Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook for an in-depth guide in making a successful blend of in-person and online events.*
Shaun said: “Hybrid conferencing is increasingly popular and our job is to help businesses and event organizers understand how to tap into its true value and potential.
“Not only does this way of delivering event content help to reach more delegates from across the UK and beyond, it also enables organizers to provide a more curated and personalized event experience.
“This in turn presents new commercial opportunities for sponsors and event partners to achieve brand exposure.”
It comes as organizers have been re-inventing their event strategies by pursuing a hybrid model that blends physical and virtual experiences.
This is amid easing social restrictions around the globe and in-person events slowly opening up for business again.
Hybrid events can accommodate both in-person attendees and a virtual audience comprising those who cannot travel to the venue or are still on tenterhooks on attending face-to-face meetups.
A big advantage of this format is it helps organizers insulate their events from any potential physical disruptions, while allowing them to build and expand audience relationships without the limitations of time and geography.
Organizers also have options to offer new avenues for content sharing, exhibiting and sponsorship – which can create new revenue streams and lead generation opportunities.
Our industry was slow to embark on this digital transformation journey, but the necessity caused by lockdown restrictions accelerated that change.
Revenue models for organizers are now expected to shift from digital representing just 2% of budgets to 25% moving forward.
Exhibitor spending on pure trade show activities is predicted to decline, with them now anticipated to increase investment in digital content, hybrid events and training of their own teams.
Furthermore, transactions rapidly shifted online during the pandemic.
A total of 83% of B2B buyers told a [McKinsey study](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/these-eight-charts-show-how-covid-19-has-changed-b2b-sales-forever#) they have found digital – either E-commerce or remote sales – to be equally or more effective than the traditional approach.
This research ran throughout the pandemic, showing how the comfort with losing face-to-face increased quickly as buyers became more comfortable with digital channels.
Meanwhile, the subscription economy has grown exponentially in the last decade.
Research from Zuora puts that surge at 435% over nine years – with the move in that direction looking like it will keep accelerating.
Customers now place more value on outcomes over ownership – with Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime all succeeding in this model.
This approach creates predictable, recurring revenue streams for businesses.
They can be used by exhibition organizers to have suppliers subscribe for a year of activity rather than a one-off event.
ExpoPlatform’s latest ebook – [the Monetization Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) – sets out how organizers can make the most of opportunities brought through these new channels.
This includes extending the life cycle of your in-person show through online content, driving up digital revenue and engaging with communities year-round.
***Find out more about these opportunities in our [free ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)*.**
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Five ways to maximise virtual event ROI](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-roi-5/)
**Published:** September 28, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Virtual events offer a [wealth of opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) to increase ROI. These formats are on the rise but doubts persist on their ability to generate business ROI.
Many organizers have struggled in providing the desired returns in the online sphere compared to an in-person one.
These challenges can make it difficult to convince sponsors and exhibitors about the potential for virtual event ROI.
As an organizer, what should you do to make the most of these opportunities?
Here are five proven strategies:
## **\#1 Invest in audience engagement**
B2B marketing blog Markletic mentions[ audience engagement](https://www.markletic.com/blog/virtual-event-statistics/#virtual-event-engagement) as the “biggest contributing factor” to hosting a successful virtual event.
To maximize ROI, ensure attendees stay engaged before, during and after the event.
They should not be just attending but also participating – whether through social media engagement or taking part in interactive activities during breaks.
Here are some activities you can consider:
- **Organize giveaways**
- **Use mobile app push notifications for reminders and updates**
- **[AI-powered solutions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/3-ways-ai-can-remarkably-improve-virtual-event-engagement/) for customized recommendations and networking**
- **Select a moderator to guide the sessions**
- **Use interactive tools like chat, live polling, feedback surveys**
- **Post-event follow-up through emails**
- **Build [365 online community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/) to drive year-long interactions**
## **\#2 Focus on content and distribution**
Invest in high-quality content to attract audience attention. Put out well-researched blogs, videos, [ebooks](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks/), case studies and infographics on your event website.
Make sure the speakers at your event are noteworthy industry figures. They might charge a higher fee but your event will find traction with a greater, more relevant audience.
The better the quality of content, the higher the chances of building credibility and brand value. This will drive audience numbers to the event and contribute to ROI.
It’s also important to focus on content delivery to improve its effectiveness. Understand the audience preferences for consuming information. You can then optimize your content for these options – such as webinars, podcasts, social media posts, interactive ebooks etc.
*Download our [free Monetization Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) to drive digital revenue*.
## **\#3 Include Calls-to-Action**
Effective placement of call-to-action (CTAs) compels the audience to engage with the event and boost ROI.
CTAs can be used at various points in the virtual event to compel attendees to take action. For example:
- Encourage registrations before the event goes live
- Direct attendees to download materials, watch videos and sign up for demos
- Offer discounts on products and use urgency marketing to create FOMO
- Onboard the audience to an online community to build a pool of engaged prospects
By testing different messaging and CTAs you can create a winning combination that drives conversion rates and increases event revenue.
## **\#4 Track event data**
Organizers can track attendee data to take relevant action and maximize the ROI on their virtual events.
Using good [event management software](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-trade-shows/) helps understand the attendee journey and build a more complete picture of their needs and wants.
Event analytics can be used to answer questions like:
- How much time did attendees spend in each session?
- What was the average number of page views per attendee?
- Did they download any content or take action after attending?
- Which booths saw the maximum engagement?
These questions can help determine whether your event delivered value to participants and helped them achieve goals. The information can then be used for marketing campaign ideas and to better analyze customer/buyer data.
## **\#5 Educate exhibitors and sponsors on your event platform**
Use an event management platform that aligns with your ROI objectives. Choose one which can also manage your event from start to finish.
Such a platform should have all features to increase the value proposition of your virtual event – audience engagement, content delivery, event analytics and more.
Train and support your exhibitors and sponsors so they can fully utilize the event platform features. Conduct webinars to demonstrate the value of multiple touch points and how they can promote their brand and engage attendees digitally.
These could be:
- Company logos on event website, mobile apps, email blasts
- Sponsored presentations, sessions, videos and giveaways
- Branded exhibitor booths
- Paid workshops and training with continuing education (CE) credits
- Access to delegate list
[*Learn how you can monetize virtual events to maximise ROI*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/how-to-monetise-virtual-events-for-maximising-revenue-sponsorships/)
## **Conclusion**
It’s not enough to plan a virtual event just as a digital alternative for in-person meetings. You have to think in detail how to bring value for attendees, exhibitors and sponsors while generating enough ROI.
Many organizers don’t pay enough attention to generating top-line revenue as they assume the lower operational costs will make it a viable investment. But that’s simply not true!
Using the above tactics you can optimize your event for maximum returns and show value to stakeholders.
*Setting your KPIs is the first step to creating ROI-driven events. Here*[ *are five virtual event KPIs*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/) *you must look to create profitable virtual events and exhibitions.*
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [Chart of the week: when will the event industry ‘fully’ recover?](https://expoplatform.com/trends/chart-of-the-week-when-will-the-event-industry-fully-recover/)
**Published:** September 27, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The business-to-business exhibition industry in North America is most likely to fully recover by 2023, according to a new study.
Findings from the [2021 CEIR Index Report](https://www.ceir.org/news/ceir-breaking-news-2021-ceir-index-report-now-available/) set out the timing of this will depend on how economies emerge from coronavirus, with a number of factors impacting that potential.
This includes vaccination rates, declining cancellation numbers and fears over new strains of Covid-19.
However, the research shows the most likely period for to “fully” return to life before the pandemic will be 2023 – at 60%.
It also suggests there is a 10% chance of recovery in 2022 – as the best case scenario – and 30% by 2024% as the worst case.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
This latest paper is designed to be representative of the whole business-to-business exhibitions industry in North America.
It includes geometrical averaging of the four component values – NSF, exhibitor, attendance and revenue, predictions through 2023 and data tables that provide actual numbers for each metric in each sector.
The report shows three areas are anticipated to lead the recovery:
- **Industrial heavy machinery and finished products**
- **Food**
- **Discretionary consumer goods and services**
However, this all hinges on how governments and industries handle the uncertainty brought by coronavirus.
The threat of the highly contagious Delta variant may increase hesitancy of people to again attend big events.
These could be eased by implementing stringent safety measures that demand proof of vaccinations and mask use for attendance.
## **What does it mean for event organisers?**
Organisers are looking to reshape their strategies to prepare for all outcomes as uncertainty over lockdown restrictions continues.
It means digital can no longer be a small addition to an event planner’s strategy – it should now form a critical part of future plans.
These proposals can include adopting emerging technologies to connect people in all formats – live, virtual and hybrid.
[Hybrid models](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/designing-hybrid-event-models-for-2021-and-beyond/) in particular could define the new industry landscape and will remain a mainstay of events and exhibitions for years to come.
Here are three ways how they will transform B2B events:
**[Monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/):** The hybrid model offers new untapped opportunities to monetise an event and create additional revenue streams. According to research, investment in the digital component of events is expected to [rise from 2% before the pandemic to 25% post-2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/). These digital components could be related to sponsor branding, ads and banners, giveaways, access to training and communities and more.
**Security:** Hybrid solutions offer a digital backup when restrictions are re-imposed or any other unforeseen events occur. This gives organisers the flexibility and confidence to run a large-scale event without having to pause or alter their schedules.
**Accessibility:** Hybrid events offer both in-person and online attendance options. This makes them way more accessible compared to traditional events. Attendees can log in from a remote location anywhere around the world with just a computer and internet connection. Those who are unable to attend can be provided on-demand recordings of the sessions and discussions for later viewing.
*To unlock the full potential of hybrid events, read* [*ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint*](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) *now.*
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [The week in events: lessons from Kanye West?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20210924/)
**Published:** September 24, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform: we’ve seen organisers ranked by revenue, another UK nation will require vaccine passports for events – and some potential lessons for organisers from Kanye West.***
## **Top exhibition organisers ranked by revenue**
AMR has released its ranking of the top 20 exhibition organisers by revenue for 2020, with Informa Markets coming way out on top.
The company held on to first place and was followed by RX – formerly Reed Exhibitions – while CFTC moves to third, up from the ninth position last year.
These new figures show revenue fell dramatically across the industry compared with 2019 – with some losing around two-thirds of income.
Florent Jarry, Head of AMR’s Global Events Practice, said: “2020 was an exceptional year due to the disruption of Covid-19, as a result, the rankings are strongly biased towards organisers with strong Q1 calendars and with strong portfolios in China, where events were less disrupted in H2.
“This has led to the ranking being substantially different from previous years. Therefore, this year’s AMR Top 20 is a snapshot and not representative of longer-term market positions.”
Meanwhile, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) has released its 2021 CEIR Index Report, analysing the business-to-business (B2B) exhibition industry’s performance.
It also includes an economic forecast for the next three years and was published shortly after the institute’s Predict conference.
Findings from the latest report set out that the full recovery of the sector will depend on how economies emerge from coronavirus, with a number of factors impacting that potential.
However, the research shows the most likely period for to “fully” return to life before the pandemic will be 2023 – at 60%.
*Download our free [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) to find out how you can drive digital revenue in this transformed landscape.*
Cathy Breden, CEIR CEO, said: “The past 20 months have been a real struggle for the exhibition industry – and there remains a great deal of uncertainty.
“Exhibition organisers have demonstrated through health and safety measures that our events can be safely held.
“This economic impact of the exhibition industry is important for telling our story on the effect of shows to the US economy.”
Meanwhile, this year’s CEIR Predict event focussed on the transformation of B2B exhibitions in terms of current economic, geo-political and social issues.
A series of in-depth presentations during the September 13-14 event gave attendees timely and relevant data to help them shape their organisations using future-focused programming.
## **Tarsus announces new Chinese investment**
Global B2B media group and exhibition organiser Tarsus has [announced](https://www.tarsus.com/news/tarsus-group-announces-new-chinese-investment) that it has entered into a partnership with the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA).
The pair will now produce the world’s leading printed circuit board event, the International Electronics Circuit Exhibition Shenzhen (IECES Show) from 2022 onwards.
This event was first launched as South China International Printed Circuit & Equipment Fair in 2002 and is now one of the leading platforms for the printed circuit board (PCB) and electronics assembly (EA) industries.
The PCB market has experienced steady growth in recent years, with China accounting for more than 50% of the world’s PCB production.
Last year’s event included 431 exhibitors and more than 48,000 visits in attendance – despite the pandemic.
Tarsus CEO Douglas Emslie said: “The HKPCA and the China Printed Circuit Association (CPCA) have jointly created and nurtured a hugely successful event.
“The Asia-Pacific region is dominating the global PCB and EA markets and we look forward to further develop and internationalise the event from next year onwards.
“Tarsus will deploy our experience, global resources and network to deliver growth and value for our partners and the industry as a whole.”
Canice Chung, HKPCA chairman, added: “We have been very impressed by Tarsus’ track record of working with associations and developing events in China as well as internationally.
“We look forward to working with our new event partners to advance our growth plans and augment the event’s position in the industry.”
## **Lessons from Kanye West?**
Kanye West’s latest album could serve as inspiration for event planners, it has been claimed.
Donda was created in real time using feedback from fans using a technique, dubbed “building in public”.
It saw the artist tour songs from the unreleased record to audiences and gauging their reactions.
He would then make edits in his nearby studio based on their responses.
> [pic.twitter.com/fe5fklSmSO](https://t.co/fe5fklSmSO)
>
> — Donda (@DONDA) [September 18, 2021](https://twitter.com/DONDA/status/1439211106816380930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It was released last month and took the number one spot in charts around the world, having been delayed from July 2020.
Robyn Duda, founder of RDC agency, [published an interesting take](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lessons-from-kanye-west-event-design-robyn-duda-she-her-/) that there are lessons for event planners: embrace change and feedback.
She said: “The future of events is here for those that truly understand the humans behind the tickets, it is non-negotiable – the data, technology and creativity exist.
“When you have loyal fans of your brand, they make sure you are number one – over and over and over again.
“If I owned an event right now, I’d get to know my audience fast and take some design risks.
“Events cannot afford to move forward doing the same thing.
“I’d start by breaking down everything that your audience experiences about your brand and build it back up and involve your customers and audience.”
## **New scheme launched to improve fairness in our industry**
The Events Industry Council (EIC) has launched the first phase of its landmark [Equity Acceleration Plan](https://www.eventscouncil.org/Portals/0/EIC%20Documents/Press%20Releases/EIC%20launches%20first%20phase%20of%20Equity%20Acceleration%20Plan.pdf?ver=2021-09-21-105049-673×tamp=1632239457477).
This stage will focus on setting a benchmark to measure progress on diversity, equity and inclusion in the events industry.
It aims to give respondents the opportunity to share some of their personal experiences and opinions on what is needed to improve the sector.
Results from this will then inform the development of tools, resources and recommendations.
Amy Calvert, CEO of EIC, said: “With over 10.3 million direct jobs and over 1.5 billion participants in our sector and as the industry that at its heart fosters human connection and collaborations, we have the opportunity and responsibility to be a catalyst for meaningful and measurable change.
“The Equity Acceleration Plan will enable us to support event professionals to create more diverse and inclusive environments, develop career pathways, and ensure representation in leadership and supply chains by providing the learning and resources intended to reach and support our community.”
## **Vaccine passports the future for all UK events?**
The likeliness of vaccine passports being required across the whole of the UK grew this week after their introduction in Wales.
Ticket holders for largescale events and nightclubs in the country will be required to show an NHS Covid Pass proving they have been fully vaccinated or had a negative test to gain entry to venues from October.
It comes the Scottish Government’s announcement that vaccine passports will be required at events from October 1.
Meanwhile, vaccine passports could be introduced in England at just one week’s notice if Covid-19 cases spike in the autumn or winter.
> Cynhadledd i'r Wasg gyda'r Prif Weinidog | Live now with the First Minister
>
> — Welsh Government (@WelshGovernment) [September 17, 2021](https://twitter.com/WelshGovernment/status/1438823613973426177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “We have high levels of the virus in our communities and while our fantastic vaccination programme has helped stop thousands more people from becoming seriously ill or dying, the pressure on the NHS is increasing.
“We hope introducing the requirement to show a Covid Pass will help keep venues and events – many of which have only recently started trading again – open.
“Showing a Covid Pass is already part of our collective effort to keep businesses open with some major events, such as the successful Green Man Festival, using it.
“We will continue to work closely with all businesses affected to ensure a smooth introduction and operation of this system.”
*Take a look at our [complete guide on hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) to see how you can increase accessibility for those without passports.*
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Virtual event monetisation: an organiser's complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/)
**Published:** September 22, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
A wealth of options for virtual event monetisation have opened amid the digital transformation our industry has been through since 2020.
ExpoPlatform’s latest ebook – [the Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) – sets out how organisers can make the most of opportunities brought through these new channels.
This includes extending the life cycle of your in-person show through online content, driving up digital revenue and engaging with communities year-round.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer, said: “More than anything it needs leadership to fully commit themselves to the new exhibition model – to set a clear, ambitious path towards building an omnichannel business that connects buyers and sellers throughout the year, combined with a firm belief that in-person events will remain the high point of engagement.”
While we have previously set out a [brief walkthrough on how to drive digital revenue](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/monetisation-blueprint-digest/), here is our complete guide on virtual event monetisation.
Here’s what all we will cover:
- [**Virtual event monetisation – what is different?**](#stepone)
- [**What virtual event monetisation solutions are there?**](#steptwo)
- [**How to adapt your team for peak virtual event monetisation**](#stepthree)
- [**Why is virtual event monetisation important?**](#stepfour)
Read on for expert insight, in-depth analysis and easy-to-follow steps to make the most of this new landscape.
## **Virtual event monetisation – what is different?**
The move of exhibitor marketing spend to digital has been accelerated out of necessity caused by the pandemic.
A recent Exhibition Think Tank (ETT) survey of members showed how organisers are expecting this investment to shift following Covid-19.
Spending on pure tradeshow activities is predicted to decline, with exhibitors anticipated to increase investment in digital content, [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) and training of their own teams.
Research suggests planners will be shifting their budget model to place more emphasis on virtual event monetisation.
It is expected this digital component is going to rise from just 2% before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
Stand sales are also expected to drop from 78% to 50% of the revenue mix.
It comes as 83% of B2B buyers surveyed in a McKinsey study have found digital – either ecommerce or remote sales – to be equally or more effective than the traditional approach.
Lessons can be learnt from the business-to-consumer world in how [online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) such as Amazon saw a huge increase in sales during the pandemic – and continues to dominate.
*Learn how to set up your own online marketplace with our free [Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/).*
The choice for organisers is to either be part of the online buying and selling, or to miss out entirely.
This shift to online has come alongside a change in consumer priorities – they now value outcomes over ownership.
The subscription economy has grown by 435% over nine years with the move in that direction looking like it will keep accelerating, according to Zuora research.
Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime have all succeeded with this model.
The message is clear: people want more control over how they work, connect and purchase.
This subscription model creates predictable, recurring revenue streams for businesses and can be used by exhibition organisers to have suppliers subscribe for a year of activity rather than a one-off event.
## **What virtual event monetisation solutions are there?**
There are three main types of sponsored digital solutions for virtual event monetisation: thought leadership, branding and lead generation services.
Virtual platforms can give an organiser a large amount of inventory before, during and after an event.
***Here’s a rundown of some of the available options:***
- **Branding**
- Online advertising
- Event sponsorships
- Mobile app sponsorship
- Community group sponsorship
- Podcast sponsorship
- **Thought leadership**
- Sponsored conference sessions
- Sponsored editorial
- Breakouts and workshops
- **Lead generation**
- Marketplace profiles
- Webinars
- Ebooks and whitepapers
- Push notifications
*Download the [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) for an easily adaptable guide for maximising these monetisation opportunities.*
**Segment you client base**
Organisers should package their inventory into a series of easy-to-buy bundles with pricing to reflect the value your customers will receive at each tier.
This is because not all exhibitors are equal, with a wide range of budgets and expectations.
An important consideration when drawing up your digital packages is to have solutions which will suit companies of all sizes.
Luke has explained how any organiser aiming to [hit the 25% digital revenue target](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/luke-bilton-confex-20210901/) should have a package which is easy to roll out across an entire client base as the first step in boosting this part of the budget.
He told how the “long tail” segment of clients account for around 70% of customers and targeting them is crucial to raising digital revenue to 25%.
Luke said: “To grow revenues from 2% to 25%, you should start with the long tail of exhibitors, which can account for more than 70% of digital revenue.
“Only then should you offer higher-value sponsorship of the new products you’ve created to your bellwether and mid-tier clients and get their buy-in to help you develop and grow.”
[He added](https://www.incaseofaneventpodcast.com/): “It feels like the days of digital just being 5% of the profit and loss are long gone.”
The major and mid-tier accounts should then be offered higher-value sponsorship of new products which have been developed.
Higher-range packages can then be sold to mid-tier and “bellwether” key accounts, with each priced relatively and with potential to be paid for annually.
**A monetisation journey**
This leads to the idea of building a virtual event “monetisation journey”, a concept which has been developed by MBB-Consulting Group.
The aim of this approach is to bring live and digital B2B products together in a way that makes sense for exhibiting companies.
It should also allow them to get visibility and leads throughout the year.
One element is the physical stand, but there are also other virtual event monetisation opportunities to offer within the industry such as online panel discussions or digital product presentations.
A subscription model may be suitable here, where an exhibitor can choose to pay an annual fee for a touchpoint package which includes a certain number of digital and live elements.
For instance, a basic plan “monetisation journey” could see a smaller firm purchase a tabletop of about 20sqm for a live event with an online product tour for one month and a virtual panel discussion at another time of year.
This foundation subscription would be the base level offering sold to all clients, while a large business would then be able to pay for extras on top of that.
For instance, it could include a stand of more than 50sqm in a physical show as well as two panel discussions, two industry talks, an online award, online stand and virtual product tours across four months.
It is important this monetisation journey is designed with three elements in mind: exclusivity, urgency and purpose.
- **Exclusivity:** a limited inventory of in-person and online options is a tried and tested way to encourage bookings.
- **Urgency:** these options can have limited availability – such as spaces sitting in on a panel discussion – which makes it important to reserve tickets sooner.
- **Purpose:** make sure your offerings deliver results for sponsors and audiences. The relationship built between customers and brands becomes a community through content which is mutually beneficial.
**How to monetise virtual event attendees**
Organisers can also find new monetisation opportunities through attendees by creating a tiered-approach for virtual and in-person products or services.
This can begin with free online content which is open to all, as complementary components like this act as adverts for your products and brand awareness.
These offerings attract people who have an interest in what you are selling and search online for it, while also opening up engagement with them.
The second tier involves potential customers signing up, as these people are already drawn in by the content but may now want access to exclusive articles, showcases or products.
Content such as expert insights or webinars can then become available to them once they have signed up and logged in.
A third tier could include paid-for access to VIP content, such as being able to connect with mastermind groups or think tanks as well as an annual pass to an event series.
The same approach here should be used as mentioned in the “monetisation journey” – exclusivity, urgency and purpose.
In this attendee example, organisers should limit spaces available to online content to make it exclusive to those who have subscribed.
This audience can then be targeted by giving them a fear of missing out (FOMO) – such as “only a few spaces remain” to industry leader presentations or panel discussions.
The purpose of this is to keeps customers engaged with content, informing decisions and improving products for a better return on investment (ROI).
**Make sure there is transparent ROI**
To remain competitive, the event industry needs to be transparent about how marketer budgets are being spent.
This is because today’s marketers are used to using Linkedin, Google and Facebook – platforms which all show real-time statistics.
Providing customers with useful data about who is engaging with their profile and content is now a must – organisers can no longer expect rebookings year after year without proof of ROI.
Brian Field, chief operating officer of Emerald, believes this kind of data is now an “absolute necessity” for organisers to [satisfy chief marketing officers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-marketers-hybrid/).
[He told ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-tech-brian-field/): “Covid-19 has forced everyone into realising that technology – whether it’s rented or owned – is an absolute necessity.
“Organisers can’t just go back to a pre-Covid-19 way of doing things because the way things used to be done – coupled with the absence of performance data – has been increasingly challenging for chief marketing officers (CMO) seeking hard calculations of ROI.
“Being able to use data and supporting tools to generate clear measures and metrics around ROI is required. We have to do it.
“Covid-19 has accelerated the need for broader technological adoption, which is something the industry was going to have to do anyway.”
Virtual event platforms provide exhibitors a real-time dashboard of information about all customers who have engaged with them
Integrated mobile apps allows for lead scanning of badges – barcodes or QR codes – which is available for visitors and exhibitors, who can rate and categorise leads and add notes.
All leads captured are stored in an exhibitor’s dashboard, bringing together online and offline results together into a single view.
*Find out more about these opportunities in our [free ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/)*.
## **How to adapt your team for peak virtual event monetisation**
The digital transformation of events has given organisers room to rethink how they structure sales teams.
It has also raised concerns over whether the traditional event planner has “credibility” to handle this changing landscape.
There are now so many different channels for promoting content, engagement and marketplaces which can be handled in different ways.
The explosion of data has also landed organisers with a wealth of information they either do not have the talent of the time to make the most of.
Luke said: “The number one asset event organisers have is a large volume of high-quality data.
“Audiences an exhibitor wants to reach at the live event will be just as relevant online.
“This should give instant credibility – or at least a seat at the table – if the organiser can create a compelling offering.”
Two schools of thought exist about how to restructure teams to make the most of this new landscape: specialists or generalists.
However, after consulting with industry experts ExpoPlatform reached its own conclusion – probably a bit of both is best.
This would include a key account team trained and incentivised on selling everything, plus digital specialists ready to jump in and support as required.
## **Why is virtual event monetisation important?**
As previously mentioned, digital revenue is now set to grow from being just 2% of an organiser’s budget to 25%.
Missing these opportunities we have highlighted is not an option in today’s uncertain economy.
It comes as corporate travel could be cut by around 20% of its pre-pandemic levels as the digital transformation of industries continues, according to new research.
[McKinsey & Company’s study](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/) looked at sectors of people who travelled for business in 2019 before grouping them by the likelihood of them going back after the pandemic.
The “never returning” segment was found to have made up one-fifth of corporate travellers pre-pandemic, which offers firms an opportunity cut costs on work trips.
But you don’t have to take our word for it – Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, has set out the importance of [taking advantage of our industry’s hybrid future](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/).
He told ExpoPlatform: “For the innovative event producer, hybrid events provide a blank canvas for reinventing the event experience – for attendees and sponsors alike – through unlimited formats, content and engagement opportunities.
“I have advised organisations to embrace hybrid events as an opportunity, as opposed to viewing them as a burden.
“I believe that hybrid events create new and measurable opportunities to enhance the attendee experience and drive increased value for sponsors – opportunities that are limited at purely live or digital events.”
Timothy added: “As an organiser considers the expectations of both attendees and sponsors, they must be mindful of the ROI of both of these constituencies.
“From an attendee’s standpoint, it’s their time – for sponsors, event sponsorships represent a significant marketing investment.
“For event producers, the apprehension comes around how they can ensure that they are meeting their sponsor and attendee expectations.
“Beyond that, what can they improve upon the typical experience?
“With hybrid events – going back to what I see as an opportunity to implement technological innovation that have really scaled over the last year – there’s some apprehension from companies about which technology solutions to partner with, how to implement, how to get the most out of them.
“These are just new challenges that they need to operate around, but I see them as terrific opportunities they need to exploit.”
Sponsorship is becoming increasingly important as the primary source of revenue for virtual events, according to a survey.
[Preliminary results](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) from the State of the Industry Research – Third Quarter 2021 shows 43% of professionals in our industry highlighted this form of funding as their major income in Q3.
Results from previous Event MB studies show 34% of respondents cite sponsorship in the second quarter, while this was just 29% in the first.
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [How important is virtual event sponsorship?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-sponsorship/)
**Published:** September 20, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The event industry is changing rapidly. Each week we illustrate how this is happening and what it means for your business.***
Sponsorship is becoming increasingly important as the primary source of revenue for virtual events, according to a survey.
[Preliminary results](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/nine-key-stats-define-event-industry-right-now/) from the State of the Industry Research – Third Quarter 2021 shows 43% of professionals in our industry highlighted this form of funding as their major income in Q3.
Results from previous Event MB studies show 34% of respondents cite sponsorship in the second quarter, while this was just 29% in the first.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
Event professionals are becoming much more aware of revenue opportunities brought through the digital transformation our industry has witnessed.
There are three main types of sponsored online solutions: thought leadership, branding and lead generation services.
Digital platforms can give you a large amount of inventory before, during and after an event.
It comes as virtual revenue is expected to increase from representing just 2% of an organiser’s budget model in 2020 to 25% moving forward.
ExpoPlatform received a lot of interest from event professionals about how to take advantage of the new income opportunities after its [Hybrid](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) and [Marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) ebooks.
That’s why we published the [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint) – a practical guide on how an organiser can navigate the massive shakeup to business models we have recently witnessed.
Our [free ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint) brings together exclusive insight from industry experts into how things have changed and how to shape up for the future, with instructions on how to increase income in this everchanging landscape.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
Many organisers have a history of offering digital as added-value.
It is now important to make a break with legacy agreements by relaunching with a new rate card and value proposition.
*Read more about [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) here.*
These digital solutions who stand out by customizing it for your brand and content themes.
Instead of selling a generic webinar, launch an academy series with a limited number of sponsorship opportunities around key content topics.
***Here’s a rundown of some of the available options for digital sponsorship:***
- **Branding**
- Online advertising
- Event sponsorships
- Mobile app sponsorship
- Community group sponsorship
- Podcast sponsorship
- **Thought leadership**
- Sponsored conference sessions
- Sponsored editorial
- Breakouts and workshops
- **Lead generation**
- Marketplace profiles
- Webinars
- Ebooks and whitepapers
- Push notifications
***Download the free [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) for an in-depth guide on how to drive digital event revenue.***
**Categories:** Virtual Events
---
### [The week in events: Fear and Closing in Las Vegas](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20210917/)
**Published:** September 17, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform: concerns after a massive Las Vegas show is cancelled, but elsewhere in the world events are reopening. Meanwhile, News UK enters our sector and there’s a lament for the Hong Kong event industry.***
## **Fear and Closing in Las Vegas: NAB Show 2021 cancelled**
The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) in the US has announced that it’s trade event in Las Vegas has been cancelled.
NAB 2021 – which is the largest show for media, entertainment and technology – was called off due to the surge of the coronavirus Delta variant and concerns over the safety of participants.
It had been due to take place next month with a range of industry big names among the 522 exhibitors in Nevada, having already been delayed.
> [pic.twitter.com/vtojPD6ZBD](https://t.co/vtojPD6ZBD)
>
> — NAB Show (@NABShow) [September 15, 2021](https://twitter.com/NABShow/status/1438150868382191620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
[In a statement](https://nabshow.com/2021/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2021/09/2021-NAB-Show-Announcement-1.pdf), NAB said: “For more than a year we have worked tirelessly to bring our industry together safely in Las Vegas at NAB Show. Unfortunately, the pandemic and surge of the Delta variant has presented unexpected and insurmountable challenges for our global community.
“As we have always kept the best interest and safety of the industry as our priority, it has become apparent in the face of these challenges that we can no longer effectively host NAB Show or our co-located events, the Radio Show and Sales and Management Television Exchange, in person.”
It added that they were looking forward to meeting in Las Vegas for the NAB Show in April next year.
The announcement comes amid a number of other big shows going ahead in Nevada’s most populated city.
However the cancellation of such a high-profile gathering will no doubt cause concerns for many organisers and exhibitors.
This move comes as major events elsewhere have been taking place – including UK events such as Clarion’s DSEI in London and Raccoon events’ running show in Farnborough.
Meanwhile, the Netherlands has lifted border restrictions in time for UFI Global Congress to go ahead.
> Great news from the Netherlands! No quarantines for fully [\#vaccinated](https://twitter.com/hashtag/vaccinated?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) travellers. Read the full article here: Fantastic news for all of our [\#uficongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) attendees! Book those tickets, and register for the [\#uficongress](https://twitter.com/hashtag/uficongress?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) here: [pic.twitter.com/aNENUNvM3n](https://t.co/aNENUNvM3n)
>
> — UFI (@UFILive) [September 15, 2021](https://twitter.com/UFILive/status/1438078452389793792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Vaccinated travellers from the United States, the United Kingdom and other “very high-risk” areas will not have to quarantine on arrival from Wednesday.
However, a “[coronavirus entry pass](https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2021/09/14/netherlands-to-reopen-further-with-coronavirus-entry-passes)” will be required for entry into events from Saturday September 25.
This years’ congress in Rotterdam is the first time the UFI global community has met face-to-face since Bangkok in 2019.
## **A Hong Kong event lament**
Paul Woodward, guest editor at Exhibition World, raises fears over one of the world’s greatest event industry locations – Hong Kong.
It comes as officials in the special administrative region of China have been pursuing a zero-coronavirus policy, which has placed almost unsurmountable hurdles for largescale shows.
Almost half of respondents to a recent HKECIA survey said that they would not be able to stay in business if travel was not reopened by the end of this year.
To put that into context this industry contributed more than HK$58 billion (£5.4bn) to the Hong Kong government’s economy in 2018.
Paul [wrote in Exhibition World](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/destroying-one-of-the-worlds-best-exhibition-cities-to-save-it): “One of the world’s most rigorous quarantine regimes requires a minimum of seven days strict hotel quarantine for a few countries, going up to 21 days for many major nations which normally provide the bulk of Hong Kong’s business travellers.”
He added: “One industry veteran told us that he was taking some comfort from the fact that no other market in Asia can really replicate Hong Kong’s position on the edge of China with one foot in the Chinese world and the other in the global economy.
“But, we have to assume that those companies previously using Hong Kong’s business events will now be urgently looking elsewhere for their business marketing and lead generation opportunities. If they like what they see and get good results, they may never come back.
“It will surely be cold comfort for a city to claim proudly that it has ‘beaten Covid’ better than anywhere else while looking at the smoking ruins of a once great industry.”
## **ExpoPlatform targets German market with new partnership**
ExpoPlatform and Adventics have announced a partnership which will see both companies embark on ambitious plans for growth in Germany and other markets.
The innovative event technology company has joined with the Munich-based management consultancy firm after gaining significant interest from organisers in the country.
Adventics will use its expertise as an independent event tech advisor in the market to help ExpoPlatform’s ambitious plans for growth in exhibitions, while the event technology firm will be giving its support in areas such as technology and sales.
***Here are [twelve reasons](https://expoplatform.com/reasons-why-expoplatform-is-the-ideal-solution-for-your-events-and-communities-in-the-new-normal/) why ExpoPlatform is the ideal solution for [Smart Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/) and 365 Communities. [Read here for the German version](https://expoplatform.com/de/gruende-warum-expoplatform-die-ideale-loesung-fuer-smart-events-und-365-communities-ist/).***
Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, said: “This partnership is fantastic for both our companies as we embark on ambitious plans for growth.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Adventics, whose expertise in such important markets will be key to the success of this project.”
Meanwhile, ExpoPlatform has also launched its [Monetisation Blueprint – download it here](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) for an organiser’s complete guide to driving digital revenue.
## **News UK eyes up events with new division**
News UK has announced the launch its own specialised division to focus on opportunities in the event industry.
The media company has revealed News Live as it attempts to capitalise on its connections made through its editorial history.
This new business will aims to develop a range of additional B2C and B2B event brands on its own and in partnership with advertisers.
Dominic Carter, group chief commercial officer at News UK, said: “There is a considerable opportunity for News UK to leverage our brands, our journalism and our businesses in the events market.
“By creating News Live we’re putting live experiences forward as a key part of our content portfolio and advertiser proposition.
“There’s still a lot of opportunity to grow and develop our existing events portfolio, but we also want to focus on creating new events, partnerships and investments to grow this business into a substantial part of News UK in the future.”
News Live already has a core team of 22 and a portfolio of events including the Times+ series, RunFestRun, the CEO Summit and the Times and Sunday Times Travel Awards.
## **Nine stats which ‘define our industry’ now**
One of the most widely shared stories this week was Event Manager Blog’s post highlighting figures from its recent survey.
The nine statistics are a selection of the preliminary results of its State of the Industry Research – Third Quarter 2021 report.
> \#1: 46% of [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) have hosted an in-person event in the last 6 months.
>
> Explore the 9 Key Stats That Define the Event Industry Right Now in our latest post
>
> — Skift Meetings (@SkiftMeetings) [September 14, 2021](https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings/status/1437764854350241798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Here are three figures from the piece:
- **Lack of quarantine requirements is now the top criteria for destination selection**
- **Most respondents are planning for smaller events than before the pandemic**
- **Event professionals are struggling less with monetizing virtual events**
The survey continues until the end of the quarter and industry professionals have been urged to contribute [here](https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/T0C8BC/).
***Here’s something extra to finish us off…**armed forces and industry show DSEI 2021 was opened each day by a marching military band. Maybe that’s something more organisers could add to their arsenal.*
> Greeted by the [\#armedforces](https://twitter.com/hashtag/armedforces?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) marching band this morning at the West Entrance, opening Day 3 of [\#DSEI2021](https://twitter.com/hashtag/DSEI2021?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [pic.twitter.com/fA8s0phuxc](https://t.co/fA8s0phuxc)
>
> — DSEI 2023 (@DSEI\_event) [September 16, 2021](https://twitter.com/DSEI_event/status/1438418118490079233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [The Monetisation Blueprint digest: a brief for the busy event organiser](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/monetisation-blueprint-digest/)
**Published:** September 15, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The [Monetization Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint) is ExpoPlatform’s practical guide on how an event organizer can navigate the massive shakeup to business models we have recently witnessed.***
Our [free ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint) brings together exclusive insight from industry experts into how things have changed and how to shape up for the future, with instructions on how to increase income in this everchanging landscape.
It comes as digital revenue is now set to grow from being just 2% of an organizer’s budget to 25%, with lockdown restrictions having accelerated a change which was long overdue.
Missing these opportunities is not an option in today’s uncertain economy.
Here, we highlight some of the main topics covered in our [complete guide to monetization](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) in the event industry.
## **What has changed?**
For the last two decades, digital advertising has steadily grown each year and in 2021 is estimated to be worth £333 billion ($455 billion USD).
This represents 61% of all advertising and is forecast to rise to 68% by 2024 – that is more than TV, print, cinema and outdoor combined.
Our industry was slow to embark on this digital transformation journey, but now necessity caused by lockdown restrictions has accelerated that change.
Exhibitor spending on pure tradeshow activities is predicted to decline, with them now anticipated to increase investment in digital content, hybrid events and training of their own teams.
Furthermore, transactions rapidly shifted online during the pandemic.
A total of 83% of B2B buyers told a [McKinsey study](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/these-eight-charts-show-how-covid-19-has-changed-b2b-sales-forever#) they have found digital – either ecommerce or remote sales – to be equally or more effective than the traditional approach.
This research ran throughout the pandemic, showing how the comfort with losing face-to-face increased quickly as buyers became more comfortable with digital channels.
Meanwhile, the subscription economy has grown exponentially in the last decade.
Research from Zuora puts that surge at 435% over nine years – with the move in that direction looking like it will keep accelerating.
Customers now place more value on outcomes over ownership – with Netflix, Spotify and Amazon Prime all succeeding in this model.
This approach creates predictable, recurring revenue streams for businesses.
They can be used by exhibition organizers to have suppliers subscribe for a year of activity rather than a one-off event.
Organizers who don’t keep up with the evolution of business models risk being left behind.
## **What digital solutions are out there?**
There are three main types of sponsored digital solutions: thought leadership, branding and lead generation services.
Virtual platforms can give an organizer a large amount of inventory before, during and after an event.
***Here’s a rundown of some of the available options:***
- **Branding**
- Online advertising
- Event sponsorships
- Mobile app sponsorship
- Community group sponsorship
- Podcast sponsorship
- **Thought leadership**
- Sponsored conference sessions
- Sponsored editorial
- Breakouts and workshops
- **Lead generation**
- Marketplace profiles
- Webinars
- Ebooks and whitepapers
- Push notifications
Organizers should package their inventory into a series of easy-to-buy bundles with pricing to reflect the value your customers will receive at each tier.
This is better than just presenting customers with a long list of options.
*Our [Monetization Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint) provides an easy to apply basic breakdown of how to extend the lifecycle of an event – and to sell to different tiers of exhibitors.*
## **Not all clients are equal – segment your base**
A marketplace solution which can be rolled out across an entire client base is the first step in boosting digital revenue.
The “long tail” segment accounts for around 70% of customers and could raise virtual income to 25% – if handled properly.
This is made up of the clients with smaller buying power, but the volume makes up for that in the same way as “counting the pennies as the pounds watch after themselves”.
Major and mid-tier accounts can then be offered higher-value sponsorship of new products which have been developed.
Digital solutions have potential to appeal to a wider range of suppliers than those who currently exhibit at a physical event.
Organiser should sure to have competitively priced entry-level digital packages which are suitable for new prospects such as start-ups and international exhibitors.
## **The need for transparent ROI**
Online platforms can give exhibitors a real-time dashboard of information about all customers who have engaged with their online company profile.
It also gives data about interactions with products and content published at a physical stand.
This is important as today’s marketers are used to using LinkedIN, Google and Facebook – platforms which all show real-time statistics.
The same is expected in the B2B world.
Brian Field, chief operating officer at Emerald, said: “Being able to use data and tools to produce clear mechanisms and metrics around ROI – that are going to be [satisfying to a chief marketing officer](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-marketers-hybrid/) who has many other channels to achieve success in their business – is required, we have to do it.”
Integrated mobile apps allow for lead scanning of badges – barcodes or QR codes – which is available for visitors and exhibitors, who can rate and categorize leads and add notes.
All leads captured can then be stored in an exhibitor’s dashboard, bringing together online and offline results together into a single view.
## **Adapting your sales team to the hybrid future**
The digital transformation of events has given organizers room to rethink how they structure sales teams.
It has also raised concerns over whether the traditional event planner has “credibility” to handle this changing landscape.
There are now so many different channels for promoting content, engagement and marketplaces which can be handled in different ways.
The explosion of data has also landed organizers with a wealth of information they either do not have the talent of the time to make the most of.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer, said: “The number one asset event organizers have is a large volume of high-quality data.
“Audiences an exhibitor wants to reach at the live event will be just as relevant online.
“This should give instant credibility – or at least a seat at the table – if the organizer can create a compelling offering.”
Two schools of thought exist about how to restructure teams to make the most of this new landscape: specialists or generalists.
However, after consulting with industry experts ExpoPlatform reached its own conclusion – probably a bit of both is best.
This would include a key account team trained and incentivized on selling everything, plus digital specialists ready to jump in and support as required.
***Find out more in the [Monetization Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint).***
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [ExpoPlatform at the Scottish events comeback](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/eventit-scots-comeback/)
**Published:** September 14, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
EVENTIT was the return to major live events in Scotland.
The ExpoPlatform Team was there in Edinburgh for this landmark moment among hundreds of delegates keen to hear about how our industry is developing.
Meanwhile, the show’s education programme took the form of a new hybrid format – combining face-to-face, pre-recorded and virtual panels as well as masterclasses to give delegates all-round access.
Here, we highlight three of the main topics from these sessions during the event at the EICC on Friday.
## **Sustainability is a priority**
Sustainability was a key issue for many attending EVENTIT, with venues, suppliers and organisers all taking on the topic.
The subject was placed centre stage by even having a room focussing completely on it as part of its education programme.
However, the importance of sustainability for the future of our industry was discussed outside of this area – most interesting as part of the Building Back Better schedule.
Rob Davidson, of MICE Knowledge, gave a “masterclass” session about how to rethink events for Gen Z.
He told the audience this demographic is now the largest age group on the planet, representing 32% of the world’s population.
Rob said: “They want something completely different to guys my age.
“If we continue to design events for people my age then the younger generations will not be motivated.
“They will walk away because they are wired differently.”
He added: “It’s an important generation which is growing quickly.
“Their values are overtaking the values of the previous generations – that’s effecting not only the workplace, but politics and culture.”
Millennials are those who were born between 1981 and 1996 whereas Gen Z are people who were born from 1997 onwards, according to the [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/01/17/where-millennials-end-and-generation-z-begins/).
More than half of the global workforce will be made up of these cohorts by 2025 before rising to around three-quarters by 2030, according to ExpoPlatform analysis of UN population projections.
Rob listed a number of areas which are important to Gen Z and how the world they have grown up has impacted their outlook.
The climate crisis was highlight as a key issue for this demographic, while they are also much keener to “want to make a difference” than enjoy lavish champagne receptions.
He told how the emergence of Gen Z meant organisers now have a demographic which places their ethical values much higher on the agenda than previous generations.
Speaking to ExpoPlatform, he told how event experiences would now have to be built differently to cater for these new priorities.
Rob said: “Sustainability was important for previous generations as well, but for younger people it’s not just a nice-to-have thing it’s a really essential thing.
“They care much more, they have understood something important – which is this is the only planet that we have and we need to look after it in everything that we do.
“They understand that going to a conference is not a holiday from reality where you can consume what you want without thinking about the impact of your actions.
“They’re very attentive to things like energy consumption and recycling.
“But I would go further than that in my definition of sustainability and include the human environment as well.
“They have a very strong social conscience and they see the injustices and they see the inequalities in very sharp focus.
“So they care, they want to do something if they can as part of the event.”
Rob highlighted how ASOS Assemble 2018 embarked on a “festivalisation” process of its showcase event.
This include a party atmosphere, while also including elements which promoted diversity, inclusivity and good causes.
He added: “Savvy conference designers are building that into the event where they are offering the options of doing something which benefits the local population.
“It could be something more sophisticated – if it’s a conference of doctors, actually going into a local hospital and doing a masterclass about their specialisation.
“That’s important to this generation – to make sure they are making a difference and not just drinking champagne and having a wonderful time.”
Digital platforms allow for event organisers to improve their sustainability credentials in a number of ways.
This can include reducing their carbon footprint by transferring elements which can be done successfully online such as networking and education – which was also highlighted as important for younger generations.
Moving some components online can also promote sustainability and accessibility by enabling people to take part who can’t attend in person due to financial or health reasons.
## **Ignore digital at your peril**
The event industry has witness a major shift towards digital technology.
This transformation lagged behind other industries but was turbocharged by the pandemic.
Live shows were put on hold by lockdown restrictions, forcing organisers to produce completely virtual events.
However as we emerge into a more hybrid world, some of this online components have actually proved to be more useful – such as education and increased [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
The potential of these offerings has seen organisers reshape their budget models to go from being just 2% digital before the pandemic to 25% moving forward.
Kim Mhyre, managing partner of Experience Designed advisory agency, gave a “masterclass” where he compared event planners who ignore this transformation to those who believed TV would not overtake radio.
He told ExpoPlatform: “The truth is that the business model for events has been efficiency – you want to drive profitability by doing the same thing as efficiently as you can, doing it over and over again.
“So obviously – innovating, trying to do new things experimenting, playing around with technology – it may cost you, it’s risk and I think generally businesses are risk averse.
“Change and innovation is inevitably unknown, it is unknown and you are taking a risk.
“I think that a lot of businesses said ‘we’re making money – let’s chill and slow it all down and keep doing things they we were doing’.”
Kim added: “The amazing thing about coronavirus is that it really did create a break in the ground and say ‘hey, maybe we do really need to consider this’.
“When we think about the kind of technology that exists out there now to bring people together, provide better access, be more environmentally sound, create better production qualities – maybe we don’t need thousands of people in one location.
“Maybe they can meet in five locations, maybe they don’t have to travel as far, maybe we can have different content from different locations, maybe we can do things differently leveraging the technology.
“That’s not to say that people don’t want to meet live – it’s just to we can use the technology to enhance that live experience in lots of different ways.”
## **How hybrid helps healthcare**
The closing session at EVENTIT shone a spotlight on how technology has transformed the healthcare event sector.
It involved a three-person panel speaking about how coronavirus halted in-person events at a time when research, collaboration and education is more necessary than ever.
One of the key takeaways from this “masterclass” was how event technology had proved more accessible and useful for professionals seeking career development and educational opportunities.
The speakers were:
- **Caroline McKenzie, Open Audience**
- **Jenny Elliot, Fitwise Management Ltd.**
- **Lindsey Whitehouse, MD Integrity Corporate Events Ltd.**
The panel reflected on what has changed over the last 18 months and how alternate solutions in a virtual environment can help meet this continuing need.
Lindsey said: “What we have learnt is that people do need that personal contact but not everything has to be face-to-face.”
One area which has proved a surprise is the ability to reach new demographics as the costs of attending a physical event have been removed by online technology.
Caroline added: “We have seen our membership grown in a pandemic year – it’s actually driven a number of advances.
“Now, loads of people are coming in – the outreach has been that much greater.
“People want education, people aren’t going to take time to sit a whole day for an education programme.
“They want to be able to drop in and drop out when they want.”
Lindsey claims delegates will now be more selective about which events they will choose to attend.
The audience heard this comes down to making sure there is value attached to attending a live show which they can’t get digitally.
Caroline told the session more senior professionals wanted to attend events in person to “find their buddies”.
However, it was heard up-and-coming healthcare workers are much more attracted to the digital components for their educational opportunities.
She added: “I think in the future things will be going forward in a blended approach.”
Jenny said organisers should be careful when moving towards this hybrid model, as many will have enjoyed a purely virtual format.
She told how it could be seen as “not as good value for money – that’s a knock-on effect of the fully virtual world we were living in”.
A question from Amy Johnston, of Diabetes UK, raised concerns about how to get value for return on investment from digital components.
The panel claimed this had been an obstacle for organisers making the shift to virtual and that the in-person shows were the best area for monetisation.
It comes as ExpoPlatform has just released its [Monetisation Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/), which includes interviews with leading experts for their advice in how to transform their business models and drive digital revenue.
***[Download this ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-monetisation-blueprint/) to learn:***
- Trends shaping the digital future of exhibitions
- How to create a ‘monetisation journey’ that includes digital packages
- Training and re-structuring your salesteam for growth
- A Go-To-Market checklist
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Chart of the week: biggest challenges facing events industry](https://expoplatform.com/blog/chart-of-week-shortterm-challenges/)
**Published:** September 13, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Confidence remains the biggest major challenge facing the event industry in the short-term, according to a new survey.
Findings from the [BVEP poll](https://www.businessvisitsandeventspartnership.com/news/bvep-press-releases/1029-bvep-publishes-its-shape-of-events-report) show 55% of planners and 50% of delegates believe this to be the most significant hurdle facing our sector in the UK.
It comes as a preview of the UFI Global Congress published statistics which show the global exhibition market shrunk by an estimated 73% last year.
The session also revealed there was an average of a 97% loss for companies in the event industry last year.
## Behind the figures
Uncertainty continues to plague live events despite the industry rallying to get people to meet again.
A number of factors have contributed to this:
- Longer lead-in times to plan largescale events
- Threat of the Covid-19 Delta variant
- Ongoing restrictions on international travel
- Inconsistent licensing permissions.
This has been aggravated by supply chain issues, venue capacity constraints and difficulty in obtaining indemnity insurance in case of business disruption.
Additionally, rising Covid-19 costs and challenges associated with online event components have exacerbated the situation, making it difficult to plan events.
## What does this mean for organisers?
Organisers are treading with caution.
Issues such as finding a commercial cover and financial risk are likely to persist if partial Covid-19 restrictions are implemented.
This is because the UK Government’s Live Events Reinsurance Scheme covers event cancellations only for complete restrictions.
For international organisers, Brexit confusion and issues around work Visas, import licenses and delegate entry will keep them on their toes.
Such challenges require event planners to revisit and reshape their strategies and adapt themselves to the changing trends.
**1. Building a sustainable future**
According to the Shape of Events survey, 85% of respondents identify climate change as a longt-erm challenge. Environmental awareness and sustainability are expected to drive event agendas as companies seek to reduce their carbon footprints. On an organisational level, this means assessing travel needs and re-evaluating buying choices, as well as hosting fewer global events. The[ Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-events-20210910/) will play a key role in helping build a sustainable future by aiming to take the global event industry to zero net emissions by 2050.
**2. Focusing on hybrid events**
Hybrid events have been the most positive outcome of the pandemic. Their popularity has grown because they offer a wide range of benefits. This includes the ability to reach new audiences, bringing an international element to the event and contributing to sustainability efforts. For organisers, challenges will include planning an effective attendee experience both virtually and in-person and managing changes in event structure and pricing.
**3. Identifying and developing new skills**
A new set of skills is needed to address the short- and long-term challenges of events. Organisers will need to recruit a new workforce with the technical skills needed to plan and execute hybrid and virtual events. Furthermore, a strong grasp of data analytics – creating and analysing data pools – will be crucial as well as the ability to create new sponsorship and business models.
*Learn how you can build a robust hybrid event strategy from scratch with ExpoPlatform’s [Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook.*
**Categories:** All, Trends
---
### [Working group to create industry standards for digital events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/industry-standards-digital-events/)
**Published:** September 2, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Members from more than 15 event organisations have grouped to develop a new industry standard for digital events.
The BPA Reporting Standards for Digital Events (RSDE) project aims to create a reporting framework for virtual shows to tackle the lack of standards for online.
It is hoped the initiative – led by global assurance provider BPA Worldwide – can provide a foundation for the exhibitions industry to develop and grow, while sharing its work with the Virtual Standard Export Format (VSef) for its consideration.
The project comes after an explosion of [event data](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) and a working group has now [invited the industry at large to review](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1P2t1zuvqcTD1-DcRbeLP_wqbCKKoiVWho9grfUP_uRA/edit?usp=sharing) its latest stage and comment.
https://twitter.com/BPAWorldwide/status/1432742133522472969
Glenn Hansen, CEO at BPA, said: *“*With hundreds of digital platforms and the re-emergence of the industry in a new era, there is a tremendous need to develop industry standards for taxonomy and data formats for digital events similar to what exists for physical events.
“We are following in the footsteps of the Internet Advertising Bureau, which successfully set the standards for the digital advertising industry during its infancy.
“And, in doing so, helped stabilise and empower the media and marketing industries to thrive during a time of disruptive change.”
The move comes after a rapid move towards digital platforms over the last year.
This move has created an explosion in attendee information and event data that is redefining the way organisers understand and shape the communities they serve.
An UFI Connects panel discussion saw world-leading organisers [raise concerns over how this information could be used](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/).
However, not all event technology platforms handle this information in the same way.
An organiser-led model sees the organiser own the relationship with their customer as data controller, with the technology platform as the processor for the duration of the contract.
This information can be used for a single event or multiple events in a portfolio to make for a seamless journey.
In a vendor-led model, it is the platform that can own the direct relationship with your customers and share that data with other organisers.
The RSDE working group has already recommended amendments to rules for UFI approved events to include digital metrics and audit protocols.
It is believed this would encourage organisers to put these benchmarks on par with in-person ones.
RSDE is now in phase three of the project where it seeks to create a certification protocol for an event platform’s compliance.
Visitor and exhibitor metrics are to be pre-validated by BPA in a bid to assure organisers the data has been audited by an independent third party.
A summary of the aims include:
- Eliminating ambiguity and confusion with a glossary of terms that define the real-world activities the metrics should measure or reflect.
- Creating a uniform structure for data capture and to simplify comparisons between platforms.
- Set a standard reporting format that’s understood by all stakeholders, encourages productive collaboration and improves decision making in a digital environment.
Rhonda Wunderlin, a working group member and SVP of performance marketing for Questex, said: “As an event organiser, Questex is fully behind the initiative to create standards that will hold platforms accountable so we can bring a new level of confidence in the data to all parties involved: organizers, sponsors, exhibitors and attendees alike.”
The International Association of Exhibitions and Events also affirmed its commitment to bringing accurate data for digital events.
*Here is our quick summary of the data policies of the main event platforms.*
The comment period for the latest stage of the project will end Tuesday September 21.
It is expected the working group will then meet to review the comments and make final recommendations to BPA.
**Categories:** Data
---
### [Chart of the week: will vaccine proof be needed for events?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/chart-of-week-vaccine-proof/)
**Published:** August 30, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The event industry is changing rapidly. Each week we illustrate how this is happening and what it means for your business.***
Organisers are increasingly likely to require proof of vaccination to attend one of their in-person events, according to a survey.
Findings from the latest [PCMA Convene survey](https://www.pcma.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/0817-Dashboard-15-KRF-2-NT-KRF-FINAL-1.pdf?utm_source=custom_redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_term=2021&utm_content=survey-19&utm_campaign=covid-19) shows 36% of planners will require attendees, staff and visitors to show proof of vaccination in order to participate in a face-to-face or hybrid event.
This number is calculated only using answers from respondents who said yes or no to the question – the PCMA survey also included an “n/a” option.
Only 27% of respondents using this measurement said they would require documentary proof when the poll was previously carried out in June.
## **Behind the figures**
Industry professionals have been growing increasingly concerned over the spread of the Delta variant and how that will impact their business.
A number of airlines have been reporting a raft of corporate travel cancellations as well as a drop in bookings, blaming this on the resurgence of coronavirus.
It is not surprising then that more organisers would want to highlight safety measures they are taking.
ExpoPlatform [previously highlighted](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20210819/) how two Las Vegas events – including of world’s most influential technology trade shows – will need to prove coronavirus vaccination status.
The Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces CES 2022, is also considering proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative for entry to the “world’s most influential” technology trade show.
A digital offering will coincide with the in-person programme for those unable to attend the January show in Las Vegas physically.
Meanwhile, the 2021 NAB Show in October is to require proof of Covid-19 vaccination status due to health concerns.
This is in line with two recent studies – by the UK Government and Freeman – which have set out that mass gatherings are safe, but caution is required.
Looking forward, International Confex in London this week has set out a number of options to gain access to the venue.
It is requiring either double vaccination documentation, a negative lateral flow test within 48-hours before attendance or proof of the presence of Covid-19 antibodies.
## **What does this mean for organisers?**
The return of in-person events is great for the industry, but this study suggests an increasing number of organisers have concerns over the spread of the Delta variant.
Producers have had to be able to adapt quickly to changes over the last 18 months which has brought with it new skills and experiences.
It is now important to build these learnings into an overall strategy to pandemic-proof budgets, offering an alternative in case of cancellation or travel restrictions.
A hybrid format allows an organiser to deliver for audiences in-person and virtual. Here’s how it works:
**Accessibility:** Even sectors which can’t wait to return to in-person events have parts of their workforce who are unable to. Some are can’t due to health or personal reasons. This includes people who choose not to vaccinate or have been unable to. Having online options alongside your physical event is a good way to open doors to those who can’t attend.
**Monetisation:** Potential for [monetisation through virtual](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) has been historically under-valued by exhibition organisers, who now need to re-balance the pricing of digital and in-person in their budgets. This can ensure that even when people are unable or unwilling to travel, a healthy amount of revenue can still be brought in.
**Engagement:** The greater accessibility offered by virtual events means there are endless opportunities to get more people signing up. Hybrid events allow you to significantly increase audience participation by reaching the right people across the globe – even when industry expectations have changed.
*For more on this download [ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook.*
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [The week in events: largescale shows 'safe to attend'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20210827/)
**Published:** August 27, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform. We highlight five top stories so you don’t miss out on what’s been happening – including announcements, insights, opinion and more.***
## **Mass events “safe to attend” but caution required, studies show**
Two new studies have found mass participation events are safe to attend, but emphasis has been placed on being cautious.
Latest results from the UK Government’s official Events Research Programme (ERP) shows the number of Covid-19 cases were “largely in line with or below” community infection rates at 37 mass gatherings.
However, Ministers warned that caution is still required to support health protection measures.
Another study by Freeman has also found trade shows “can be safer” than going food shopping in most US cities.
Its findings show largescale events in August had infection rates as much as 95% lower than the country as a whole.
> Freeman and Epistemix release new research on the Delta variant and the safety of in-person events. [pic.twitter.com/yzqQahXPeo](https://t.co/yzqQahXPeo)
>
> — Freeman (@FreemanCo) [August 24, 2021](https://twitter.com/FreemanCo/status/1430237566515744769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The [research](https://www.freeman.com/about/press/amid-uncertainty-of-the-delta-variant-research-shows-attending-in-person-business-events-safer-than-daily-activities-like-going-to-the-grocery-store/) – carried out alongside Epistemix Inc – was presented at the in-person SISO Summer Conference in Kentucky.
Freeman CEO Bob Priest-Heck said: “Businesses and organizations want to get back to events for critical commerce, networking and exchange of ideas.
“This research provides the framework for doing so safely.”
Meanwhile, Kai Hattendorf [told Exhibition World](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/showcasing-success-and-dealing-with-data) that the range of largescale shows taking place illustrates how industries and their leaders want to return to the show floor.
## **New association launches for online community leaders**
A new educational association has been launched to bring together and nurture online community leaders.
The Community Leaders Institute (CLI) is the brainchild of experts from the events, media and community industries – offering tools and training to professionals.
RD Whitney, CLI founder, told ExpoPlatform how associations like these are the marketing model of the future – with “awesome” [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
This [365 engagement approach](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) has flourished over the last 18 months, when organisations were forced to rethink how they connect and inform their audiences.
Benefits of a community model include that it provides organisers with a way to create year-round revenue and heighten brand awareness using digital tools. [*Read more here*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/community-marketing-is-future/).
## **Business travel facing further disruption**
Air carriers have warned that the spread of the Delta variant is causing a surge in business travel cancellations.
American Airlines is the latest US operator to report lower than forecast revenues in August amid the surge in Covid-19 cases, while it also predicts a delay in the return of corporate passengers.
The company joins several other carriers who have reported a drop in demand as well as bookings being cancelled.
Southwest Airlines has said the decline in demand could hit its ability to report a profitable third quarter.
**For more on this:** ExpoPlatform’s Chart of the Week previously highlighted findings that [corporate travel could be cut by 20%](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-cuts-to-corporate-travel/) compared to 2019, according to a McKinsey study.
> American Airlines is the latest to report slowdown from the Delta variant. But even with August numbers down and business travel returning later than forecast, the carrier maintains its outlook.
>
> "There will still be a recovery." [$AAL](https://twitter.com/search?q=%24AAL&src=ctag&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — Airline Weekly (@Airline\_Weekly) [August 25, 2021](https://twitter.com/Airline_Weekly/status/1430556989369765891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines has announced plans to charge higher health insurance premiums for employees who decide not to have a vaccine.
## **Amsterdam returns as a conference city**
Amsterdam has held its [first major international conference](https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2021/08/conferences-return-with-elbow-bump-to-amsterdam/) for more than a year.
Femke Halsema, mayor of the city, kicked off the Money20/20 event by saying the Dutch capital was now a “safe” hub for largescale events.
The RAI Amsterdam conference venue has been operating as a test and vaccination centre throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
Until 2019, shows at the premises were generating an annual turnover of around £592 million (€690 million) and had 6,300 full-time equivalent employees.
It comes after RAI Amsterdam claimed poor communication from the Dutch Government could see a number of international events cancelled.
The international organiser and venue [previously said](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/the-week-in-events-20210813/) messaging from official websites about multi-day shows was creating confusion for event producers, who they say are now considering withdrawing or moving their exhibitions.
Meanwhile, China has held its biggest exhibition of the year amid strict coronavirus control measures.
Smart China Expo 2021 kicked off on Monday in the southwest Chongqing municipality.
It saw more than 600 companies from 31 countries take part in the three-day show.
## **‘Stop asking if show attendance is down right now’**
Rachel Wimberly, EVP of business development for Tarsus US, claims she keeps on getting asked the same question at events: “how many attendees or exhibitors were at the show?”
So in her [TSNN](https://www.tsnn.com/blog/please-stop-asking-if-attendance-was-down-shows-running-right-now) piece, she highlighted the obvious: of course numbers are not as high as pre-pandemic levels.
Rachel said: “For any buyer who decides to go to a show right now you can pretty much bet they are motivated ones who are there to place orders and get business done.
“Please stop asking show organisers how many attendees and exhibitors there are right now.
“I will absolutely guarantee you – the exhibitors and attendees who are coming to shows are very grateful for the opportunity to finally meet face-to-face again.”
*Download our [Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) to learn how best to blend live and virtual events.*
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [365 community marketing is the future - CLI founder](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/community-marketing-is-future/)
**Published:** August 26, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Community marketing is the model of the future and creates “awesome” monetisation opportunities for event organisers, according to a new association leader.
RD Whitney is founder of the Community Leaders Institute (CLI), which is the world’s first independent global educational body across the sector.
It is the brainchild of experts from the events, media and community industries – offering tools and training to professionals.
This [365 engagement approach](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) has flourished over the last 18 months, when organisations were forced to rethink how they connect and inform their audiences.
## ‘The monetisation opportunities are awesome’
It now provides a model for organisers to create year-round revenue and heighten their brand awareness using digital tools.
RD said: “The monetisation opportunities are awesome.
“Let’s say you have a nice trade show or event around a particular industry where buyers and sellers are creating millions or billions of dollars of transactions.
“Why wouldn’t you take advantage of the fact that you have a great connection and trust with the buyer and the seller?
“Create validation products, create online training products, create certification products, create online directories that can help people connect 365.
“Create peer networks, subscription-based peer networks where non-competing people can come together to learn from each other’s failures and successes.
“You don’t need anybody in the middle and then you can just connect them.
“So there’s so many opportunities to do it. You can do it online and offline together.”
CLI – which is free to join – features a toolkit of templates, worksheets, playbooks and guides to help professionals launch or grow their communities.
It will also include a programme of training led by thought leaders, alongside a directory with around 1680 vendors focussed on these associations.
The organisation is also adding features to the platform to best serve its members based on their input – “people support what they help create,” said RD.
He added: “Marketing is moving that way: associations, non-profits, corporations, media and event companies are moving that way.
“Companies that never wanted to have anything to do with any of this stuff, now they’re suddenly all community companies.
“So I thought, what if we created a community for community leaders – and so we just launched this CLI.
“What we realised was that there was really no organisation, connecting all these community things around the world – that’s what we intend to do.”
RD, who is also 365 Media CEO, said he became certain the community economic model was the way forward after seeing a TechCrunch headline earlier this year.
It claimed that the “chief community officer is the new CMO”, highlighting how companies are paying more attention to various channels as remote work and digital communication have become more widespread.
Meanwhile, 28% of start-up founders told a First Round survey that these associations were critical to their success – describing them as their business moat.
A 365 community can increase engagement year-round by delivering “always-on” content, [marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) which can traffic leads over 12 months as well as virtual or hybrid events.
Vendors such as ExpoPlatform allow organisations to target potential customers and engage existing ones throughout the year, with a seamless experience from articles, to webinars, to hybrid events.
A robust engagement strategy drives participation all year round, allowing a company to generate a ready supply of leads and brand advocates to help it grow.
This is similar to a business-to-consumer subscription economy model which has seen a 435% surge over the last nine years, [according to Zuora research](https://www.zuora.com/resource/the-end-of-ownership/).
The subscription model creates predictable, recurring revenue streams for businesses, and can be used by exhibition organisers to have suppliers subscribe for a year of activity rather than a one-off event.
## ‘The good news is, this is incredibly profitable’
But it is the connections and experience built up by event organisers that makes them best suited for making the most of the community approach, RD believes,
He added: “Event companies have some of the best assets to work with – they have got amazing lists, they’ve got good brands, they’re right in the middle of the buyer and seller.
“They should be creating online training programmes around their content year-round, on-demand.
“Netflix taught us that we can watch anything at any time, anywhere.
“The good news is, this is incredibly profitable.
“You can do minimally viable communities and grow from there – and the margins are even better than events.”
*Learn how to [create a year-round online marketplace here](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/)*.
RD believes there is one main reason some organisers have been ignoring this community approach: complacency.
The pre-pandemic business model had continued to bring in revenue by producing one or two shows each year.
However, a digital transformation was sparked by the lockdown restrictions which forced organisations to find new ways to connect with their audiences.
Now, many leading event producers have seen the benefits which can be brought through digital offerings.
This does not mean that physical shows will become a thing of the past – rather they will remain the highlight, but can be enhanced through virtual events and engagement.
Those who have been willing to remodel their businesses are now shaping their budgets to be made up of around 25% digital – whereas it is reported to have been closer to 2% in 2020.
The CLI founder likened businesses who are ignoring this change to those who continued to produce tools to prod horses harnessed to wagons and carriages, despite them becoming obsolete when automobiles appeared in the late 19th century.
He said: “They liked the way things were – like people that continued to make buggy whips when the car was coming out – they’re just very, very vulnerable.
“I think they just hoped and prayed things were going to go back to the way they were.”
He believes many organisers hoped the business model would return to how it was before the coronavirus pandemic.
However, he claims the continuing uncertainty brought through new variants show how wrong they have been.
RD added: “I think this is a wake up call, but it’s not just a wake up call – it’s an opportunity.
“Look at the funding of the tech companies now, that’s telling you something.
“That’s telling you that live events are not going away by any means, it’s just telling you that they’ve got a tonne of money to really streamline the interaction between buyer and seller and create a great year-round community.
“People that are complacent lose their opportunity.
“So this shakes things up and allows competitors to come in and serve members better.”
## ‘It’s a huge opportunity to be neutral, international and helpful’
The CLI founder believes there are two paths an organisation will be on when working with the institute: those who want to create a community and those who want theirs to grow.
RD said those who are just starting out can benefit from being put in touch with other industry leaders who can share best practices.
He added: “Otherwise they’re going to get all their information from whoever has the most funding in tech.”
Meanwhile those who want to continue to build their community will have access to guides which set out industry standards they can work towards.
This can include professional benchmarks, how to measure them and showing where monetisation opportunities exist.
RD said: “That’s how we think we can be helpful – starting the flywheel by putting a lot of value in making it free, trying to get more and more people involved and interacting online.”
CLI has announced it will be holding a physical show in Memphis, Tennessee, in April.
The inaugural CLI eXpo will feature speakers from industries across different continents as it tries to “connect the dots of the world”.
RD added: “We’re super excited about it – we think it’s a huge opportunity to be neutral, international and helpful.”
**Categories:** Community
---
### [How an online community can nurture 'next great global thinkers'](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-charlie-cracknell/)
**Published:** August 25, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
An event industry expert has told how an online community can nurture “the next great global thinkers” – but warned that organisers must control their user data.
Charlie Cracknell, managing director at Inspired Minds, believes [this information](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) is the “beating heart” of businesses in his sector and must be protected.
He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and took on his latest position at the company in May.
Inspired Minds has one of the largest artificial intelligence (AI) communities in the world, making connections between global enterprises and new technology as well as linking start-ups with investors.
He told ExpoPlatform that the events world will need to keep virtual elements – despite restrictions loosening – as they create new channels for engagement and return on investment (ROI).
But he holds concerns over the protection of data, at a time of heightened fears over how that information may be used by online event platforms who [take control of it instead of organisers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/).
This information is central to how Inspired Minds serves its communities, allowing them to nurture “the next great global thinkers”.
Charlie said: “We are data businesses. Without it, we haven’t got a business – or we’ve got a weakened business.
“Look after it, build it, care for it, clean it, nurture it, treat it with care – it’s the beating heart of your business.”
He added: “We’ve put measures in place to protect our data across every platform that we use.
“We don’t share it – why would we? You wouldn’t open your front door and just invite everyone in to take your stuff, so why would you do it with your data?”
The digital transformation seen over the last 18 months has created an explosion in attendee data that is redefining the way organisers understand and shape the communities they serve.
But not all event technology platforms handle this information in the same way.
An organiser-led model sees the organiser own the relationship with their customer as data controller, with the technology platform as the processor for the duration of the contract.
This information can be used for a single event or multiple events in a portfolio to make for a seamless journey.
In a vendor-led model, it is the platform that can own the direct relationship with your customers and potentially launch new services and become a competitor or share data and intelligence with others.
An UFI Connects session in July brought together a panel of world-leading organisers to discuss this topic, raising concerns over [data “barbarians”](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-control/) who take control of this information.
Charlie described that information as central to how their matchmaking operates, so being able to control and understand it is crucial to their business.
He said: “We sit in the heart of a market where without data AI doesn’t work, because it revolves around data.
“Anyone who’s dealing with data needs to use it to better understand what they’ve got.
“That’s probably something historically that has been played with, but really hasn’t been delved into to really truly understand how to marry together the data that you then analyse and scrutinise and learn from.
“So data for us is if we haven’t got quality data, we haven’t got a business.”
*Here is our quick summary of the data policies from some of the main event platforms:*
Inspired Minds has recently launched its [Mothership](https://inspired-minds.co.uk/mothership/) project, which allows professionals in the AI industry to connect and access exclusive content which can inform their career development.
Charlie describes this as an “ecosystem” which can facilitate numerous levels of engagement – from content-led sessions and workshops through to continuing professional development (CPD) and matchmaking between relevant sectors year-round.
It connects enterprise, BigTech, start-ups – scale-ups, investors and academics working within all sectors and “verticals” under one interactive platform.
He said: “Mothership is a community platform and that community platform has purpose built to address engagement.
“It is a platform for people to engage in the sectors that we support in the verticals and in the horizontal content.
“In that, we are creating a community of people that can engage with each other.
“We’re creating content that can be absorbed via live, on-demand or a blend of the two .
“There are meetups that are within that which are community-led, rather than by us, because there are pools of people that want to talk to each other.”
This business model has seen a surge in popularity, illustrated by the launch of the [Community Leaders Institute](https://www.communityleadersinstitute.com/).
Furthermore, 28% of start-up founders told a First Round survey that these associations were critical to success – describing them as their business moat.
These groups for like-minded professionals are often referred to as 365 communities and [build engagement year-round](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/online-community-engagement-plan/) which can also boost [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
Charlie said: “Our community’s changing – not as in they’re not going to events, but the community is far broader than a physical kind of event.
“So your portfolio or business structure is less about pure play events, it’s more about community – and ultimately bringing that community together through different streams.”
Mothership offers so-called “citizens” the option to become a member of the community for three, six or 12 months at a time.
This subscription economy model has grown by 437% over nine years with the move in that direction looking like it will keep accelerating, [according to Zuora](https://www.zuora.com/resource/subscription-economy-index/#mktoForm_2180).
Its success can be seen in the rise of companies such as Netflix and Spotify, which sees its customer value outcomes over ownership.
These companies rely on using data gathered from the user’s interactions to tailor content suggestions to them.
It makes the consumer experience more personalised and easier to navigate.
Meanwhile, it also allows subscribers the opportunity to engage with content throughout the membership lifecycle as opposed to paying each time they wish to use the platform.
An example can be seen in how Spotify offers its customers almost unlimited music albums to listen to by paying a fee every month, whereas the traditional ownership model would see people pay a similar fee to buy on record.
However, Charlie believes the most crucial element of Inspired Mind’s success with Mothership is that it is known to be a community-centred platform which provides useful content to its members.
He added: “We know that there is a common need for people to be there because there’s a common issue, challenge, agenda or progress that needs to be made on a certain subject.
“That’s really where having that platform now – and learning and evolving it – ahead of competition puts us ahead of just running events.
“For us, that is an important part of saying we are community customer orientated – and not just throwing out an event every six months because it’s a model that makes money.”
Charlie recognises that live shows will be coming back as they have always proved to be a successful business model.
But he believes lessons learned over the last 18 months mean organisers have to show their customers what the value of an in-person show is.
This can be done through data gathered from [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/), allowing analysis of attendee behaviour which can inform decisions on future exhibitions or content.
*Download ExpoPlatform’s [Hybrid Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) and learn how to make a success of a live and digital mix.*
He said: “Digital will continue to grow, I have no doubt about that.
“There will be a blend between the two. It will be many different shapes for many different people because it isn’t a one size fits all approach.”
The AI community served by Inspired Minds can be broken down into “vertical sectors” – healthcare, marketing, finance and retail.
At the bottom of this “ecosystem” are a number of cash start-ups which the company nurtures by connecting them with investors or thought leaders.
## ‘They’re the next great global thinkers – and it’s exciting’
Inspired Mind’s aim is to match companies or professionals with people who can help them get to the next stage of their business journey.
But he believes developing this strategy now also puts his firm ahead of the competition.
Charlie said: “I suppose community’s a nice way of putting it, but really we’re dealing with the whole ecosystem – and every single part of an ecosystem has varying needs.
“Start-ups are the babies and they need some TLC and care and feeding and direction.
“Then as they mature, they become some of the businesses that you see today which are the unicorns.
“They’re the next great global thinkers – and it’s exciting.”
Leading organisers have recognised the need to take a different approach to creating virtual content than they have for live events.
The pandemic forced many to go through a steep learning curve which has seen digital shows develop from being attempts to recreate an in-person show experience by simply live-streaming speakers, to the inclusion of content which is made exclusively for their online offerings.
This requires organisers to bring in fresh talent who understand the new digital landscape, Charlie believes.
He said: “There are people on TikTok and YouTube and Instagram, making businesses out of digital products because they understand how to engage and work and talk – and you can learn it.
“But it’s far better to bring someone in who lives and breathes that, to bring it alive to someone – that someone is a customer.”
***Transformation Stories gives organisers exclusive insights from industry leaders about the future of events.* *For more in the series so far, read here******:***
- *[Association events ‘will reinvent’ to meet digital expectations](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/james-hampton-association-events/)*
- *[Organisers ‘missing out’ on hybrid event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/)*
- [*Events ‘must adapt to generational shift’ – that means FOMO*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/heather-holst-knudsen-event-marketing/)
**Categories:** Data
---
### [The week in events: a big week for acquisitions](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/week-in-events-20210819/)
**Published:** August 20, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform. We highlight five top stories so you don’t miss out on what’s been happening – including announcements, insights, opinion and more.***
## A big week for acquisitions
There have been a number of important takeovers this week, so here’s a look at some:
Venues and Events International has taken over Absolute Corporate Events (ACE) and Absolute Digital Communications (ADC).
Online services provided by ADC will now be available to all clients, while future plans are to be outlined during a in a live interactive broadcast on September 8.
The acquisition of the global exhibitions and production agency will see all staff retained, [according to the report](https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/venues-and-events-international-acquires-absolute-corporate-events).
[Future has bought over Dennis for £300 million](https://www.pressgazette.co.uk/future-buys-dennis-for-300m/). The firm said the deal would expand its reach in the US, improve its subscription revenue strategy and strengthen its footing in several verticals – including wealth, knowledge and B2B technology verticals.
ExpoPlatform advisory board member Simon Foster’s [Arc has taken over AgriBriefing’s UK agriculture division](https://www.aafarmer.co.uk/markets/business/agribriefing-sells-uk-agriculture-division-to-arc.html).
It means the Farmers Guardian, Dairy Farmer and Arable Farming assets alongside all related digital platforms will be transferred, as well as events brands LAMMA, CropTec and the British Farming Awards.
Finally, Informa’s Fan Expo HQ has [acquired six Wizard World events](https://www.forbes.com/sites/robsalkowitz/2021/08/10/fan-expo-acquires-6-wizard-world-events-including-chicago-building-global-fan-con-juggernaut/?sh=2830d4611a80) – including Chicago, Building Global Fan Con Juggernaut.
This will surely shake-up the mega industry, with six of the best attended comic and fan conventions from the business now belonging to the events giant’s portfolio.
## Proof of vaccination required for two Las Vegas shows
> Proof of vaccination will be required to attend CES 2022.
>
> We will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and will announce additional protocols closer to the show. [pic.twitter.com/KLLkhlC8BW](https://t.co/KLLkhlC8BW)
>
> — CES (@CES) [August 17, 2021](https://twitter.com/CES/status/1427632319393828877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
In-person attendees to two Las Vegas events – including of world’s most influential technology trade shows – will need to prove coronavirus vaccination status.
The Consumer Technology Association, which owns and produces CES 2022, is also considering proof of a positive antibody test as an alternative for entry to the “world’s most influential” technology trade show.
A digital offering will coincide with the in-person programme for those unable to attend the January show in Las Vegas physically.
Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, said: “We all play a part in ending the pandemic through encouraging vaccinations and implementing the right safety protocols. We are taking on our responsibility by requiring proof of vaccination to attend CES 2022 in Las Vegas.”
Meanwhile, the 2021 NAB Show in October is to require [proof of Covid-19 vaccination status](https://www.newscaststudio.com/2021/08/19/nab-show-to-require-proof-of-covid-19-vaccination/) due to health concerns.
In a letter, NAB’s Chris Brown said: “We are keenly aware of health and safety concerns tied to the spread of the Covid-19 Delta variant and want to assure you that we are putting in place a comprehensive, data-driven plan that prioritizes safety and creates a productive environment at these events.”
Last week we highlighted how an organiser was asking for proof of vaccination to to a Brooklyn bar and beverage show. Is this another sign of how our industry will operate in future?
## [Demands for targeted support for Australian events industry](https://www.c-mw.net/beca-requests-targeted-support-for-australian-events-industry/)
The Business Events Council of Australia (BECA) has called on the Australian Government to deliver for targeted support for companies which rely on income from the events industry,
Representatives have argued the vaccination roll out is an essential part of recovery, however there have been claims of little clarity for when meetings and exhibitions can restart across the country.
Conference and Meetings World reports the council claims the “ripple effect” of lockdowns has restricted travel and threatens the commercial viability of in-person events where they are allowed.
## [in-cosmetics Global and Asia rescheduled for 2022](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/in-cosmetics-global-and-asia-rescheduled-for-2022-in-cosmetics-latin-america-moved-to-november-2021)
Reed Exhibitions has announced that in-cosmetics Global and in-cosmetics Asia will be postponed until next year due to travel restrictions forced by the pandemic.
Exhibition World reports the former had been due to take place in October but will now be held in April, while the latter is to be held in November 2022.
Meanwhile, in-cosmetics Latin America, which was planned to take place in São Paulo, Brazil in September, will now be in held in November.
## [Do you know who owns virtual attendee data?](https://www.xliveglobal.com/planners/eventprofs-do-you-know-who-owns-your-virtual-attendee-data)
XLIVE reports an overview of one of the hottest topics in our industry: control of event data.
This article highlights the “huge oversight” on the issue, which has come to be a crucial in the minds of many exhibition organisers.
> There has been a huge oversight within the industry when it comes to event data. Are you unknowingly giving up control of your attendee data?[\#eventdata](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventdata?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#virtualevents](https://twitter.com/hashtag/virtualevents?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventplatform](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventplatform?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/UMBYuyD2d8](https://t.co/UMBYuyD2d8)
>
> — XLIVE (@XLIVECON) [August 16, 2021](https://twitter.com/XLIVECON/status/1427239227297828867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It also gives a summary of the attendee data policies of some of the main online event vendors.
The article said: “While platforms’ collection of attendee data has some benefits for attendees, such as enabling them to use the same login across events on the same platform, it is ultimately not in organisers’ best interest.”
We at ExpoPlatform agree.
*Read here for our [complete guide](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/event-data-organisers-guide/) on how to care for and best use event data.*
**Meanwhile, SISO Summer Conference** is taking place next week. We are delighted to be sponsoring this must-attend leadership event for organisers. Our chief operating officer Susan Merola will be there in Kentucky, so come along and connect. We’ll see you there!
**Here’s another little extra:** ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer Luke Bilton has appeared on the latest episode of the In Case Of An Event podcast.
He explained how an organiser can grow digital revenue and the importance of data control. [*Read more and listen here*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/luke-bilton-digital-revenue/).
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [PM urges caution as events to go ahead uncapped](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/return-of-full-scale-live-events/)
**Published:** July 13, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
The UK Government has confirmed an end to coronavirus lockdown restrictions across England, allowing a return to full-scale events.
Boris Johnson announced a number of measures will no longer be legally enforced from Monday July 19 at his briefing on Monday, but urged the public and organisers to use caution.
Restrictions on travel to England from amber list countries for non-UK residents remain in place despite changes for those who live in the country.
However, Downing Street has said plans are being explored to remove quarantine rules for some who have been fully vaccinated.
> I cannot say this powerfully or emphatically enough – this pandemic is not over.
>
> It is only thanks to the vaccine programme that we are able to take these cautious steps now. But to take these steps we must be cautious and we must be vaccinated.
>
> Please get that jab. [pic.twitter.com/GKt2W2iarB](https://t.co/GKt2W2iarB)
>
> — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) [July 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/BorisJohnson/status/1414655533735370753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The Prime Minister said: “This pandemic is not over. This disease coronavirus continues to carry risks for you and for your family.
“We cannot simply revert instantly from Monday to life as it was before Covid.
“We will stick to our plan to lift legal restrictions and to lift social distancing, but we expect and recommend that people wear a face-covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you come into contact with those you don’t normally meet, such as on public transport.”
The announcement comes after a series of pilot events which have been taking place since June 21 as part of efforts to restart events safely.
This has included attendees needing to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative test.
Among those involved were Uefa Euro 2020 matches at Wembley and a small number of other sports, arts and music performances.
Crowd restrictions are among the measures which are to be removed, meaning that events will no longer have their capacities capped.
Organisers will also now be able to choose if face coverings are compulsory at their gatherings, while the same also applies for proof of vaccination, negative test or natural antibodies.
Mr Johnson added: “As a matter of social responsibility, we’re urging nightclubs and other venues with large crowds to make use of the NHS Covid Pass – which shows proof of vaccination, a recent negative test or natural immunity – as a means of entry.”
The UK Government has previously said it is “exploring plans” to remove quarantine for vaccinated non-residents arriving from amber countries later this summer “where it is safe to do so”, but there was no development in the latest announcement.
Devolved administrations across the rest of the UK will make their own decisions, however conference and exhibition centres can reopen in Northern Ireland from July 26 and announcements from Scotland and Wales are expected to follow.
Prior to this development, the pandemic forced a digital transformation of events and conferences which is unlikely to disappear.
This is due to ongoing concerns over public safety and opportunities which have been opened up virtually.
Organisers have re-invented their event strategy by creating a model that blends physical and virtual experiences.
These hybrid events accommodate both in-person attendees and a virtual audience.
This helps those who cannot travel to the venue – included non-UK residents who still face harsher restrictions – or those who are still concerned about meeting face-to-face.
Another advantage of hybrid events is it allows room to build and expand audience relationships without the limitations of time and geography.
Hybrid events give organisers options for new methods of content sharing, exhibiting and sponsorship, creating new revenue streams and lead generation opportunities.
*Our [Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) outlines how you can make the most of this and engage with your community by taking a mixed approach of in-person and online.*
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Chart of the week: how will future events shape up?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/chart-of-the-week-20210816/)
**Published:** August 16, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The event industry is changing rapidly. Each week we illustrate how this is happening and what it means for your business.***
More than half of event professionals will make their shows smaller once business fully returns, according to an industry poll.
The Event MB [State of the Event Industry Survey](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-update/) reports 68% claimed future shows would [follow a hybrid model](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) and 51% said their in-person events would be reduced in size – with respondents able to give more than one answer.
Only 16% told the Q2 2021 poll their events would be the same size when they return, while 12% said they would remain virtual, 27% said they would be more local and 18% said they would be shorter in time.
## **Behind the figures**
The digital transformation was put on turbochargers last year when the pandemic forced organisers to face up to a virtual future.
Many have seen the benefits which can be brought through virtual platforms, including increased rates of attendance and an ability to engage before and after an event.
Timothy Skennion, managing director of Derabo Advisory Group, told ExpoPlatform a hybrid event format now offers [more opportunities to monetise audiences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/timothy-skennion-hybrid-event/) and sponsors than ever before.
Meanwhile, concerns continue within the industry about how it will be impacted by coronavirus restrictions – especially given the continuing spread of the Delta variant.
The reduced costs of virtual technologies, increased revenue channels and uncertainty over how the pandemic will play out has made a hybrid format more attractive to organisers.
## **What does this mean for organisers?**
In-person events will remain the highlight of the year for the majority of organisers. But creating a hybrid event strategy which includes in-person and digital events can increase revenue and pandemic-proof your budget. Here’s why:
**Engagement:** Hybrid events allow you to significantly increase audience participation by reaching the right people across the globe – even when the industry is thrown into a crisis such as coronavirus. The greater accessibility offered by virtual events means there are endless opportunities to get more people signing up.
**Pricing:** Digital has been historically under-valued by exhibition organisers, who now need to re-balance the pricing of digital and in-person in their budgets. This can ensure that in the event of a show being cancelled, a healthy amount of revenue can still remain.
**Measuring success:** A hybrid event’s success can be measured by analysing post-event data, using technology such as ExpoPlatform. All [virtual event metrics](https://expoplatform.com/how-to-effectively-measure-engagement-at-virtual-events/) can be captured such as profile views, engagement or directory searches. Physical event scans and in-person meeting data can also be stored for analysis and reporting purposes.
*For more on this download [ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook.*
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [The week in events: 'UK lockdowns over' while Delta disruption continues](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/the-week-in-events-20210813/)
**Published:** August 13, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform. We highlight five top stories so you don’t miss out on what’s been happening – including announcements, insights, opinion and more.***
## [UK events insurance shows lockdowns are over, says EIB chair](https://mitmagazine.co.uk/news/event-insurance-scheme-shows-lockdowns-are-over-says-hirst/)
The chairman of the Events Industry Board has claimed the UK Government’s £750 million insurance scheme for the sector shows that lockdowns are over.
Michael Hirst told M&IT he believes Ministers no longer want to impose restrictions, but raised concerns about whether the initiative would cover shows which suffered partial measures.
The insurance scheme was announced last week by Chancellor Rishi Sunak and is due to come into effect in September. However, the situation is not the same everywhere …
> EXCLUSIVE: Event insurance scheme shows lockdowns are over, says @ChairEIB [\#eventprofs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventprofsuk](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventprofsuk?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#eventinsurance](https://twitter.com/hashtag/eventinsurance?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
>
> — m&it magazine (@meetpie) [August 12, 2021](https://twitter.com/meetpie/status/1425767436746469378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
## [Events face new wave of cancellations as Delta variant surges](https://www.xliveglobal.com/content/events-face-new-wave-cancellations-delta-variant-surges)
Uncertainty continues as events across the world have been forced to cancel again due to the ongoing spread of the coronavirus Delta strain, XLive reports.
The New York Auto Show as well as the AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo were among those highlighted which put the withdrawal of their shows down to the Covid-19 variant.
XLive also highlighted reports that large exhibitions in China will be cancelled for the rest of the month, including the World 5G Conference.
The majority of shows remain unaffected but the uncertainty “underscores” the importance of investing in digital, according to XLive.
Meanwhile, PCMA has relaunched its [Business Events Recovery Dashboard](https://www.pcma.org/delta-variant-throws-wrench-events-industry-recovery/) to measure the industry’s response to the surge in Covid-19 cases.
*For more information about how to combine live and digital experiences* [*read our hybrid events guide*](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/)*.*
## [WTTC: UK Government should cover PCR test costs for double-jabbed Britons](https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/wttc-says-uk-government-should-pay-pcr-tests-immobilising-travel-tourism-sector)
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has urged the UK Government to cover the cost of PCR tests for Britons who have been fully-vaccinated.
It comes after Health Secretary Sajid Javid called for an investigation into “excessive” pricing from Covid-19 test firms, with the country’s among the priciest in Europe.
> 'UK government should pay for expensive PCR tests crippling the Travel & Tourism sector'
>
> ?Full Press Release: [\#TravelRecovery](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravelRecovery?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#TravelAndTourism](https://twitter.com/hashtag/TravelAndTourism?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Travel](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Travel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/zAMTaCd5za](https://t.co/zAMTaCd5za)
>
> — WTTC (@WTTC) [August 10, 2021](https://twitter.com/WTTC/status/1425095049252151301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Conference News reports how the WTTC now wants PCR tests to be paid by the public purse for those who are double-jabbed.
It claims this would remove a financial burden which is having a bad impact on demand for travel and holding back its recovery.
## [Dutch Government communication ‘hindering restart of exhibitions’](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/unclear-dutch-government-communication-hindering-restart-of-exhibitions-says-ria-amsterdam)
RIA Amsterdam has claimed poor communication from the Dutch Government could see a number of international events cancelled.
The international organiser and venue said messaging from official websites about multi-day shows was creating confusion for event producers, who they say are now considering withdrawing or moving their exhibitions.
It claimed there was no distinction between events with and without overnight stays onsite.
Exhibition World reports RIA Amsterdam has written to the country’s prime minister Mark Rutte appealing for the texts to be clarified.
## [Proof of vaccination needed for US bar and beverage show](https://www.exhibitionworld.co.uk/organiser-to-ask-for-proof-of-vaccination-for-entry-to-brooklyn-bar-and-beverage-show-0)
Bar Convent Brooklyn, a Reed Exhibitions trade show, has made it an entry requirement to show evidence of being vaccinated against coronavirus.
The US beverage industry event returns to the Brooklyn Expo Center next week, while Exhibition World raises the question if this is “the shape of things to come?”
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [The week in events: business confidence, sustainability and insurance](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/the-week-in-events-20210806/)
**Published:** August 6, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly exhibition industry news round-up from ExpoPlatform. We highlight five top stories so you don’t miss out on what’s been happening – including announcements, insights, opinion and more.***
## [UK Chancellor confirms £750m events industry insurance scheme](https://www.conference-news.co.uk/coronavirus-updates-business-news/chancellor-confirms-ps750m-events-industry-insurance-scheme)
The UK Government has announced a £750 million insurance scheme for the events industry, covering costs of cancellations due to public health measures.
Exhibition companies will be able to purchase cover from September – alongside standard commercial events insurance – with a number of insurers who are supporting the initiative.
Ministers said the scheme, announced by Chancellor Rishi Sunak on Thursday, will support live events across the UK that are open to the general public, such as music festivals and business conferences.
> ?We're backing the events sector with a world-leading insurance scheme?
>
> I’ve heard the calls from organisers and this new scheme, worth over £750 million, will help them plan events with confidence through to next year.
>
> Read more here: [\#PlanForJobs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlanForJobs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/spOkXrL21b](https://t.co/spOkXrL21b)
>
> — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) [August 6, 2021](https://twitter.com/RishiSunak/status/1423537853569675267?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
## [One-third of event professionals see no boost to booking confidence](https://www.eventindustrynews.com/news/65-of-event-professionals-are-seeing-a-boost-in-business-confidence-to-book-events-according-to-latest-hbaa-poll)
Around one-third of event professionals have not seen an increase in client confidence to plan exhibitions despite lockdown restrictions being eased across the UK, according to a story published by EIN.
The poll reveals 65% of players in the business events, meetings and accommodation industry have seen a boost in willingness to book and confirm productions.
However, this still leaves more than one-third who have seen no uplift in confidence to put on events, including 7% who said faith in making a book was declining.
## [Visa-free short-term touring allowed in 19 EU member states](https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/wttc-and-bta-respond-covid-19-traffic-light-update)
Touring professionals from the UK will not need visas or work permits for short-term tours in 19 EU countries, it has been announced.
Authorities in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden have all confirmed that performers, creative professionals and support staff can now be in their countries for up to three months without extra paperwork.
Standout Magazine also reports that Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport ministers have also approached Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Malta and Cyprus with similar requests.
Meanwhile, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Business Travel Association (BTA) [gave mixed responses](https://www.conference-news.co.uk/news/wttc-and-bta-respond-covid-19-traffic-light-update) to updates on travel restrictions to the UK.
> Read the BTA’s response to today’s Traffic Light Update below:[\#YourBTA](https://twitter.com/hashtag/YourBTA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#BusinessTravel](https://twitter.com/hashtag/BusinessTravel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Covid19](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Covid19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/1ih8l0fcbN](https://t.co/1ih8l0fcbN)
>
> — BTA (@TheBTAorg) [August 5, 2021](https://twitter.com/TheBTAorg/status/1423177084722089985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Conference News reports how Virginia Messina, WTTC acting CEO, called for the “unpredictable” traffic light system to be dropped and demanded more action rather than positive “rhetoric”. CEO of BTA Clive Wratten praised the scrapping of the amber-plus status and the UK Government’s decision to abandon watchlist plans.
## [EN awards celebrate best of industry](https://exhibitionnews.uk/en-awards-celebrates-best-of-the-industry/)
More than 600 people attended the EN Events Industry Awards for an evening of celebrations in what has been a difficult period for the sector.
The night in London, UK – hosted by comedian Tom Allen – shone a spotlight on success stories over the pandemic as well as those who made an impact in how the industry operates.
New categories were introduced to reflect Covid-19 activities – including virtual events, fundraising and safety plans.
> What a night! After a long long wait – the [@ExhibitionNews](https://twitter.com/ExhibitionNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ENAwards](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENAwards?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Here are our [\#quickturnaround](https://twitter.com/hashtag/quickturnaround?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) highlights [\#EventProfs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventProfs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/6PjT03sHz6](https://t.co/6PjT03sHz6)
>
> — Silverstream TV (@SilverstreamTV) [July 31, 2021](https://twitter.com/SilverstreamTV/status/1421395053306654721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
## [Sustainability body isla appoints growth lead Toni Griggs](https://weareisla.co.uk/2021/08/02/sustainability-body-isla-appoints-growth-lead-toni-griggs/)
Finally, isla announced its newly appointed growth lead Toni Griggs, as the organisation works to become the leading event industry sustainability body.
Toni will be responsible for building its 80-strong membership, while driving partnerships and projects to accelerate event businesses environmental sustainability performance.
Anna Abdelnoor, co-founder, said “With Cop26 in less than 100 days, we see the next few months as a critical time for both industry recovery and global action on sustainability.
“This context also makes it a critical time for isla’s continued growth, ensuring we are fit for purpose to lead the industry in the transition to a net-zero future.”
**Categories:** Exhibitions
---
### [Chart of the week: how fast are events going digital?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/digital-event-strategy/)
**Published:** August 2, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***The event industry is changing rapidly. Each week we illustrate how this is happening and what it means for your business.***
Less than half of organisers have developed a digital event strategy for exhibitions, according to an industry survey.
The 27th [UFI Global Barometer](https://www.ufi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/27th_UFI_Global_Barometer_july_2021.pdf) estimates only 47% of event producers have built such a plan for individual existing shows or products, despite the ongoing threat of coronavirus restrictions to physical events.
The poll also puts the figure for this transformation among all events businesses at 40%, with only 24% of venues and 18% of service providers having done so.
This overall number was higher in North America – at 57% – and lowest in the Middle East and Africa, where only 34% have developed a digital event strategy.
Other findings from the survey reveal only 23% of organisers developed a “transformation” plan for the whole company, 65% have added virtual services to existing exhibitions, 25% have launched digital products which are directly related to current shows and 12% have created a new high-ranking post to oversee this part of the business, such as a head of digital.
## **Behind the figures**
Leading organisers have seen the benefits of implementing a digital strategy. It can help bring year-round [monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) and increase brand awareness for sponsors.
The shift to digital was happening slowly pre-pandemic, but the pause of in-person events has turbocharged this transformation. Now, it has become a key part of planning for innovative organisations.
This development is partly meant to “pandemic-proof” organisations, but is likely to remain an important part of successful business models post-coronavirus.
*[Read our complete guide to hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/).*
## **What does this mean for organisers?**
Ignoring the benefits of a strategy which includes in-person and digital events risks your business being left behind. Here’s why:
**Engagement:** Hybrid events allow you to significantly increase audience participation by reaching the right people across the globe – even when the industry is thrown into a crisis such as coronavirus. The greater accessibility offered by virtual events means there are endless opportunities to get more people signing up.
**Pricing:** Digital has been historically under-valued by exhibition organisers, who now need to re-balance the pricing of digital and in-person in their budgets. This can ensure that in the event of a show being cancelled, a healthy amount of revenue can still remain.
**Measuring success:** A hybrid event’s success can be measured by analysing post-event data, using technology such as ExpoPlatform. All [**virtual event metrics**](https://expoplatform.com/how-to-effectively-measure-engagement-at-virtual-events/) can be captured such as profile views, engagement or directory searches. Physical event scans and in-person meeting data can also be stored for analysis and reporting purposes.
*For more on this download [ExpoPlatform’s Hybrid Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) ebook.*
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [ Email marketing tips for B2B events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/email-marketing-b2b-events/)
**Published:** July 30, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Emails are a powerful and cost-effective way to promote business events to a targeted audience. This is true despite social media marketing’s continued growth in popularity. If you are planning to host a virtual, in-person or hybrid event, email marketing is a great way to get the word out and have more people sign up.
According to a study by the [Content Marketing Institute](https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2020_B2B_Research_Final.pdf), 81% of B2B marketers say email newsletters are their most used form of content. Meanwhile, 31% consider it the best tactic to nurture leads.
For business events such as conferences, exhibitions and trade shows, a well-designed email marketing campaign can help generate buzz, encourage sign-ups and gain valuable feedback for future events. Here are our pre-event and post-event email marketing tips:
## **Before the event**
**Optimise your emails for mobile: More people are consuming content on their phones than ever, making it even more important to optimise emails for this format.**
### 
Always check your mobile template before sending an email blast. The design and font should be clearly visible on different devices so the user can easily read them.
**Personalisation:** There is more chance of people opening your emails if you personalise them. Make sure the subject line is short – this is more likely to grab the attention of readers.
Analysis from Pinpointe shows open rates can be [increased by nearly 35%](https://www.pinpointe.com/blog/best-email-send-from-address-name-or-company) if a real person’s name is used to send the email, rather than the company. Take time to conduct A/B testing and determine which subject lines and call to actions (CTAs) get better responses.
**Hook the reader:** Build engagement by showcasing teaser videos of the event. This could include information about special guests and photos of attendees from the last year having a great time.
Using a countdown clock to the event – a form of **urgency marketing** – is also a good way to get more sign-ups from readers.
**CTAs should be clearly visible: Having a clearly visible CTA button – not a text hyperlink – is important to your email marketing campaign’s success. It is where you ask for the reader’s attention.**
### 
The CTA should be visible in a clear, concise way and motivate the reader to take action. This could mean signing up for the event, downloading the app or joining the community.
**Create a sense of FOMO:** Offer time-limited discounts and deals to the reader if they sign up for your event. Promote the value you are offering, for example, with early access to exhibit or sponsor at the event.
Increase the FOMO (fear of missing out) by including testimonials from past attendees talking about how valuable their experience was.
**Send personalised reminder emails:** Most event marketers have upscaled their digital marketing campaigns, including through email, amid the lack of face-to-face opportunities the pandemic has brought.
With a deluge of messages being sent to inboxes, missing an invite is common for a lot of people. Make sure you send out personalised emails at relevant time intervals to remind them of the invitation. For example:
*“The countdown is on! Have you registered for {event name}?”*
*“You don’t want to miss {event name}, sign up now!”*
*“Last seats available for {event name}, grab yours now!”*
Reminding your audience about the event can be as important as first telling them about it – you have to keep the conversation going through regular communication.
## **After the event**
**Thank you messages: After the event, send your attendees a personalised thank you video. Include links to on-demand content and an invitation to join the 365 community, where they can unlock new content and continue business conversations.**
### 
By thanking your attendees and sharing access to more resources and tools, you can build a stronger relationship with them.
**Event highlights:** By sharing the best moments from the event, the attendees will feel valued and incentivised to keep that momentum going. It’s important for them to feel they were a part of something big, so create a montage of the highlights.
These could include the most popular sessions, booths that got the maximum engagement and statistics showing how successful the event was.
**Feedback survey: Send your attendees a feedback survey once the event finishes asking them about their likes or dislikes. It should also look for suggestions on how to improve next time.**
### 
Use this to shape your future events and ensure you’re doing what your attendees want. The more information organisers have about an attendee’s experience, the more they can prepare for future events.
**Exclusive discounts and offers for next event:** Attendees should feel valued when they have been to one of your events. Offer exclusive discounts and packages in a follow-up email to encourage registration for the next edition.
Keep the relationship going by offering perks like access to premium content and services, invitations to an exclusive year-round community or other membership benefits.
**Access to on-demand content:** Send emails highlighting that presentations, webinars and written notes will be available for attendees after the event. It is even better if the sessions were instructional and informative.
This is a great way to kickstart another lead-nurturing campaign and lets you track recipients who are regularly engaging with the content.
[*Learn how ExpoPlatform can help you craft a compelling email marketing campaign to engage your audience before and after the event.*](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/)
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [ExpoPlatform appoints Romain Dejoie as customer success manager](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/romain-dejoie/)
**Published:** July 21, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
ExpoPlatform has appointed former Reed Exhibitions digital innovation success manager Romain Dejoie as customer and product success manager.
Romain was in his previous position for more than eight years, building innovative projects with teams around the world.
He will now lead the customer success program to help ExpoPlatform clients improve promotion and make better use of our digital platform, while also gathering feedback and participating in strategic product direction.
Tanya Pinchuk, ExpoPlatform CEO, said: “I am extremely happy to welcome Romain to our team!
“We have worked with Romain previously and I know how experienced and knowledgeable he is, which is strongly supported by his analytical mindset and creative personality.”
Romain added: “I’m really excited to join the company at this stage, as we’ve contracted a number of important clients.
“ExpoPlatform is a state-of-the-art event platform that can serve a wide range of organisers, so I’m very confident about continuing our growth together and empowering new organisers worldwide!”
During his time at Reed, Romain helped ensure customers made a success of new technologies, bringing expertise in digital product development and customer support.
This is crucial to ExpoPlatform’s growth as his skills are integral to bridging the gap between technical and business teams.
If you would like to know more about ExpoPlatform products and services, get in touch at info@expoplatform.com
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Get Agile in your hybrid solution development](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/agile-hybrid-event-solution/)
**Published:** July 19, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
*Picking an adaptable approach for working with a technology platform in a rapidly changing environment is a good way to prepare your business for success. Here ExpoPlatform looks at how the Agile approach might be your route to successful event creation.*
Ekaterina Solomeina, founder of the Future London Academy, a centre dedicated to promoting innovation in the UK’s capital, explained that even if you don’t know your destination, you can still make sure you’re travelling on the right road.
“It’s difficult to know what you don’t know, but to be ahead of the competition – to constantly innovate – you need to be aware of new market opportunities, the latest methodologies and the most promising technologies that can take your business to the next level,” she said.
With the current pace of development in online events, typified by frequently changing requirements, new technologies and the involvement of multiple decision-makers, one approach worth considering is Agile development.
When it was published in 2001, the [Manifesto for Agile Software Development](https://agilemanifesto.org/) set out to give software developers a flexible and responsive approach to project development.
By favouring people and interactions over processes and tools, working software over comprehensive documentation, customer collaboration over contract negotiation and response to change over following a plan, Agile presents a fluid alternative for today’s changing event landscape.
Rather than being a methodology or a framework, Agile proposes a set of values and principles that provide the foundations for flexibility – in many regards a counterpoint to the “waterfall”, linear approach.
For a technology partnership in the exhibitions industry, it provides a useful set of values and principles for adapting services and products to the needs of the organiser.
Here are several ways to integrate some of the principles of the Agile Manifesto in your [online event development](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/).
## **Break the silos of your project**
## 
The exhibition/event cycle is never-ending and the ability to adapt throughout the project ensures learning and analysis from one event is carried into the next.
The Agile documentation states “business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project”.
The dependence on cross-functional teams makes communication more simple between different stakeholders in the project.
## **Early and continuous delivery**
## 
Satisfying the customer through “early and continuous delivery of valuable software” boosts our chances of meeting customer demands and contributing to ROI.
Responding rapidly to changes gives your customers the value they are paying for more frequently and introducing early feedback and quality control limits the chance of you being asked to implement significant changes later in the process.
But project development is an imprecise science, so…
## **Welcome changing requirements late in the project**
## 
Change requests should be welcomed even at the late stages of project execution. This Agile principle states that “Agile processes harness change for the customer’s competitive advantage”.
The needs of an organiser’s exhibitors and visitors might only become clear as the project nears its conclusion. Traditional project management views late-stage changes as off-scope, invoking an expanded project scope and spiralling expenses.
ExpoPlatform experienced this first-hand with the team at luxury travel event ILTM, where late changes had a significant impact on the success of the final product.
“We work to the wire,” explained Alison Gilmore, exhibition director of Reed’s Luxury Travel Portfolio.
“I had a conversation with \[ExpoPlatform\] and said ‘there’s another site and they have this dashboard and well; we want that dashboard’. Four days later – I had that dashboard.
“That’s the kind of customer service you need when everything is moving fast and it’s changing by the day.
“They helped us deliver good customer service to our own clients and they gave it to us.”
Building a culture that embraces uncertainty, accepting that late changes may be more influential in the creation of a successful solution for the end customer, is key to Agile development.
In the late game teams adopting Agile shouldn’t have a problem responding to these changes in sufficient time.
## **Deliver value frequently**
## 
Agile promotes the delivery of working software frequently, “from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, with a preference to the shorter timescale”.
In this way a company can reduce the batch sizes used to process work.
Shorter time frames for planning free up time to do the actual project work and make adjustments on the job.
This matters because…
## **Working software is the primary measure of progress**
The seventh Agile core principle states simply that it doesn’t matter how many lines of code, bug fixes or working hours have been invested in the project, it’s all for nothing if the end result is not in line with customer expectations.
Regular delivery built on shorter iterations ensures the project is on the right track and in the current pandemic climate – anything can be brought to a halt at a moment’s notice.
As Valentina Anastasio, web marketing specialist at Bologna Fiera Cosmoprof, said of [her experience working with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/cosmoprofs/): “Our clients replied to us saying ‘you’ve done a great job, because even though the trade show wasn’t available due to Covid-19, we were able to get in contact with potential clients’.”
## **Face-to-face is most cost-effective communication**
Everything Agile is predicated on communicating in person. What we write and what we mean (or how we feel) is not necessarily the same. Our success depends on a deep understanding and close partnership.
Reducing the time between asking a question and receiving an answer is very important in a process built on short iterations and frequent delivery.
Fortunately, the past 18 months have spawned a multitude of direct communication and workflow tools able to facilitate this whether we’re in the same room or on different continents.
Every day, we get closer to consigning the exhibition industry’s reliance on Excel and Outlook to the past.
## **Self-organising teams generate most value**
## 
To be successfully agile in a rapidly-changing environment occupied by multiple decision-makers, the responsibility for all project decisions cannot be placed at the feet of one person.
The founders of Agile state that “the best architectures, requirements and designs emerge from self-organising teams”.
The trick is to motivate the teams, because a motivated team generates the most value for the customer. So consider your company’s incentive and reward schemes – ensure they are appropriate for the tasks they have been presented with.
As with many elements of Agile thinking, this may require a cultural rethink of your business before a truly agile approach can be adopted with your technology partner.
And of course, if you work in short iterations, you’ll need to…
## **Regularly reflect and adjust your way of work to boost effectiveness**
The final Agile management principle relates to evaluating your performance and improvement. “At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly”.
Working in shorter cycles requires more frequent evaluation.
There are 12 principles of Agile, so for a more in-depth look at how these can help your organisation, take a look at the [manifesto](https://agilemanifesto.org/). Also consider related frameworks that help you to operationally bring these principles into play, such as [Scrum](https://scrumguides.org).
Whether Agile is overhyped, or successful at letting you reach your customer and business needs, its success depends largely on ensuring the associated methods, terminology and culture fit neatly within your company’s culture.
As Megan Cook, group product manager at Jira Software, explains: “Adopting Agile principles and values in an organisation requires significant cultural change.
“It takes longer to change the way that you think than the way that you work. However, a framework like Scrum helps you to think in a more agile way.”
But in a time of such disruption and change to an industry already off the pace when it comes to the introduction of technology already mainstream elsewhere, the 12 Agile principles provide one approach to building that foundation successfully.
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Reimagining events in the virtual era - what do event leaders recommend?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/event-leaders-recommend-for-virtual-events/)
**Published:** July 6, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
We’ve come a long way since the events industry switched from a traditional in-person business model to virtual events more than a year ago. The ensuing digital transformation created new learnings for organisers and advanced innovation in technologies like **[AI matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)** and multilingual chatbots to cater to a wider, more global audience.
Even with physical events making a comeback after the Covid lockdown, the digital era is well and truly here. Organisers are now looking to reinvent live events as digitally-infused hybrid experiences, but the question is: are they fully prepared?
In this article, you will read what top industry leaders have to say about reimagining events digitally and their recommendations to deliver successful virtual and hybrid events.
## **Find the right formula for your industry**
Before taking the plunge into digital events, it is essential to find the right fit for your industry and determine whether attendees, exhibitors and sponsors are fully onboard for the new hybrid format.
According to Ade Allenby, Global Head of Digital Innovation at Reed Exhibitions, the starting point should be to ask your customers about their goals and willingness to return to face-to-face events.
*“You should gauge if there is really an appetite for visitors to engage digitally pre- or post-event. In some markets and industries this is still a very alien concept, so your digital proposition has to align with what customers want*,” he says.
Ade suggests organisers could increase engagement through pre-show taster content or new product reviews and share in-demand webinars and videos with those unable to attend. This can give an idea of how receptive attendees are towards digital engagement strategies and what degree of digital engagement is sustainable for a particular industry.
## **Consider longer engagement models**
Engagement at business events is shifting from a conventional three-day model to longer timeframes, with ‘**[365 community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)**’ and online marketplaces being the must-have longer term elements right now. Organisers are experimenting with spreading their event to several weeks, months even, opening up opportunities to access content and network with peers days before and after the main event.
TM Forum’s award-winning **[Digital Transformation World Series](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/digital-transformation-world-series-2020/)** is a good example of this, spanning six weeks with content and networking taking place throughout. Another event, The London Book Fair 2021, hosted various conferences for the publishing community before opening the fair for everyone. These conferences could be accessed on-demand for up to two weeks after the event concluded.
Many organisers in the exhibitions and trade shows industry are now taking the next leap in engagement – connecting buyers and sellers throughout the year by extending the interactions to a 365 marketplace model.
## **Harness data responsibly**
The rise of virtual and hybrid events has led to an explosion of data, with granular analysis of every attendee touchpoint before, during and after the event. While this is a great competitive asset and provides in-depth insights to improve your events, we need to tread carefully while handling user data.
*“Make sure you act on all the rich data you receive from both face-to face and virtual attendees across the year and at the key events and use this data to drive your future strategies and offer a personalised journey to your customers,”* says James Hampton, Operations Director, MCI Group.
For instance, in an organiser-led model, the event organiser acts as the data controller for their customers, while the technology platform is merely the processor. However, **[not all technology platforms handle user data ](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/the-battle-for-event-data-how-safe-is-your-data/)**this way.
In the increasingly common vendor-led model, the technology platform itself can own the relationship with the customers and share that with other organisers, or even sell it to you for a price. It’s important to check the terms and conditions before selecting your technology platform provider to ensure it remains the processor, while you – the organiser – remain the controller.
## **Do an Innovation Audit of your customer journey**
With entire attendee journeys taking place in the virtual arena, every touchpoint needs to be innovative and memorable. From event promotion and confirmation emails to landing pages, thank you pages, surveys and social posts, organisers have more opportunities than ever to innovate at each point of communication.
Kathryn Frankson, Director Event Marketing at Informa, recommends small changes that can delight your audience in an unexpected manner, for example:
1. Create a fun copy for confirmation emails
2. Email headers with attendee’s headshot
3. Custom gifs thanking sponsors
4. Custom bobble heads as speaker thank yous
5. Tin of milk bar cookies for those participating in roundtables and workshops
As we’ve indicated before, a successful campaign includes both digital and traditional elements.
## **Focus on doing one thing well**
The virtual space opens up a tonne of opportunities to experiment with and explore digital solutions, what matters is understanding how they can make your events more creative.
However, there is also the lure of trying too many things at once and risking failure. Michael Seaman, COO of Raccoon Events, says t*here are always opportunities to expand and move into new areas, but there is a danger of being spread too thin.*
*“Of course we should have multiple physical and digital events and 365 community engagement, but that is the dream and the endgame – don’t rush to dominate all of these spaces at once, take your time, do your research and apply the appropriate budget. If you rush into a market underfunded and underprepared then you risk damaging your brand and wasting the opportunities.”*
## **Align sales packages and teams**
Pivoting to virtual events has been a challenging process, especially for exhibitors who are not as comfortable adopting new technology quickly. It’s important to keep things simple, keep sales streamlined and demonstrate the ROI clearly so quick decisions can be made.
Anna Knight, VP Licensing portfolio at Informa Markets recounts her experience:
*“Our exhibitors are pushing us to offer showcase pages and matchmaking services outside of the show cycle. They have told us they are prepared to increase investment if we can a) prove the value and b) combine products into a single bundle – don’t make me sign four different contracts,” she said.*
*“We used to have specialist sales teams split by events and media. Now that approach doesn’t make sense anymore and we have one team selling all solutions to an account.”*
## **Test, Measure, Iterate and Scale**
Determining event success is a continuous process and should align with the needs and desires of your audience. If the audience interaction and engagement converts to a lead for exhibitors or results in a purchase decision, the event is said to be successful.
But for that to happen, you should have a plan in place for consistent improvement – testing out what works, measuring the results, trying out different variations to get the optimum results, and scaling the most successful strategy
*“Make smart and measurable investments in both physical and digital programmes and scale those investments based on the response and behaviour of your audience. Listen to your audience and deliver them content that they want, in the format in which they are most engaged*,” says Timothy Skennion, Managing Director of Derabo Advisory Group.
**Download** [**‘The Hybrid Blueprint’**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/) **and learn how you can leverage digitally-reimagined event models to create new hybrid experiences.**
**Categories:** Hybrid Events
---
### [Helping buyers and sellers connect through the product discovery platform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/)
**Published:** June 25, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Virtual events have proved to be an effective medium to deliver content to attendees, but there’s still much to do to connect buyers and sellers. In this article we look at the different ways you can help buyers discover the right products and make an informed purchase decision.**
According to a [**virtual event benchmarks report by Explori**](https://www.explori.com/blog/new-data-reveals-visitor-and-exhibitor-sentiment-towards-virtual-events)**,** the UK-based provider of insights for the exhibition industry, the exhibitor sentiment towards virtual events is hardly optimistic. The Net Promoter Score for virtual events is a dismal -48, compared to physical events at -17. Exhibitors are also sceptical of the ROI virtual events provide, and don’t view them too favourably as a means of generating leads.
*“The research tells us that attendees believe virtual events are as good as in-person events for delivering content. However for both attendees and exhibitors there is an overwhelming preference for face-to-face events when it comes to [networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/), overall experience and doing business. This is particularly pronounced for exhibitors whose main objective for participating is to generate new leads*,” said Sophie Holt, Managing Director at Explori.
While face-to-face has long been the preferred way for buyers to make their business purchases, the trend is now shifting towards a multichannel sales approach to provide an omnichannel experience. Buyers want every convenient option available to find and buy products – whether it is in-person, virtual or through [online marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/).
The [**McKinsey B2B Global Pulse survey**](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/survey-global-b2b-decision-maker-response-to-covid-19-crisis#) supports these insights. The survey found that eight out of 10 B2B decision-makers considered omnichannel as ‘more effective than past approaches’, with 41 percent stating that online marketplaces were the most popular way buyers connected with sellers, surpassing in-person (37 percent) and video (31% percent).
The graphic below depicts how, as purchasing has moved to omnichannel, sales models are becoming more hybrid in nature. Buyer interactions are increasingly held over a combination of phone and video calls, and face-to-face visits.
Research by Forrester shows that the **[B2B buying journey for 90 per cent buyers begins with a Google search](https://www.dialogtech.com/blog/b2b-marketing-statistics/)**. As the hybrid sales model becomes more prominent, buyers want to enquire about products and make business decisions any time of the year, rather than waiting for a three-day event window to open. It’s no longer a one-way process from prospect to sale, instead organisers must provide buyers with the answers and information whenever they have a problem.
## **How adopting a 365 model helps**
To deliver such an omnichannel experience, the first step is to develop an online platform where buyers can search for the relevant products and content, and connect with suppliers at any time of the year. A [**‘365’ marketplace model for B2B markets**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) has been seen already in the evolution of the retail industry, where behemoths like Amazon have shifted the buying experience from the in-store, bricks-and-mortar shop model to an online one, with buyers having control of what they want to buy and when they want to buy it.
There are essentially two marketplace models that that help enhance the buyer journey through product discovery:
1. **Lead generating marketplaces:** These mirror the model of most events by paving the way to an initial business connection. This model is typically based on a subscription or annual listing fee, which is sold to the exhibitor at the same time during their physical presence at an event.
2. **Transactional marketplaces:** Used widely in B2C markets, where the ecommerce facilitates the entire order. This model can work on a commission basis so there is no initial outlay from exhibitors.
Let’s understand how the product discovery process works by exploring the various tools and strategies at our disposal.
## **The Product Discovery platform**
It’s easy to share content through the digital medium but the same can’t be said for products, which usually require more tangible interactions at live events. As a result, exhibitors struggle to get enough leads and prove the ROI at such virtual events.
To counter this, ExpoPlatform has established a framework for a product discovery platform where organisers can employ different tools to drive buyer-seller engagement, helping improve discoverability of new product launches to buyers, generating more leads and driving ROI.
Here is how these tools can drive product discovery:
**‘Person to object’ AI recommendations**
Most AI product matchmaking platforms focus on helping visitors connect with other like-minded visitors based on their pre-filled preferences or choices made during the event. This is akin to what you see on dating apps where the best connections are generated after matching the likes, dislikes, hobbies and interests.
However, ExpoPlatform’s ‘person to object’ matchmaking algorithm goes beyond matching visitor to visitor. It scans thousands of profiles against user registration preferences and platform usage to generate personalised recommendations for products, content and companies.
These recommendation widgets (pictured above) can appear around the event platform to provide Amazon-like recommendations, and can be included in personalised email notifications as well as event app push notifications.
**Product Showcase Hub**
One of the key reasons people visit live events is to see the latest innovations and products on display. A digital counterpart can be created in the form of a ‘Product Showcase Hub’ where organisers can highlight new and innovative products and services, along with the relevant content.
Organisers can select the products and articles they want to showcase, with the order listed either chronologically or by AI recommendations. This way the buyers can easily browse the latest products, bookmark the ones they are interested in and explore more options to make their purchase decision.
There is a solid [monetisation opportunity](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) also involved, where the organiser can highlight branded content and products by sponsors. These products and content pieces can be further promoted before, during and after the event through targeted email promotions and social media marketing campaigns.
**365 Marketplace**
Since the B2B buyer’s journey begins with an online search, it’s essential to provide them a year-round 365 marketplace where they can explore different products and connect with any supplier. Having a marketplace platform also helps organisers to fine tune their SEO strategies through measurement and tracing, attracting the top users with buyer intent.
A company profile is the starting point when it comes to establishing the exhibitors’ presence on the platform, complete with a dashboard to help them meet and network with customers. The exhibitors/suppliers listed in the marketplace can update their profile, post company news and share information about their product.
The platform includes options for rich company profiles, where exhibitors can create engaging profiles by listing more types of content, including video and customised backgrounds and pop-ups to capture leads. There are also excellent monetisation opportunities available through enhanced year-round exhibitor profiles (think silver, gold and platinum packages with different features to promote and upsell to clients) and premium listings where the premium exhibitors can showcase their products at the top of the marketplace.
**Tenders and RFQs – Product finder tool**
Once a prospective buyer wants to purchase a product or service, they send a Request For Quote (RFQ) to a range of suppliers before making their decision. Product Finder, a tendering tool, helps make this procurement process easy for buyers. With this tool, a buyer can send requests to multiple suppliers at the same time, generating leads at scale for exhibitors.
The Product Finder widget (pictured below) is built on the AI-powered marketplace and helps find the relevant products tailored to a buyer’s specifications.
Here’s a simple three-step process that explains how this tool works:
**Step 1** – The buyer selects the product categories which interests them.
**Step 2** – Buyer fills out a short form describing their requirements – budget, quantity, any customisations, delivery address.
**Step 3** – The RFQ is sent to any suppliers in the marketplace that best fit the requirements. Suppliers can respond to the RFQ directly through their messaging dashboard.
**Hosted buyer module**
Hosted buyer management platforms with advanced AI capabilities can transform a complicated buyer journey into a simple one. A [hosted buyer programme](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/) allows buyers to cut through the noise, save time and network with exhibitors specifically selected for producing appropriate products and solutions.
 
Meeting qualified buyers enables exhibitors to reduce efforts and resources on marketing collateral, giveaways and product demos, helping them justify ROI.
[**Here is a detailed guide on how you can bring buyers and sellers together using an online hosted buyer software module.**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hosted-buyer/hosted-buyer-programme-guide/)
**Sponsorship and advertising**
A key aspect of running a successful event is to promote the exhibitors and their products across the event platform with high visibility sponsorships. This sponsored content can be used to drive traffic to the exhibitors’ virtual booth, highlighting key offerings and products. As a result, exhibitors get a healthy stream of leads, helping them scale up new business opportunities.
Sponsorship and advertising can take different forms, such as:
**Sponsored content and breakouts**
Sponsored sessions include the logo and branding of sponsors associated both in the agenda and within individual sessions itself. Clients get the leads of all attendees of a session they sponsor.
**Display advertising and video pre-roll**
**
Display advertising can be displayed across the site alongside content sessions and exhibitor listings, driving response to exhibitors. Videos pre-rolls can can be played in advance of content sessions served based on a) matchmaking algorithm or b) content track.
**Push notifications
Attendees using the web app or mobile app receive a popup message on their screen or smartphone. Organisers define the content, date and time of the ‘alert’ – for example, announcing a product demo or directing attendees to the virtual booth. Messages can be sent to all attendees or targeted to specific groups.
**Real-time exhibitor leads**
Unified exhibitor dashboards give suppliers the opportunity to see who is engaging with their content and profile, and depending on the degree of interaction and interest shown, it enables them to make contact with the prospective buyer. Here is how it streamlines the process to get more buyers onboard:
**Lead analytics
Exhibitors and sponsors get richly detailed analytics which give them real-time statistics on their performance basis different metrics **Self-service dashboard
Exhibitors can manage their leads and track audience interactions through banner ads, pop-ups and search results.**Badge scanning**By scanning badges at live events through the mobile event app and using lead scoring to qualify relevant leads, the dashboard can be consistently populated with buyer information.
## **Conclusion**
The emergence of online B2B marketplaces is opening up new product discovery opportunities across various industries, offering benefits such as the ability to automate transactions and reduce costs, through e-invoices for example. When combined with the tools mentioned in this article, their role becomes more potent in accelerating the process to bring buyers and sellers together under one virtual roof.
To summarise, the product discovery platform helps in:
- Matching buyers and sellers
- Providing necessary product information to buyers and market information to sellers
- Aggregating information goods (public and private e-catalogues)
- Facilitating physical delivery, logistics and payment
- Establishing trust and ensuring market integrity
For more about ExpoPlatform’s ability to drive product discovery and facilitate connections between buyers and sellers, reach out to **Mark Gordon **
**Categories:** All, Event Technology, Marketplace
---
### [6 reasons why digital will be crucial to the future of events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/6-reasons-why-digital-will-be-crucial-to-the-future-of-events/)
**Published:** June 8, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
The world of meetings and events has changed dramatically since the onset of the pandemic. Once considered as an afterthought and as ‘add-ons’ to face-to-face events, virtual events are commonplace today. Over the past 12 months, they have not only entirely replaced physical events in many cases, they have also made organisers rethink their marketing strategies and skillsets for the future.
According to LinkedIn’s [**‘State of Virtual Events’ report**](https://business.linkedin.com/marketing-solutions/success/ebooks-and-guides/virtual-events-guides), 75 percent of event marketers worldwide have stated they plan to run virtual events beyond the next 12 months. Around 80 percent were of the opinion that virtual events provided them new opportunities that they wouldn’t have before while 66 per cent said they got greater ROI from virtual events, compared to physical events.
The consensus in this report is clear – digital is here to stay and will largely shape event strategies in the years to come. Even large-scale meetups like exhibitions and trade shows where face-to-face interactions play a crucial role are likely to have an online component as insurance, or to provide navigable virtual tours to potential customers in different countries.
So what are the biggest reasons virtual events will remain fundamental to the meeting and events industry in the future?
## **\#1 Greater access to audience**
When the world shifted to remote interaction, it created opportunities for reaching a more geographically diverse, international audience. Event organisers reported a substantial rise in overall attendance by allowing online access, with some even citing a nearly 70 per cent jump.
The target audience has become broader and those who couldn’t attend events earlier due to budget constraints, travelling issues, scheduling conflicts or precautionary measures, can do so using any device. Another major advantage of virtual events is they allow physically impaired attendees who otherwise find it difficult to navigate in an average in-person event to participate with the help of assistive technology like on-screen subtitles and captions,
## **\#2 Cost-effective**
Virtual events provide significant cost-savings for organisers as they no longer need to rent a physical venue, make arrangements for catering, or incur travel and onsite staff costs. Giving physical attendees a memorable experience draws praise, but it also burns a hole in your pocket.
In comparison, using virtual venues that can provide 2D or 3D navigable experiences cost a fraction of the price and the cost savings can also be used to enrich the event with investment in, for example, higher-quality speakers (who incidentally might also agree to speak at your virtual event at a reduced price). As a result, you have lower costs and a smaller bottom line.
This is supported by an analysis by AUMA and AMR in the book [**Reinventing Live** ](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reinventing-Live-Always-Future-Events/dp/1785276921/ref=sr_1_1), which suggests that exhibitors and sponsors have a fully loaded cost **savings of nearly 65 percent** with virtual events as compared to physical ones, assuming the fee charged by organisers remains the same.
## **\#3 Access to more data points**
Every step of the attendee and exhibitor journey at virtual events can be tracked in great detail, including interactions, meetings, likes, content consumption and more. This wealth of data provides critical insight into the needs and preferences of customers, building a more complete picture of their profile and recording their changing needs.
According to ExpoPlatform research, the average number of data points for virtual attendees has increased 20 times compared to in-person events, reflecting the huge amount of data available for organisers to dissect in detail.
## **\#4 Buying and selling has moved online**
The nature of buying and selling has also changed for good. Business conversations and decisions are no longer restricted to a traditional three-day window but have moved to ‘always-online’ communities where people can connect with each other at any time. The ease and convenience of interacting with anyone 365 days in a year has made the digital medium an attractive option to exchange info, initiate conversations and facilitate business deals.
According to a study by McKinsey of 3,600 B2B buyers during the pandemic, **83 per cent** believed that online and remote buying is as effective or even more than physical purchases, while nearly **59 per cent** were comfortable spending large sums of $50k or more using digital channels.
## **\#5 Environment-friendly**
A virtual exhibition generates less than one percent of the carbon emissions (CO2-eq) of a physical trade show. According to a recent study by virtual exhibitions group V-ex ‘*Making Industrial Exhibitions Green*’, the average carbon dioxide equivalent for a three-day, mid-size trade show is nearly 6,000 tonnes.
As companies around the world continue to place sustainability at the forefront of their agendas, virtual events will be increasingly attractive options for businesses.
## **\#6 Pandemic-proof**
Even after COVID-19 subsides, we will always need some sort of insurance against unpredictable scenarios. With rapid urbanisation, mankind’s encroachment into wildlife habitats and increasing global travel, the recurrence of COVID-like pandemics is all but certain.
To avoid a rerun of last year’s scenario, it is recommended to have a solid digital component as part of your event strategy.
## **Moving beyond the pandemic: A future defined by hybrid events**
While the events industry waits for in-person events to return, the big question is how will physical meetups be embraced across different businesses? Referring again to the LinkedIn report, **36 percent** of event professionals are looking to organise physical events once the pandemic subsides, while **40 percent** are expected to plan virtual events.
There are several aspects to consider while planning physical events again, such as:
- The changed psychology of attendees. Not everyone will be comfortable meeting face-to-face
- Supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic
- Fewer support staff and services compared to pre-COVID levels
- Travel restrictions across different countries
For some, there will be a lack of confidence in attending physical events, at least in the near future. In all likelihood, the long-term plan for the B2B events industry will be defined not by purely physical or digital events, but a hybrid experience of both. Organisers will look to blend the best of both worlds and provide in-person and remote attendees the opportunity to participate in events, in accordance with their convenience and objectives.
As more event professionals come to terms with the changed nature of events and explore new ways to connect attendees (such as 365 community platforms), we might very well see the enthusiasm for hybrid events more than double from 24% in the coming years (see image).
*Learn how you can blend the best of physical and digital to provide cutting-edge hybrid experiences with our FREE ebook* **‘**[**The Hybrid Blueprint’.**](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/hybrid/)
**Categories:** Event Technology, Virtual Events
---
### [ExpoPlatform appoints Mark Gordon as Key Account Director](https://expoplatform.com/blog/news-from-expoplatform/expoplatform-appoints-mark-gordon-as-key-account-director/)
**Published:** April 20, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Event technology provider ExpoPlatform has appointed Informa alumni **Mark Gordon** as Key Account Director to support its rapidly expanding customer base.
An experienced event director with more than 24 years media experience – including a decade’s experience of working on virtual, hybrid and physical events – Mark has worked for some of the biggest events and publishing companies in the industry. His background includes roles at Haymarket Media Group, Media 10 and UBM, where he managed the annual London-based event industry show International Confex.
Mark most recently served as Event Director at the world’s largest organiser Informa, where he was responsible for a portfolio of large-scale B2B design events. During his time at Informa, he also developed expertise running virtual events (his first virtual event was in 2011), successfully pivoting brands across to the digital world.
His past events have been recognised with awards from the UK’s Association of Event Organisers, *Exhibition News* and the Event Technology Awards, and he was also one of the first event professionals to be registered as a Virtual Events Institute Professional (VEIP).
*“With the event industry at a really exciting point in its history, I am delighted to be joining the fantastic team at ExpoPlatform,”* said Mark. *“I’m especially looking forward to using my experience to help event organisers take advantage of the amazing opportunities the platform gives to engage with their communities better.“*
Mark is uniquely positioned to empathise with – and add value to – ExpoPlatform’s client projects, guiding them as they navigate their way through the new events landscape, according to ExpoPlatform CEO Tanya Pinchuk.
*“We are looking forward to working with Mark. His extensive experience will help the company deliver innovative event technology solutions to customers across the industry and accelerate ExpoPlatform’s growth,”* she said.
ExpoPlatform’s mission is to support event organisers on their digital transformation. To find out how our AI-powered virtual and hybrid events and 365 community platform can support your business objectives visit us [**here**](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/).
**Categories:** News from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Serve the communities that comprise your audience](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/serve-the-communities-that-comprise-your-audience/)
**Published:** March 3, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
Event software grants organisers the opportunity to explore their audience – and the journeys they are taking – to a greater degree of granularity than ever.
Integrating these new technologies and approaches in your client proposition gives you the chance to invent new ways of embracing the communities we serve; evolution key to the recovery and continued success of the global exhibitions industry.
Here are five ways that knowing more about your audience will help to engage them more effectively:
## **1. Cater for communities within communities**
Your audience will contain a number of ever-evolving micro-communities. Explore your data to find out what differentiates and defines them, who they want to meet, and the kind of content they’re consuming.
The virtual events of 2020 gave organisers access to more data online, to be mined for insight into audience satisfaction. Large brands considering the launch of smaller ancillary events may have more reason than before to cater to the specific needs of these sub-communities.
Companies with a content or media site can be testing their audience all the time. Every article is a way to test and learn, and by observing the way your audience interacts with the content you can work towards creating a number of distinct audience member personas.
## **2. No two communities are alike**
Find out what are the main two or three business objectives for an exhibiting brand. Their priority is usually to bring in the buy-side audience, procurement people in a particular field.
But bear in mind that a procurement executive may be looking at completely different content programmes depending on where the event is being held and what they are hoping to achieve.
Content specific to the geographic location of an audience, in our experience, can lead to an increase in click rates of more than 80 per cent.
## **3. Produce targeted content to see what engages the community**
Another challenge is producing and channeling the right kind of content. If you’re an organiser, then invest in editorial resource. There’s a lot of clever AI out there that can produce and funnel copy into a community, even prompting the community to contribute, but success is unlikely without an editor to present the manifesto for your industry.
As Expoplatform’s Chief Growth Officer Luke Bilton comments:
> *“The one per cent rule of internet culture states that 90 per cent of the community is composed of ’lurkers’; people who consume the content but do not contribute. Nine per cent are going to be contributors, and just one per cent will be content creators. In B2B it’s probably less than that.”*
A good editor will help to crystalize the interaction that follows the publication of useful content.
## **4. Develop community along specialised lines**
Richer information and accessibility of data is assisting organisers in the creation of increasingly niche events. If you run a broad event then it’s more difficult to hit the notes that your entire audience wishes to hear. If you’re laser-focused, with a good editorial team, you can be sure your content is in the right place.
We see examples of the formation of these communities at the events we work on. Large events that have become quite unfocused, where the content you share is only likely to entice a fraction of the audience at any one time. It is the difference between engaging a crowd and a community.
## **5. Cultivate brand champions**
Ask your audience who are the brands that they really rate, respect or aspire to, and seek to win the involvement of those people. For an AI event the audience will very likely want the data science chief at Google, for example. These are the brands and people you need to have in the subject line of your newsletters. The right person at the right brand talking to the right people.
The same can be said of your primary community contributors. Find an ambassador for your event, a person with the prestige and integrity that you wish to be associated with your brand. Reward them for their community input as they may bring an audience, and a reputation, that would otherwise take you years to achieve.
Organisers trying to create a physical marketplace need to foster a [digital marketplace](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) where the buyer intent is high. Provide communities with a digital location that is engaging for potential exhibitors and buyers, and you will have an easier job nudging them towards the live event.
Supply your community with content that abides by good editorial principles – just as a good conference is defined by good production principles – and increase the chance of your audience seeing your event as the physical embodiment of that community.
**Categories:** Community, Exhibitions
---
### [Why You Should Plan for Hybrid Events in 2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/hybrid-events/why-you-should-plan-for-hybrid-events-in-2021/)
**Published:** January 15, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
If you dial back the clock to last year when the COVID-19 outbreak had just started showing a global trend, there was a perception that things would return to normal once the pandemic was successfully contained. It turns out, even with the rollout of a vaccine, making an accurate estimate about the timeline for the ‘return to normalcy’ is a tough ask.
While there is a general desire to again attend live events under the safety guidelines and restrictions, many people are still assessing their comfort levels for in-person events and face-to-face interactions. This has created opportunities for the event industry to innovate through [hybrid events](https://expoplatform.com/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/), presenting options for both physical and virtual participation.
According to a spokesperson for the[ Virtual Events Institute](https://www.virtualeventsinstitute.com/post/the-rise-and-rise-of-hybrid-events-has-our-digital-future-arrived), a community for digital event professionals: *“Even when live experiences return to pre-pandemic levels, hybrid events will continue to play a pivotal role in the marketing, comms and events mix”.*
With hybrid events growing in popularity, here are three reasons why you really need to start planning for them in 2021:
## **1) More flexibility for stakeholders and attendees**
Despite the shift to virtual last year, many sponsors and exhibitors have been sceptical about the [value of purely online events](https://expoplatform.com/carry-true-value-events-online/) or displayed reluctance in getting acquainted with the complexities of virtual event technology. For them, hybrid events offer the flexibility to attend events live and stay connected with their business interests.Similarly, the virtual component is a critical aspect that enables organisers to reach a diverse global audience, such as:
1. a) Attendees in remote areas of the world or located in countries facing political, social or healthcare challenges, where access to the internet is the only way to participate in such events.
2. b) According to official figures,[ in the UK alone there are 14.1 million disabled people, of which 4.1 million are in work](https://www.scope.org.uk/media/disability-facts-figures/). Physically impaired event participants have greater chance of attending hybrid events, making use of assistive technology available in virtual event settings.
## **2) Your competitors are also planning one**
The era of virtual events has made the event landscape more competitive than ever, with many new players throwing their hats into the ring. With the market teeming with opportunities, many businesses hamstrung by the lack of live event options are already creating hybrid experiences in 2021.[Research by event industry blog EventMB](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/event-trends) shows 71 per cent of event professionals stated they would continue to employ a digital strategy even after live events return.
In fact, in the near future, hybrid events could become the standard where physical and virtual experiences operate in parallel and ignite new forms of storytelling, content delivery and creativity.
## **3) You’ll activate new sponsorships and boost top line growth**
The pandemic had a major impact on the finances of the global events industry in 2020, as many events were cancelled or postponed. For example, the world’s largest exhibitions group Informa Markets [projected its profits would plummet by more than 70 per cent for 2020](https://www.reuters.com/article/informa-outlook/update-1-informa-forecasts-profit-plunge-as-pandemic-crushes-events-industry-idINL4N2JH1MQ?). Hybrid events can help recoup these losses by activating revenue streams through both online and offline channels, some of which include:
- Ads and banners (physical and virtual receptions, lobbies, live streams)
- Branded giveaways (Freebies, gift vouchers, e-vouchers, lunch coupons)
- Sponsor branding (breakout rooms, exhibitor booths, website home page, landing pages)
- Value-added exhibitor charges (hosting extra team members, sessions, products)
- Premium attendee access (to exclusive sessions, content, training and workshops)
## **Conclusion:**
Hybrid events are here to stay. The pandemic triggered a strategic shift of events to include virtual elements, opening a window to new audiences, technology and business. For organisers, there’s never been a better time to experiment with hybrid events and shape an event strategy that’s flexible, sustainable and ROI-driven.
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking, Hybrid Events
---
### [Kicking Off the New Decade: What Lies Ahead for Events in 2021?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/exhibitions/kicking-off-the-new-decade-what-lies-ahead-for-events-in-2021/)
**Published:** January 13, 2021
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
After a chaotic year marked by massive challenges and new learnings, the event industry steps into a fresh decade with renewed determination and hope. The [past 10 months have tested the industry](https://expoplatform.com/2020-event-industry-recap-the-year-events-changed-forever/) like never before, and despite a significant impact to event programmes, staff and top-line growth, event firms and agencies showed their mettle by quickly adapting to the virtual format and creating new ways to connect with customers.
Amidst all this uncertainty, resolution in matters with international consequences, notably a resolution to US presidential and Brexit negotiations, as well as the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, provides the clarity we need to make plans once again. Although we do this with one eye on other crucial factors, such as the looming threat of the new coronavirus strain and its effect on international travel and in-person events.
As the new decade begins, here’s what the scenario for meetings and events industry could look like:
## **Digital counterparts will be a mainstay of events programmes**
Virtual experiences will remain integral to business events in 2021. As concerns linger around the pandemic and hosting physical-only events remain unlikely, remote collaborations and virtual meetups have found increasing acceptance among attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. As insurance against unforeseen circumstances and to avoid cancellations and postponements, event organisers will include a digital counterpart for any in-person event planned for the year. Which brings us to our next point…
## **Hybrid events to see an upsurge**
One of the themes of 2020 was *“adopting virtual while anticipating the return of in-person events”.* This got a further boost towards the end of the year, when the COVID-19 vaccine was announced and a rollout was initiated. Though the vaccine is here, businesses are still on tenterhooks about hosting large physical gatherings while adhering to official safety guidelines and restrictions.The inevitable way forward will be a rise in hybrid events – whether it’s a conference, exhibition or trade show. The hybrid experience will allow event organisers to serve both remote and in-person audiences simultaneously while offering a business opportunity for venues to upgrade themselves and create seamless, integrated event offerings. For example,[ leading European technology conference Web Summit will be adopting a hybrid model for 2021](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-portugal-websummit/europes-largest-tech-conference-to-return-as-in-person-event-in-2021-idUSKBN2852RV).
## **Smaller, close-knit event organising teams**
The pandemic severely affected the finances of many businesses, with event firms witnessing a significant drop in their bottom lines and massive staff layoffs.As virtual events have low capital requirements, we will see smaller teams working together closely to organise a large number of events in 2021. Event spend will be mainly focused on virtual event technology platforms, content creation, online marketing and sales.
## **More engaging experiences using virtual events technology**
Event professionals had their first brush with virtual event technology in 2020 (for many depending on manual processes, it was their first experience using any sort of event tech) and after a period of scepticism and experimentation, it’s likely they would be looking to explore more aspects of virtual event platforms. 
In 2021, we could see more immersive experiences for remote attendees through 360-degree video technology and augmented and virtual reality, especially for [online exhibitions and trade shows](https://expoplatform.com/empower-exhibitors-sponsors-with-your-virtual-trade-show/). With digital activations expected to go up, organisers will be keen to differentiate themselves by crafting new interactive ways to engage the audience.
## **Conclusion:**
The ongoing pandemic continues to be a challenge for event professionals; however, it is also a force of transformation that has enabled the industry to re-imagine and redefine its future in an increasingly connected world.
**Categories:** AI Matchmaking, Community, Exhibitions, Hybrid Events, Marketplace, Virtual Events
---
### [2020 Event Industry Recap – The Year Events Changed Forever](https://expoplatform.com/blog/2020-event-industry-recap-the-year-events-changed-forever/)
**Published:** December 29, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
We have finally reached the end of 2020 – congrats for making it through a difficult year. As work winds down and with holidays around the corner, it’s time to relax and look back at how the past 12 months panned out for the event industry.
In a year beset by cancellations and postponements of physical events due to COVID-19 challenges, event firms had to reassess their strategies and include virtual elements in their conferences, exhibitions and trade shows to keep their business running. Who can forget the cancellation of events including the **Geneva Motor Show**; or the announcement halfway through the year that **Messe Frankfurt** – one of the busiest venues in Europe – expected no events until later in 2021; or the crowds returning so soon to events in Shanghai?
Despite the initial hiccups and hesitation, the virtual format that many events adopted was positively received by participants. As the new year closes in, it is now considered an integral part of a successful event solution built around hybrid and online events.
Let’s rewind the clock back to the start of 2020 and see how we got here:
## **Adjusting to the pandemic – from initial shock to making the leap to virtual**
With stringent government regulations in place and public reluctance to meet face-to-face, the move to the virtual space was a foregone conclusion for many event organisers. It was crucial to get their schedule back on track [and going digital was a necessary step to literally ‘insuring’ their event’s future](https://expoplatform.com/going-digital-insure-events-future/). The situation was tougher for those handling exhibitions and trade shows, and many pondered how to [replicate the true value of their events online](https://expoplatform.com/carry-true-value-events-online/). To ensure the success of their virtual events, it was necessary to convince the exhibitors and sponsors that they could [benefit from a large-scale event like a virtual trade show](https://expoplatform.com/empower-exhibitors-sponsors-with-your-virtual-trade-show/).
## **Solving the virtual events puzzle**
Merely making the shift to virtual events wasn’t enough. While it became easier for anyone across the globe to attend an event, questions lingered around [attendee engagement](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/) and return on investment (ROI) for the stakeholders.To figure out this puzzle, it was necessary to [first identify the key performance indicators (KPIs) that would work in the virtual space](https://expoplatform.com/5-virtual-event-kpis-to-measure-the-success-of-online-exhibitions/).
Organising entire events online also meant the increased risk of screen fatigue and distracted attendees. Most event organisers we worked with focused on the [importance of differentiating their content strategy from their competitors](https://expoplatform.com/improve-content-strategy-for-virtual-and-hybrid-events/) as well as other tactics like [nurturing an online community](https://expoplatform.com/5-tips-to-build-an-engaged-online-community-for-b2b-events/) to promote their events.
## **Scepticism gives way to increased traction and trust**
Many sponsors and exhibitors were initially sceptical of the value virtual exhibitions and trade shows offered. Compared to in-person events, virtual events didn’t seem like viable replacements to capture leads or increase revenue. However, as online meetings gained more traction, the value proposition became more evident.For instance, it was [easier to network with people at online events](https://expoplatform.com/networking-at-virtual-events-more-effective-than-live-events/) without having to spend a fortune. Also, the fact that all event activity could be measured digitally allowed organisers to explore [different lead generation ideas](https://expoplatform.com/top-lead-generation-ideas-for-virtual-trade-shows/) and build their customer base.
In addition, sponsors and exhibitors had newer avenues to increase their top line through virtual event technology platforms, which offered numerous options [to monetise their events and maximise revenue and sponsorship](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-event-monetisation-for-maximising-revenue-sponsorships/).
## **What lies ahead for events in 2021?**
With a COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out gradually, the jury is still out on the future of events. Many industry experts claim [virtual is still an evolving field and will likely complement in-person interactions](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/) in 2021, giving rise to more hybrid events. While recovery from the pandemic might be a slow, drawn-out process, the irony is that it has [accelerated the path of the event industry towards a more digital and connected future](https://expoplatform.com/resilience-is-a-plan-not-a-state-of-mind-insights-from-the-ufi-congress-2020/).
**Categories:** All, Community, Conferences, Corporate Events, Exhibitions, Hybrid Events, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [How To Improve Your Content Strategy with a Rise in Virtual and Hybrid Events](https://expoplatform.com/blog/how-to-improve-your-content-strategy-with-a-rise-in-virtual-and-hybrid-events/)
**Published:** December 11, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
As gears shift into the planning mode, content accessibility in virtual and[ hybrid experiences](https://expoplatform.com/complete-guide-to-planning-hybrid-events-in-2021/) is going to be the talk of the town in 2021. [Virtual event budgets are expected to increase to 36% in 2021](https://www.b2bmarketing.net/en-gb/resources/news/news-virtual-event-budgets-expected-increase-2021), from 20% in 2020, coupled with a surge in hybrid events that could see around 80% of B2B marketers run or participate in a hybrid event.
In this scenario we can expect stiff competition when it comes to better content marketing initiatives at upcoming events. So what steps can you take to make your content more engaging, accessible and business-driven for your audience?
Here are some recommended tactics to follow:
## **Create targeted content focused around buyers**
While planning content for your event, think of the big picture. What are the pain points of your buyers? How do they consume content? What do they aim to achieve from your event?
Whether it’s a virtual or hybrid event, your buyers will be looking for content that can address their needs, match their expectations and guide them towards decision-making. Use snackable content like short videos, infographics, slideshows and product brochures to create maximum engagement.
Impress upon exhibitors the need to focus on making their own content, to improve the impact they have on online visitors.
## **Provide options for recorded and on-demand viewing**
Various online issues can arise when your event goes live – the Wi-Fi can conk out, streaming could hit a snag and the platform might malfunction. You also have to consider the different time zones and broadband speeds in countries and how it could affect accessibility to content.
To minimise such risks, provide options for speakers to pre-record their sessions and allow on-demand viewing so any attendee operating on low-speed internet, located in a different time zone or unable to attend the event for some reason can access the event content later.
****
## **Infectious Messaging**
A term floated by[ *TrendHunter*](https://www.trendhunter.com/emodule/intro-to-infectious-messaging)*,* ‘infectious messaging’ refers to the use of compelling storytelling woven around culture and emotion to leave the greatest impression on your audience. Due to an overabundance of content and attention spans at a premium, focus on creating content that can connect with your audience.
Think beyond conventional marketing channels to include memes or animations, and partner with social media influencers to cater to a larger global base of customers and prospects.
## **Attend other events to repurpose content**
You may find yourself stuck in a creative block, unable to generate new content ideas. An easy way out is to participate in other events and repurpose the insights and information from different sessions into blogs, podcasts and videos while aligning it with your event messaging.
## **Build a LinkedIn community**
Build an online community for your event participants on LinkedIn where you can post content to [drive engagement before, during and after an event](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/). This can include exclusive interviews, on-demand videos, audience testimonials or a recap of the event. User-generated content on such groups can be repackaged into different content formats to keep the engagement high.
## **Conclusion**
With virtual events mushrooming in every corner of the internet and hybrid events looming large in the coming year, there’s a massive explosion of content availability. These tips can help you adapt your content strategy to be more driven by users and focused on objectives as well as keep the content cup flowing with new ideas.
**Categories:** All, Hybrid Events, Virtual Events
---
### [What Mistakes Should Virtual Event Organisers Avoid in 2021?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/what-mistakes-should-virtual-event-organisers-avoid-in-2021/)
**Published:** December 9, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
In a year defined by COVID-19-related challenges, the event industry’s collective pivot to the virtual format has yielded some spectacular experiences and noteworthy lessons.
And as 2020 draws to a close and event professionals look forward to scaling their virtual event offerings, it’s important to reflect on the common flaws from our previous efforts.
Here are some of the common mistakes one should avoid when organising virtual events:
## **1. Attempting to replicate the complete experience**
Many organisers try to replicate the entire live event experience in the virtual space, racking up unnecessary production and labour costs. Instead, aim to [carry only the value proposition of your live event](https://expoplatform.com/carry-true-value-events-online/) to the virtual one. Focus on introducing elements that fulfill the objectives of exhibitors, sponsors and attendees.
## **2. Not offering enough options for attendee engagement**
Do not expect your audience to simply sit through the online sessions and take notes – you need to provide [more options to engage them with your virtual](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/)[ event](https://expoplatform.com/4-ways-improve-attendee-engagement-virtual-exhibitions/). After all, many sessions are typically available on demand at the end of the event if the content is all they came for. Use live surveys, polls, Q&A sessions, and integrate the mobile app for push notifications and interactive activities such as quizzes to boost attendee engagement.
## **3. Spending on unnecessary features**
Virtual events are useful only if they provide value to the stakeholders and turn a profit. Ask yourself: do fancy features like 3D avatars really add value or encumber the overall event experience? It makes sense to keep things simple, especially if you are operating on a tight budget. Depending on the nature and need of your event, you can add more bells and whistles once you’re comfortable with the intricacies of the virtual space, but remember; don’t go overboard!
## **4. Not offering proper tools for conducting business**
[As](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/)[ noted by industry experts during Event Tech Live 2020](https://expoplatform.com/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/), content-driven virtual events tend to fare better than events of a more transactional nature such as B2B exhibitions and trade shows. One of the key reasons is the lack of readily available technology to build a marketplace online. To facilitate business-driven conversations, lead generation and top-line growth, empower your exhibitors and sponsors with proper tools like networking profiles, 1:1 meeting rooms and [online monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/).
## **5. Lack of pre-event preparation**
Your team should have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully plan and execute virtual events. Make sure to do several dry runs before the event goes live so the possibility of technical glitches or communication breakdown is mitigated. Email your hosts, moderators and event participants of the dos and don’ts, and keep an emergency plan to hand in case things go sideways during the event. Remember: pre-event preparation is critical to running a successful virtual event.
## **Conclusion:**
Experimentation with the virtual format is here to stay and incorporating it in your event strategy can provide low-risk and high-return opportunities. However, the competition has also increased and a misstep or oversight can leave an unflattering impression on the audience. When planning your events for the coming year, be sure to work with a reliable event [technology partner](https://expoplatform.com/blog/expoplatform-official-technology-partner-of-arabplast-2015/) able to help you avoid these common mistakes and stay on track to achieve your goals.
**Categories:** All, Virtual Events
---
### [Decoding the Value of Virtual Events - Top Insights from Industry Experts](https://expoplatform.com/blog/decoding-the-value-of-virtual-events-top-insights-from-industry-experts/)
**Published:** November 27, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
The true value of virtual events and the predicted evolution of their physical counterparts were the overarching discussions at [Engage Virtua](https://engage.evnte.ch/)l and [Event Tech Live](https://www.eventtechlive.com/) this year. Here, we take a look at the key insights shared on the virtual stage by the event industry experts, influencers and leaders.
## **Virtual is still evolving, more efforts needed for transaction-based events**
Since the advent of virtual events, questions have persisted over the real value they bring. Mykyta Fastovets, CTO at ExpoPlatform addressed the same by saying, “*One of the key things we are still finding out is the format that generates value for everyone. Before we discuss additional revenue, we need to dig down on what value we are providing to exhibitors.*”
EasyFairs’s Head of Technology and Digital transformation, Stephan Forseilles, chimed in with an interesting observation, “*The best ones are centred around content. We haven’t received a lot of positive feedback from online trade shows as the experience is not compelling enough.*”
These views were also echoed by UFI’s European Regional Manager Nick Dugdale-Moore, who stated, “*You ultimately can’t do business via Zoom. Perhaps with the exception of content-based events, the value of exhibitors and customers is better served by live events.*”
## **There’s a need to provide real value to audience at virtual events**
Tarsus’s Group Marketing Director Stuart Ledden highlighted the need of creating [vital monetisation opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/). “*It’s important to meet our customers’ objectives, like selling lead-generation packages, education packages and creating revenue streams around multi-touch points. Generating analytics through digital platforms can become a new monetisation strategy,*” said Stuart.
Stressing the importance of highly personalised event journeys, MBB-Consulting Group’s founder Matthias Baur said, “*Create a series of multiple events that do different things – some might be about selecting products, others around different goals like [networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/), generating leads etc. Once you include the wow factor of personalisation and create a sense of FOMO \[Fear Of Missing Out\], then the money will follow.*”
## **Virtual events to complement in-person ones in the future**
The industry experts unanimously agreed that virtual events would not entirely replace in-person events in the future, but complement them. “*I really see hybrid events as an extension of live events. I think it works much better both for the organiser and for the exhibitor, as one can expand their brand visibility to a global audience and cater to live business opportunities at the same time,*” said Stephan.
“*As we shift from online into hybrid, the good things attained during COVID times will remain and we will have a compelling reason for why exhibitors and visitors should be back on your platform,*” added Mykyta.
## **Event technology needs to play a crucial role**
The industry experts also recognised the critical role event technology providers play in shaping the industry for the foreseeable future. “*We have been able to host some big trade shows on our platform and experienced success in terms of both engagement and ROI. Capturing and analysing data is easier online and it helps us understand the success metrics in order to make recommendations to event organisers,*” concluded Mykyta by sharing his experience of helping organisers host multiple online exhibitions throughout the year.
**Categories:** All, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [Carry the true value of your events online](https://expoplatform.com/blog/carry-the-true-value-of-your-events-online/)
**Published:** September 4, 2020
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
**Content:**
The value of online connectivity and workflow applications has multiplied significantly under Covid-19, with record numbers of people working from home and managing projects remotely. The impact of such technology has also reverberated around the event industry, with travel restrictions and safety concerns inhibiting physical interaction.
By offering an alternative way to connect people and businesses during this unprecedented crisis, virtual events now feature heavily in the year-round plans of the event community. The Covid-19 outbreak has accelerated the appeal and value of an event’s digital components.
Drawing on observations and feedback from our collaboration on dozens of online events over the last four months, we have realised how virtual events complement traditional event model by addressing their pain points.
## **Complementing traditional trade show model with virtual events**
Online events provide [year-round networking opportunities](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) to event attendees, i.e. pre-event, during the event, and post-event. In fact, combined with event technology and a smart matchmaking algorithm, virtual events can allow attendees to reach more relevant people in less time, without any physical limitations. They can also lead to cost and time savings from a commuting perspective since global accessibility allows them to transcend geographical limitations.
Additionally, online events resolve the issue of content perishability – a big limitation of traditional event models. They enable attendees to access on-demand videos and downloadable content at any time and place. Virtual events are also comparatively easy to set up and measure ROI. Sophisticated event technology tools enable quicker lead generation and provide real-time insights. This opens the door for **[scaling up the virtual monetisation strategy](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-event-monetisation-for-maximising-revenue-sponsorships/)**, offering additional streams of revenue.
*Read our complete guide to [virtual event monetisation](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/virtual-event-monetisation/) here*.
## **Choose the right event model – LinkedIn vs. Amazon**
There’s a subtle catch here. To use these advantages to the fullest, you must have clarity on the kind of virtual trade show you want to set up. It is important to choose a model that will power the exhibition without creating unwanted hindrances. This choice depends on the industry you are serving, the size and type of audience, the kind of content you wish to make available, the nature of interaction you want to facilitate, and the ultimate event objective.
For example, is your aim to replicate a LinkedIn-type environment, whereby the event’s primary objective is networking and knowledge/content sharing through the formation of online communities with shared interests? Or would you prefer your online component to serve the transactional and distribution needs of the community, akin to Amazon’s online marketplace, featuring such tools as e-referrals (e.g. buyers who liked this product also liked this)?
If both of these elements are the focus of your event, then you could adopt a combined approach. Regardless of the model chosen, your event-tech support partner can help you in introducing as much or as little of each element, depending on the requirements of the event.
## **Preserve the elements of a live event**
It is worth considering that a full departure from the traditional event model might do more harm than good. Live events take place within a defined time period. Their online components may endure throughout the year, but if they are not anchored to an actual ‘event’, then they lose their essence. A trade show is typically staged over the course of a few days with room for attendee engagement, connection-building, learning opportunities, and negotiation. By extending this indefinitely you remove the feeling of urgency and potentially reduce this activity.
Additionally, it is crucial to tailor the event experience for attendees, based on their objective of attending the event. This, along with other relevant information, can be collected from the registration data as well as their online activity and used for creating a stimulating virtual event environment and crafting relevant customer journeys.
## **Ask yourself: 3-D – Is it worth it?**
It is also important not to get carried away in adding elements for their face-value or aesthetic appeal. Every aspect of an event should enhance the experience for attendees rather than encumber it. The focus should be on removing pain points of the traditional event model and avoiding the introduction of new ones. Few questions that should be considered: Is a walking avatar or a 3D version of the online event space really needed? Isn’t the endless walking at trade shows not one of the more annoying elements? Does your technology introduce unnecessary steps or accessibility?
Once the above prerequisites of the transition have been thought out, you must lay out the process of onboarding your exhibitors and buyers. Focus on their problems and objectives for attending and build the event around them. Educate your team to move away from selling square metres to selling values. Virtual trade shows not only offer a cost-effective means of continuing an event in times of crisis, but they also present some form of event insurance, by guaranteeing an online platform for doing business, learning and networking, in case a physical show is unable to take place.
**Categories:** All, Hybrid Events, Live Events, Virtual Events
---
### [New Start Exhibitions extends partnership with ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/blog/new-start-exhibitions-extends-partnership-with-expoplatform/)
**Published:** August 15, 2018
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
**Cambridge, United Kingdom, 15th August 2018 – UK event organisers New Start Exhibitions, have announced it is extending its partnership with event tech supplier ExpoPlatform, across its event portfolio.**
After only a short time trialling one of their events on the ExpoPlatform website management system, New Start Exhibitions, who organise highly successful b2b exhibitions annually for the UK’s SME and start-up industries, have confirmed they are rolling out the use of event management tool to provide end-to-end websites and networking functionality across its portfolio of events.
“We approached ExpoPlatform as our previous system was outdated without any interactive functionality” says Becky Atkins, marketing manager, New Start Exhibitions.
ExpoPlatform’s intelligent networking functionality was a key driver in the decision-making process for New Start Exhibitions, who pride themselves on organising events that create powerful networking opportunities for ambitious business owners and encourage attendees to forge valuable relationships with supplier networks.
Atkins continues, “Introducing ExpoPlatform to our events has already helped us to improve our registration processes, ensure we are fully GDPR compliant and importantly, create a better customer experience for both visitors and exhibitors. In working with the ExpoPlatform team we have been able to create a partnership with suits both our immediate and long-term needs as an organisation”.
The New Start Exhibitions events portfolio is now fully integrated with the ExpoPlatform system and will be tapping into the breadth of its tech capabilities which includes website, registration, lead capture, exhibitor manuals and the networking functionalities.
Tanya Pinchuk, Managing Director, ExpoPlatform comments, “It is our pleasure to be working in partnership with New Start Exhibitions.”
“From our first meeting with the organiser, we knew ExpoPlatform would be able to support their plans to improve their attendees and exhibitors experience, and provide an easy-to-use solution for the team to use in-house. We are pleased they are already seeing positive results and look forward to our continued partnership into the future.”
For more information on ExpoPlatform visit [www.expoplatform.com](https://expoplatform.com)
**Categories:** All
---
### [When Technology Fails!](https://expoplatform.com/blog/when-technology-fails/)
**Published:** July 20, 2018
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
***Tanya Pinchuk, CEO at ExpoPlatform, says that shows working across various digital platforms impacts on the visitor.***
A few weeks ago, one of our partners participated in an exhibition where their team faced a common problem that occurs at many shows across the world. Days before the show, they had to register and fill out company details and other information in six different systems.
The exhibitor was determined to get the most out of the show, but it was difficult to keep track of the different systems in place, as well as the submission deadlines. Each of the systems that required this information was critical to having a good show, and being made visible to visitors, and included: floor plan, exhibitor manual and badges, matchmaking system, catalogue directory, parking permits, and mobile app.
The unfortunate end result was that this exhibitor had missed the deadline for submitting information for the mobile app and did not have a profile there at all. They were obviously, and rightfully, furious about the situation. Moreover, this exhibitor was not the only one to face such issues at the show.
The organiser had attracted a number of different technology partners for the event, but there was little to no exchange of data between these partners. Each of them introduced their own technology and vision to the event participants with little regard for the other systems already in place.
This is a classic scenario of when technology doesn’t work. It cannot work. There are too many hurdles for the potential user to surmount before they can even attempt to use a system.
It’s like asking people to go to ten different shops to buy ten items, rather than allowing them to get everything in one place – at some point you can’t be bothered to do a whole extra journey for just one more item.
Technology should make our event experience easier and smoother, not more complicated.
A good exhibitor and visitor experience does not only depend on the number of cool technology solutions that are in place, but also how they are connected.
If, as a visitor, I browse an exhibition website that allows me to favourite exhibitors, schedule appointments, etc, then it is obvious that all this information should also appear when I log in with the very same details into the show mobile app.
As an exhibitor, I should be able to fill in my details just once and know that this information will be propagated wherever required automatically (printed catalogue, website, app, etc.). I want to know that the people who visited my exhibitor profile online have stopped by my stand when I scan them with my lead capture tool. I want to stay in touch with my stand visitors immediately, not get a list of scans at the end of the day on a usb stick, or, god forbid, at the end of the show, as is still commonplace for many events around the world.
Technology fails when it’s not accessible. Organisers should fundamentally re-examine their approach to deploying technology shift their focus from just the “value add” to the actual experience that their participants will have.
**Tanya Pinchuk**
**CEO at ExpoPlatform**
**[Conference & Meeting World](http://www.c-mw.net/)**
**Categories:** All
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### [The Future is... the Content Hub](https://expoplatform.com/blog/the-future-is-the-content-hub/)
**Published:** April 17, 2018
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
“People go to events for two key reasons, : community, and content,” says [Mykyta Fastovets](https://www.facebook.com/mykyta.fastovets) on the pages of [Conference and Meetings World](https://www.facebook.com/Conference-and-Meetings-World-110579492314051/).
“Community is the [networking aspect of an event](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/), an opportunity to engage with others interested in the same subject, make new connections and reinforce existing ones. Content, on the other hand, is the opportunity to learn and engage with experts and is often the reason the community has gathered in the first place.
But how would someone who knows nothing about the event find out about the content and the community around the event, and decide to attend? Certainly, there is marketing material a plenty, but much falls on deaf ears. A more effective approach is to let your visitors find you, and engage with your community. Getting found through popular search engines depends heavily on having a content-rich website where visitors can engage, rather than simply pumping out information and advertising. This is easier for organisers who also publish content, but can be challenge for others.
Technology can help. Imagine content from blogs and news sites all streamed to your event site, without requiring writers. Site visitors can find out about the event because it has relevant information on their subject of interest. They can comment on posts and start discussions, which also show up in the content stream and help engage others. Best of all, they are just a click away from printing their badge and visiting your event.”
And what do you think?
**Categories:** All
---
### [Future in Focus: What Changes to Expect by 2030?](https://expoplatform.com/blog/future-in-focus-what-changes-to-expect-by-2030/)
**Published:** March 26, 2018
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
Mykyta Fastovets, CTO at ExpoPlatform, while discussing the power and prospects of technologies in the Exhibition World magazine,shared with its readers his predictions about four main areas of innovation that will drive changes in the industry over the next 15 years. So, what changes should we expect?
“What definitely won’t change in the next 15 years is the fact that face to face physical meetings will continue to be the main way that business will be conducted. Technology still has a way to go before our brains can be sufficiently fooled to accept an alternative to reality on an instinctive and emotional level.
What could change drastically by 2030:
- **The infrastructure and connectivity of devices** (Internet of Things). From household appliances to furniture and perhaps even “smart stands”, covered with thin “print” that can be remotely controlled to display any images/graphics (a screen). Since devices will also be able to communicate, the looks of such digital print could adapt to the situation on the show floor, or react to people approaching the stand, for example.
- **3D printing could revolutionise stand building**. Every exhibitor could become its own stand builder, all they would need to buy is a stand schematic, and they could get it printed and assembled themselves.
- **Virtual reality** – while it won’t be sufficient to replace meetings, it will certainly be good enough to give virtual factory (or other premises) tours, even with live feeds through a drone flying around the place. Indoor drone usage might become normal.
- **Augmented reality** – this, in my opinion, is far more exciting that virtual reality. Google Glass didn’t take off, but I would be on the lookout for similar technology that can enhance our vision with information. Imagine walking around an exhibition with a special set of glasses or contact lenses on and little bubbles popping up above people’s heads with their name, company, business interests, and how likely they are to be a good business match for you. When you look at a stand you get information regarding the exhibitor and the company, product catalogue, etc. And, of course, people you’ve listed as those you want to meet are highlighted in the crowd. I think AR technology will become big in this industry by 2030, because it will make spending time on [networking](https://expoplatform.com/blog/virtual-events/hybrid-and-virtual-event-networking-101/) with the right people effortless.
Promising areas of development within the event industry might grow even more rapidly than we assume, as there are so many innovationsintroduced every day.
**Categories:** All
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### [Three Marketing Strategies for Event Organisers](https://expoplatform.com/blog/three-marketing-strategies-for-event-organisers/)
**Published:** January 25, 2018
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
One of the main challenges each event organiser faces while launching advertising campaign is attracting of maximum number of high-yield participants and attendees. Ultimately, whatever way is chosen to attract these clients, a good marketing campaign will always be a part of the answer. The rise of social media and a leap in accessibility of context-sensitive information has expanded the marketing arsenal of event organisers. **Three marketing strategies stand out – outbound, inbound, and community-oriented.**
**Outbound marketing practices**, that force products and services on customers, have been around for a long time, and are still prevalent in some industries. In the event industry in particular, event organisers continue to rely on massive email campaigns to drive their marketing – a strategy that may not resonate so well with many recipients.
These marketing strategies tend to have a high cost and relatively low yield. Large chunks of marketing budgets are spent on sales and marketing in various media such as newspapers, magazines, and journals; putting together call centres that cold-call people based on a list of names from databases, sometimes even bought from third parties; mass-emails and direct mail; etc. Statistically, 91% of advertising email is never opened, 44% of direct mail is instantly binned, and 84% of people have admitted that they click out of websites with excessive, irrelevant, or intrusive advertising.
If you have ever been on the other end of a marketing phone call or have received heaps of junk mail from that one company that somehow got your email address you can understand why these approaches don’t work well.
One alternative is **Inbound marketing**. This is a strategy that focuses on customers finding you, rather than you going out to find them and it relies on earning people’s interest instead of buying it. The internet is being extensively used by people looking for solutions to their problems. For example, 79% of online shoppers spend at least 50% of their shopping time researching products, and the same is true for events. We spend most of our time online reading content, exchanging ideas, and, in the case of events, looking for ones that grab our attention with content and interactivity.
Content can be in the form of blogs, news posts and feeds, or useful resources. Whatever this content is, it should be relevant to the event topic. Integrating some social media is a quick way to earn extra exposure. Every share or like you receive, will instantly promote your content (and your event) within individual networks and increase the visibility to similarly-minded people.
Beyond just content, is interactive content. In fact, if you want to take your marketing to the next level, you need to create a community around your event. Doing this requires two things: a communication platform, and quality content. Providing the right tools to your attendees will enable effortless communication and exchange of ideas around the content you provide. You will also need to very clearly and convincingly explain the advantages of being a part of your event community. If you can get both of these right, your event website will quickly become not only an information page, but a marketing hub, where most of the marketing for your event is done by the very people to whom you do the marketing – exhibitors and attendees.
This is called **community oriented marketing** and has some clear advantages, worthy of a post in their own right, but the main two are low cost and easy access to attendees. The only costs involved are those around setting up and maintaining your site and the infrastructure that supports the tools that you provide to your community. Easy access to attendees will make getting feedback from participants easier and help you set the right course for your event.
How has your marketing strategy evolved?
**Categories:** All
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### [ExpoPlatform - Official Technology Partner of ArabPlast 2015](https://expoplatform.com/blog/expoplatform-official-technology-partner-of-arabplast-2015/)
**Published:** December 12, 2017
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
This year’s ArabPlast has been a great event, and remains the largest plastics exhibition in the region. Our platform handled registration and badging, and provided a web platform and mobile apps to guide visitors and exhibitiors through the exhibition and help them communicate with over 1100 exhibitors. Although the live event is over, our platform will continue to support all the networking, and search features.
We would like to give a special thank you to those that have visited our stand during the event. We appreciate the feedback, and were very happy to see that our platform has improved the overall experience at ArabPlast 2015.
**Categories:** All
---
### [US expects $9bn travel boost despite flight chaos](https://expoplatform.com/blog/live-events/week-in-events-20220620/)
**Published:** June 20, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The US economy is set for a $9 billion boost after Covid-19 pre-departure travel rules were axed, according to estimates.**
But the country has faced flight chaos due to staffing shortages in the first week of the restrictions being lifted, with similar disruption being seen across the Atlantic.
It means it’s a mixed scenario for the business events industry with coronavirus out of the way, a new problem emerges.
This edition of the Week in Events also looks at reports from Informa’s latest AGM update, record numbers at MEETINGS 2022 in New Zealand, as well as Marco Giberti’s call for eventprofs to keep focus on tech benefits.
There’s also some news from ExpoPlatform, as we announce the promotion of Romain Dejoie to Head of Product. Enjoy your week ahead.
## **Optimism for US travel despite flight chaos**
**The lifting of pre-departure travel restrictions in the US is expected to bring a cash boost, despite staffing issues causing flight chaos on both sides of the Atlantic.**
Disruption is still hitting airports across the country and much of Europe, with long queues seen at terminals in cities such as Dublin, London, Amsterdam and many more.
However, the US has just enjoyed its first week without pre-travel coronavirus checks, a move which has been estimated will contribute $9 billion to the economy through the rest of 2022.
> Long before [@POTUS](https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) finally announced the repeal of the pre-departure testing requirement for inbound air travelers last week, we were hard at work leading coordinated advocacy efforts across our industry to push the administration to reach this decision.⬇️
>
> — U.S. Travel (@USTravel) [June 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/USTravel/status/1537850979193966600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Roger Dow, CEO of the US Travel Association, said: “The Biden administration is to be commended for this action, which will welcome back visitors from around the world and accelerate the recovery of the US travel industry.
“International inbound travel is vitally important to businesses and workers across the country who have struggled to regain losses from this valuable sector. More than half of international travellers in a recent survey pointed to the pre-departure testing requirement as a major deterrent for inbound travel to the US.
“Prior to the pandemic, travel was one of our nation’s largest industry exports. The lifting of this requirement will enable the industry to lead the way toward a broader US economic and jobs recovery.”
This comes as US airlines cancelled more than 1,500 flights across the country on Thursday, marking one of the darkest days yet for the industry as the summer season heats up.
Meanwhile, London’s second-busiest airport Gatwick said cut its number of daily flights due to staffing shortages. The figure will drop to 825 in July and 850 in August.
That’s down from a reported 900 during the same period before the coronavirus pandemic.
Passengers have faced disruption at airports across Europe as they continue to struggle with staff shortages and growing demand for flights after two years of lockdown.
## **Informa plans to run live in China from Q3**
**Informa reported underlying revenue growth of more than 40%, with optimism they will resume live events in China during Q3.**
The world’s largest exhibition organiser released the figure in its latest AGM update with improving growth in academic markets (3.5% to end May), a strong return in live and on-demand events (100%+) as well as continued momentum in B2B digital services (10%+).
This final area was has been underpinned by the continued roll out of IIRIS, the Group’s centralised B2B customer data and analytics platform.
Stephen Carter, CEO, said: ”Our GAP II programme is delivering growth, portfolio focus and shareholder returns. Today we are reporting robust and consistent trading and are reconfirming guidance, which combined with strong divestment returns allows us to expand our share buyback programme to £725m, whilst significantly strengthening our balance sheet.
“We welcome the progressive reopening of mainland China whilst continuing to monitor broader market fluctuations and macro volatility.
“Notwithstanding these external factors, we are confident in our ability to deliver on our forward growth ambitions, underpinned by the resilience of our subscription businesses, the continuing return of live and on-demand events, and our growing range of digital services.”
The organiser’s teams adapted to reschedule major events in China to the second half of the year. Easing of restrictions has allowed them to start planning to run the first of these in August and expect to deliver 60%+ of the revenue budgeted for the region this year.
## **ExpoPlatform appoints new Head of Product**
**ExpoPlatform has announced the promotion of Romain Dejoie to the newly created position of Head of Product.**
Romain will now lead product discoveries that add real value to the leading Smart Event and Community platform’s roadmap.
This role involves him working with customers and end users to research, analyse and prototype new features.
Tanya Pinchuk, CEO of ExpoPlatform, said: “Romain has been instrumental in helping us better understand our customers and his promotion to Head of Product will allow us to become even more customer-centric, while at the same time more structured in how we approach our features roadmap.
“We know he will bring his trademark warmth and intelligence to improving our products so they are more intuitive and personalised for our users.”
Previously global innovation success manager at RX, Romain moved to ExpoPlatform in 2021 where as Customer Success Manager he played a critical role in delivering projects for clients such as Clarion and Comexposium.
His promotion comes at a period of high growth for ExpoPlatform, which has now more than doubled its workforce over the last 12 months.
Romain added: “I am delighted to be taking this strategic product role at ExpoPlatform, advancing this fast-growing company to its next stage.
“I look forward to applying my skills and energies to shaping our Smart Event roadmap, while delivering great user experience.
“Since the return of in-person events, I have been amazed by how organisers have adopted ExpoPlatform’s new features to deliver even more value than before. We will be adding a lot more value for our customers in the coming months.”
ExpoPlatform is trusted by the world’s leading event organisers to deliver Smart Events and 365 Communities. The international event technology company is based in Cambridge, UK, and is a member of UFI.
## **NZ flagship exhibition opens with record numbers**
**New Zealand’s flagship events industry exhibition opened its in-person 2022 edition as the government dropped travel restrictions.**
MEETINGS 2022 ran between Wednesday and Thursday as a strong endorsement of the business events sector’s role in the country’s economic and social success.
It comes as Jacinda Ardern’s government announced pre-departure testing will end on Monday, June 20.
Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA) CEO Lisa Hopkins said: “With international visitors returning and the first of three next-generation convention centres – Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre – now open, New Zealand is firmly placed on the world stage.
“Tākina in Wellington is set to open next year, followed by the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland, now under construction.
“Part of the drawcard of business events is where they are held. We know world-class infrastructure coupled with good international connections and support including accommodation, hospitality, and tourism make a destination well-rounded and attractive. New Zealand has it all.
“The business events sector in New Zealand declined by 78 per cent in spend since 2019. The only way is up, and MEETINGS has shown there is strong demand.”
It was the first international exhibition held at Te Pae Christchurch. There were a record number of exhibitors from 18 regions across 211 stands, with over 400 buyers.
## **Giberti: tech will become more critical than ever**
**Entrepreneur Marco Giberti has told how “tech will become more critical than ever” for the events industry.**
Writing in a LinkedIn post, he explained how he had been engaged in a debate with an “old school” organiser who believed the digital transformation would disappear.
It comes as our industry is getting back to full force after more than two years of coronavirus-related disruptions.
Marco [said](https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/now-face-to-face-events-back-i-can-forget-event-tech-marco-giberti/?trackingId=iNHW%2FWYgQo%2BIhxHOu5%2Fz7w%3D%3D): “I guess this situation generated some event tech fatigue in many organizers (like my friend). Now that face-to-face events are back at full speed (thank God for that), some organisers think they can relax and forget about tech.
“Of course, I’m biased since I invest and advise tech start-ups in the space. Still, I honestly believe that tech will become more critical than ever for the future of our industry, and those organisers who will relax and go back to their pre-Covid day’s comfort zone will pay a high price for that attitude in the future.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Live Events
---
### [Two-thirds of buyers prefer online or remote sales](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/chart-of-week-20220304/)
**Published:** March 4, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Around two-thirds of B2B buyers prefer online self-service or remote interactions across all stages of their sales journey, according to a new study.**
Our Chart of the Week has findings from McKinsey’s latest recent global [B2B Pulse](https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/marketing-and-sales/our-insights/the-new-b2b-growth-equation) which show companies have reached equilibrium in their omnichannel capabilities.
Buyers were found to have settled into using an evenly divided mix of sales methods across their journey: traditional, remote interactions and online self-service.
The segments include identifying and researching suppliers, considering and evaluating suppliers, ordering and reordering.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
**Buyers expect digital and self-service options when it comes to their personal life, now they want it for business too.**
Rapid growth of [online markets](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) has created a seamless experience for users to find out get what they want.
The retail industry evolved quickly from a reliance on the in-store channel to an omnichannel model, where the buyer has control of how and when they want to buy.
This can shopping online from a mobile device, a laptop or in a brick-and-mortar store.
***[Download our free Marketplace Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) for expert insight about this business model.***
It shows the real transformation that is required for an exhibition brand to become a true hybrid of digital and physical. Now, there is a large appetite for online and offline options to be available to sellers.
This research by Gartner suggests research suggests the future of sales will see a permanent transformation in strategy, processes and resource allocation. It is expected this will moves the sales organisation from being focussed on the seller to buyer-centric, with digital-first engagement with customers.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
**Marketplaces are the perfect example of the networked business which have risen to dominate the web. There are a number of reasons why marketplaces are an attractive line of business:**
- **Network effects.** The more users you get, the more useful/cheap your product becomes, the more users you get – Uber vs. taxis.
- **Barrier to entry.** Once they have a strong network effect, it becomes increasingly difficult to enter or replicate the marketplace – Airbnb vs. hotels. Ecoystems of users are the new source of competitive advantage and market dominance.
- **No inventory** means they are can be cheaper to operate easier to scale and easier to pivot.
For event organisers, online marketplaces come with some specific advantages:
- **Audience growth.** Your brand can become embedded into the workflows of buyers year-round by providing an essential tool for [finding and comparing products and services](https://expoplatform.com/blog/connecting-through-the-product-discovery-platform/), which can significantly grow your audiences.
- **Revenue growth.** Bundling recurring revenue subscriptions to a marketplace alongside exhibiting at an event is an opportunity to increase the value of exhibiting, gives suppliers more leads and ROI.
- **Brand protection**. Most importantly, having a marketplace in your portfolio presents the opportunity for forward-thinking organisers to embed themselves in the transactions between our visitors and exhibitor audiences outside the confines of an exhibition.
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Marketplace
---
### [Tradeshows 'must compete with Big Tech' digital experiences](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/chris-pendley/)
**Published:** November 23, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Organizers must now compete with the digital experiences of Big Tech giants as well as their tradeshow rivals, according to an industry leader.**
Chris Pendley, from Messe Frankfurt North America, told how this new landscape makes it crucial for planners to find the right technology provider to partner with.
This is because industry professionals are now so used to having a seamless experience using technology in their private lives, it is now expected for when they do business.
The digital and data services director said: “In this day and age we’re not compared only to our last competitor in the tradeshow industry. We’re being measured by their last digital experience, which is Facebook or Google or Amazon.
“The things that used to be bonuses – bells and whistles – they’re not anymore, they’re expectations.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/)
Chris believes finding the right technology provider allows them to focus on other logistical and operational responsibilities of running an exhibition while also providing their customers a seamless digital experience.
It also allows the provider to grow and improve their offerings using feedback from the planner. Which is a win-won for both sides.
Meanwhile, choosing one platform rather than several means analysis of information is made easier by standardizing the data which is collected.
He said: “Finding a partner that can support us on the data needs and the user experience within the registration system is critical.
“Registration is one of our first touch points with the customer – that has to be so tight that there’s no delay, there’s no barrier of entry for them.
“To have the lowest amount of friction for them to get registered, the better.
“It has to be seamless across all platforms – whether they’re on their desktop, their laptop, tablet or their mobile phone – those things have to be adaptive, it has to be responsive.”
## **Rise of ecommerce and data**
**ExpoPlatform research estimates there is now at least 20 times more data available to organizers compared with 2019.**
Findings from McKinsey & Co show that ecommerce grew by a decade’s worth over the first three months of lockdown.
Meanwhile, a forecast from Forrester shows US B2B online transactions will reach an estimated $3 trillion by 2027 – up from$1.7tn in 2021.
Chris believes some sectors in the event space have traditionally been a little slower to keep up with the pace of technology of other industries, however sees that the tide is turning.
He said: “Pre-pandemic, a lot of the focus was about what other trade show organizers were doing – now I see a shift to take note from other markets as well .
“Face-to-face meetings are at the core of what we do, and that’s not going to go away. But because of the pandemic, the last 2 years we have been on fast forward with all of this new “virtual” technology rushing into the event space.
“With that happening, it’s become an expectation to have all of these things – the matchmaking, being able to facilitate the streaming of the sessions, virtual one-on-one meetings with suppliers to buyers for the ones that can’t make it to the physical event,.”
He added: “It’s pushed forward a lot of things that were most likely going to happen anyway, but now it’s here and we’ve got to stay on top of that.
“That’s why finding a technology provider that can support that is important.
## **Localization of international shows**
**The localisation of tradeshows will become much more common across the industry over the next few years, according to Chris.**
That could mean geocloning an exhibition which is successful in the US, while adjusting it to meet the needs of different markets locally around the globe.
He does not believe this will not mean the end of large scale international events where participants travel overseas to take part – but there will now be a mixture of both.
## **Building a year-round brand**
**A year-round strategy which can keep an event audience engaged will be a vital factor in drawing attendees to live shows, according to Chris.**
This 365 strategy has emerged over recent years as a way to extend the life cycle of an organizer’s in-person offerings.
It can be done through content delivery, online networking, ecommerce options and more.
But Chris believes this will allow the event to become an “authority” for education, networking and doing business among professionals across a market.
He said: “I believe we’re going to see a lot more community driven aspects of the shows, with a lot more focus on the brands versus just the physical event.
“It’s becoming more brand centric, where we put focus on the brand, the specific sector and into putting out content year-round.
“Instead of having the physical event at the top of the funnel, I imagine a community space where you have people engaged 365.
“It can be a year-round marketplace for exhibitors and attendees to still connect and do business in between the shows.
“Within that we’re putting out content year-round so we’re staying connected with our clients and providing relevant, valuable subject matter to them that they’re then able to engage with.
“Part of that content strategy would be the event side of it – you can’t replace face to face so we’re always still going to have our physical events
“But then you also have the on-line community, you have everyone there year round engaging with relevant industry specific content – this can give organizers the opportunity to become the authority in the sectors that you’re serving.
“And when it comes time for the physical event, they’ve essentially already registered – they’re already part of your community, you just funnel them down into that event.”
[](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-community-blueprint/)
Chris added: “When it comes to having a centralized platform that can facilitate this community, I’d rather find a qualified partner – organizers are really great at organizing trade shows, putting out content, and finding the relevant experts in their markets.
“But from the technology side, it’s tough to constantly be developing something to stay in pace with the ever-evolving digital space – so it’s more efficient to find the right technology partner.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Data
---
### [The real state of event tech](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/week-in-events-20220822/)
**Published:** August 22, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Virtual events have suffered a blow since the reopening of markets across the world.**
But those stories don’t give the full picture about the ongoing digital transformation of our industry.
That’s why this week we’ve seen XLIVE put event tech in the spotlight for a deeper dive into what’s really been going on in our industry.
**Read this and more in your latest Week in Events.**
For a complete guide on how to make the most of this new landscape, download our free [AI Blueprint](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/the-ai-blueprint/).
## **State of event tech in a post pandemic era**
**App adoption has boomed since the exhibition industry reopened with event tech now used more “extensively” than ever before, according to an article.**
XLIVE has published a review of how digital tools are being incorporated into in-person events against a backdrop of bad news for virtual shows.
The publisher interviewed ExpoPlatform’s Chief Growth Officer Luke Bilton for his overview of how the industry is coping with the new levels of tech engagement.
> Virtual event technology is experiencing a post-pandemic dip, but recent headlines don't tell the whole story.
>
> — XLIVE (@XLIVECON) [August 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/XLIVECON/status/1559997128918827009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
He [said](https://www.xliveglobal.com/b2b-experience/state-event-tech-post-pandemic-era?utm_source=email&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=expoplatform): “Beneath the clickbait headlines of boom and bust, the underlying story is that the event industry has never used technology as extensively as it does today.”
Luke added that app adoption has skyrocketed compared to pre-pandemic levels, while marketers sponsoring or exhibiting at events expect to see real-time leads the same way they can manage their PPC campaigns.
Vanessa Lovatt, Global Director of Customer Engagement at Notified, added: “I totally get the human yearning to get back in person. But is the word we always say is back in person. I don’t think we’re an industry that goes backwards — we are an industry that goes forwards, and what lies ahead of us is almost certainly not just in person.”
## **Sustainable partnership for ASM Global**
**ASM Global has announced a new partnership to introduce better sustainability models in its venue portfolio.**
The move will see the business leverage Honeycomb Strategies’ extensive experience of events-related bet practices to make fully informed decisions on investments.
It comes as sustainability has become a critical contributor to venue management and operations in the live show industry.
ASM Global President and CEO Ron Bension said, “Demand for cutting-edge sustainability innovations for our vast network of facilities has been steadily increasing. Honeycomb Strategies and their excellent leadership team are best in class.
“A trusted resource, they provide unique services and employ a proven process that will protect the best interests of our clients. Our partnership with Honeycomb Strategies will further ensure our place as the premier provider in live entertainment.”
ASM Global’s portfolio includes some of the world’s best known venues in the live entertainment, trade show event, hospitality stadium and sports spaces.
## **Simplified education scheme for IMEX America**
**IMEX America has simplified its educational programme as it gears up for it Las Vegas show.**
The event is set to take place in October with at least 3,000 buyers already indicating they will participate.
Its free learning programme has been simplified to allow attendees to immediately identify the sessions that best fit their current needs.
> [\#News](https://twitter.com/hashtag/News?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw): A powerful & purposeful business experience [pic.twitter.com/hKHlBtflF2](https://t.co/hKHlBtflF2)
>
> — IMEX (@IMEX\_Group) [August 17, 2022](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group/status/1559903130229346304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
This new Pathways to Clarity theme has streamlined the number of education tracks from 10 to four – Respect for People and Planet, Future Self, Innovation and Creativity as well as Event Planner Toolkit.
Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, said: “We know that face to face events are where the best, most nuanced conversations take place and IMEX America has been designed around facilitating and supporting these meetings.
“We’ve ensured the show offers buyers the chance to tailor their experience to suit their current needs as well as accomplish multiple goals. The wide range of international suppliers, re-designed learning programme and extensive opportunities to connect are set to support buyers’ business requirements now and in the year ahead.”
## **Campaign to attract business events to Thailand**
**Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau has launched a new campaign to put business events at the heart of the nation’s reopening.**
The aim is to stimulate MICE industry through four strategic approaches which will the drive local economy.
A total of 6,130,000 business travellers are expected through the scheme which will generate 28.4 billion baht in revenue for the country.
> TCEB unveils MICE campaign, “MICE Thai: Mon Sanae Su Kwam Samred, a television commercial to maximise Thailand reopening.
>
> ?? [pic.twitter.com/fowcuBaY7I](https://t.co/fowcuBaY7I)
>
> — BizEventsThailand (@ThailandCVB) [August 19, 2022](https://twitter.com/ThailandCVB/status/1560566343476228096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
**The four stages of the BACK campaign are:**
- Build Confidence and Trust
- Accelerate Dream MICE Activity
- Communication and Inspire the World
- Kick off World Events Bidding
The scheme aims to increase the confidence of both domestic and international MICE travellers, promote the continued organisation of events, and attract world-class shows to the country.
## **Less than third of firms ‘happy’ with data analytics**
**Less than a third of businesses are comfortable with their data analytic capabilities, according to a new study.**
Findings from Pico Group’s latest Annual Market Survey show 31% were happy with their current level of competence.
The results also show that in-person events are more important in 2022 when compared to even pre-lockdown times – 64% of respondents ranked them as ‘extremely important’ or ‘very important’ this year while only 45% did previously.
Tyronne O’Callaghan, vice president at Pico, said: “What is particularly interesting is that brands continue to be challenged by changing customer behaviour and are focused on finding ways to attract new customers.
“This raises the question of whether and how the audience experience is also changing.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [Metaverse can 'help event organisers thrive' - Meta leader](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/andy-mihalop-transformation/)
**Published:** March 23, 2022
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**Big Tech giants should not be seen as a threat to event organisers but instead as a way to help them “thrive and make money through the metaverse”, according to a Meta leader.**
Andy Mihalop, vertical marketing lead EMEA, told ExpoPlatform how the company formerly known as Facebook is concentrating on building a virtual and augmented reality platform which can help businesses make money.
Concerns have previously been raised that Big Tech players such as Meta could be moving into space occupied by traditional event organisers, with social media giants such as LinkedIn already showing an interest.
Andy said: “I don’t think it’s our core business. Our core business is really to build the hardware, to build products and platforms to enable you to thrive and make money through the metaverse.
“It’s a completely new world and I think it’s the next wave of tech. It is going to come and if you’re working in the event space as an exhibition organiser, you need to be aware of how that technology is going to evolve and how quickly you can start to think about making that shift.
“The biggest opportunity at the moment is just understanding how the hardware works – what virtual reality actually is. You’ve almost got to try it to start to understand the potential.
“That’s the place to start – get yourself a set of Oculus, experiment with it, see what virtual reality actually feels like – because it’s pretty amazing.”
Oculus is Meta’s virtual reality headset which allows users to enter the metaverse. One of the barriers to opening up this new world to consumers and businesses is the cost of the technology, however it is suggested that prices could drop as the market grows.
**Andy’s comments come as ExpoPlatform gets set to stage its own event focussing on the topic, alongside Event Industry News (EIN). [*How the metaverse will transform tradeshows*](https://lnkd.in/d696zfqt) takes place online on Thursday 4pm GMT. Here’s what we’ll cover:**
1. **What is the Metaverse and why does it matter to the exhibition industry?**
2. **What trends are there?**
3. **What could this mean for tradeshows in the next five years?**
4. **What issues does it raise for the exhibition industry?**
5. **How to get started**
**Keynote speaker will be Nick Rosier, digital director at 2Heads, while there will also be input from our CEO Tanya Pinchuk, our CGO Luke Bilton and Adam Parry from EIN. **[Register here to join the session](https://lnkd.in/d696zfqt).****
> What does the metaverse mean for our industry?
>
> We’re hosting an exclusive session alongside [@ExpoPlatform\_](https://twitter.com/ExpoPlatform_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and with keynote speaker Nick Rosier, Content & Digital Director [@weare2Heads](https://twitter.com/weare2Heads?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to find out.
>
> Register here – [\#EventProfs](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventProfs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#EventTech](https://twitter.com/hashtag/EventTech?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#Metaverse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/Metaverse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Rj2P5M4YzJ](https://t.co/Rj2P5M4YzJ)
>
> — Event Industry News (@EventNewsBlog) [March 22, 2022](https://twitter.com/EventNewsBlog/status/1506239346827005953?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Meanwhile, CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg, announced his company would be pursuing the metaverse — a futuristic digital world – late last year. He delivered a 90-minute online presentation which included talk about teleporting, holograms and communicating “across different layers of reality”.
The company’s Reality Labs division – which makes the virtual reality goggles, smart glasses and other future products – lost more than $10 billion in 2021 as it built the business. However, this development is key to securing their vision of an online world where people would share virtual experiences across different platforms.
For context, the $10bn investment in the metaverse is more than five times the amount paid for the Oculus VR business in 2014 and 10 times what it paid to buy Instagram in 2012.
But it’s a bet that the company is willing to place and estimates for growth could suggest why. For instance, figures from Statica show how the market size for augmented and virtual reality is due to grow to nearly $300 billion by 2024 – up from $30.7bn last year.
The Meta CEO has even been claimed this metaverse will free people from screen addiction and enable more genuine human connection. Our industry has witnessed its own virtual transformation recently, but has seen a strong return to in-person experiences with digital enhancements: [**Smart Events**](https://expoplatform.com/blog/smart-events/smart-events-guide-2022/).
Andy had been speaking at International Confex in London when he told how there would be opportunities for event planners to make money from virtual and augmented reality, however the technology is still in its “early days”.
***Download our free [Marketplace Blueprint ebook](https://expoplatform.com/e-books/marketplace-blueprint/) to learn how to bring ecommerce to your business.***
He said: “It’s definitely coming. When you think about how the industry had to shift from physical to virtual events, it’s a step on from that. From an events perspective, it’s going to be an amazing opportunity to participate and interact in more ways than you could ever imagine previously.
“The metaverse is coming, we are just going to see an escalation in platforms and technology that will enable it. We’re still at a very early stage. It’s much more about building an awareness about how this is developing.”
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [The week in events: Will shows be smaller in future?](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20211206/)
**Published:** December 6, 2021
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
*Your weekly event news roundup from ExpoPlatform – Threat of Omicron variant pushes UK government to tighten travel restrictions, UFI’s new benchmark survey highlights potential for investment in event tech and findings from a report show planner’s predict the future of events is going smaller.*
## **UK tightens travel restrictions in response to Omicron variant threat**
Business travel has been delivered another blow after the UK Government introduced a requirement for testing before flying.
People will need to prove a negative lateral flow or PCR which was taken no more than 48 hours before the departure time.
Ministers confirmed the new measures for international arrivals in response to the emergence of the Omicron variant.
Those arriving in the country currently only need to self-isolate until they test negative within two days of arrival, with the new measures coming into force on Tuesday.
> Please see below the BTA’s full statement on the re-introduction of pre departure testing for UK arrivals [\#businesstravel](https://twitter.com/hashtag/businesstravel?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#covid19](https://twitter.com/hashtag/covid19?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#yourbta](https://twitter.com/hashtag/yourbta?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/ukTXfWCTdo](https://t.co/ukTXfWCTdo)
>
> — BTA (@TheBTAorg) [December 4, 2021](https://twitter.com/TheBTAorg/status/1467206593951506434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
It comes after the [Prime Minister’s Office](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/prime-minister-sets-out-new-measures-as-omicron-variant-identified-in-uk-27-november-2021) laid out a series of steps to curb the spread of the variant. These include:
- *All international arrivals must take a Day 2 PCR test and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.*
- *All contacts of suspected Omicron cases must self-isolate, regardless of their vaccination status. They will be contacted by NHS Test and Trace.*
- *Face coverings will be made compulsory in shops and on public transport from next week. All hospitality settings will be exempt.*
The restrictions are expected to severely impact international arrivals to business and corporate events.
Clive Wratten, CEO of the British Travel Association, said: “The introduction of pre-departure testing with little warning is a hammer blow to the business travel industry.
“Public safety is a priority, but, businesses will fail, travellers will be stranded and livelihoods devastated by the lack of coherent plans from Government.”
Meanwhile, health secretary Sajid Javid insisted there’s no need to cancel events due to Omicron and urged people to take lateral flow tests before attending large indoor gatherings.
## **UFI survey shows event tech is ‘best investment area’ for the sector**
Event tech presents the largest growth area for investment in the overall events industry, reveals an UFI poll.
Findings from the Industry Partners Benchmark Survey shows 78% of respondents considered this to be the “biggest investment” to enhance the quality of shows over the next 12-18 months.
It also showed that the move to incorporate more digital elements in physical shows remains a priority while demand for innovation is also high on the list.
Read more about the survey and its implications for event organisers [here](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/event-tech-best-investment-area-for-shows-ufi-poll/).
## **Germany locks unvaccinated people as government mulls vaccine mandate**
Outgoing German chancellor Angela Merkel has announced plans to prohibit the unvaccinated from major parts of public life – including essential stores, restaurants, sports and cultural facilities.
New nationwide requirements on wearing masks, limits on private meetings and reaching 30 million vaccinations by the year-end were also decided.
The measures are backed by Merkel’s successor Olaf Scholz.
The announcement comes amid surging Covid-19 cases in the country – exceeding 70,000 over a 24-hour period – and growing fears around the Omicron variant.
A vaccine mandate is also under consideration by parliament in an effort to curb the spread of the virus.
So far around 68.7% of the total population in Germany is fully vaccinated – significantly lower than the government’s target of 75%.
## **Industry’s future is in boutique events – report**
Smaller and more localised shows are the future of our industry due to irreversible changes seen through then pandemic, according to a new study.
EventMB’s latest State of the Event Industry 2021 report gives a picture of how event professionals managed and moved forward through Covid-19.
It suggests the most detrimental effects of the pandemic are now going away with companies in a better financial state due to the vaccine, meaning they can make a slow and steady recovery.
> An increasing number of planners predict that events will be smaller in size, while hybrid holds its ground as the format of the future. Find out more by downloading the FREE State of the Event Industry 2021 Report! ? [pic.twitter.com/t7UpPYcKUT](https://t.co/t7UpPYcKUT)
>
> — Skift Meetings (@SkiftMeetings) [December 3, 2021](https://twitter.com/SkiftMeetings/status/1466859805172240391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
The report found the industry’s core nature has changed for good and the future will be characterised by smaller, localised and hybrid events.
However, challenges will continue to persist – including engagement and networking remaining as a sore point for virtual formats.
Monetising the digital medium will require more convincing and effort than usual. Hybrid events are also far from being standardised despite being deemed the new accepted format in the industry, the report suggests.
[Get the complete insights by downloading the full report](https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/state-of-the-event-industry-report).
## **IAEE’s Expo! Expo! goes hybrid – here’s what we know**
IAEE’s flagship show for B2B exhibitions **Expo! Expo!** will once again bring together trade shows and event professionals to meet in person.
The event is being held in a hybrid format for the first time after a full-virtual edition in 2020.
Expo! Expo! will be hosted between Tuesday and Thursday at the Pennsylvania Convention Centre in Philadelphia and feature both physical and virtual learning experiences for participants.
Sessions and exhibitor interviews will be streamed from the show floor on Tuesday and Wednesday while pre-recorded content will be available on Thursday.
David DuBois, IAEE CEO, said: “The IAEE team is looking forward to bringing the exhibitions industry back together in-person in Philadelphia.
“Now is the time to look forward to the new year, as we have learned much in the past year about how to produce safe events.”
More than 1,500 attendees and 180 exhibitors are expected to participate at Expo! Expo!.
The event, dubbed as the “shows for shows”, presents great opportunities for exhibition professionals to meet, network and gain crucial insights to prepare for the future.
Get more details about Expo! Expo! [here](https://www.myexpoexpo.com/expoexpo2021/Public/enter.aspx).
**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**](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/) **here. Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Chart of the Week: Metaverse consumer spending to almost triple](https://expoplatform.com/event-technology/chart-of-the-week-metaverse-consumer-spending-to-almost-triple/)
**Published:** November 5, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
Consumer spending on the metaverse is projected to have grown by more than 180% over eight years, according to figures.
Findings from [Statista](https://www.statista.com/statistics/528779/virtual-reality-market-size-worldwide/) show that global sales for virtual reality hardware and software segments was at £1.3 billion ($1.8bn) in 2016.
The research suggests this is likely to reach £3.7bn ($5.1bn) by 2023 – an increase of around 184%.
Facebook’s announcement that it will be rebranding to become known as a metaverse company over the next five years has given a shot in the arm for interest in this online world.
It means these numbers could in fact become higher as the likeliness of other companies getting involved increases.
## **What’s behind the figures?**
The pandemic fundamentally shifted how people view their work life balance.
Organisations are moving their teams to hybrid model, split between home and office.
Brands have already started to see the potential of revenue opportunities now available in the virtual economy.
It’s also not uncommon for corporate training to take place in the metaverse reality, with some festivals even having experimented with this world.
Although these sorts of gigs are different to business events, the fact they can attract such a wide audience shows the huge potential of this technology.
Metaverse products could provide better ways of connection and collaboration to improve remote work.
## **What does it mean for organisers?**
Our industry was slow to embark on the digital transformation witnessed due to the pandemic.
So it would not be too much to suggest that there will be some scepticism over the event sector heading for the metaverse.
There is a danger though in not paying attention to the huge amount of faith Mark Zuckerberg has placed in this future by rebranding Facebook as Meta.
The more consumers get onboard with the metaverse the more this type of digital engagement will become natural.
Virtual options already available should first be explored
**Revenue:** organisers should diversify their budgets to futureproof their business models. This includes placing more emphasis on digital revenue streams and opportunities. Audiences are changing and so too are their expectations.
**Environment:** the vast majority of carbon emissions produced at an in-person show comes from travel. Create a metaverse event of hybrid format for long-distance attendees would be hugely beneficial to the planet and your pocket.
**Accessibility:** using virtual alternatives for attendees who can’t afford to or are otherwise unable to get to your venue opens up your reach. This means a wider audience than only doing an in-person show and increases revenue opportunities.
**Categories:** Event Technology
---
### [We're back in business - IMEX America marks new US milestone](https://expoplatform.com/trends/week-in-events-20211115/)
**Published:** November 15, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
***Your weekly event industry news roundup from ExpoPlatform – IMEX America marks milestone as US travel restrictions ease, UFI CEO declares ‘we need all the brains’ to achieve net zero pledge and calls from a UK Minister for better information about our collective economic worth.***
## **UFI CEO – we need all the brains to meet net zero pledge**
Global event industry leaders gathered in Glasgow to deliver a commitment to a net zero future at Cop26.
A range of high-profile figures in our sector [announced a pledge](https://expoplatform.com/blog/sustainability/cop26-sustainable-events/) to hit the goal by 2050 “at the latest” – but there was optimism that target will be met sooner.
The Net Zero Carbon Events [initiative](https://netzerocarbonevents.org/) has already brought more than 200 organisations together to tackle the issue.
> Goodbye [\#cop26](https://twitter.com/hashtag/cop26?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [pic.twitter.com/jTFxUtXLpr](https://t.co/jTFxUtXLpr)
>
> — kai hattendorf (@kaihattendorf) [November 11, 2021](https://twitter.com/kaihattendorf/status/1458818567755939841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
***Download our free [sustainable events checklist](https://expoplatform.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=dc91a1de0bf9297c698a22a67&id=8752f6bebe&e=ed441d8355) to help futureproof your business through a sustainable model.***
It is the first-ever collaboration in the meetings, conferences, exhibitions industry working towards this goal.
Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI, said: “I personally believe we’ll get their way before 2050, as we will learn, as we’re collaborating.
“If mankind can find a vaccine that works against Covid-19 in a few months, we can find ways to get to zero carbon before 2050 if we just put our brains to it – but we need all the brains.”
Meanwhile, the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change has officially announced the UAE will host Cop28 in 2023.
## **We’re back in business, says IMEX America**
“We’re back – and we’re back in business” was the declaration as IMEX America drew to a close after a successful 10th year.
The show in Las Vegas saw more than 3,300 buyers were attend over the week, the vast majority of them hosted buyers.
There were also over 2,200 exhibiting companies from 200-plus countries.
It signalled a real return to strong business after two years of industry shutdown.
> Join us as we wrap up Wednesday of IMEX America in under a minute! We may be over halfway through the show, but we look forward to see you back tomorrow for another day of business meetings, networking, education and fun at [\#IMEX21](https://twitter.com/hashtag/IMEX21?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/QZ3jHf80TX](https://t.co/QZ3jHf80TX)
>
> — IMEX (@IMEX\_Group) [November 11, 2021](https://twitter.com/IMEX_Group/status/1458701028786851842?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Carina Bauer, CEO, said: “Like so many of you, our team worked long and hard to make IMEX America 2021 come to fruition.
“We were buoyed up knowing you were watching, waiting and willing it into life because it means so much for our global industry.
“We couldn’t have done it without you. More importantly we do it for you because we believe so strongly in the economic value and positive impact of this industry all over the world.
“This week has signalled that collectively we’re back – and we’re back in business.”
## **Meetings in London triple month-on-month**
Meetings being held across London tripled month-on-month after the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, according to new research.
The findings show premises in the Capital hosted an average of 12.6 events per venue in September, compared to an average of 3.81 in August.
This data from London & Partners research represents a 231% month-on-month increase in the number of events ran following the so-called Freedom Day in England in July.
Tracy Halliwell, director of convention bureau at the firm, said: “It is fantastic to see event planners putting their faith in London, as seen in the exponential growth of London events in recent months.
“London is a city that is constantly reinventing itself and it has been fantastic to see London’s venues and hotels turn their attention to redevelopment and sustainability during the last 18 months of huge challenge.
“Thanks to these advancements and our fantastic host of new openings, I am confident that London will soon be back even stronger.”
## **Re-Viva Las Vegas**
It’s been a week now since the first transoceanic flight carrying tourists touched down in Las Vegas for more than 20 months.
It came on the day the US reopened its borders to fully-vaccinated international travellers and has already seen a number of major shows.
IMEX America – mentioned above – represented watershed moment as the very first international event to open after the lifting of the US travel ban.
This comes after figures show the city attracted 5.7 million international visitors in 2019, worth $4.8 billion to the economy.
> Meetings weren't the same without you. We are excited to welcome back our global friends. ✈️ ?[@USTravel](https://twitter.com/USTravel?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/3ljBvO13l7](https://t.co/3ljBvO13l7)
>
> — Vegas Means Business (@LVCVA) [November 9, 2021](https://twitter.com/LVCVA/status/1457894011688136707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)
Steve Hill, CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said: ““It’s a watershed moment for Las Vegas as international borders open and we welcome overseas visitors back to the destination.
“In addition to being a world-class leisure destination, our major tradeshows and conventions draw large international delegations and we are very optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.”
The move to loosen restrictions comes amid more good news for our industry in the US.
A new bill was reintroduced to the Senate that would help businesses which are forced to shutdown in future pandemics and public health emergencies.
This [Pandemic Risk Insurance Act of 2021](https://maloney.house.gov/sites/maloney.house.gov/files/PRIA-117.pdf) is a version of legislation first proposed by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney in May 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It will surely bring a sense of comfort and optimism to event professionals who are still suffering from massive pandemic-related financial losses.
## **UK Minister – event industry ‘needs better data’ to prove worth**
The UK’s event industry needs to work together to produce data which can show its true economic value, according to a Minister.
Nigel Huddleston MP told mia’s Ignite conference this is critical for the Treasury, however the Government was committed to working with the sector as we emerge from the pandemic.
Our industry was caught off guard by the coronavirus outbreak and it was difficult for policymakers to be convinced about its importance without information which was well presented.
This is due to the range of businesses from different areas which come under the events umbrella.
The Tourism Minister said: “The more you can come together and get that data in a comfortable format, consolidate it as one informed industry voice, the better it is for the sector and enables me to do my job better as well.
“It empowers me to have meaningful conversations with the Treasury about the size and scale of the sector and how important it is.
“Fragmentation causes real problems dealing with the relationship between government and business.”
**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](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/). Thank you.**
**Categories:** Trends
---
### [Exclusive: Digital ranking of association websites 2021](https://expoplatform.com/blog/community/digital-ranking-association-websites/)
**Published:** July 23, 2021
**Author:** Conor Riordan
**Content:**
**The top 10 association websites each receive around 330 times more social engagement on average than over three-quarters of those in the industry, according to ExpoPlatform research.**
Findings from our analysis highlights who is doing best at engaging new and existing membership online, as well as what can be learned from leaders.
Our study of around 420 associations reveals a giant gap between those who are producing and distributing online content well and those who are not.
Luke Bilton, ExpoPlatform’s chief growth officer, said: “Associations are at a time of real disruption.
“Ever since the start of the pandemic, almost 100% of member engagement has been digital.”
*Read our full guide on [event platform technology for associations](https://expoplatform.com/blog/associations/virtual-and-hybrid-events-guide-for-associations/) here.*
Virtual and hybrid events were part of rapid digital transformation acceleration when coronavirus put a hold on all conferences which traditionally took place physically.
But as the research highlights, the majority of associations have struggled to move to year-round engagement through digital channels.
## **Challenges for digital-first associations**
The benefits of being part of an association include continuing education, networking opportunities, learning new skills, training and certification, among others.
Many of these key benefits were forced to be carried out digitally – or put on hold – since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
An example of how associations have been affected can be found in the latest [MGI Membership Marketing Benchmarking Survey](https://www.marketinggeneral.com/knowledge-bank/reports/), which show 80% say their annual conference was cancelled or postponed in 2020.
This annual study – which analyses the “health” of associations and satisfaction of members – also reveals memberships have taken a hit over the past year, with 47% reporting a fall in numbers.
Furthermore, 45% reported a drop in renewals – nearly double that of the previous year.
The challenges faced by associations were found to be coming from a number of directions – including finance and publicity.
Figures from the report show 43% of associations raised concerns over member budgets, 50% said there was a lack of engagement, 26% cited poor brand awareness and 33% highlighted issues with competing information sources.
Luke added: “Three out of four of these challenges – lack of engagement, brand awareness and competitive sources of information – can be solved to an extent by a year-round approach to sharing content and building a community.
“Despite that, many still don’t currently use an online community platform.
“We believe that’s a big problem to be solved and one that we’re trying to solve on the technology side.”
The report found associations who were able to offer remote and online tools were found to record growth in engagement during the pandemic.
It also shows 22% associations reporting increases in membership over the past five years are more likely to have a specific process in place to support innovation.
Those who offered or grew the availability of online tools were found to have seen increases in engagement during the pandemic.
## **Analysing the top 400**
ExpoPlatform’s research has looked at hundreds of association websites and ranked them by performance across social channels and organic search on Google UK.
One of the main takeaways from this analysis is that there is a huge gulf between those who are doing this well and those who are not.
The top 10 association websites each get 392,778 social engagements on average each year, according to the research.
Meanwhile, those outside the top 100 are getting 1,174 each on average every year – more than 330 times fewer interactions.
MGI’s report shows the most commonly used social media platforms are Facebook at 90%, Twitter at 82% and LinkedIn Public at 79%.
ExpoPlatform’s study also shows the top 10 websites are each getting 136,519 estimated clicks on average a month from people who have used a Google search, which is crucial when trying to build site visits.
Those outside the top 100 are only getting 1,117 – meaning the leading group has 115 times more in this form of traffic.
The main difference between the leading association websites and the rest is online content.
*ExpoPlatform’s research was conducted in July 2021 using Buzzsumo and Spyfu to create a composite ranking. Download the full Digital Ranking of Association Websites 2021 below:*
**Download your copy of the Digital Ranking of Association Websites 2021** and subscribe to our mailing list
By submitting this form I agree to the ExpoPlatform's [Privacy policy](/privacy-policy/)
## Lessons from digital leaders
Longform articles with terms aimed at boosting search engine optimisation (SEO) are highly successful for some associations.
The American Chemical Society (ACS) is among the top performers for organic searches, with articles such as [Is Ammonia the Fuel of the Future ](https://cen.acs.org/business/petrochemicals/ammonia-fuel-future/99/i8)ranking highly.
Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) – a subdomain of its main website – publishes articles that regularly rank on the first page of Google and drive monthly traffic, hitting an equivalent value of $3.18 million in paid advertisements running on Google in the US and £162,000 in the UK.
The top performer for social media engagement is Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) which gets extremely high levels of engagement, including with “How to” articles around hot topics such as its [This is How to Vaccinate the World](https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9311421) piece.
IEEE comes out on top for online engagement in our Digital Ranking of Association Websites, receiving the equivalent value of £459,000 in SEO from Google UK each month.
Their content site Xplore has 5.3 million stories and this story in particular was shared more than 130,000 times, although IEEE also has several other subdomains which are connected to its main site.
Another form of content which can reach audiences through social networks is when associations campaign on behalf of members.
The piece which was found to have the second-highest number of shares during our analysis was found on the Royal College of Nursing’s (RCN) website.
Their campaign to get signatures to a petition demanding [“fair pay” for nurses](https://action.rcn.org.uk/page/70375/petition/1?locale=en-GB) received more than 117,000 social interactions.
The importance of content is further backed up by the MGI report which shows being a point of specialised and current information is key for associations who report higher renewal rates.
It found executives who see continuing membership levels above 80% are “significantly more likely” to indicate members seek these kinds of resources.
Luke added: “These examples all highlight the real benefits for having a 365 membership engagement model, with content at the centre.
“Along with acquiring potential members, a large digital presence can provide much more value for your sponsors and exhibitors to give them year-round leads and brand awareness.”
## Year-round engagement
The MGI report found 63% of association executives believe that members most often join so they can network with others in the field.
This was higher among trade and combination associations, who both came in at 69%.
Across all membership types, 85% are now more likely to explore additional options such as increasing virtual development opportunities for members.
James Hampton, director of operations for MCI Group, told ExpoPlatform the ability to take advantage of online technology and build a 365 community is now “massively” important for the sector.
He said: “You need that extended engagement outside of the period of the event, because it really allows you to bring in more members – and not necessarily just members, but customers.
“You might create an online community that’s free to join, therefore you could potentially have 10,000 customers or people that are interested in what you’re talking about.
“You may only have 1,000 people that pay a subscription to be an actual member, but all the rest of the 9,000 are just happy to be part of that community.
“They can dip in when they want, they can read some of the articles, they can join some of the discussions and find themselves becoming more and more engaged.
“That’s the point where they become a member and you can grow your membership base.
“From the member perspective, it’s a new way for them to engage. It certainly attracts the younger audience – that’s a real challenge for associations.”
**Build a 365 community**
The benefit of a 365 community is it can increase member engagement year-round by delivering “always on” content, [marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/blog/marketplace/online-marketplace-platforms-live-events/) which can traffic leads over 12 months and virtual or hybrid events.
Vendors such as ExpoPlatform allow membership associations to recruit potential members and engage existing ones throughout the year, with a seamless experience from articles, to webinars, to hybrid events.
Having all the interactions take place on a common platform avoids having data in silos, allowing associations to create a personalised journey for members.
James added: “Some of the platforms – certainly ExpoPlatform – we like the fact they give the exhibitor or the sponsor statistics within their own dashboard.
“They don’t need to come to us to ask for those – they can see them themselves.
“They can see who has interacted with them, what products these people have been looking at, if someone’s favourited them and if someone’s requested or held a video meeting with them.
“They’re really powerful statistics that they wouldn’t have necessarily had in a face-to-face event.”
*For more information on building an effective engagement strategy for a 365 community through ExpoPlatform [read more here](https://expoplatform.com/blog/how-to-build-an-effective-engagement-strategy-for-a-365-community-hub/).*
**Categories:** Community
---
## Pages
### [ExpoPlatform Events and 365 Communities](https://expoplatform.com/)
**Published:** April 5, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
Calendar Sync
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IMEX America 2025
**IMEX America 2025** marked the third consecutive year of partnership between **IMEX Group** and **ExpoPlatform**.
That period of collaboration has transformed how thousands of exhibitors and buyers connect at the world’s leading event for the business meetings and incentive travel industry. This edition proved the power of a long-term, data-driven technology partnership.
[Read More](/case-studies/imex-america-2025/)
92nd UFI Global Congress
ExpoPlatform delivered **AI-powered speed networking through NetWorks**, the official matchmaking programme.
The goal was simple and ambitious: make it fast and effortless for delegates to meet new people, spark productive conversations and leave with valuable contacts. Results were delivered.
[Read More](/case-studies/92nd-ufi-global-congress/)
Security & Policing 2025
This is the official UK Government global security event, offering a world‐class opportunity to meet and discuss latest advances in the sector.
**ExpoPlatform** helped the organiser **ADS** to power the show across registration, exhibitor tools, mobile engagement and data reporting – delivering a 47% increase in conversations on the previous edition.
[Read More](/case-studies/security-policing-2025/)
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CEO, IMEX Group
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SVP of Shoptalk Luxe and Shoptalk Europe
We really understand each other. The platform is improving, the features are improving and that’s why the results are also improving.
Nathalie Ravier
Director of the Digital Solutions Department, Vinexposium
ExpoPlatform has been a fantastic and easy-to-use tool. It is very vibrant and easy for attendees to navigate.
Nelson Khoo
Events Director at Northstar Travel Group
Latest insights
Subscribe to learn the latest industry news, interviews, technologies and resources.
We care about your data in our [privacy policy](/privacy-policy)
[](/blog/news-from-expoplatform/hyve-partnership/)
Announcement
[ExpoPlatform partners Hyve](/blog/news-from-expoplatform/hyve-partnership/)
ExpoPlatform will support tech-enriched meeting experiences across flagship Hyve events.
[Find Out More](/blog/news-from-expoplatform/hyve-partnership/)
[](/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)
Research
[Event Tech Forecast 2026](/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)
Discover the key trends, opportunities and challenges for event tech in 2026.
[Download Research](/research/event-tech-forecast-2026/)
[](/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2025/)
Case Study
[IMEX Frankfurt 2025](/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2025/)
A record year for meetings and ROI in a growing global partnership.
[Read Case Study](/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2025/)
Get started with intelligent events and 365 communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Tradeshow MENA](https://expoplatform.com/tradeshow-mena/)
**Published:** July 24, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
[ 
](/)
Trusted by world-leading event organizers
# The exhibition platform powering trade shows across the Middle East & North Africa
Across the UAE and the wider MENA region, ExpoPlatform helps exhibition organizers deliver smarter events — AI matchmaking, seamless registration, real exhibitor ROI, and year-round community.
3x
more qualified meetings
500+
shows powered globally
40%
avg. uplift in networking
250%
more leads
7
specialised meeting formats
ExpoPlatform has been a fantastic and easy-to-use tool. It is very vibrant and easy for attendees to navigate.
Nelson Khoo, Events Director at Northstar Travel Group
What you get
AI Matchmaking
Smart meeting recommendations for every attendee
Online Registration
Branded, hassle-free registration flows
Event Mobile App
Attendee app with agenda, maps & networking
Lead Intelligence
Real-time exhibitor ROI & lead capture
Sponsorship Tools
More revenue from every sponsor slot
365 Community
Keep your audience engaged year-round
⚡ Free · No commitment
## Book a 30-min Demo
See exactly how ExpoPlatform works for your event type.
First name \*
Last name \*
Business email \*
Company name \*
No sales pitch. No credit card.
“What’s great about ExpoPlatform is it’s an exhibition platform, which is really important because there is a massive complexity in how our exhibitors need the platform to behave and perform.”
Carina Bauer · CEO of IMEX Group
---
### [Tradeshow Asia-Pacific](https://expoplatform.com/tradeshow-asia-pacific/)
**Published:** June 1, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
[ 
](/)
Trusted by world-leading event organizers
# The exhibition platform powering trade shows across Asia-Pacific region
From Singapore to Sydney, ExpoPlatform helps exhibition organizers deliver smarter events — AI matchmaking, seamless registration, real exhibitor ROI, and year-round community. All in one platform.
3x
more qualified meetings
500+
shows powered globally
40%
avg. uplift in networking
250%
more leads
7
specialised meeting formats
ExpoPlatform has been a fantastic and easy-to-use tool. It is very vibrant and easy for attendees to navigate.
Nelson Khoo, Events Director at Northstar Travel Group
What you get
AI Matchmaking
Smart meeting recommendations for every attendee
Online Registration
Branded, hassle-free registration flows
Event Mobile App
Attendee app with agenda, maps & networking
Lead Intelligence
Real-time exhibitor ROI & lead capture
Sponsorship Tools
More revenue from every sponsor slot
365 Community
Keep your audience engaged year-round
⚡ Free · No commitment
## Book your 30-minute demo
See exactly how ExpoPlatform works for your event type. Usually responds within 2 hours.
First name \*
Last name \*
Business email \*
Company name \*
No sales pitch. No credit card.
“What’s great about ExpoPlatform is it’s an exhibition platform, which is really important because there is a massive complexity in how our exhibitors need the platform to behave and perform.”
Carina Bauer · CEO of IMEX Group
---
### [Tradeshow US](https://expoplatform.com/tradeshow-us/)
**Published:** August 4, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
[ 
](/)
Trusted by world-leading event organizers
# The exhibition platform powering trade shows across the United States
From New York to Los Angeles, ExpoPlatform helps exhibition organizers deliver smarter events — AI matchmaking, seamless registration, real exhibitor ROI, and year-round community. All in one platform.
3x
more qualified meetings
500+
shows powered globally
40%
avg. uplift in networking
250%
more leads
7
specialised meeting formats
ExpoPlatform has been a fantastic and easy-to-use tool. It is very vibrant and easy for attendees to navigate.
Nelson Khoo, Events Director at Northstar Travel Group
What you get
AI Matchmaking
Smart meeting recommendations for every attendee
Online Registration
Branded, hassle-free registration flows
Event Mobile App
Attendee app with agenda, maps & networking
Lead Intelligence
Real-time exhibitor ROI & lead capture
Sponsorship Tools
More revenue from every sponsor slot
365 Community
Keep your audience engaged year-round
⚡ Free · No commitment
## Book a 30-min Demo
See exactly how ExpoPlatform works for your event type.
First name \*
Last name \*
Business email \*
Company name \*
No sales pitch. No credit card.
“What’s great about ExpoPlatform is it’s an exhibition platform, which is really important because there is a massive complexity in how our exhibitors need the platform to behave and perform.”
Carina Bauer · CEO of IMEX Group
---
### [Pricing](https://expoplatform.com/pricing/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# ExpoPlatform Pricing is based on the core platform cost as well as the number of exhibitors and attendees.
*Costs may vary based on the number of exhibitors and visitors, additional modules or support options chosen
AI-powered **Networking** available as a primary or add-on intelligent solution for trade shows and conferences.
Starting from
$0
[Get your Free Plan now](https://networksevents.com/#pricing)
Core platform
Unlimited Sessions
Up to 30 Participants
Walk-In and Pre-Matched Formats
1-to-1 Meetings
Attendee Profiles
Algorithm-driven matching
CSV import
Custom Categories
Custom Roles and Meeting Quotas
Custom Table/Meeting Editing
Permission Matrix
Sponsorship Tools
EP Enterprise
Ideal for large **exhibitions** and **conferences** that require a custom solution and customer support.
Get your quote now
[Check it Out](#form-section)
Core platform
AI Matchmaking, meetings and messaging
Event app, hosted on client’s developer accounts
Content agenda, live streaming and on-demand
Advertising and sponsorship
Real-time analytics and data management
Website builder and email- marketing
Unlimited admin users
Multi-language
Exhibitor marketplace and self-service portal
Lead retrieval
Branding and customisation
Whitelabel – All your own branding
Event app – bespoke Homepage
Website builder – bespoke UX templates, web hosting – any custom URL
Custom CSS
Analytics scripts (e.g. Google Analytics)
Support
4 x 60 minute Training sessions, on-demand videos, online help resources
Dedicated technical account manager and email support
Add-ons
Custom integrations
Floorplan – multiple halls
Hosted buyer programme
Exhibitor Manual
Onsite support
Show More
365 Community
Ideal for event **organisers**, **associations** and **corporates** to drive ROI and engagement year-round.
Get your quote now
[Contact Us](#form-section)
Core platform
AI Matchmaking and content recommendations, meetings and messaging
Event app
Content agenda, live streaming live and on-demand
365 Marketplace and self-service portal
Advertising and sponsorship
Real-time analytics and data management
Editorial content hub
SEO-friendly website builder and customisable landing page builder
RFQ and tenders
Community groups
Webinars, content streaming and video meetings
Branding and customisation
White-label – all your own branding
Support
4 x 60 minute Training sessions, on-demand videos, online help resources
Dedicated technical account manager and email support
Show More
ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced experience.
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
It was a terrific success and I am really grateful to the ExpoPlatform team for all the effort they put in.
Nick Dugdale-Moore
Regional Director for Europe, UFI
The feedback from exhibitors and visitors on ExpoPlatform use has been absolutely amazing. Visitors had one platform that collects all the information they need – and it was great for exhibitors as well.
They had a lead scanner and a matchmaking tool that enabled exhibitors to really meet the key buyers that they come to the show for.
Vicky Clayton
Marketing Manager, dmg events
The ExpoPlatform product allowed us to create an experience that connects our end users and we worked with EP to create a process which best encourages meetings.
We will continue our partnership with ExpoPlatform and our aim is to further grow this number and the experience of all that attend our events worldwide.
Nathalie Ravier
Digital Solutions Director, Vinexposium
I am so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved with IMEX America 2023! We delivered a new tech stack, for a new audience, which facilitated record numbers and delivered an experience celebrated by all.
I have never been more proud of what I am today to have owned the ExpoPlatform implementation and to have been a part of the team which transformed the tech foundation for IMEX.
Jordan Yeates
Head of Product Technology, IMEX Group
ExpoPlatform are a key partner to Informa Markets because they share our vision of applying innovative technologies to continuously improve customer experiences.
Eleni Lialiamou
EVP Product Management, Informa Markets
With ExpoPlatform, we were able to simplify our tech stack, improve our customer experience and optimize our data as an organizer to unlock audience and revenue opportunities.
Elizabeth Irving
President, Clarion Events North America
The flexibility and tools offered by ExpoPlatform help you fulfil the virtual customer experience. Their mobile app is packed with features to enhance your live event experience.
Tomoko Kawase
Senior Executive, Digital Products, Reed Exhibitions Limited
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [365 Community](https://expoplatform.com/365-community/)
**Published:** April 10, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event Community
## 365 Community
### Build an ecosystem around your events to let your community meet, share and do business year-round.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Grow and engage audience year-round
### Deliver ‘always on’ content, 365 product marketplace and events, supported by AI matchmaking, meetings and messaging.
- Host webinars and regular meetups to bring the community together live or on-demand
- Share news and insights in the Content Hub, keeping on-demand sessions, blog and products in one place
- Build engaged groups by together focused discussion forums, articles and on-demand content with Micro-community groups option
[Download Community Checklist](https://expoplatform.com/checklists/365-community-technology-requirements-checklist/)
## Explore new revenue opportunities
### Monetize your community and extend the ROI over 12 months.
- Sell branding options like an exhibitor profile header, background images and many more year-round
- Deliver leads for sponsors year-round with 365 Marketplace and real-time statistics
- Sell content marketing solutions’ sponsorship like articles, sessions, networking and many more
[Boost Event ROI](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Build a 365 Marketplace for your industry
### Platform to promote exhibitors’ products year-round and generate leads.
- Recommend the most relevant people, sessions, products, companies, news, speakers with smart person-to-object AI-matchmaking
- Connect your industry and facilitate business year-round with Video Meetings and Messaging
- Use drag and drop editor to design interactive fully customizable pages
- Try RFP process for buyers to send a request to multiple vendors at once
[Find Out More](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)
Vinexposium Connect
Vinexposium is the world’s leading organizer of wine and spirits events.
Their digital portal Vinexposium Connect expands the reach of their live shows by boosting industry engagement and revenue generation year-round.
[Read more](/case-studies/vinexposium-connect/)
## Generate data & insights for your community, year-round
### Personalized experience by capturing behavioural data for improved recommendations and a seamless journey.
- Track your entire event performance with dedicated dashboards
- Gather insights from customizable downloadable reports
- Track prospect activities and interactions with exhibitors and sponsors with Real-time lead intel
- Analyze meeting and session-specific metrics
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
Get started with smart events & 365 communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Request demo](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo/)
**Published:** April 10, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Intelligent meetings for better business outcomes
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced experience.
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
It was a terrific success and I am really grateful to the ExpoPlatform team for all the effort they put in.
Nick Dugdale-Moore
Regional Director for Europe, UFI
The feedback from exhibitors and visitors on ExpoPlatform use has been absolutely amazing. Visitors had one platform that collects all the information they need – and it was great for exhibitors as well.
They had a lead scanner and a matchmaking tool that enabled exhibitors to really meet the key buyers that they come to the show for.
Vicky Clayton
Marketing Manager, dmg events
The ExpoPlatform product allowed us to create an experience that connects our end users and we worked with EP to create a process which best encourages meetings.
We will continue our partnership with ExpoPlatform and our aim is to further grow this number and the experience of all that attend our events worldwide.
Nathalie Ravier
Digital Solutions Director, Vinexposium
I am so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved with IMEX America 2023! We delivered a new tech stack, for a new audience, which facilitated record numbers and delivered an experience celebrated by all.
I have never been more proud of what I am today to have owned the ExpoPlatform implementation and to have been a part of the team which transformed the tech foundation for IMEX.
Jordan Yeates
Head of Product Technology, IMEX Group
ExpoPlatform are a key partner to Informa Markets because they share our vision of applying innovative technologies to continuously improve customer experiences.
Eleni Lialiamou
EVP Product Management, Informa Markets
With ExpoPlatform, we were able to simplify our tech stack, improve our customer experience and optimize our data as an organizer to unlock audience and revenue opportunities.
Elizabeth Irving
President, Clarion Events North America
The flexibility and tools offered by ExpoPlatform help you fulfil the virtual customer experience. Their mobile app is packed with features to enhance your live event experience.
Tomoko Kawase
Senior Executive, Digital Products, Reed Exhibitions Limited
### Your Complete Platform for Smarter Events
Get more from your events with the most complete smart event platform
- Run your in-person, virtual, or hybrid event with a single platform
- Grow Revenue with new monetisation opportunities
- Drive more than triple Leads for your exhibitors and sponsors
- Connect and engage your community year-round
[Get in Touch](/request-demo/)
---
### [Meeting Formats](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-formats/)
**Published:** March 2, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# B2B Meeting Formats
## Intelligent meeting formats for your events
[Discuss your best options](#form-section)
## Seven purpose-built meeting formats
Choose an option below for a full breakdown of their business results.
### Self-requested Meetings
Self-requested meetings empower participants while relieving organizers of administrative headaches.
### Self-requested Meetings
Self-requested meetings empower participants while relieving organizers of administrative headaches.
- Exhibitors and visitors manually schedule meetings using AI recommendations.
- Organizers gain analytics about who’s connecting, what topics trend and how engagement translates to ROI.
- Removes the need for guesswork with AI precision to deliver high-value conversations.
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
### Speed Networking
Intelligent speed networking designed to make the right connections, faster.
### Speed networking
Intelligent speed networking designed to make the right connections, faster.
- Doubles the number of meetings for each participant on average with walk-in or pre-matched options.
- Boosts pre-show engagement and delivers predictable, measurable results you can scale.
- Adaptable to suit particular themes, topics or personas.
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
### Exhibitor Events
Sessions organized and run by exhibitors at their stands for many attendees.
### Exhibitor Events
Sessions organized and run by exhibitors at their stands for many attendees.
- Smart scheduling ensures there’s no clash with main stage content.
- AI recommendations promote them to the right audience segments.
- Exhibitors get leads, attendees get insights, organisers get a richer programme without lifting a finger.
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
### Concierge Meetings
Concierge meetings – powered by semi-automated scheduling – allow organizers to act as curators.
### Concierge Meetings
Concierge meetings – powered by semi-automated scheduling – allow organizers to act as curators.
- AI draws up a list of matches which the concierge team fine-tunes with a personal touch.
- Top-tier buyers have calendars filled with quality meetings.
- Satisfaction soars and the event earns a reputation for premium service.
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
### Board Meetings
Board meetings showcase thought leadership while shortening sales cycles.
### Board Meetings
Board meetings showcase thought leadership while shortening sales cycles.
- Scheduling tools allow one-to-many meetings where an exhibitor presents to a curated group of buyers.
- The system ensures balance across session types and tracks engagement.
- Strategic growth sessions emerge which are focused, data-backed and outcome-driven.
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
### Round Tables
AI scheduling assigns participants to tables based on shared interests or complementary expertise.
### Round Tables
AI scheduling assigns participants to tables based on shared interests or complementary expertise.
- Real-time data helps organizers balance groups and ensure diversity of thought.
- Sessions feel spontaneous but are intelligently orchestrated.
- AI ensures relevant people meet each other and their insights are remembered.
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
### Hosted Buyer Programme
Pre-arranged meetings between selected buyers and exhibitors, facilitated by the organizer.
### Hosted Buyer Programme
Pre-arranged meetings between selected buyers and exhibitors, facilitated by the organizer.
- Buyers input procurement needs, while exhibitors share product data and preferences.
- The intelligent system scores compatibility and generates meeting schedules.
- Organizers see new levels of efficiency: meetings flow on time, buyers leave satisfied and suppliers secure deals.
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
The power behind Hyve meetings
ExpoPlatform orchestrates the high-ROI meeting formats at flagship **Hyve** events – including **Shoptalk**, **Bett** and **POSSIBLE**.
Book your demo to unlock **Hyve**-level meetings delivery.
[Start now](/request-demo/)
The meeting programmes monetization calculator
Find out how much revenue you could gain through structured meetings.
Your Event
Sponsorship PackagesExhibitors purchase a **Sponsored Meeting Package** to upgrade their team to **Sponsored Team Member** status. This guarantees them a set number of AI-matched meetings with qualified buyers — Hosted and General. Exhibitors who don't purchase remain as **Free Team Members** and only receive leftover meetings at no cost.
Buyer PoolBuyers are who the Sponsored TMs meet. A larger, higher-quality pool makes packages more attractive. **Hosted buyers** only meet Sponsored TMs. **General buyers** meet Sponsored and Free TMs.
The revenue model**Sponsored meetings** are the paid product. Exhibitors buy a package giving their team a set number of guaranteed, AI-matched meetings with buyers.
**Free meetings** are generated after sponsored meetings — non-sponsor exhibitors only get meetings with buyers who mark them as relevant. These generate **no revenue**.
**Hosted buyers** can only meet Sponsored TMs. This exclusivity is what makes sponsorship worth paying for.
Programme Revenue
$0
per event
Adjust the sliders to model your revenue
How sponsor revenue is calculatedSponsored exhibitors
Meetings per exhibitor
guaranteed meetings
Price per meeting
charged to sponsor
Sponsorship revenue
+ Analytics add-on
Total programme revenue
Package Price
ROI Multiple
vs platform cost
Sponsors
Total Meetings
sponsored (paid)
[Talk to sales about your event →](#form-section)
## Meeting formats designed for better business outcomes
Forge the right connections using technology that matches human-centric design with data-driven precision. Here’s what to expect:
01
High-volume meetings and rebookings
Eliminate exhibitor churn by delivering a scalable, predictable pipeline of connections. Results can be clearly shown to bolster return rates.
02
Meaningful connections
Move beyond generic networking to ensure interactions are relevant and engaging. An intelligent engine works in the background to focus individual experiences.
03
Premium revenue and data
Use verifiable information to prove the success of specific formats, giving sponsors evidence of business impact and brand visibility through high-margin digital opportunities.
Unlock more ROI with the right meeting format
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know to get the most out of ExpoPlatform.
How does ExpoPlatform create value through curated event meeting formats?
ExpoPlatform specializes in designing and facilitating meaningful business connections through a variety of regulated meeting formats. The platform transforms every event into an engine for high-quality interactions, ensuring that every participant benefits from relevant connections. ExpoPlatform helps organisers deliver measurable results, maximize engagement and create tangible business outcomes for everyone in the room, through a combination of intelligent matchmaking, AI-precise recommendations and human-guided scheduling.
How can exhibitors maximize their engagement during events?
Exhibitors can maximize engagement by utilizing tailored event formats such as Exhibitor Events and Concierge Meetings. These formats allow exhibitors to host sessions that attract targeted audiences – ensuring that their presentations align with attendee interests. Additionally, leveraging AI for scheduling can help exhibitors connect with the right participants, enhancing lead generation and fostering meaningful conversations that can lead to successful partnerships.
What data analytics do intelligent meeting formats provide?
Intelligent meeting formats deliver built-in analytics that give organisers a clear view of event performance – including insights into attendee behaviour, engagement levels, meeting activity and outcomes across different formats. These analytics highlight trends in interests, reveal which meeting types drive the most value and measure overall satisfaction. With this data readily available, organisers can continuously optimise matchmaking, improve event design and deliver stronger results with every edition.
What are the benefits of using AI-precise meeting formats?
AI-precise meeting formats combine intelligent data analysis with human input. AI suggests matches based on attendee preferences and behavior, while participants can review and vote on recommendations, ensuring a more accurate fit. This hybrid approach leads to more relevant meetings, smoother scheduling and better insights for organizers—ultimately improving engagement, satisfaction, and ROI.
How do self-requested meetings work?
Self-requested meetings empower participants to take control of their networking experience. Attendees can manually schedule meetings based on AI-generated recommendations that match their interests and goals. This format reduces administrative burdens on organizers while providing valuable insights into attendee interactions. The result is a more personalized experience that fosters high-value conversations and connections, ultimately enhancing the event’s effectiveness.
What outcomes can participants expect from board meetings?
Board meetings facilitated by ExpoPlatform enable organisers to host high-impact, closed-door sessions where exhibitors engage a pre-qualified group of buyers in focused discussions. Organisers benefit from a format designed for complex offerings requiring in-depth dialogue, generating multiple qualified opportunities from a single session. This approach helps organisers foster meaningful connections and advance business discussions, ensuring every participant is highly engaged and aligned with event objectives.
Can speed networking be customized for specific themes or industries?
Yes, speed networking can be customized to align with specific themes or industries. Organizers can adapt the format to focus on particular topics, allowing participants to connect with others who share similar interests or expertise. This customization not only enhances the relevance of the connections made but also boosts pre-show engagement, ensuring that participants find value in their networking experiences and fostering a more dynamic event atmosphere.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help you get the most out of ExpoPlatform.
[Get in touch](/request-demo/)
---
### [About Us](https://expoplatform.com/about-us/)
**Published:** April 4, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# We help the event industry innovate!
[Get in Touch](/request-demo/)
## About ExpoPlatform
ExpoPlatform provides unique services to all parties of an event improving experiences of organisers, exhibitors and attendees by bridging the communication gap between the parties. The platform represents the next evolutionary stage in the event industry.
We provide novel web and mobile solutions for exhibitions and trade shows, conferences and meetings, expanding the capabilities of the organiser and adding value to events.
### We are Eventprofs like you
ExpoPlatform is premium technology for eventprofs, by eventprofs.
Our hands-on experience in the events industry ensures we drive innovation, educate and produce top-tier tech for your shows.
We have decades-worth of experience as organizers among our team, meaning we know where digital solutions make the biggest impact for you.
### Jordan Yeates
**Head of product technology**
Formerly of IMEX
### Jens Schindler
**Regional Director, DACH**
Formerly of Messe Berlin
### Susan Merola
**COO**
Formerly of Reed Exhibitions
### Do you want to become a part of the team?
[Check out Our Careers](/careers/)
### Our Team
Luke Bilton
Chief Growth Officer
Alexandr Paraschuk
Project Manager
Bogdan Osypenko
Project Manager
Shriti Ojha
Sales Development Representative
Mohammad Omar
Content Strategist
Yana Smirniagina
PPC Specialist/Web Analyst
Yuriy Drozdov
Economist
Julia Fastovets
Recruiter
Olivier Retraint
Technical Account Manager
Shubham Goswami
Technical Account Manager
Himanshu Singla
Technical Account Manager
Volodymyr Berezovskyi
Technical Account Manager
Load More
---
### [Terms & Conditions - Enterprise](https://expoplatform.com/terms-conditions-enterprise/)
**Published:** October 9, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Terms & Conditions – Enterprise
Last updated: 18 September 2023
### Table of contents
1. Customer Support (Enterprise Full Service)
2. Security and GDPR
3. Insurance
4. Terms and Conditions
1. Background
2. Agreed Terms
1. Definitions
2. Licence Acceptance
3. Licence
4. External Interfaces
5. Services
6. Finance and revenue
7. Organiser Account
8. Intellectual Proprietary Rights
9. Restrictions
10. Confidentiality and Publicity
11. Data Protection
12. Warranties
13. Term and Termination
14. Limitation of Liability
15. General
16. ExpoPlatform Code of Conduct Statement
17. Use of Optional Platform Features
5. Appendix I. ExpoPlatform Data Protection Addendum
1. Personal data/Processor
2. Platform Usage data
3. European union standart contractual clauses for restricted data transfers
1. Section I
2. Section II
3. Section III
4. Section IV
### 1. Customer Support (Enterprise Full Service)
The key phases for launch are below and we will assign a Technical Account Manager who will be responsible for onboarding you and supporting you throughout each phase of the project and will be reviewing and monitoring the progress and delivery.
The key phases of the project delivery are:
- Definition of the Requirements
- Platform Configuration
- Planning of the Delivery Schedule (organiser launch, public launch, launch stages and functionality)
- Testing and Readiness Assessment
- Public Launch
- Analysis and Review
During the set-up and training phase the Organiser will be trained on use of the purchased system modules as defined in Your Agreement and will also be provided with reference materials and guides
Details of included support are as follows:
Set-Up SupportThe EP team will complete the initial set up which includes: - Home page template populated with the content you provide
- Website wireframe set up
- Platform settings configured according to your requirements
- Initial data import
- Initial sponsorship set up
- Mobile app set up (if applicable)
After training has been completed and the visitor launch has taken place, the site will be deemed to have been handed over with your team then taking ownership of the website and ongoing site updates and the Technical Account Manager supporting you as needed
Project ManagementA Technical Account Manager will be assigned to your account and will lead your implementation. Email access and 1 project call per week, leading up to the event, are included.
One set of platform trainings included (can be recorded to share with other team members)
Event Days SupportUp to 3 days of real-time support during event days via Discord (or via EP staff onsite at the event if contracted in advance)Ongoing SupportOngoing access to the Technical Account Manager managing your account via email
The site will be shutdown 2 weeks post-contract date and all integrations will be disabled unless other arrangements are made in advance. The mobile app will be removed from app stores 1 month post-event unless other arrangements are made in advance however where a container app is being used, the container app will remain in the app stores through the life of the contract.
### 2. Security and GDPR
ExpoPlatform fully complies with GDPR regulations and is sufficiently flexible to allow the organiser to handle the GDPR requirements correctly for their specific event needs.
Users are able to opt out of networking during sign-up, and at any point later from within their profile. These consents (consent and withdrawal of consent) are recorded explicitly with a date/time stamp. An organiser is able to extract all data relating to a user or data subject by downloading a report from the entire instance of a user’s profile. This includes: visitor profile; threads and messages they started, commented on or are mentioned in; recorded exhibitor interactions the user may have had. Profiles can also be permanently deleted along with the user’s personal details.
In keeping up with the latest security standards, our platform uses SSL encryption whenever possible, and supports the custom installation of SSL certificates for client domains. We use a combination of open-source and proprietary technologies hosted on one of the most secure operating systems in the world – Linux. Our servers are provisioned by Amazon Web Services with a proven track record and a guarantee of 99.99% uptime on instances.
We have also undergone extensive penetration tests with clients such as Accenture and CNH Industrial, and adhere to the most stringent corporate security criteria. We constantly review our security policy and measures that are in place, and release security patches for our system as needed without disruption to our clients and their events.
### 3. Insurance
We current have the following levels of insurance cover:
PolicyCoverInsurerProfessional Indemnity£3,000,000ESNO040410011Employer’s liability cover£10,000,000ESNO040410011Public liability cover£1,000,000ESNO040410011Cyberinsurance£3,000,000ESNO040410011
### 4. Terms and Conditions
##### 4.1. Background
The **Parties** hereby agree that the Provider shall supply the Organiser with website hosting and related services on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
The Provider shall license use of the Platform and Documents to you on the basis of this Licence. The Provider shall not sell the Platform or Documents to you. At all times, the Provider remains the owner of the Platform and Documents.
You are licensed to use the Platform only if you accept all of the terms and conditions set out below.
##### 4.2. AGREED TERMS
##### 4.2.1. Definitions
The following definitions apply in this Agreement:
- **Account:** means the account with the Organiser;
- **Applicable law:** means applicable laws, statutes, directives, regulations or any other legislation, codes of practice or regulatory rules in force during the term of this agreement in England and Wales, or in any other applicable legal jurisdiction;
- **Confidential Information:** any and all information, whether technical or commercial (including all specifications, drawings and designs within the exhibition web platform) disclosed in writing, on disc, orally or by inspection of documents or during the course of the performance of this Agreement between the Parties, where the information is:(a) identified as confidential at the time of disclosure; or(b) proprietary in nature or is, or ought reasonably to be considered confidential given the nature of the information or the circumstances of disclosure. For the avoidance of doubt, the Platform content, the Platform software and Documentation which exist prior to the Effective Date shall be deemed to be Confidential Information belonging to the Provider.
- **Customer Data:** the data inputted by the Permitted Users, or the Organiser on the Permitted User’s behalf for the purpose of using the Platform or facilitating the Permitted User’s use of the Platform.
- **Data Protection Legislation:** unless and until the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (GDPR) is no longer directly applicable in the UK, the GDPR and any national implementing laws, regulations and secondary legislation, as amended or updated from time to time, in the UK; and then any successor legislation to the GDPR or the Data Protection Act 2018.
- **Delegate:** any person that participates in an Event and is thereby a customer of the Organiser and a visitor to the Platform.
- **Documentation:** any written, explanatory materials provided to the Organiser by the Provider in connection with this Agreement and relating to the operation or use of the Platform software, and any copies thereof, including, but not limited to all documentation available at:
- **Effective Date:** Date contract was signed. Please refer to the order form.
- **Events:** All events organised by Organiser for which the Platform is or will be deployed.
- **Exhibitor:** Any company that participates in an Event as a sponsor or an exhibitor, and is thereby a client of the Organiser and an exhibitor on the Platform.
- **Intellectual Property Rights:** patents, utility models, rights to inventions, copyright and neighbouring and related rights, moral rights, trademarks and service marks, business names and domain names, rights in get-up and trade dress, goodwill and the right to sue for passing off or unfair competition, rights in designs, rights in computer software, database rights, rights to use, and protect the confidentiality of, confidential information (including know-how and trade secrets) and all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications and rights to apply for and be granted, renewals or extensions of, and rights to claim priority from, such rights and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection which subsist or will subsist now or in the future in any part of the world.
- **Materials:** the content provided to the Provider by the Organiser from time to time for incorporation in the Platform.
- **Platform Specification:** the specification for the Platform referred to in clause 2.
- **Project:** means all processes involved in the completion of the Platform.
- **Project Plan:** the timetable for setting up the Platform and performing the Services.
- **Permitted User:** the Organiser’s employees, agents and independent contractors, Delegates or Exhibitors who are authorised by the Organiser to use the Platform and the Documentation.
- **Platform:** the website and/or networking platform provided to the Organiser by the Provider for use on relevant Events. The platform is to be hosted by the Provider pursuant to this Agreement including the web portal and any mobile applications deployed by the Provider for the Organiser.
- **Registration:** any person that registers for an Event and is thereby a client of the Organiser and a visitor to the Platform.
- **Services:** the hosting and related services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement as described in clause 5.
- **Scope of Services:** hosting and related services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement as described in the BUDGET & SCOPE section of the proposal which defines the **Initial Order** order, and the services described in any supplementary order forms which defines **Additional Orders** (see Appendix II for template).
##### 4.2.2. Licence Acceptance
By signing this Agreement, you indicate your acceptance of this Licence Agreement and the limited warranty and limitation of liability set out in herein. Such acceptance is either on your own behalf or on behalf of any corporate entity which employs you or which you represent (a “Corporate Licensee”). In this Licence Agreement, “you” includes both the reader and any Corporate Licensee.
##### 4.2.3. Licence
4.2.3.1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Provider hereby grants the Organiser a non-exclusive, limited, non-sub-licensable, non-transferable and revocable license, to:
4.2.3.1.1. remotely access (i.e. on a SaaS basis) the Platform and use it for internal business purposes, using your own network and systems; and
4.2.3.1.2. use the Documentation for your internal business purposes.
4.2.3.2. The Organiser may only use the Platform in accordance with the Documentation, subject to the use limitations indicated in this Agreement and in accordance with Applicable Laws. Nothing herein shall prevent, nor be deemed as preventing the Organiser from negotiating and/or entering into agreements with third parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
##### 4.2.4. External Interfaces
4.2.4.1. The Organiser acknowledges that in order to utilise the Platform according to the Organiser’s requirements, the Platform will interface with external programs which are not distributed by the Provider as part of the licence (“External Programs”).
4.2.4.2. The Organiser hereby represents and warrants that it has obtained all the required rights and authorisations from the owners and/or licensors of the External Programs to interface the Platform with the External Programs and that such interface does not constitute an infringement of any right of a third party. The Organiser hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Provider from all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from claims or allegations related to or in connection with use of the External Programs including but not limited to the Organiser’s failure to comply with the aforesaid requirements.
4.2.4.3. The Organiser acknowledges that its use of the Platform will be web-based and only (except for cases where specific mobile applications are provided by Provider) for all Permitted Users, using the Organiser’s hardware, software and communication systems.
##### 4.2.5. Services
The Provider shall provide the Services, as set out in the Initial Order and any Additional Orders, by deploying, hosting, and providing to the Organiser technical support as is reasonably required by the Organiser for the Platform.
##### 4.2.6. Finance and revenue
4.2.6.1. In consideration of payment by the Organiser of the agreed licence fee and the Organiser agreeing to abide by the terms of this Licence Agreement, the Provider hereby grants to the Organiser a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence as set out in clause 3 to use the Platform and the Documentation.
4.2.6.2. The Organiser agrees that any additional work performed by the Provider upon the Organiser’s written request shall be mutually agreed in writing and billed for separately.
4.2.6.3. The credit note may be used solely as a set-off against payments due for future services provided by the Provider. Any credit note issued by the Provider to the Organiser shall not constitute an obligation of the Provider to make any cash payment.
4.2.6.4. All invoices shall be due within 14 days of issue. All late payments shall incur daily interest at 8% above the base rate of the Bank of England. The Provider reserves the right to suspend provision of services when any invoices are overdue by more than 30 calendar days until such invoices are paid in full or in the event of non-payment termination under clause 13.2. The Organiser shall pay the interest together with the overdue amount. The Parties agree that the right to claim interest under this clause is a substantial remedy for late payment and is not in substitution for any statutory right to claim interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
4.2.6.5. All invoices should be settled as per the currency invoiced; any bank charges associated with the payment are the responsibility of the Organiser.
4.2.6.6. Any credit note issued by the Provider shall be valid for a period of six (6) months from the date of issuance, and in any event no later than (3) months from the end of the Provider’s financial year. Any unused portion of the credit note after the expiry of this period shall automatically lapse and shall not be subject to any refund, compensation, or further use.
##### 4.2.7. Organiser Account
4.2.7.1. The Platform may only be used through the account. The Account may only be accessed by the Organiser’s Permitted Users, who are explicitly authorised by the Organiser to use the Platform.
4.2.7.2. The Organiser will ensure that the Permitted Users keep the account login details secure at all times and comply with the terms of this Agreement. The Organiser shall remain at all times fully responsible for any breach of this Agreement by a Permitted User. Any unauthorised access or use of the account or the Platform must be immediately reported to the Provider.
##### 4.2.8. Intellectual Proprietary Rights
4.2.8.1. Any and all right, title and interest in and to the Platform, and the Documentation, including any modifications to the Platform that are developed by or for the Provider and all associated Intellectual Property Rights, are and shall at all times remain the sole and exclusive property of the Provider. The Organiser is granted no title or ownership rights in or to the Platform.
4.2.8.2. The Programs contain trade secrets of the Provider, including but not limited to the structure, organisation, design engineering details, the source code of the Platform and other data pertaining to the Platform and proprietary information owned by the Provider and is protected, inter alia, by copyright laws and international trade provisions.
4.2.8.3. The Organiser will take no action which adversely affects the Provider’s Intellectual Property Rights in the Platform and the Organiser must treat the Platform like any other copyrighted material and the Organiser may not copy or distribute the Platform software or the Documentation electronically or otherwise, for any purpose.
4.2.8.4. The Organiser shall promptly notify the Provider in writing of any infringement or other violation of the Provider’s Intellectual Property Rights to which it becomes aware.
##### 4.2.9. Restrictions
4.2.9.1. Except as expressly set out in this Agreement or as permitted by any local law, the Organiser undertakes as follows:
(a) not to copy the Platform or Documentation except where such copying is incidental to normal use of the Platform, or where it is necessary for the purpose of back-up or operational security;
(b) not to rent, lease, sub-license, loan, translate, merge, adapt, vary or modify the Platform or Documentation;
(c) not to make alterations to, or modifications of, the whole or any part of the Platform, nor permit the Platform or any part of it to be combined with, or become incorporated in, any other programs;
(d) not to disassemble, decompile, reverse-engineer or create derivative works based on the whole or any part of the Platform nor attempt to do any such thing except to the extent that (by virtue of section 296A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988) such actions cannot be prohibited because they are essential for the purpose of achieving inter-operability of the Platform with another software program, and provided that the information obtained by the Organiser during such activities:
(i) is used only for the purpose of achieving inter-operability of the Platform with another software program; and
(ii) is not unnecessarily disclosed or communicated without our prior written consent to any third party; and
(iii) is not used to create any software which is substantially similar to the Platform;
(e) to keep all copies of the Platform secure and to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the number and locations of all copies of the Platform;
(f) to supervise and control use of the Platform and ensure that the Platform is used by your employees and representatives in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
##### 4.2.10. Confidentiality and Publicity
4.2.10.1. The Parties agree to keep confidential the existence and contents of this Agreement, the Confidential Information as well as any information of whatever nature concerning the business, finances, assets, liabilities, dealings, transactions, know-how, customers, suppliers, processes or affairs of the other Party and the Parties agree not to disclose or otherwise make available the same to a third party without the prior written consent of the other Party.
4.2.10.2. The obligations of confidentiality in clause 10 shall continue in force for a period of three (3) years from the Effective Date and shall not be affected by the expiry of termination of this Agreement.
4.2.10.3. The obligations set out in clause 10 shall not apply to Confidential Information or any other information that the receiving Party can demonstrate:
- is or has become publicly known other than through breach of clause 10; or
- was in the possession of the receiving Party prior to disclosure by the other Party; or
- was received by the receiving Party from an independent third party who has full right of disclosure; or
- was required to be disclosed by a governmental authority, provided that the Party subject to such requirement to disclose gives the other prompt written notice of the requirement.
4.2.10.4. All media releases, public announcements and public disclosures by the Parties relating to this Agreement or its subject matter, including promotional or marketing material, shall be coordinated between them and mutually approved in writing prior to release.
##### 4.2.11. Data Protection
4.2.11.1. Under the Data Protection Legislation, the Provider is required to provide the Organiser with certain information about who the Provider is, how personal data is processed of those individuals who use the Platform and the Documentation and for what purposes and those individuals’ rights in relation to their personal data and how to exercise them. This information is provided in and it is important that the Organiser reads that information.
4.2.11.2. Both parties will comply with all applicable requirements of the Data Protection Legislation. This clause 11.2 is in addition to, and does not relieve, remove or replace, a party’s obligations under the Data Protection Legislation. In addition, both parties subscribe to the Data Processing Agreement Addendum as described in Appendix I.
4.2.11.3. The Provider warrants that to the extent it processes any Personal Data on behalf of the Organiser:
- it shall only process such Personal Data for the purposes of fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement; and
- it has in place appropriate technical and organisational security measures against unauthorised or unlawful processing of Personal Data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, Personal Data.
4.2.11.4. Without prejudice to the generality of clause 11.2, the Organiser will ensure that it has all necessary appropriate consents and notices in place to enable lawful transfer of the personal data to the Provider for the duration and purposes of this agreement so that the Provider may lawfully use, process and transfer the personal data in accordance with this agreement on the Organiser’s behalf.
4.2.11.5. The Organiser consents to the Provider appointing the current third-party processors of Personal Data under this agreement listed at [https://expoplatform.com/privacy-policy/](https://expoplatform.com/privacy-policy) and any other additional third-party processors appointed by the Provider from time to time, provided that the Provider will give to the Organiser a prior written 60 days’ notice to advise of any such additional third-party processors and the Organiser does not object to the appointment of any such additional third-party processors during the 60 days’ notice period.The Provider confirms that it has entered or (as the case may be) will enter with each of the third-party processors into a written agreement substantially on that third party’s standard terms of business incorporating terms which are substantially similar to those set out in this clause 11. As between the Provider and the Organiser, the Provider shall remain fully liable for all acts or omissions of any third-party processor appointed by it pursuant to this clause 11.
4.2.11.6. The Organiser and the Permitted Users shall own all right, title and interest in and to all of the Customer Data and shall have sole responsibility for the legality, reliability, integrity, accuracy and quality of all such Customer Data.
4.2.11.7. The Organiser agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified the Provider and defend it at the Organiser’s own expense against all costs, claims, damages or expenses incurred by the Supplier or for which the Provider may become liable due to any failure by the Organiser or its employees or agents to comply with any of the Organiser’s obligations under this clause 11.
##### 4.2.12. Warranties
4.2.12.1. Each of the Parties warrants to the other that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.2.12.2. The Provider shall perform the Services with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with generally recognised commercial practices and standards.
4.2.12.3. The Provider warrants that the operation of the Platform will be uninterrupted and free of errors and material defects under normal use, and that the Platform will perform substantially in accordance with the Platform Specification for the duration of this Agreement. The Warranty Period applies for the duration of this Agreement.
4.2.12.4. If, within the Warranty Period, the Organiser notifies the Provider in writing of any defect or fault in the Platform as a result of which it fails to perform substantially in accordance with the Documentation, the Provider will, at its sole option, either repair or replace the Platform, provided that the Organiser shall make available all the information that may be necessary to help the Provider remedy the defect or fault, including providing sufficient information to enable the Provider to recreate the defect or fault.
4.2.12.5. The Warranty in clause 12.3 shall not apply if the defect or fault in the Platform results from you having altered or modified the Platform or if the defect or fault in the Platform results from you having used the Platform in any way that results in a breach of the terms of this Agreement.
##### 4.2.13. Term and Termination
4.2.13.1. The Agreement shall automatically renew for successive terms of the same duration as the initial term (each, a “Renewal Term”) unless:
4.2.13.1.1. either party notifies the other party of termination, in writing, at least 3 months’ notice before the end of the Initial Term or any Renewal Period, in which case this agreement shall terminate upon the expiry of the applicable Initial Term or Renewal Period; or
4.2.13.1.2. otherwise terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Initial Term together with any subsequent Renewal Periods shall constitute the Term.
4.2.13.2. Without affecting any other right or remedy available to it, either Party may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by giving written notice to the other Party if:
- the other party fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement on the due date for payment and remains in default not less than 15 days after being notified in writing to make such payment;
- the other Party commits a material breach of any terms of this Agreement which breach is irremediable or (if such breach is remediable) fails to cure that breach within a period of 14 days after being notified in writing to do so;
- the other party repeatedly breaches any of the terms of this Agreement in such a manner as to reasonably justify the opinion that its conduct is inconsistent with it having the intention or ability to give effect to the terms of this Agreement;
- the other party suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of its debts or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits inability to pay its debts or is deemed unable to pay its debts; or
- in the event of fraud, wilful misconduct or gross negligence of the other Party.
4.2.13.3. On expiry or termination of this Agreement:
- all licences granted by the Provider under this Agreement shall terminate immediately;
- the Organiser shall immediately cease all activities authorised by this Agreement;
- the Organiser must immediately and permanently delete or remove the Platform software from all computer equipment in your possession, and immediately destroy or return to us (at our option) all copies of the Platform and Documentation then in the Organiser’s possession, custody or control and, in the case of destruction, certify to us that you have done so;
- the Provider shall provide all such assistance as is requested by the Organiser to transfer the hosting of the Platform to the Organiser or another service provider, subject to payment of the Provider’s expenses reasonably incurred; and
- any provision of this Agreement that expressly or by implication is intended to come into or continue in force on or after termination or expiry of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
4.2.13.4. Termination or expiry of this Agreement shall not affect any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities of the Parties that have accrued up to the date of termination or expiry, including the right to claim damages in respect of any breach of the Agreement which existed at or before the date of termination or expiry.
##### 4.2.14. Limitation of Liability
4.2.14.1. The Organiser acknowledges that the Platform has not been developed to meet any specific requirements, including any particular cybersecurity requirements that might exist under law or otherwise. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Organiser to ensure that the facilities and functions of the Platform as described in the Documentation meet the requirements of the Organiser, Exhibitor or Delegate.
4.2.14.2. The Platform and Documentation is for internal business use only, and the Organiser agrees not to use the Platform or the Documentation for any re-sale purpose.
4.2.14.3. The Provider shall not in any circumstances whatever be liable to the Organiser, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Agreement for:
(a) loss of profits, sales, business, or revenue;
(b) business interruption;
(c) loss of anticipated savings;
(d) loss or corruption of data or information;
(e) loss of business opportunity, goodwill or reputation; where any of the losses set out in [Clause 14.3(a)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q_onyYQZE3f_eujTAe_ehhjz_JZzZ_9LPv-nJ7ZVF0g/edit) to [Clause 14.3(e)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q_onyYQZE3f_eujTAe_ehhjz_JZzZ_9LPv-nJ7ZVF0g/edit#bookmark=id.lnxbz9) are direct or indirect; or
(f) any special, indirect or consequential loss, damage, charges or expenses.
4.2.14.4. Other than the losses set out in clause 14.3 (for which the Provider is not liable), the Provider’s maximum aggregate liability under or in connection with this Agreement whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, shall in all circumstances be limited to a sum equal to 100% of the Licence Fee. This clause shall not apply to clause 14.5.
4.2.14.5. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or exclude any liability for:
(a) death or personal injury resulting from the Provider’s negligence;
(b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
(c) any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by English law.
##### 4.2.15. General
4.2.15.1. This Agreement is made exclusively for the benefit of the Parties to it and does not confer any rights on any third party other than the Delegates in respect of the data protection provisions set forth in clause 11 pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
4.2.15.2. No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing signed by and on behalf of both of the Parties. The expression “variation” as used in the preceding sentence includes, but is not limited to supplement, deletion or replacement, however effected. Variation of this Agreement cannot be effected via email.
4.2.15.3. The Provider may engage third party consultants or subcontractors at its own cost, including but not limited to companies with which the Provider may have an alliance, to perform the services under this Agreement in whole or in part on behalf of the Provider but shall remain fully responsible for the provision of all its services as set out in this Agreement.
4.2.15.4. This Agreement is entered into in the English language. Should there be any discrepancy between this Agreement and any translation of it into any language other than English, the original English text shall prevail.
4.2.15.5. This Agreement and any document expressly referred to in it constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes and extinguishes all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between the Parties, whether written or oral, relating to its subject matter. The Organiser agrees that it shall have no remedies in respect of any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not set out in this Agreement or any document expressly referred to in it. The Organiser agrees that it shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation or negligent misstatement based on any statement in this Agreement or any document expressly referred to in it.
4.2.15.6. If the Provider fails to insist that the Organiser performs any of the Organiser’s obligations under this Agreement, or if the Provider does not enforce its rights against the Organiser, or if the Provider delays in doing so, that will not mean that the Provider has waived its rights against the Organiser and will not mean that the Organiser does not have to comply with those obligations. If the Provider does waive a default by the Organiser, it will only do so in writing signed by the Provider, and that will not mean that the Provider will automatically waive any later default by the Organiser.
4.2.15.7. Each of the conditions of this Agreement operates separately. If any court or competent authority decides that any of them are unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining conditions will remain in full force and effect.
4.2.15.8. The Organiser may not assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Provider.
4.2.15.9. This Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to create any relationship, partnership, joint venture, employer-employee, agency, or franchisor-franchisee relationship between the Parties.
4.2.15.10. The Provider will not be liable for any delay or failure to provide the Services resulting from circumstances or causes beyond the reasonable control of the Provider.
4.2.15.11. This Agreement may be executed in electronic counterparts, each of which counterpart, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same agreement.
4.2.15.12. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the LCIA Rules, which Rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this clause. The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be London. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English. The governing law of the contract is the substantive law of England. The Parties both irrevocably agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
##### 4.2.16. ExpoPlatform Code of Conduct Statement
4.2.16.1. The ExpoPlatform team is central to its mission of helping organizers reinvent their business, transform their events into smart events and enhance customer value through year-round communities.
We expect our team to act professionally and courteously in their dealings with all clients and we expect that all of our team will be treated professionally and courteously in return.
This Client Code of Conduct (“the Code”) is fundamental to furthering ExpoPlatform’s mission and its successful collaboration with clients and applies to all ExpoPlatform clients and their representatives.
As an ExpoPlatform client, you are expected to conduct yourself and your business ethically and with integrity. You are also expected to act professionally and courteously in your dealings with all ExpoPlatform employees.
If you are reviewing the Code on behalf of a company or other entity, you represent and warrant that you have authority to bind that company or other entity to the Code and by agreeing to the Code, you are doing so on behalf of that company or entity (and in such event all references to “you” in the Code refer to both you and that company or entity).
##### 4.2.16.2. Purpose
The purpose of the Code is to provide guidance to our clients so that they understand ExpoPlatform’s expectations regarding a client’s behavior when dealing with ExpoPlatform personnel and our expectations that each of our clients use only ethical business practices and are fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
##### 4.2.16.3. Guidance for Clients
In order to be in alignment with ExpoPlatform’s core values, clients must:
- Act professionally and courteously at all times to all ExpoPlatform personnel
- Respect ExpoPlatform employees’ non-working hours and previously scheduled meetings
- Not attempt to intimidate or harass, sexually or otherwise, any ExpoPlatform employee
- Not use profane, hostile or aggressive language with ExpoPlatform employees
- Not engage in conduct which is fraudulent, corrupt, deceptive, misleading or harmful to the public or to the events industry
- Not engage in any conduct which is in violation of applicable anti-bribery/anti-corruption laws and regulations, trade controls (import/export) regulations, economic sanctions or other applicable sanctions regulations
##### 4.2.16.4. Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with the Client Code of Conduct may result in ExpoPlatform refusing to engage in any further dealings with the client, whether on the current project or on future projects.
##### 4.2.16.5. Acknowledgment
I understand that my compliance and my company’s compliance with the Code is a condition of ExpoPlatform providing services to me and/or my company.
I understand that ExpoPlatform expects the highest degree of professional ethics and integrity from its clients and I agree to treat all ExpoPlatform employees with dignity, professionalism and respect.
I acknowledge that the Code does not identify every possible action that may violate the Code and that ExpoPlatform reserves the right to refuse to provide any future services for conduct which it deems in violation of the Code.
I have carefully read and I understand the Code. I support these professional standards for ExpoPlatform and for myself and for my company, and will act in accordance with them and ensure that others in my company do as well.
##### 4.2.17. Use of Optional Platform Features
Our platform includes optional features that involve the sending of SMS and What’sApp messages.
These features are entirely optional, and you are not obligated to use them, however if you choose to enable and use any of these features, you agree to be billed for the cost of the messages sent through the platform.
The cost for each SMS message will be the relevant outbound country cost shown here + 50% to cover the additional fees ExpoPlatform incurs for taxes, support, infrastructure and other AWS costs.
The cost for each What’sApp message will be as outlined here + 50%.
The total amount will be billed to you after your event has ended.
### 5. Appendix I. ExpoPlatform Data Protection Addendum
##### 5.1. PERSONAL DATA / PROCESSOR
**I.** The purpose of these clauses is to define the conditions under which **the processor Expoplatform (“Processor” or “Service Provider”)** undertakes to carry out the personal data processing operations defined below on behalf of the Organiser, **the data controller**.
As part of their contractual relationship, the parties undertake to comply with the regulations in effect applicable to personal data processing and in particular, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 applicable from 25 May 2018 (hereinafter the “General Data Protection Regulation” or “GDPR”).
Under the terms of this rider, the following terms are defined as follows:
- “data controller”: the natural person or legal entity, public authority, service or other organisation which, solely or jointly with others, determines the purposes and methods of processing; where said processes and methods are determined by European Union law or the law of a Member State, the controller may be appointed or the specific criteria applicable to their appointment may be provided for by European Union law or the law of a Member State.
- “processor”: the natural person or legal entity, department or other organisation that processes personal data on behalf of the data controller.
**II.Description of the processing carried out by processors**
The processor is authorised to process personal data on behalf of the data controller that are necessary to provide the services described in the Budget & Scope section of the proposal document as well as any supplementary order forms (see template in Appendix II).
The details of the processing carried out by processors are as follows:
Nature of the operations carried out on the data (e.g. data storage)Please refer to the scope of services in the proposal and contract documentPurpose(s) of processingRegistration and/or participation in an event.Categories of personal data processedFirst name, last name, email, and other data as required by the data controllerCategories of persons concernedDelegatesPeriod of data retention or criterion justifying the retention of data (separate from the term of the contract)3 years
This rider is valid as a written instruction for the processing of data by the processor.
**III. Processor’s obligations in respect of the data controller**
The processor undertakes to:
**1. process the data solely for the purpose(s) of delivering the service**
**2. process the data in accordance with the data controller’s documented instructions.** If the processor considers that an instruction constitutes an infringement of the General Data Protection Regulation or any other provision of European Union law or the law of Member States on data protection, the data processor shall apply best effort to inform the data controller of this. The responsibility for ensuring compliance with such regulations rests with the data controller.
**3. unless otherwise specifically and expressly authorised by the data controller, process data exclusively within the territory of an EEA Member State.** The processor undertakes not to disclose, make accessible or transfer any of the data controller’s data, to any processing organisation or processor based in a country located outside the EEA, except with the data controller’s prior written consent.
In the event of a transfer outside the EEA, authorised by the data controller, said transfer may only take place within the strict limits necessary for the performance of the services, and provided said transfer is towards a State whose legislation in respect of personal data protection has been recognised by the European Commission as offering an equivalent level of protection, or is governed by standard contractual clauses issued by the European Commission or is carried out on the basis of any other alternative arrangements recognised by the General Data Protection Regulation, subject to data controller’s prior agreement to said arrangements in writing.
**4. put in place processes and practices that maintain the confidentiality of the personal data processed under this contract**
**5. ensure that those authorised to treat personal data according to this contract:**
- undertake to respect confidentiality or are subject to an appropriate statutory confidentiality obligation
- receive the necessary training in respect of personal data protection
**6.take account of data protection principles and data protection by default from the design stage onward of tools, products, applications and services**
**IV. Data subjects’ right to information**
It is the data controller’s responsibility to provide information relating to the data processing carried out by it to the data subjects concerned by the processing operations at the time the data are collected. The Service Provider shall provide all reasonable assistance and tools to ensure that such information can be easily accessed.
**V. Exercise of individual rights**
So far as possible, the processor shall assist the data controller in fulfilling its obligation to respond to requests to exercise their rights by data subjects, including rights of access, correction, deletion and opposition, right to restriction of processing, right to data portability and right not to be the subject to an automated individual decision (including profiling).
**VI. Notification of breaches of personal data**
The processor shall notify the data controller of any personal data breach within a maximum of 24 hours after becoming aware of it, by e-mail to the data protection officer. Said notification must be accompanied by any documentation that may be useful in enabling the data controller to inform the relevant regulatory authority of the breach, if applicable.
The processor shall, throughout the period of the Contract, set up and maintain a process and procedures to manage security incidents (including, in particular, breaches of personal data) and ensure continuity of service in accordance with industry standards. Requests from the data controller relating to security shall be treated diligently by the processor.
In the event of a presumed or proven security incident or breach of personal data in the Service Provider’s system, the processor shall advise the data controller immediately and at the latest, within 24 hours following the occurrence of the security incident or breach of personal data.
Immediately after said notification, the Parties will coordinate their actions in order to investigate the security incident concerned. The processor undertakes to cooperate fully with the data controller, at its own expense, to help it to manage the situation, including but not limited to:
(i) helping it with any investigation;
(ii) providing the data controller or an independent third party appointed by the data controller with physical access to the facilities and operations concerned;
(iii) organising interviews with the employees of the data controller and all other appropriate individuals; and
(iv) providing all registers, logs, files, data communications and other relevant documents necessary for compliance with laws, regulations and industry standards or as required by the data controller.
The processor will also provide all reasonable assistance to the data controller in the case of a notification in respect of any action the latter may be obliged or may choose to take in respect of a personal data breach. The processor undertakes not to inform third parties, including the persons concerned, of any breach of personal data without having obtained the prior consent of the data controller in writing, except in the cases provided for in the General Data Protection Regulation or other applicable laws.
The processor shall take the appropriate measures, at its own expense, to mitigate the consequences of any security incident and remedy it, and shall make all the amendments it judges necessary in order to avoid any re-occurrence of an incident of this kind. The processor shall assist the data controller, at its own expense, with restoring the data controller’s data in the event of a data loss caused by any failure to fulfil its regulations in respect of the Contract.
The processor shall cooperate and provide the data controller with the necessary assistance in respect of any complaint formulated by a data subject or any investigation or request issued by a regulatory authority with regard to the General Data Protection Regulation or any other applicable regulation.
The processor shall maintain a record of security incidents and make this available to the data controller, including but not limited to breaches of personal data, and shall document all relevant information concerning the circumstances of said incidents and breaches, the harm caused and corrective measures taken to mitigate their effects, as well as the actions and measures taken to avoid any repetition of such incidents or breaches.
**VII. Assistance from the processor in relation to the data controller’s fulfillment of its obligations**
The processor shall cooperate with the data controller and use its best endeavours to help the data controller prove that it is compliant with all its legislative and regulatory obligations, notably in respect of the General Data Protection Regulation.
**VIII. Retention of data**
Once the provision of services relating to the processing of these data is complete, the processor undertakes to:
- Destroy all personal data or
- At any time, at the data controller’s written request and at the latest, within 15 calendar days of the end of the Contract, the processor undertakes to return the data controller’s personal data, in a legible or interoperable form agreed between the Parties and to destroy all copies (paper or electronic) of the data controller’s personal data that it may hold.
This clause will remain in effect after the expiry or termination of the Contract for any reason whatsoever. This clause is subject to applicable data retention laws and obligations of the data processor.
**IX. Register of categories of processing activities**
The processor declares that it holds a written record of all categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of the data controller including:
(a) the name and contact details of the data controller on behalf of whom it is acting, any processors and, if applicable, the data protection officer;
(b) the categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of the data controller;
(c) if applicable, any transfers of personal data to a third country or international organisation, including the identification of said third country or international organisation and, in the case of transfers referred to in clause 49, paragraph 1, second subparagraph of the General Data Protection Regulation, documents attesting to the existence of appropriate guarantees;
(d) as far as possible, a general description of technical and organisational security measures, including but not limited, as required, to:
- pseudonymisation and encryption of personal data;
- means of guaranteeing the constant confidentiality, integrity, availability and resilience of processing systems and services;
- means of re-establishing the availability of personal data and access thereto in an appropriate time frame in the event of a physical or technical incident;
- a procedure for regularly testing, analysing and evaluating the effectiveness of technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of processing.
**X. Data controller’s obligations in respect of the processor**
The data controller undertakes, throughout the term of the contract, to:
1. 1. provide the processor with the data referred to in clause II;
2. 2. document in writing any additional instructions regarding the processing of data by the processor;
3. 3. ensure, prior to and during the period of processing, compliance with the obligations set out in the General Data Protection Regulation by the controller
##### 5.2. PLATFORM USAGE DATA
Anonymous data regarding clicks and behaviour of users, and is anonymised for the sole purpose of making improvements to the platform itself.
The full usage data can be exported by Organisers as required.
##### 5.3. EUROPEAN UNION STANDARD CONTRACTUAL CLAUSES FOR RESTRICTED DATA TRANSFERS
##### 5.3.1. SECTION I
Clause 1. **Purpose and scope**
(a) The purpose of these standard contractual clauses is to ensure compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) for the transfer of personal data to a third country.
(b) The Parties:
(i) the natural or legal person(s), public authority/ies, agency/ies or other body/ies (hereinafter “entity/ies”) transferring the personal data, as listed in Annex I.A. (hereinafter each “data exporter”), and
(ii) the entity/ies in a third country receiving the personal data from the data exporter, directly or indirectly via another entity also Party to these Clauses, as listed in Annex I.A. (hereinafter each “data importer”)
have agreed to these standard contractual clauses (hereinafter: “Clauses”).
(c) These Clauses apply with respect to the transfer of personal data as specified in Annex I.B.
(d) The Appendix to these Clauses containing the Annexes referred to therein forms an integral part of these Clauses.
Clause 2. **Effect and invariability of the Clauses**
(a) These Clauses set out appropriate safeguards, including enforceable data subject rights and effective legal remedies, pursuant to Article 46(1) and Article 46 (2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and, with respect to data transfers from controllers to processors and/or processors to processors, standard contractual clauses pursuant to Article 28(7) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, provided they are not modified, except to select the appropriate Module(s) or to add or update information in the Appendix. This does not prevent the Parties from including the standard contractual clauses laid down in these Clauses in a wider contract and/or to add other clauses or additional safeguards, provided that they do not contradict, directly or indirectly, these Clauses or prejudice the fundamental rights or freedoms of data subjects.
(b) These Clauses are without prejudice to obligations to which the data exporter is subject by virtue of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 3. **Third-party beneficiaries**
(a) Data subjects may invoke and enforce these Clauses, as third-party beneficiaries, against the data exporter and/or data importer, with the following exceptions:
(i) Clause 1, Clause 2, Clause 3, Clause 6, Clause 7;
(ii) Clause 8 – Module One: Clause 8.5 (e) and Clause 8.9(b); Module Two: Clause 8.1(b), 8.9(a), (c), (d) and (e); Module Three: Clause 8.1(a), (c) and (d) and Clause 8.9(a), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g); Module Four: Clause 8.1 (b) and Clause 8.3(b);
(iii) Clause 9 – Module Two: Clause 9(a), (c), (d) and (e); Module Three: Clause 9(a), (c), (d) and (e);
(iv) Clause 12 – Module One: Clause 12(a) and (d); Modules Two and Three: Clause 12(a), (d) and (f);
(v) Clause 13;
(vi) Clause 15.1(c), (d) and (e);
(vii) Clause 16(e);
(viii) Clause 18 – Modules One, Two and Three: Clause 18(a) and (b); Module Four: Clause 18.
(b) Paragraph (a) is without prejudice to rights of data subjects under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 4. **Interpretation**
(a) Where these Clauses use terms that are defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/679, those terms shall have the same meaning as in that Regulation.
(b) These Clauses shall be read and interpreted in the light of the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(c) These Clauses shall not be interpreted in a way that conflicts with rights and obligations provided for in Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 5. **Hierarchy**
In the event of a contradiction between these Clauses and the provisions of related agreements between the Parties, existing at the time these Clauses are agreed or entered into thereafter, these Clauses shall prevail.
Clause 6. **Description of the transfer(s)**
The details of the transfer(s), and in particular the categories of personal data that are transferred and the purpose(s) for which they are transferred, are specified in Annex I.B.
Clause 7 – Optional. **Docking clause**
(a) An entity that is not a Party to these Clauses may, with the agreement of the Parties, accede to these Clauses at any time, either as a data exporter or as a data importer, by completing the Appendix and signing Annex I.A.
(b) Once it has completed the Appendix and signed Annex I.A, the acceding entity shall become a Party to these Clauses and have the rights and obligations of a data exporter or data importer in accordance with its designation in Annex I.A.
(c) The acceding entity shall have no rights or obligations arising under these Clauses from the period prior to becoming a Party.
##### 5.3.2. SECTION II – OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
Clause 8. **Data protection safeguards**
The data exporter warrants that it has used reasonable efforts to determine that the data importer is able, through the implementation of appropriate technical and organisational measures, to satisfy its obligations under these Clauses.
**8.1 Instructions**
(a) The data exporter has informed the data importer that it acts as processor under the instructions of its controller(s), which the data exporter shall make available to the data importer prior to processing.
(b) The data importer shall process the personal data only on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, and any additional documented instructions from the data exporter. Such additional instructions shall not conflict with the instructions from the controller. The controller or data exporter may give further documented instructions regarding the data processing throughout the duration of the contract.
(c) The data importer shall immediately inform the data exporter if it is unable to follow those instructions. Where the data importer is unable to follow the instructions from the controller, the data exporter shall immediately notify the controller.
(d) The data exporter warrants that it has imposed the same data protection obligations on the data importer as set out in the contract or other legal act under Union or Member State law between the controller and the data exporter.
**8.2 Purpose limitation**
The data importer shall process the personal data only for the specific purpose(s) of the transfer, as set out in Annex I.B., unless on further instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, or from the data exporter.
**8.3 Transparency**
On request, the data exporter shall make a copy of these Clauses, including the Appendix as completed by the Parties, available to the data subject free of charge. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data exporter may redact part of the text of the Appendix prior to sharing a copy, but shall provide a meaningful summary where the data subject would otherwise not be able to understand its content or exercise his/her rights. On request, the Parties shall provide the data subject with the reasons for the redactions, to the extent possible without revealing the redacted information.
**8.4 Accuracy**
If the data importer becomes aware that the personal data it has received is inaccurate, or has become outdated, it shall inform the data exporter without undue delay. In this case, the data importer shall cooperate with the data exporter to rectify or erase the data.
**8.5 Duration of processing and erasure or return of data**
Processing by the data importer shall only take place for the duration specified in Annex I.B. After the end of the provision of the processing services, the data importer shall, at the choice of the data exporter, delete all personal data processed on behalf of the controller and certify to the data exporter that it has done so, or return to the data exporter all personal data processed on its behalf and delete existing copies. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit return or deletion of the personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process it to the extent and for as long as required under that local law. This is without prejudice to Clause 14, in particular the requirement for the data importer under Clause 14(e) to notify the data exporter throughout the duration of the contract if it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under Clause 14(a).
**8.6 Security of processing**
(a) The data importer and, during transmission, also the data exporter shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of the data, including protection against a breach of security leading to accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure or access to that data (hereinafter “personal data breach”). In assessing the appropriate level of security, they shall take due account of the state of the art, the costs of implementation, the nature, scope, context and purpose(s) of processing and the risks involved in the processing for the data subject. The Parties shall in particular consider having recourse to encryption or pseudonymisation, including during transmission, where the purpose of processing can be fulfilled in that manner. In case of pseudonymisation, the additional information for attributing the personal data to a specific data subject shall, where possible, remain under the exclusive control of the data exporter or the controller. In complying with its obligations under this paragraph, the data importer shall at least implement the technical and organisational measures specified in Annex II. The data importer shall carry out regular checks to ensure that these measures continue to provide an appropriate level of security.
(b) The data importer shall grant access to the data to members of its personnel only to the extent strictly necessary for the implementation, management and monitoring of the contract. It shall ensure that persons authorised to process the personal data have committed themselves to confidentiality or are under an appropriate statutory obligation of confidentiality.
(c) In the event of a personal data breach concerning personal data processed by the data importer under these Clauses, the data importer shall take appropriate measures to address the breach, including measures to mitigate its adverse effects. The data importer shall also notify, without undue delay, the data exporter and, where appropriate and feasible, the controller after having become aware of the breach. Such notification shall contain the details of a contact point where more information can be obtained, a description of the nature of the breach (including, where possible, categories and approximate number of data subjects and personal data records concerned), its likely consequences and the measures taken or proposed to address the data breach, including measures to mitigate its possible adverse effects. Where, and in so far as, it is not possible to provide all information at the same time, the initial notification shall contain the information then available and further information shall, as it becomes available, subsequently be provided without undue delay.
(d) The data importer shall cooperate with and assist the data exporter to enable the data exporter to comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679, in particular to notify its controller so that the latter may in turn notify the competent supervisory authority and the affected data subjects, taking into account the nature of processing and the information available to the data importer.
**8.7 Sensitive data**
Where the transfer involves personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, genetic data, or biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or a person’s sex life or sexual orientation, or data relating to criminal convictions and offences (hereinafter “sensitive data”), the data importer shall apply the specific restrictions and/or additional safeguards set out in Annex I.B.
**8.8 Onward transfers**
The data importer shall only disclose the personal data to a third party on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter. In addition, the data may only be disclosed to a third party located outside the European Union (in the same country as the data importer or in another third country, hereinafter “onward transfer”) if the third party is or agrees to be bound by these Clauses, under the appropriate Module, or if:
(i) the onward transfer is to a country benefitting from an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the onward transfer;
(ii) the third party otherwise ensures appropriate safeguards pursuant to Articles 46 or 47 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
Any onward transfer is subject to compliance by the data importer with all the other safeguards under these Clauses, in particular purpose limitation.
**8.9 Documentation and compliance**
The data importer shall only disclose the personal data to a third party on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter. In addition, the data may only be disclosed to a third party located outside the European Union (in the same country as the data importer or in another third country, hereinafter “onward transfer”) if the third party is or agrees to be bound by these Clauses, under the appropriate Module, or if:
(i) the onward transfer is to a country benefitting from an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the onward transfer;
(ii) the third party otherwise ensures appropriate safeguards pursuant to Articles 46 or 47 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
Any onward transfer is subject to compliance by the data importer with all the other safeguards under these Clauses, in particular purpose limitation.
**8.10 Documentation and compliance**
(a) The data importer shall promptly and adequately deal with enquiries from the data exporter or the controller that relate to the processing under these Clauses.
(b) The Parties shall be able to demonstrate compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer shall keep appropriate documentation on the processing activities carried out on behalf of the controller.
(c) The data importer shall make all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the obligations set out in these Clauses available to the data exporter, which shall provide it to the controller.
(d) The data importer shall allow for and contribute to audits by the data exporter of the processing activities covered by these Clauses, at reasonable intervals or if there are indications of non-compliance. The same shall apply where the data exporter requests an audit on instructions of the controller. In deciding on an audit, the data exporter may take into account relevant certifications held by the data importer.
(e) Where the audit is carried out on the instructions of the controller, the data exporter shall make the results available to the controller.
(f) The data exporter may choose to conduct the audit by itself or mandate an independent auditor. Audits may include inspections at the premises or physical facilities of the data importer and shall, where appropriate, be carried out with reasonable notice.
(g) The Parties shall make the information referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c), including the results of any audits, available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
Clause 9. **Use of sub-processors**
(a) The data importer has the controller’s general authorisation for the engagement of sub-processor(s) from an agreed list. The data importer shall specifically inform the controller in writing of any intended changes to that list through the addition or replacement of sub-processors at least \[Specify time period\] in advance, thereby giving the controller sufficient time to be able to object to such changes prior to the engagement of the sub-processor(s). The data importer shall provide the controller with the information necessary to enable the controller to exercise its right to object. The data importer shall inform the data exporter of the engagement of the sub-processor(s).
(b) Where the data importer engages a sub-processor to carry out specific processing activities (on behalf of the controller), it shall do so by way of a written contract that provides for, in substance, the same data protection obligations as those binding the data importer under these Clauses, including in terms of third-party beneficiary rights for data subjects. The Parties agree that, by complying with this Clause, the data importer fulfils its obligations under Clause 8.8. The data importer shall ensure that the sub-processor complies with the obligations to which the data importer is subject pursuant to these Clauses.
(c) The data importer shall provide, at the data exporter’s or controller’s request, a copy of such a sub-processor agreement and any subsequent amendments. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data importer may redact the text of the agreement prior to sharing a copy.
(d) The data importer shall remain fully responsible to the data exporter for the performance of the sub-processor’s obligations under its contract with the data importer. The data importer shall notify the data exporter of any failure by the sub-processor to fulfill its obligations under that contract.
(e) The data importer shall agree a third-party beneficiary clause with the sub-processor whereby – in the event the data importer has factually disappeared, ceased to exist in law or has become insolvent – the data exporter shall have the right to terminate the sub-processor contract and to instruct the sub-processor to erase or return the personal data.
Clause 10. **Data subject rights**
(a) The data importer shall promptly notify the data exporter and, where appropriate, the controller of any request it has received from a data subject, without responding to that request unless it has been authorised to do so by the controller.
(b) The data importer shall assist, where appropriate in cooperation with the data exporter, the controller in fulfilling its obligations to respond to data subjects’ requests for the exercise of their rights under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 or Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as applicable. In this regard, the Parties shall set out in Annex II the appropriate technical and organisational measures, taking into account the nature of the processing, by which the assistance shall be provided, as well as the scope and the extent of the assistance required.
(c) In fulfilling its obligations under paragraphs (a) and (b), the data importer shall comply with the instructions from the controller, as communicated by the data exporter.
Clause 11. **Redress**
(a) The data importer shall inform data subjects in a transparent and easily accessible format, through individual notice or on its website, of a contact point authorised to handle complaints. It shall deal promptly with any complaints it receives from a data subject.
(b) In case of a dispute between a data subject and one of the Parties as regards compliance with these Clauses, that Party shall use its best efforts to resolve the issue amicably in a timely fashion. The Parties shall keep each other informed about such disputes and, where appropriate, cooperate in resolving them.
(c) Where the data subject invokes a third-party beneficiary right pursuant to Clause 3, the data importer shall accept the decision of the data subject to:
(i) lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority in the Member State of his/her habitual residence or place of work, or the competent supervisory authority pursuant to Clause 13;
(ii) refer the dispute to the competent courts within the meaning of Clause 18.
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
(d) The Parties accept that the data subject may be represented by a not-for-profit body, organisation or association under the conditions set out in Article 80(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(e) The data importer shall abide by a decision that is binding under the applicable EU or Member State law.
(f) The data importer agrees that the choice made by the data subject will not prejudice his/her substantive and procedural rights to seek remedies in accordance with applicable laws.
Clause 12. **Liability**
(a) Each Party shall be liable to the other Party/ies for any damages it causes the other Party/ies by any breach of these Clauses.
(b) Each Party shall be liable to the data subject, and the data subject shall be entitled to receive compensation, for any material or non-material damages that the Party causes the data subject by breaching the third-party beneficiary rights under these Clauses. This is without prejudice to the liability of the data exporter under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(c) Where more than one Party is responsible for any damage caused to the data subject as a result of a breach of these Clauses, all responsible Parties shall be jointly and severally liable and the data subject is entitled to bring an action in court against any of these Parties.
(d) The Parties agree that if one Party is held liable under paragraph (c), it shall be entitled to claim back from the other Party/ies that part of the compensation corresponding to its / their responsibility for the damage.
(e) The data importer may not invoke the conduct of a processor or sub-processor to avoid its own liability.
Clause 13. **Supervision**
(a) The supervisory authority with responsibility for ensuring compliance by the data exporter with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 as regards the data transfer, as indicated in Annex I.C, shall act as competent supervisory authority.
(b) The data importer agrees to submit itself to the jurisdiction of and cooperate with the competent supervisory authority in any procedures aimed at ensuring compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer agrees to respond to enquiries, submit to audits and comply with the measures adopted by the supervisory authority, including remedial and compensatory measures. It shall provide the supervisory authority with written confirmation that the necessary actions have been taken.
##### 5.3.3. SECTION III – LOCAL LAWS AND OBLIGATIONS IN CASE OF ACCESS BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
Clause 14. **Local laws and practices affecting compliance with the Clauses**
(a) The Parties warrant that they have no reason to believe that the laws and practices in the third country of destination applicable to the processing of the personal data by the data importer, including any requirements to disclose personal data or measures authorising access by public authorities, prevent the data importer from fulfilling its obligations under these Clauses. This is based on the understanding that laws and practices that respect the essence of the fundamental rights and freedoms and do not exceed what is necessary and proportionate in a democratic society to safeguard one of the objectives listed in Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, are not in contradiction with these Clauses.
(b) The Parties declare that in providing the warranty in paragraph (a), they have taken due account in particular of the following elements:
(i) the specific circumstances of the transfer, including the length of the processing chain, the number of actors involved and the transmission channels used; intended onward transfers; the type of recipient; the purpose of processing; the categories and format of the transferred personal data; the economic sector in which the transfer occurs; the storage location of the data transferred;
(ii) the laws and practices of the third country of destination– including those requiring the disclosure of data to public authorities or authorising access by such authorities – relevant in light of the specific circumstances of the transfer, and the applicable limitations and safeguards;
(iii) any relevant contractual, technical or organisational safeguards put in place to supplement the safeguards under these Clauses, including measures applied during transmission and to the processing of the personal data in the country of destination.
(с) The data importer warrants that, in carrying out the assessment under paragraph (b), it has made its best efforts to provide the data exporter with relevant information and agrees that it will continue to cooperate with the data exporter in ensuring compliance with these Clauses.
(d) The Parties agree to document the assessment under paragraph (b) and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
(e) The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter promptly if, after having agreed to these Clauses and for the duration of the contract, it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under paragraph (a), including following a change in the laws of the third country or a measure (such as a disclosure request) indicating an application of such laws in practice that is not in line with the requirements in paragraph (a). The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
(f) Following a notification pursuant to paragraph (e), or if the data exporter otherwise has reason to believe that the data importer can no longer fulfil its obligations under these Clauses, the data exporter shall promptly identify appropriate measures (e.g. technical or organisational measures to ensure security and confidentiality) to be adopted by the data exporter and/or data importer to address the situation, if appropriate in consultation with the controller. The data exporter shall suspend the data transfer if it considers that no appropriate safeguards for such transfer can be ensured, or if instructed by the controller or the competent supervisory authority to do so. In this case, the data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses. If the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise. Where the contract is terminated pursuant to this Clause, Clause 16(d) and (e) shall apply.
not in line with the requirements in paragraph (a). The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
Clause 15. **Obligations of the data importer in case of access by public authorities**
**15.1 Notification**
(a) The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter and, where possible, the data subject promptly (if necessary with the help of the data exporter) if it:
(i) receives a legally binding request from a public authority, including judicial authorities, under the laws of the country of destination for the disclosure of personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses; such notification shall include information about the personal data requested, the requesting authority, the legal basis for the request and the response provided; or
(ii) becomes aware of any direct access by public authorities to personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses in accordance with the laws of the country of destination; such notification shall include all information available to the importer.
(iii) The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
(b) If the data importer is prohibited from notifying the data exporter and/or the data subject under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to use its best efforts to obtain a waiver of the prohibition, with a view to communicating as much information as possible, as soon as possible. The data importer agrees to document its best efforts in order to be able to demonstrate them on request of the data exporter.
(c) Where permissible under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to provide the data exporter, at regular intervals for the duration of the contract, with as much relevant information as possible on the requests received (in particular, number of requests, type of data requested, requesting authority/ies, whether requests have been challenged and the outcome of such challenges, etc.). The data exporter shall forward the information to the controller.
(d) The data importer agrees to preserve the information pursuant to paragraphs (a) to (c) for the duration of the contract and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
(e) Paragraphs (a) to (c) are without prejudice to the obligation of the data importer pursuant to Clause 14(e) and Clause 16 to inform the data exporter promptly where it is unable to comply with these Clauses.
**15.2 Review of legality and data minimisation**
(a) The data importer agrees to review the legality of the request for disclosure, in particular whether it remains within the powers granted to the requesting public authority, and to challenge the request if, after careful assessment, it concludes that there are reasonable grounds to consider that the request is unlawful under the laws of the country of destination, applicable obligations under international law and principles of international comity. The data importer shall, under the same conditions, pursue possibilities of appeal. When challenging a request, the data importer shall seek interim measures with a view to suspending the effects of the request until the competent judicial authority has decided on its merits. It shall not disclose the personal data requested until required to do so under the applicable procedural rules. These requirements are without prejudice to the obligations of the data importer under Clause 14(e).
(b) The data importer agrees to document its legal assessment and any challenge to the request for disclosure and, to the extent permissible under the laws of the country of destination, make the documentation available to the data exporter. It shall also make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request. The data exporter shall make the assessment available to the controller.
(c) The data importer agrees to provide the minimum amount of information permissible when responding to a request for disclosure, based on a reasonable interpretation of the request.
##### 5.3.4. SECTION IV – FINAL PROVISIONS
Clause 16. **Non-compliance with the Clauses and termination**
(a) The data importer shall promptly inform the data exporter if it is unable to comply with these Clauses, for whatever reason.
(b) In the event that the data importer is in breach of these Clauses or unable to comply with these Clauses, the data exporter shall suspend the transfer of personal data to the data importer until compliance is again ensured or the contract is terminated. This is without prejudice to Clause 14(f).
(c) The data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses, where:
(i) the data exporter has suspended the transfer of personal data to the data importer pursuant to paragraph (b) and compliance with these Clauses is not restored within a reasonable time and in any event within one month of suspension;
(ii) the data importer is in substantial or persistent breach of these Clauses; or
(iii) the data importer fails to comply with a binding decision of a competent court or supervisory authority regarding its obligations under these Clauses.
In these cases, it shall inform the competent supervisory authority and the controller of such non-compliance. Where the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise.
(d) Personal data that has been transferred prior to the termination of the contract pursuant to paragraph (c) shall at the choice of the data exporter immediately be returned to the data exporter or deleted in its entirety. The same shall apply to any copies of the data. The data importer shall certify the deletion of the data to the data exporter. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit the return or deletion of the transferred personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process the data to the extent and for as long as required under that local law.
(e) Either Party may revoke its agreement to be bound by these Clauses where (i) the European Commission adopts a decision pursuant to Article 45(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the transfer of personal data to which these Clauses apply; or (ii) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 becomes part of the legal framework of the country to which the personal data is transferred. This is without prejudice to other obligations applying to the processing in question under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 17. **Governing law**
These Clauses shall be governed by the law of the EU Member State in which the data exporter is established. Where such law does not allow for third-party beneficiary rights, they shall be governed by the law of another EU Member State that does allow for third-party beneficiary rights. The Parties agree that this shall be the law of Finland.
Clause 18. **Choice of forum and jurisdiction**
(a) Any dispute arising from these Clauses shall be resolved by the courts of an EU Member State.
(b) The Parties agree that those shall be the courts of Finland.
(c) A data subject may also bring legal proceedings against the data exporter and/or data importer before the courts of the Member State in which he/she has his/her habitual residence.
(d) The Parties agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of such courts.
---
### [Trade Show Platform for Exhibitions](https://expoplatform.com/exhibition/)
**Published:** June 3, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Trade show platform
## AI-powered smart exhibition platform
### Deliver true value and ROI to your exhibitors and sponsors with one seamless Smart Trade Shows solution.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Trusted by over 300 world-leading exhibition organizers
ExpoPlatform is a leading trade show platform, trusted by organizers and exhibitors worldwide.
Our solution enables seamless management of exhibitions and professional trade shows, streamlining exhibitor registration, booth planning, attendee engagement and lead tracking for high-profile events globally.
[Drive More Leads](/request-demo/)
## An ideal solution for large-scale exhibitions
### A comprehensive event platform tailor-made for tradeshows.
- The widest range of tools for seamless experience within 1 platform
- Fully customizable solution answering the needs of your trade show
- No limits – any number of visitors and exhibitors
- A white-label solution with your branding
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## What Is a Trade Show Platform?
A trade show platform is a professional software solution designed to help organizers manage exhibitions efficiently. It allows for exhibitor coordination, floor planning, attendee management and performance analytics.
ExpoPlatform is deployed at major international exhibitions and large-scale trade shows, ensuring operational excellence and measurable ROI.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Platform for Leading Exhibitions
### Our platform is trusted by the world’s leading exhibition organizers, including major international trade fairs and professional B2B events. Key capabilities include:
- Centralized exhibitor dashboards for efficient registration and coordination
- Booth and floor planning tools for optimized layouts
- Attendee engagement and networking solutions to maximize leads
- Analytics and reporting to monitor performance and ROI
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
## Features of Our Trade Show Platform
- Centralized exhibitor management for complete oversight
- Interactive floor mapping for effective booth allocation
- Lead tracking and attendee management tools
- Comprehensive reporting for organizers and exhibitors
- Integration with CRM and marketing systems for streamlined workflows
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
## Benefits for Exhibitors and Organizers
ExpoPlatform delivers tangible value for both organizers and exhibitors. Exhibitors can showcase products, connect with qualified leads and manage participation efficiently.
Organizers gain full control over logistics, scheduling and attendee engagement, creating high-impact exhibitions that attract industry leaders and deliver measurable business results.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Revenue Calculator
### Check how much revenue your event can generate with ExpoPlatform
[Find out How](#form-section)
## Why Choose ExpoPlatform
### Our trade show platform is globally recognized for its reliability, scalability and intuitive design.
Benefits include:
- Comprehensive solution for managing exhibitions and trade shows worldwide
- Tools to increase exhibitor ROI and attendee satisfaction
- Seamless management of large-scale, professional events
- Trusted by leading international organizers in the exhibition industry
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Deliver engaging & interactive hybrid events
All you need for your hybrid event and 365 experience.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know to get the most out of ExpoPlatform.
What types of exhibitions and trade shows benefit most from ExpoPlatform?
ExpoPlatform supports a wide range of exhibitions, trade shows and large-scale events with customizable features designed to meet the unique needs of organizers, exhibitors and attendees – through seamless registration, lead capture, AI-matchmaking and monetization options designed to meet the goals of every party.
What support and resources are available to trade show organizers using ExpoPlatform?
ExpoPlatform offers comprehensive support including onboarding assistance, live training sessions and ongoing customer service. Organizers can access resources such as the exhibitor manual and interactive guides to streamline event setup and management. Expert consultations are also available to help maximize the platform’s features for successful trade show execution.
What customization options does ExpoPlatform offer for trade show branding and experience?
ExpoPlatform allows full customization of the event platform to reflect the branding and specific requirements of each trade show. Organizers can tailor the event app’s homepage, theme, exhibitor profiles and interactive floor plans. This ensures a cohesive brand experience that enhances attendee engagement and provides exhibitors with personalized presentation opportunities.
Is there a tool to estimate potential revenue from trade shows using ExpoPlatform?
Yes, ExpoPlatform includes a revenue calculator designed for trade shows and exhibitions. Organizers can input variables such as exhibitor numbers, ticket sales, and sponsorship packages to forecast potential revenue. This tool aids in financial planning and helps organizers set realistic goals to maximize profitability from their events.
How does ExpoPlatform’s event matchmaking and meeting systems enhance networking at trade shows?
ExpoPlatform enhances networking at trade shows through AI-powered event matchmaking that connects attendees with the most relevant people, exhibitors, and opportunities based on their interests and goals. Its meeting system allows participants to pre-schedule and manage one-to-one or group meetings, ensuring time onsite is used efficiently. Built-in messaging, scheduling, and lead capture tools streamline communication and follow-up. Together, these features create more meaningful connections and deliver stronger business outcomes.
Can exhibitors monitor their lead generation and engagement during the event?
Yes, exhibitors have access to a real-time ROI dashboard that tracks leads captured both onsite and online. This includes data from badge scans, QR code interactions and digital engagement with exhibitor profiles and content. The dashboard provides actionable insights to help exhibitors optimize their strategies and measure the effectiveness of their participation throughout the trade show.
How do curated meeting formats improve exhibitor and buyer interactions at exhibitions?
ExpoPlatform’s diverse meeting formats—such as one-to-one meetings, speed networking and curated sessions—ensure exhibitors and buyers connect in ways that suit their goals and availability. These structured formats reduce randomness and help both sides engage in more focused, relevant conversations. Pre-scheduling and smart grouping further improve efficiency by matching the right participants ahead of time. As a result, interactions are more productive, leading to higher-quality leads and better business outcomes.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help you get the most out of ExpoPlatform.
[Get in touch](/request-demo/)
---
### [Exhibition](https://expoplatform.com/exhibition-old/)
**Published:** May 16, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Trade show platform
## AI-powered smart exhibition platform
### Deliver true value and ROI to your exhibitors and sponsors with one seamless Smart Trade Shows solution.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
Trusted by over 300 world-leading exhibition organizers
## An ideal solution for large-scale exhibitions
### A comprehensive event platform tailor-made for tradeshows.
- The widest range of tools for seamless experience within 1 platform
- Fully customizable solution answering the needs of your trade show
- No limits – any number of visitors and exhibitors
- A white-label solution with your branding
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Lead Intelligence
### Increase exhibitor leads 250% at live events.
- Scan badges and QR codes onsite to connect your exhibitors with visitors and store real-time data for them
- Drive more leads for exhibitors to generate online with exhibitor profile, content & products
- Track leads captured by team members with the real-time ROI dashboard
[Drive More Leads](/lead-retrieval/)
IMEX America 2025
**IMEX America 2025** marked the third consecutive year of partnership between **IMEX Group** and **ExpoPlatform**.
That period of collaboration has transformed how thousands of exhibitors and buyers connect at the world’s leading event for the business meetings and incentive travel industry. This edition proved the power of a long-term, data-driven technology partnership.
[Read More](/case-studies/imex-america-2025/)
## Smart event mobile app
### Help your audience connect and network, generate leads and share content on the go.
- Use the app to scan, collect and qualify visitors through notes and contact ratings
- Offer access to multiple events with a single download with one container App
- Customize the App homepage and theme
- Match buyers and exhibitors as well as products and content with AI-powered matchmaking algorithm
[Find Out More](/mobile-app/)
## Boost ROI
### Discover a wide range of sponsorship options.
- Sell branding options like banners, profile’s customization, mobile app specials and many more
- Offer a premium real-time statistics dashboard to track impressions and clicks of sponsorship options
- Add value and set packages for exhibitors and sponsors easily with premium features and limits
- Offer a premium statistics dashboard to track impressions and clicks of sponsorship options in real time
[Increase ROI](/sponsorship-monetization/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Exhibitor Manual
### Onboard and monetize your exhibitors seamlessly without any integrations.
- Onboard exhibitors easily with dynamic, interactive forms and multi-step pipelines
- Customize exhibitor journeys with drag’n’drop editor to build unique flows using conditional logic
- Set Automated reminders and checklists for exhibitors to add team members, upload key documents, and many more
- Monetize exhibitors by connecting them to trusted suppliers with ease and collect payments
[Access Here](/exhibitor-manual/)
## Guide visitors with Interactive Floor Plan
### Build a customizable floor plan layout and make navigation easy.
- Let Exhibitors customize their stands on the map with brief information, custom branding and links to the company profiles
- Drive interactions between the floor plan mini-profiles and the visitors with elements like meet, message and favorite
- Allow Visitors to sort the venue spaces based on multiple filters and categories
- Offer easy Navigation with “Get Direction” – search via Stand Name or Exhibitor Name and get the route
[Find Out More](/sponsorship-monetization/)
## Revenue Calculator
### Check how much revenue your event can generate with ExpoPlatform
[Find out How](#form-section)
## Marketplace and product directory
### Allow exhibitors to showcase the company and products in the best way possible.
- The company profile gives the exhibitor a presence in the exhibitor listings and the tools to publish their products and news
- Exhibitors get full dashboard to monitor leads of those who view their profile and arrange meetings with prospects
- Offer an upgrade to Premium profile with Featured listing promotion, customization and more on top of the standard options
- Add value to exhibitors by extending their presence at the event year-round with 365 Marketplace
[Discover Here](/marketplace/)
## Hosted Buyer Programme
### Create curated meeting programmes and manage buyer benefits as a seamless part of the event experience.
- Deliver premium concierge service for high-value buyers, in-person or online
- Increase ROI for exhibitors providing them with high-value connections
- Drive buyers’ engagement with easy well-managed curated meetings programme
- Supervise meetings and get real-time insights on pre-set appointments easily with one intuitive dashboard
[Start Now](/hosted-buyer-program/)
Deliver engaging & interactive hybrid events
All you need for your hybrid event and 365 experience.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know to get the most out of ExpoPlatform.
What types of exhibitions and trade shows benefit most from ExpoPlatform?
ExpoPlatform supports a wide range of exhibitions, trade shows and large-scale events with customizable features designed to meet the unique needs of organizers, exhibitors and attendees – through seamless registration, lead capture, AI-matchmaking and monetization options designed to meet the goals of every party.
What support and resources are available to trade show organizers using ExpoPlatform?
ExpoPlatform offers comprehensive support including onboarding assistance, live training sessions and ongoing customer service. Organizers can access resources such as the exhibitor manual and interactive guides to streamline event setup and management. Expert consultations are also available to help maximize the platform’s features for successful trade show execution.
What customization options does ExpoPlatform offer for trade show branding and experience?
ExpoPlatform allows full customization of the event platform to reflect the branding and specific requirements of each trade show. Organizers can tailor the event app’s homepage, theme, exhibitor profiles and interactive floor plans. This ensures a cohesive brand experience that enhances attendee engagement and provides exhibitors with personalized presentation opportunities.
Is there a tool to estimate potential revenue from trade shows using ExpoPlatform?
Yes, ExpoPlatform includes a revenue calculator designed for trade shows and exhibitions. Organizers can input variables such as exhibitor numbers, ticket sales, and sponsorship packages to forecast potential revenue. This tool aids in financial planning and helps organizers set realistic goals to maximize profitability from their events.
How does ExpoPlatform’s event matchmaking and meeting systems enhance networking at trade shows?
ExpoPlatform enhances networking at trade shows through AI-powered event matchmaking that connects attendees with the most relevant people, exhibitors, and opportunities based on their interests and goals. Its meeting system allows participants to pre-schedule and manage one-to-one or group meetings, ensuring time onsite is used efficiently. Built-in messaging, scheduling, and lead capture tools streamline communication and follow-up. Together, these features create more meaningful connections and deliver stronger business outcomes.
Can exhibitors monitor their lead generation and engagement during the event?
Yes, exhibitors have access to a real-time ROI dashboard that tracks leads captured both onsite and online. This includes data from badge scans, QR code interactions and digital engagement with exhibitor profiles and content. The dashboard provides actionable insights to help exhibitors optimize their strategies and measure the effectiveness of their participation throughout the trade show.
How do curated meeting formats improve exhibitor and buyer interactions at exhibitions?
ExpoPlatform’s diverse meeting formats—such as one-to-one meetings, speed networking and curated sessions—ensure exhibitors and buyers connect in ways that suit their goals and availability. These structured formats reduce randomness and help both sides engage in more focused, relevant conversations. Pre-scheduling and smart grouping further improve efficiency by matching the right participants ahead of time. As a result, interactions are more productive, leading to higher-quality leads and better business outcomes.
Still have questions?
Our team is here to help you get the most out of ExpoPlatform.
[Get in touch](/request-demo/)
---
### [Standard Service Level Agreement (SLA)](https://expoplatform.com/standard-service-level-agreement-sla/)
**Published:** October 11, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Standard Service Level Agreement (SLA)
Last updated: 7 Feb 2026
### Table of contents
1. Agreement Overview
2. Definitions
3. Responsibilities
4. Service Level Management
### 1. Agreement Overview
This Agreement represents a Service Level Agreement (“SLA” or ” SLA Agreement”) between ExpoPlatform Ltd. (herein “ExpoPlatform”) and Customer (herein “Customer”) for the provisioning of services required to support and sustain the ExpoPlatform Event Networking Platform and Management System.
**The SLA:**
1. Provides clear reference to service ownership, accountability, roles and/or responsibilities
2. Present a clear, concise and measurable description of service provision to the customer
3. Match perceptions of expected service provision with actual service support & delivery
This SLA remains valid until it expires or is superseded by a revised agreement mutually endorsed by ExpoPlatform and the Customer.
### 2. Definitions
Unless otherwise specified below, any terms defined in the Service Level Agreement shall have the meaning as defined in the Purchase Agreement for services performed by ExpoPlatform:
1. **TAS:** Technical Assistance Service.
2. **SLA:** Service Level Agreement.
3. **Business Day (BD):** working hours and working days, except official and bank holidays in the UK
4. **Service Availability Period:** the hours and days when Customer may contact ExpoPlatform and be answered by ExpoPlatform’s support staff under the Service Level Agreement which the Customer has subscribed to.
5. **Response Time:** The duration of time from ExpoPlatform’s receipt of Customer’s query to the first reply (email, or chat) made by ExpoPlatform support staff.
### 3. Responsibilities
There are obligations on both parties, for the effective delivery of the SLA, are summarised below. Whilst ExpoPlatform analyses the performance of its platform to ensure that there are no problems, and proactively tries to address any problems that may arise, the Customer has responsibility for formal notification of problems under the SLA.
1\. **Customer obligation for delivery of SLA.** Customer responsibilities in support of this Agreement are:
1.1. Payment for all support and licensing costs at the agreed intervals
1.2. Clear notification of problem, when a problem is observed, with a clear explanation of the problem, and classification of the problem as according to Section 3 of the SLA using the structure outlined in section 3.4 along with all of the details noted in that section. Submission of the form will commence the Technical Assistance Service.
1.3. Availability of Customer representative(s) within 30 mins when resolving a service related incident or request.
2\. **ExpoPlatform’s obligations for delivery of SLA.** The following services will be provided by ExpoPlatform as part of this SLA Agreement in order to address any Customer issues.
2.1. Monitored ticket issue submissions
2.2. Technical Assistance Service; in order to address customer identified problems
2.3. Platform hosting
2.4. Data backups and disaster recovery
2.5. Changes to any services impacted by any resolution/workaround during any problem will be communicated and documented to the customer prior to implementation
3\. **Service Assumptions.** Assumptions related to in-scope services include appropriate notification to Customer for all scheduled maintenance.
4\. **Email Support.** Please ensure the following structure when submitting an email support request:
a. Email subject: Please ensure the following subject line structure when submitting an email support request: (CLIENT NAME)(Question) or (CLIENT NAME)(Issue).
b. Email body:
i. Your name
ii. Detailed issue or question description:
1\. **Admin Panel URL** – The URL link to your admin panel
2\. **Event Name** – the name of the event that the ticket is for
3\. **Description** – a detailed description of the problem or question. Forwarding an email chain of a conversation with a customer is not sufficient, as it is not always clear what the actual problem is and not all required information may be available in order for us to take action. Please note that we require sufficient information to reproduce the problem in order to action it. If this information is not made available to us we may be unable to help or delays may be experienced.
4\. **Browser/Device/Version** – the browser that is being used (e.g. Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and the version. For mobile devices please include information about the device manufacturer, the operating system (i.e. iOS/Android) and version, and the version of the EP mobile application (if relevant).
5\. **Steps to reproduce** – the steps that can be taken in order to reproduce the problem.
6\. **Screenshots/Videos** – (whenever possible) – screenshots help establish what is going wrong and where and speed up resolution times
7\. **Account details (if available)** – if the issue is related to a specific account (or accounts) we require the details (email, username, or id) of the account. For a visitor type of account this is the email address. For an exhibitor, it’s the username.
iii. Your contact details
### 4. Service Level Management
We are able to guarantee a monthly uptime (percentage of time that the platform is available in a given month) of 99.9% for the platform. The platform currently has monthly availability in excess of 99.95% across all clients.
We are also able to guarantee a response no later than the close of the next business day.
- Any issues should be submitted to
- The mailbox is monitored during Business Days Mon-Fri 9:00 – 18:00 GMT
This Agreement is valid from the Effective Date outlined herein and expires on the day that service provision ceases. This Agreement is to be reviewed once per fiscal year; however, in lieu of a review during any period specified, the current Agreement will remain in effect.
---
### [Sponsorship (Monetization)](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event Sponsorship
## Boost ROI with ExpoPlatform
### Live. Hybrid. 365
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Sponsorship opportunities leads through the website
### Discover the most complete range of sponsorship opportunities
- Sell branding options like an exhibitor profile header and background image, virtual meeting room lobby and many more
- Offer sponsorship of banners and pop-ups throughout the website, mobile and floorplan
- Explore mobile app specials such as a splash screen image with timer and specific banner placements in the exhibitor, product and speaker directories
- Offer a premium real-time statistics dashboard to track impressions and clicks of pop-up, search and video statistics, as well as complete export
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Upsell to exhibitors and sponsors
### Add value and set packages easily with premium features and limits
- Give the exhibitor more presence by enabling specific content for their category with premium showroom profile
- Manage which exhibitors and products appear in priority with search results visibility
- Set networking limits and permissions for each category of exhibitor you create to build packages easily
- Sell premium mobile app features exclusively to bring more ROI to your top exhibitors and sponsors
- Add value with Lead Intelligence, providing +250% more leads compared with traditional lead retrieval
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Revenue Calculator
Check how much revenue your event can generate with ExpoPlatform
[Find out How](#form-section)
## Drive revenue year-round
### With a full-scale Community platform and 365 Marketplace
- Deliver leads for sponsors year-round with 365 Marketplace
- Run virtual hosted buyer meetings to connect buyer/seller groups in different industry niches
- Schedule monthly webinar series for each brand
- Get sponsors for Micro-Community groups around different audience clusters
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
Get started with Smart Events & 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Online Registration](https://expoplatform.com/online-registration/)
**Published:** May 29, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Online Registration
## Hassle-Free & effective registration
### Empower your event with a customisable, secure and intuitive registration platform for maximising attendance
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Customise registration forms with conditional logic
Define various registration flows for different types of visitors using conditional questions in the registration forms for an enhanced experiences.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Craft registration journey with intuitive pipeline
Design your own registration process with a multi-step and customisable pipeline to navigate your visitors.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Launch email chain for successful registrations
Send emails using custom templates when visitors trigger or complete various actions like successful registration, badge print, password set-up and much more.
[Find Out More](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/)
## Design attendee badges for improved engagement
Make your own badge design for visitor, exhibitor, service personnel, etc and setup custom layout for the badge page.
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
Create your fully responsive & SEO friendly website today
Measure the success with real-time data and insights on an intuitive platform. Get a personalized demo of our event app by scheduling a call.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Event Website](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)
**Published:** May 14, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# EVENT WEBSITE
## Craft Interactive Websites for your Event
### Building digital assets just got easier! Create a fully responsive & SEO friendly website in no time.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Generate leads through the website
Easy to set up Data capture and gated downloads with custom form builder.
[Drive More Leads](/request-demo/)
## Customize website templates with drag & drop builder
Tailor a beautiful, responsive and powerful website for your event. Choose from multiple pre-configured templates and customise structure, look, and features.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Engage attendees with interesting social feed and news
With the help of conditional logic, you can customize the type of matchmaking offered to attendees by creating categories and filters.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
## Facilitate lead generation with powerful messaging feature
With messaging functionality, provide lead nurturing capability to your exhibitors, visitors and speakers and spark conversations.
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
Create your fully responsive & SEO friendly event website today
Measure the success with real-time data and insights on an intuitive platform. Get a personalized demo of our event app by scheduling a call.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [365 Marketplaces](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)
**Published:** April 10, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Online B2B Marketplace
## Marketplace
### Our Marketplace module draws more professionals from search engines to your live show and drives engagement year-round by connecting buyers and sellers online.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Self-service supplier dashboard
The supplier dashboard must make it easy for them to upload products, news and marketing content – as well as show all leads and interactions in one place.
ExpoPlatform’s Lead Intelligence brings together all digital touchpoints such as anyone who has viewed a profile, content or clicked a sponsor’s banner.
This significantly increases the volume of leads suppliers receive.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Content and Communities
Content is what keeps your Marketplace alive. Regular articles and on-demand webinars can be used to spur engagement with products and suppliers, identifying problems as well as how to solve them.
Micro Community Groups can be created to allow niche groups to connect, host content, encourage interaction and forge sponsorship opportunities.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Match buyers with relevant sellers using AI
Connect your buyers to suitable exhibitors based on their preferences with utmost accuracy using AI-driven algorithm.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
## Easy onboarding
Give your suppliers tools to easily onboard into the platform, with automated notifications and upsells to encourage richer profiles.
Offer different subscription packages to monetize your suppliers. Once a supplier is in the platform their profile can also be activated at multiple events.
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
Combine your live event with an Online Marketplace
Having an online marketplace as part of your exhibitor packages is a proven way to boost digital revenue by more than 300%.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Sustainability | Our work to offset carbon emissions from events](https://expoplatform.com/sustainable-events/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Sustainable Events
## Smarter, more Sustainable events
### In-person. Virtual. 365
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
### Reduce your event’s carbon footprint & plant trees with our Sustainability programme
## Meetings Make Trees
### Keep events sustainable by negating negative environmental impacts with positive contributions.
- Every meeting made in the App we will plant a tree – co-funded by organiser
- Making carbon offsetting simple and driving engagement
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
We believe in smarter, more sustainable events!
For every demo with us, ExpoPlatform will plant a tree. Book yours now.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Mobile-powered events
### Reduce raw material waste by leveraging your event mobile app.
- Every step of the customer journey can be handled through the user’s mobile device
- Cutting the need for all hardware, lanyards, Lead Retrieval devices, brochures
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
## QR for everything
### Capture leads, book meetings and provide brand information with QR code scanning. Remove paper trails and extra hardware with a more sustainable solution.
- Exhibitors don’t have to bring catalogues or business cards
- Cutting the need for all hardware, lanyards, Lead Retrieval devices, brochures
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
Go green with ExpoPlatform
For every demo with us, ExpoPlatform will plant a tree 🌳. Book yours now.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Smart Event Mobile App](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event Mobile App
## Smart Events Mobile App
### Our mobile app digitally extends the Smart Event experience by helping your audience connect and network, generate leads and share content on the go.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
Instant badge and QR code scanning helped our visitors to seamlessly connect with exhibitors for business.
29,177
scans made
Using our Smart Event Mobile App to connect visitors and exhibitors
## Increase exhibitor leads 300% at live events
Use the app to scan, collect and qualify visitors through notes and contact ratings.
This saved data is constantly synchronised with an omnichannel exhibitor dashboard to offer real-time insights.
[Increase Leads](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)
## Offer access to multiple events with a single download
Have multiple shows under a single portfolio?
Using our container app, you can group all the events under one umbrella rather than having a separate app for each.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
## Floor Plan
Get visitors to their most high-value areas.
Make navigating your event easy with a fully customizable floor plan.
Guide attendees to the most relevant spaces to their needs with important brand information and filtering options.
[Find Out More](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#form-section)
## Customise homepage and theme
Design a custom app homepage with your branding and important messaging.
The homepage can be customised to include all the information your audience needs to get started, such as login details, profile pages, contact information, and links.
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
## Generate digital revenue with monetization options
Utilise various virtual components to monetize your event, including premium exhibitor profiles, mobile banner ads and interactive splash screens.
[Increase ROI](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
## Swipe and match with suitable products using AI
The Product Tinder view serves as an item finder for buyers by matching them with products using an AI-powered matchmaking algorithm.
Users can swipe right or left to favourite or ignore products, read information and browse the product catalogue.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Engage your community with a powerful event app
Start offering a personalised and smarter experience at live events with our mobile app.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Lead retrieval](https://expoplatform.com/lead-retrieval/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event Lead Generation
## Triple Exhibitor Leads at Live Events
Scan contacts, qualify prospects and nurture leads – all within one app.
Lead Retrieval works offline and is available in both iOS and Android versions.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
Instant badge and QR code scanning helped our visitors to seamlessly connect with exhibitors for business.
29,177
scans made
Using our Smart Event Mobile App to connect visitors and exhibitors
## Real-time lead scanning and scoring
No need to keep track of business cards – Scan badges and QR codes to connect your exhibitors with visitors and store real-time data for them.
They can also use ratings and notes to assess and segment leads.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Unlock exhibitor profile, content & products
Lead retrieval is not just limited to contacts. Visitors can also scan QR codes on exhibitors’ online and offline booths to view information such as complete company profiles, shared content or products.
The exhibitor ROI dashboard also reflects these scans from visitors.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
Keep networking even without WiFiLead Retrieval works even if you don’t have access to the internet.
If the venue’s Wifi fails, all data is cached and automatically synced at the next available time.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
## Take action with instant analytics
Don’t wait until after the event to download sheets and find leads.
On the ROI dashboard, you can track leads captured by team members as well as across profiles, sponsorship material, and sessions in real-time.
Upgrade to the smarter way of lead generation
Try our lead retrieval demo and discover how to generate more leads for your exhibitors and sponsors.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [AI-Powered Matchmaking](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
**Published:** April 12, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# AI Matchmaking Platform
## Maximise Networking with AI-driven Matchmaking
### Deliver qualified leads using intelligent “People-to-Resource Mapping” algorithm to increase meaningful business interactions among your attendees.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Connect attendees with Smart recommendations
Our AI powered algorithm recommends relevant products, event related content and connections with options for scheduling appointments and meetings.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Filter and improve recommendations with ranking
Visitors can sort their recommendations ranked according to their preferences.
The algorithm intelligently aligns itself to the decisions taken by the visitors by improving suggestions.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Tweak rules to customise matchmaking
With the help of conditional logic, you can customise the type of matchmaking offered to attendees by creating categories and filters.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
## Reflect on the real-time data to analyse your initiatives
Gather insights from comprehensive data-points like meetings booked, attendee interests, and much more to uncover possibilities and calculate ROI.
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
Maximise Networking with AI-driven Matchmaking
Deliver qualified leads using intelligent “People-to-Resource Mapping” algorithm to increase meaningful business interactions among your attendees.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Email Marketing](https://expoplatform.com/email-marketing/)
**Published:** May 10, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event Email Marketing
## Engage your visitors with Email Marketing
### Craft beautiful emails to facilitate your campaigns and deliver exciting content to your event audience.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Design Emails with a drag and drop builder
Create professional and aesthetic emails containing text, images, videos and other blocks using a drag & drop email builder for the campaigns.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Create and store email templates
Build templates with personalised content like name, title and organisation, and save them for future campaigns.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Deliver automated emails to your audience
Send large quantities of emails and set automation for reminders, invitations, confirmations and much more.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
Harness premium Event Email Marketing tools
Create automated professional emails and deliver exciting content to your event audience
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Conference](https://expoplatform.com/conference/)
**Published:** April 26, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Conference Platform
## AI-powered smart conference platform
### Boost ROI for your sponsors and deliver a seamless journey for participants with this conference platform
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
Trusted by the leading сonference organizers
## A comprehensive solution for large congresses, conferences and conventions
### A wide range of tools for a pain-free experience in one conference platform.
- Fully customizable solution answering the needs of your event
- No limits – any number of visitors and sponsors
- A white-label solution with your branding
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Boost engagement and get more from your event
### Engage your visitors from the registration to onsite networking.
- Re-engage inactive attendees with targeted campaigns
- Boost the level of meeting acceptance with notifications of views, meeting invites, messages, favoriting
- Engage your audience via chat and Q&A at pre-event sessions
- Update registrants on the interaction statistics of active users, listing benefits they are getting and encouraging to start networking
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
TM Forum
The robust scalable capabilities of our platform assisted the event organizers to run the virtual experience smoothly over the entire six-week period with thousands of attendees logging in from around the world to attend hundreds of online sessions and access endless hours of live and on-demand content.
[Read more](/case-studies/digital-transformation-world-series-2020)
## Plan your visit easily
### Use the conference platform to improve the planning process of visiting your event.
- AI recommendations help you recommend: people, products, sponsors and sessions to build high-value connections ahead of the event
- Mark relevant people, sessions and content as favorite to send messages, schedule meetings and add to calendar easily
- Have all you need: meetings and sessions booked in one calendar with the event and your timezones to make it clear
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
## Smart event mobile app
### Help your audience connect and network, generate leads and share content on the go.
- Use the app to scan, collect and qualify visitors through notes and contact ratings
- Offer access to multiple events with a single download with one container App
- Customize the App homepage and theme
- Match buyers and exhibitors as well as products and content with AI-powered matchmaking algorithm
[Start Now](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Drive ROI
### Discover a wide range of sponsorship options.
- Sell branding options like banners, profile’s customization, mobile app specials and many more
- Offer a premium real-time statistics dashboard to track impressions and clicks of sponsorship options
- Add value and set sponsorship packages easily with premium features and limits
- Offer a premium statistics dashboard to track impressions and clicks of sponsorship options in real time
[Increase ROI](https://expoplatform.com/sponsorship-monetization/)
## Revenue Calculator
Check how much revenue your event can generate with ExpoPlatform
[Find out How](#form-section)
## Guide visitors with Interactive Floor Plan
### Build a customizable floor plan layout and make navigation easy.
- Let Exhibitors customize their stands on the map with brief information, custom branding and links to the company profiles
- Drive interactions between the floor plan mini-profiles and the visitors with elements like meet, message and favorite
- Allow Visitors to sort the venue spaces based on multiple filters and categories
- Offer easy Navigation with “Get Direction” – search via Stand Name or Exhibitor Name and get the route
[Learn More](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)
Your smart exhibition starts here
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Smart Event](https://expoplatform.com/smart-event/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event Management Platform
## Deliver ROI-driven and engaging Smart Events
### Get more from your in-person events with a fully customizable modular solution
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Deliver a seamless live event across one platform
### Make getting the most value from your event simple with a seamless, streamlined platform.
- Use native online registration and onsite kiosks for full registration service
- Onboard and monetize your exhibitors easier using the Exhibitor Manual solution
- Build tech-fueled meeting schedules for your buyers and sellers with a Hosted Buyer Programme
- Guide visitors with a fully customizable Interactive Floor Plan
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## All-in-one app for better onsite experiences
### Everything you need to power a successful live event contained in one app.
- More than triple exhibitor leads at live events by scanning, collecting and qualifying visitors through notes and contact ratings
- Offer access to multiple events with a single download grouping all the events under one umbrella
- Generate digital revenue with monetization options including premium exhibitor profiles, mobile banner ads and interactive splash screens
[Discover Here](https://expoplatform.com/mobile-app/)
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Personalized journeys & better connections with AI-powered matchmaking
### Utilize the best in AI recommendations for a highly-curated and value-driven event.
- Create high-quality connections with smart recommendations
- Get your schedule ready prior the event
- Reflect on the real-time data to analyze your initiatives
[Find Out More](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
Deliver better In-Person Events experience
Get more from your In-person events with fully customizable modular solution.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Hybrid event options](https://expoplatform.com/virtual-event/)
**Published:** May 31, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Hybrid Event Platform
## Go hybrid with engaging online options
### Expand on your live event experience
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
## Fully responsive & SEO friendly website in no time
### Keep your audience engaged with an easy-to-build website packed with your top content.
- Customize website templates with drag & drop builder
- Easy to set up data capture and gated downloads with custom form builder
- Engage attendees with interesting social feed and news
[Discover More](https://expoplatform.com/event-website/)
## Full-scale 365 Marketplace
### Deliver a place to do business year-round for your event community.
- Connect your buyers and exhibitors with utmost accuracy using AI-driven algorithm
- Onboard your suppliers easily with automated notifications and upsells to encourage richer profiles
- Offer different subscription packages to monetize exhibitors and sponsors
[Learn More Here](https://expoplatform.com/marketplace/)
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Online sessions for engaging and interactive programmes
### Can’t make it in person? Online options make sure no one misses out unnecessarily.
- Host live-streams, broadcasts and breakout sessions
- Customize and use sponsorship opportunities to generate more revenue
- Extend the event experience with on-demand content
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
## Seamlessly connect your buyers and sellers
- Create high-value connections with AI-powered matchmaking.
- Interact with messages, favorites and meetings – getting real-time leads and statistics to track your performance.
- Use interactive and customized native online meetings system, adding content and products for full-scale discussions.
[Find Out More](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
Deliver engaging & interactive hybrid events
All you need for your hybrid event and 365 experience.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Use Cases](https://expoplatform.com/use-cases/)
**Published:** May 31, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Customer Stories
Find out how we partner with the world’s leading events to boost engagement and return on investment with Smart Events and 365 Communities.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/boe-international-2026/)
[ boe international 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/boe-international-2026/)
Find out how intelligent speed networking delivered more pre-show engagement and measurable results.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/boe-international-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/92nd-ufi-global-congress/)
[ 92nd UFI Global Congress ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/92nd-ufi-global-congress/)
The 92nd UFI Global Congress saw the right connections made faster through intelligent speed networking.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/92nd-ufi-global-congress/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2025/)
[ IMEX America 2025 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2025/)
Learn how a three-year tech partnership delivered new levels of experience for buyers and exhibitors.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2025/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meetings-show-2025/)
[ The Meetings Show 2025 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meetings-show-2025/)
The Meetings Show 2025 hit 120% of its meeting target with ExpoPlatform technology helping to drive engagement.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meetings-show-2025/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2025/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2025 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2025/)
One of the most digitally advanced experiences in the global meetings and events industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2025/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/security-policing-2025/)
[ Security & Policing 2025 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/security-policing-2025/)
Find out how ExpoPlatform tech powered a high-security exhibition.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/security-policing-2025/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/cosmoprof-bologna-2025/)
[ Cosmoprof Bologna 2025 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/cosmoprof-bologna-2025/)
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna utilised the My Match platform - powered by ExpoPlatform - to deliver advanced matchmaking and more.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/cosmoprof-bologna-2025/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/?post_type=case-studies&p=27420)
[ UFI European and Americas Conferences 2024 ](https://expoplatform.com/?post_type=case-studies&p=27420)
Read how ExpoPlatform's AI-powered Speed Networking turbocharged matchmaking at UFI Conferences.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/?post_type=case-studies&p=27420)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2024/)
[ IMEX America 2024 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2024/)
Read about IMEX America 2024's groundbreaking success with ExpoPlatform's event solutions.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2024/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/ufi-european-and-americas-conferences-2024/)
[ UFI European and Americas Conferences 2024 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/ufi-european-and-americas-conferences-2024/)
Read how ExpoPlatform's AI-powered Speed Networking turbocharged matchmaking at UFI Conferences.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/ufi-european-and-americas-conferences-2024/)
Load More
Get started with Smart Events & 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Integration](https://expoplatform.com/integration/)
**Published:** May 27, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Connect tools easily with ExpoPlatform
Here are the most popular solutions we’re integrated with. [Book a demo](/request-demo) to learn more about ExpoPlatform and how to integrate the tools you use with us.
[Identity Management System](#identity-management-system)[Registration](#registration-integration)[Interactive Floor Plan](#interactive-floor-plan)[Exhibitor Management & Exhibitor Services](#exhibitor-management-exhibitor-services)[Payments](#payments-integration)[Marketing](#marketing-integration)[Analytics & Insight](#analytics-insight)[Conference Management](#conference-management)
## Identity Management System
Direct integration
Direct integration
## Registration
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
## Interactive Floor Plan
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
Direct integration
## Exhibitor Management & Exhibitor Services
Direct integration
Direct integration
## Payments
Direct integration
Direct integration
## Marketing
Direct integration
## Analytics & Insight
Direct integration
Direct integration
## Conference Management
Direct integration
Direct integration
---
### [Terms & Conditions - EP Lite](https://expoplatform.com/terms-conditions-ep-lite/)
**Published:** October 10, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Terms & Conditions – EP Lite
Last updated: 5 October 2023
### Table of contents
1. Customer Support (EP Lite)
2. Security and GDPR
3. Insurance
4. Terms and Conditions
1. Background
2. Agreed Terms
1. Definitions
2. Licence Acceptance
3. Licence
4. External Interfaces
5. Services
6. Finance and revenue
7. Organiser Account
8. Intellectual Proprietary Rights
9. Restrictions
10. Confidentiality and Publicity
11. Data Protection
12. Warranties
13. Term and Termination
14. Limitation of Liability
15. General
16. ExpoPlatform Code of Conduct Statement
5. Appendix I. ExpoPlatform Data Protection Addendum
1. Personal data/Processor
2. Platform Usage data
3. European union standart contractual clauses for restricted data transfers
1. Section I
2. Section II
3. Section III
4. Section IV
### 1. Customer Support (EP Lite)
The overall project phases are shown below. We will provide you with a suggested project timeline, as well as a step-by-step set up guide outlining all of the key configuration steps and instructions for completing the associated tasks.
You will also be provided with a set of recorded training videos and be provided with access to a monitored mailbox where you can submit questions and report any issues.
The site will be shutdown 2 weeks post-contract date and all integrations will be disabled unless other arrangements are made unless other arrangements are made in advance and the mobile app will be removed from app stores 3 months post-event unless other arrangements are made in advance.
### 2. Security and GDPR
ExpoPlatform fully complies with GDPR regulations and is sufficiently flexible to allow the organiser to handle the GDPR requirements correctly for their specific event needs.
Users are able to opt out of networking during sign-up, and at any point later from within their profile. These consents (consent and withdrawal of consent) are recorded explicitly with a date/time stamp. An organiser is able to extract all data relating to a user or data subject by downloading a report from the entire instance of a user’s profile. This includes: visitor profile; threads and messages they started, commented on or are mentioned in; recorded exhibitor interactions the user may have had. Profiles can also be permanently deleted along with the user’s personal details.
In keeping up with the latest security standards, our platform uses SSL encryption whenever possible, and supports the custom installation of SSL certificates for client domains. We use a combination of open-source and proprietary technologies hosted on one of the most secure operating systems in the world – Linux. Our servers are provisioned by Amazon Web Services with a proven track record and a guarantee of 99.99% uptime on instances.
We have also undergone extensive penetration tests with clients such as Accenture and CNH Industrial, and adhere to the most stringent corporate security criteria. We constantly review our security policy and measures that are in place, and release security patches for our system as needed without disruption to our clients and their events.
### 3. Insurance
We current have the following levels of insurance cover:
PolicyCoverInsurerProfessional Indemnity£1,000,000HIPR3047362XBEmployer’s liability cover£10,000,000HIPR3047362XBPublic liability cover£1,000,000HIPR3047362XBCyberinsurance£3,000,000PL-PSC10002385364/02
### 4. Terms and Conditions
##### 4.1. Background
The **Parties** hereby agree that the Provider shall supply the Organiser with website hosting and related services on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
The Provider shall license use of the Platform and Documents to you on the basis of this Licence. The Provider shall not sell the Platform or Documents to you. At all times, the Provider remains the owner of the Platform and Documents.
You are licensed to use the Platform only if you accept all of the terms and conditions set out below.
##### 4.2. AGREED TERMS
##### 4.2.1. Definitions
The following definitions apply in this Agreement:
- **Account:** means the account with the Organiser;
- **Applicable law:** means applicable laws, statutes, directives, regulations or any other legislation, codes of practice or regulatory rules in force during the term of this agreement in England and Wales, or in any other applicable legal jurisdiction;
- **Confidential Information:** any and all information, whether technical or commercial (including all specifications, drawings and designs within the exhibition web platform) disclosed in writing, on disc, orally or by inspection of documents or during the course of the performance of this Agreement between the Parties, where the information is:
(a) identified as confidential at the time of disclosure; or
(b) proprietary in nature or is, or ought reasonably to be considered confidential given the nature of the information or the circumstances of disclosure.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Platform content, the Platform software and Documentation which exist prior to the Effective Date shall be deemed to be Confidential Information belonging to the Provider.
- **Customer Data:** the data inputted by the Permitted Users, or the Organiser on the Permitted User’s behalf for the purpose of using the Platform or facilitating the Permitted User’s use of the Platform.
- **Data Protection Legislation:** unless and until the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (GDPR) is no longer directly applicable in the UK, the GDPR and any national implementing laws, regulations and secondary legislation, as amended or updated from time to time, in the UK; and then any successor legislation to the GDPR or the Data Protection Act 2018.
- **Delegate:** any person that participates in an Event and is thereby a customer of the Organiser and a visitor to the Platform.
- **Documentation:** any written, explanatory materials provided to the Organiser by the Provider in connection with this Agreement and relating to the operation or use of the Platform software, and any copies thereof, including, but not limited to all documentation available at:
- **Effective Date:** Date contract was signed. Please refer to the order form.
- **Events:** All events organised by Organiser for which the Platform is or will be deployed.
- **Exhibitor:** Any company that participates in an Event as a sponsor or an exhibitor, and is thereby a client of the Organiser and an exhibitor on the Platform.
- **Intellectual Property Rights:** patents, utility models, rights to inventions, copyright and neighbouring and related rights, moral rights, trademarks and service marks, business names and domain names, rights in get-up and trade dress, goodwill and the right to sue for passing off or unfair competition, rights in designs, rights in computer software, database rights, rights to use, and protect the confidentiality of, confidential information (including know-how and trade secrets) and all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications and rights to apply for and be granted, renewals or extensions of, and rights to claim priority from, such rights and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection which subsist or will subsist now or in the future in any part of the world.
- **Materials:** the content provided to the Provider by the Organiser from time to time for incorporation in the Platform.
- **Platform Specification:** the specification for the Platform referred to in clause 2.
- **Project:** means all processes involved in the completion of the Platform.
- **Project Plan:** the timetable for setting up the Platform and performing the Services.
- **Permitted User:** the Organiser’s employees, agents and independent contractors, Delegates or Exhibitors who are authorised by the Organiser to use the Platform and the Documentation.
- **Platform:** the website and/or networking platform provided to the Organiser by the Provider for use on relevant Events. The platform is to be hosted by the Provider pursuant to this Agreement including the web portal and any mobile applications deployed by the Provider for the Organiser.
- **Registration:** any person that registers for an Event and is thereby a client of the Organiser and a visitor to the Platform.
- **Services:** the hosting and related services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement as described in clause 5.
- **Scope of Services:** hosting and related services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement as described in the BUDGET & SCOPE section of the proposal which defines the **Initial Order** order, and the services described in any supplementary order forms which defines **Additional Orders** (see Appendix II for template).
##### 4.2.2. Licence Acceptance
By signing this Agreement, you indicate your acceptance of this Licence Agreement and the limited warranty and limitation of liability set out in herein. Such acceptance is either on your own behalf or on behalf of any corporate entity which employs you or which you represent (a “Corporate Licensee”). In this Licence Agreement, “you” includes both the reader and any Corporate Licensee.
##### 4.2.3. Licence
4.2.3.1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Provider hereby grants the Organiser a non-exclusive, limited, non-sub-licensable, non-transferable and revocable license, to:
4.2.3.1.1. remotely access (i.e. on a SaaS basis) the Platform and use it for internal business purposes, using your own network and systems; and
4.2.3.1.2. use the Documentation for your internal business purposes.
4.2.3.2. The Organiser may only use the Platform in accordance with the Documentation, subject to the use limitations indicated in this Agreement and in accordance with Applicable Laws. Nothing herein shall prevent, nor be deemed as preventing the Organiser from negotiating and/or entering into agreements with third parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
##### 4.2.4. External Interfaces
4.2.4.1. The Organiser acknowledges that in order to utilise the Platform according to the Organiser’s requirements, the Platform will interface with external programs which are not distributed by the Provider as part of the licence (“External Programs”).
4.2.4.2. The Organiser hereby represents and warrants that it has obtained all the required rights and authorisations from the owners and/or licensors of the External Programs to interface the Platform with the External Programs and that such interface does not constitute an infringement of any right of a third party. The Organiser hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Provider from all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from claims or allegations related to or in connection with use of the External Programs including but not limited to the Organiser’s failure to comply with the aforesaid requirements.
4.2.4.3. The Organiser acknowledges that its use of the Platform will be web-based and only (except for cases where specific mobile applications are provided by Provider) for all Permitted Users, using the Organiser’s hardware, software and communication systems.
##### 4.2.5. Services
The Provider shall provide the Services, as set out in the Initial Order and any Additional Orders, by deploying, hosting, and providing to the Organiser technical support as is reasonably required by the Organiser for the Platform.
##### 4.2.6. Finance and revenue
4.2.6.1. In consideration of payment by the Organiser of the agreed licence fee and the Organiser agreeing to abide by the terms of this Licence Agreement, the Provider hereby grants to the Organiser a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence as set out in clause 3 to use the Platform and the Documentation.
4.2.6.2. The Organiser agrees that any additional work performed by the Provider upon the Organiser’s written request shall be mutually agreed in writing and billed for separately.
4.2.6.3. All invoices shall be due within 14 days of issue. All late payments shall incur daily interest at 8% above the base rate of the Bank of England. The Provider reserves the right to suspend provision of services when any invoices are overdue by more than 30 calendar days until such invoices are paid in full or in the event of non-payment termination under clause 13.2. The Organiser shall pay the interest together with the overdue amount. The Parties agree that the right to claim interest under this clause is a substantial remedy for late payment and is not in substitution for any statutory right to claim interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
##### 4.2.7. Organiser Account
4.2.7.1. The Platform may only be used through the account. The Account may only be accessed by the Organiser’s Permitted Users, who are explicitly authorised by the Organiser to use the Platform.
4.2.7.2. The Organiser will ensure that the Permitted Users keep the account login details secure at all times and comply with the terms of this Agreement. The Organiser shall remain at all times fully responsible for any breach of this Agreement by a Permitted User. Any unauthorised access or use of the account or the Platform must be immediately reported to the Provider.
##### 4.2.8. Intellectual Proprietary Rights
4.2.8.1. Any and all right, title and interest in and to the Platform, and the Documentation, including any modifications to the Platform that are developed by or for the Provider and all associated Intellectual Property Rights, are and shall at all times remain the sole and exclusive property of the Provider. The Organiser is granted no title or ownership rights in or to the Platform.
4.2.8.2. The Programs contain trade secrets of the Provider, including but not limited to the structure, organisation, design engineering details, the source code of the Platform and other data pertaining to the Platform and proprietary information owned by the Provider and is protected, inter alia, by copyright laws and international trade provisions.
4.2.8.3. The Organiser will take no action which adversely affects the Provider’s Intellectual Property Rights in the Platform and the Organiser must treat the Platform like any other copyrighted material and the Organiser may not copy or distribute the Platform software or the Documentation electronically or otherwise, for any purpose.
4.2.8.4. The Organiser shall promptly notify the Provider in writing of any infringement or other violation of the Provider’s Intellectual Property Rights to which it becomes aware.
##### 4.2.9. Restrictions
4.2.9.1. Except as expressly set out in this Agreement or as permitted by any local law, the Organiser undertakes as follows:
(a) not to copy the Platform or Documentation except where such copying is incidental to normal use of the Platform, or where it is necessary for the purpose of back-up or operational security;
(b) not to rent, lease, sub-license, loan, translate, merge, adapt, vary or modify the Platform or Documentation;
(c) not to make alterations to, or modifications of, the whole or any part of the Platform, nor permit the Platform or any part of it to be combined with, or become incorporated in, any other programs;
(d) not to disassemble, decompile, reverse-engineer or create derivative works based on the whole or any part of the Platform nor attempt to do any such thing except to the extent that (by virtue of section 296A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988) such actions cannot be prohibited because they are essential for the purpose of achieving inter-operability of the Platform with another software program, and provided that the information obtained by the Organiser during such activities:
(i) is used only for the purpose of achieving inter-operability of the Platform with another software program; and
(ii) is not unnecessarily disclosed or communicated without our prior written consent to any third party; and
(iii) is not used to create any software which is substantially similar to the Platform;
(e) to keep all copies of the Platform secure and to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the number and locations of all copies of the Platform;
(f) to supervise and control use of the Platform and ensure that the Platform is used by your employees and representatives in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
##### 4.2.10. Confidentiality and Publicity
4.2.10.1. The Parties agree to keep confidential the existence and contents of this Agreement, the Confidential Information as well as any information of whatever nature concerning the business, finances, assets, liabilities, dealings, transactions, know-how, customers, suppliers, processes or affairs of the other Party and the Parties agree not to disclose or otherwise make available the same to a third party without the prior written consent of the other Party.
4.2.10.2. The obligations of confidentiality in clause 10 shall continue in force for a period of three (3) years from the Effective Date and shall not be affected by the expiry of termination of this Agreement.
4.2.10.3. The obligations set out in clause 10 shall not apply to Confidential Information or any other information that the receiving Party can demonstrate:
- is or has become publicly known other than through breach of clause 10; or
- was in the possession of the receiving Party prior to disclosure by the other Party; or
- was received by the receiving Party from an independent third party who has full right of disclosure; or
- was required to be disclosed by a governmental authority, provided that the Party subject to such requirement to disclose gives the other prompt written notice of the requirement.
4.2.10.4. All media releases, public announcements and public disclosures by the Parties relating to this Agreement or its subject matter, including promotional or marketing material, shall be coordinated between them and mutually approved in writing prior to release.
##### 4.2.11. Data Protection
4.2.11.1. Under the Data Protection Legislation, the Provider is required to provide the Organiser with certain information about who the Provider is, how personal data is processed of those individuals who use the Platform and the Documentation and for what purposes and those individuals’ rights in relation to their personal data and how to exercise them. This information is provided in and it is important that the Organiser reads that information.
4.2.11.2. Both parties will comply with all applicable requirements of the Data Protection Legislation. This clause 11.2 is in addition to, and does not relieve, remove or replace, a party’s obligations under the Data Protection Legislation. In addition, both parties subscribe to the Data Processing Agreement Addendum as described in Appendix I.
4.2.11.3. The Provider warrants that to the extent it processes any Personal Data on behalf of the Organiser:
- it shall only process such Personal Data for the purposes of fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement; and
- it has in place appropriate technical and organisational security measures against unauthorised or unlawful processing of Personal Data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, Personal Data.
4.2.11.4. Without prejudice to the generality of clause 11.2, the Organiser will ensure that it has all necessary appropriate consents and notices in place to enable lawful transfer of the personal data to the Provider for the duration and purposes of this agreement so that the Provider may lawfully use, process and transfer the personal data in accordance with this agreement on the Organiser’s behalf.
4.2.11.5. The Organiser consents to the Provider appointing the current third-party processors of Personal Data under this agreement listed at [https://expoplatform.com/privacy-policy/](https://expoplatform.com/privacy-policy) and any other additional third-party processors appointed by the Provider from time to time, provided that the Provider will give to the Organiser a prior written 60 days’ notice to advise of any such additional third-party processors and the Organiser does not object to the appointment of any such additional third-party processors during the 60 days’ notice period.The Provider confirms that it has entered or (as the case may be) will enter with each of the third-party processors into a written agreement substantially on that third party’s standard terms of business incorporating terms which are substantially similar to those set out in this clause 11. As between the Provider and the Organiser, the Provider shall remain fully liable for all acts or omissions of any third-party processor appointed by it pursuant to this clause 11.
4.2.11.6. The Organiser and the Permitted Users shall own all right, title and interest in and to all of the Customer Data and shall have sole responsibility for the legality, reliability, integrity, accuracy and quality of all such Customer Data.
4.2.11.7. The Organiser agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified the Provider and defend it at the Organiser’s own expense against all costs, claims, damages or expenses incurred by the Supplier or for which the Provider may become liable due to any failure by the Organiser or its employees or agents to comply with any of the Organiser’s obligations under this clause 11.
##### 4.2.12. Warranties
4.2.12.1. Each of the Parties warrants to the other that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.2.12.2. The Provider shall perform the Services with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with generally recognised commercial practices and standards.
4.2.12.3. The Provider warrants that the operation of the Platform will be uninterrupted and free of errors and material defects under normal use, and that the Platform will perform substantially in accordance with the Platform Specification for the duration of this Agreement. The Warranty Period applies for the duration of this Agreement.
4.2.12.4. If, within the Warranty Period, the Organiser notifies the Provider in writing of any defect or fault in the Platform as a result of which it fails to perform substantially in accordance with the Documentation, the Provider will, at its sole option, either repair or replace the Platform, provided that the Organiser shall make available all the information that may be necessary to help the Provider remedy the defect or fault, including providing sufficient information to enable the Provider to recreate the defect or fault.
4.2.12.5. The Warranty in clause 12.3 shall not apply if the defect or fault in the Platform results from you having altered or modified the Platform or if the defect or fault in the Platform results from you having used the Platform in any way that results in a breach of the terms of this Agreement.
##### 4.2.13. Term and Termination
4.2.13.1. The Agreement shall automatically renew for successive terms of the same duration as the initial term (each, a “Renewal Term”) unless:
4.2.13.1.1. either party notifies the other party of termination, in writing, at least 3 months’ notice before the end of the Initial Term or any Renewal Period, in which case this agreement shall terminate upon the expiry of the applicable Initial Term or Renewal Period; or
4.2.13.1.2. otherwise terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Initial Term together with any subsequent Renewal Periods shall constitute the Term.
4.2.13.2. Without affecting any other right or remedy available to it, either Party may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by giving written notice to the other Party if:
- the other party fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement on the due date for payment and remains in default not less than 15 days after being notified in writing to make such payment;
- the other Party commits a material breach of any terms of this Agreement which breach is irremediable or (if such breach is remediable) fails to cure that breach within a period of 14 days after being notified in writing to do so;
- the other party repeatedly breaches any of the terms of this Agreement in such a manner as to reasonably justify the opinion that its conduct is inconsistent with it having the intention or ability to give effect to the terms of this Agreement;
- the other party suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of its debts or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits inability to pay its debts or is deemed unable to pay its debts; or
- in the event of fraud, wilful misconduct or gross negligence of the other Party.
4.2.13.3. On expiry or termination of this Agreement:
- all licences granted by the Provider under this Agreement shall terminate immediately;
- the Organiser shall immediately cease all activities authorised by this Agreement;
- the Organiser must immediately and permanently delete or remove the Platform software from all computer equipment in your possession, and immediately destroy or return to us (at our option) all copies of the Platform and Documentation then in the Organiser’s possession, custody or control and, in the case of destruction, certify to us that you have done so;
- the Provider shall provide all such assistance as is requested by the Organiser to transfer the hosting of the Platform to the Organiser or another service provider, subject to payment of the Provider’s expenses reasonably incurred; and
- any provision of this Agreement that expressly or by implication is intended to come into or continue in force on or after termination or expiry of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
4.2.13.4. Termination or expiry of this Agreement shall not affect any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities of the Parties that have accrued up to the date of termination or expiry, including the right to claim damages in respect of any breach of the Agreement which existed at or before the date of termination or expiry.
##### 4.2.14. Limitation of Liability
4.2.14.1. The Organiser acknowledges that the Platform has not been developed to meet any specific requirements, including any particular cybersecurity requirements that might exist under law or otherwise. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Organiser to ensure that the facilities and functions of the Platform as described in the Documentation meet the requirements of the Organiser, Exhibitor or Delegate.
4.2.14.2. The Platform and Documentation is for internal business use only, and the Organiser agrees not to use the Platform or the Documentation for any re-sale purpose.
4.2.14.3. The Provider shall not in any circumstances whatever be liable to the Organiser, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Agreement for:
(a) loss of profits, sales, business, or revenue;
(b) business interruption;
(c) loss of anticipated savings;
(d) loss or corruption of data or information;
(e) loss of business opportunity, goodwill or reputation; where any of the losses set out in [Clause 14.3(a)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q_onyYQZE3f_eujTAe_ehhjz_JZzZ_9LPv-nJ7ZVF0g/edit) to [Clause 14.3(e)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q_onyYQZE3f_eujTAe_ehhjz_JZzZ_9LPv-nJ7ZVF0g/edit#bookmark=id.lnxbz9) are direct or indirect; or
(f) any special, indirect or consequential loss, damage, charges or expenses.
4.2.14.4. Other than the losses set out in clause 14.3 (for which the Provider is not liable), the Provider’s maximum aggregate liability under or in connection with this Agreement whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, shall in all circumstances be limited to a sum equal to 100% of the Licence Fee. This clause shall not apply to clause 14.5.
4.2.14.5. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or exclude any liability for:
(a) death or personal injury resulting from the Provider’s negligence;
(b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
(c) any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by English law.
##### 4.2.15. General
4.2.15.1. This Agreement is made exclusively for the benefit of the Parties to it and does not confer any rights on any third party other than the Delegates in respect of the data protection provisions set forth in clause 11 pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
4.2.15.2. No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing signed by and on behalf of both of the Parties. The expression “variation” as used in the preceding sentence includes, but is not limited to supplement, deletion or replacement, however effected. Variation of this Agreement cannot be effected via email.
4.2.15.3. The Provider may engage third party consultants or subcontractors at its own cost, including but not limited to companies with which the Provider may have an alliance, to perform the services under this Agreement in whole or in part on behalf of the Provider but shall remain fully responsible for the provision of all its services as set out in this Agreement.
4.2.15.4. This Agreement is entered into in the English language. Should there be any discrepancy between this Agreement and any translation of it into any language other than English, the original English text shall prevail.
4.2.15.5. This Agreement and any document expressly referred to in it constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes and extinguishes all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between the Parties, whether written or oral, relating to its subject matter. The Organiser agrees that it shall have no remedies in respect of any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not set out in this Agreement or any document expressly referred to in it. The Organiser agrees that it shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation or negligent misstatement based on any statement in this Agreement or any document expressly referred to in it.
4.2.15.6. If the Provider fails to insist that the Organiser performs any of the Organiser’s obligations under this Agreement, or if the Provider does not enforce its rights against the Organiser, or if the Provider delays in doing so, that will not mean that the Provider has waived its rights against the Organiser and will not mean that the Organiser does not have to comply with those obligations. If the Provider does waive a default by the Organiser, it will only do so in writing signed by the Provider, and that will not mean that the Provider will automatically waive any later default by the Organiser.
4.2.15.7. Each of the conditions of this Agreement operates separately. If any court or competent authority decides that any of them are unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining conditions will remain in full force and effect.
4.2.15.8. The Organiser may not assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Provider.
4.2.15.9. This Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to create any relationship, partnership, joint venture, employer-employee, agency, or franchisor-franchisee relationship between the Parties.
4.2.15.10. The Provider will not be liable for any delay or failure to provide the Services resulting from circumstances or causes beyond the reasonable control of the Provider.
4.2.15.11. This Agreement may be executed in electronic counterparts, each of which counterpart, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same agreement.
4.2.15.12. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the LCIA Rules, which Rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this clause. The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be London. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English. The governing law of the contract is the substantive law of England. The Parties both irrevocably agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
##### 4.2.16. ExpoPlatform Code of Conduct Statement
4.2.16.1. The ExpoPlatform team is central to its mission of helping organizers reinvent their business, transform their events into smart events and enhance customer value through year-round communities.
We expect our team to act professionally and courteously in their dealings with all clients and we expect that all of our team will be treated professionally and courteously in return.
This Client Code of Conduct (“the Code”) is fundamental to furthering ExpoPlatform’s mission and its successful collaboration with clients and applies to all ExpoPlatform clients and their representatives.
As an ExpoPlatform client, you are expected to conduct yourself and your business ethically and with integrity. You are also expected to act professionally and courteously in your dealings with all ExpoPlatform employees.
If you are reviewing the Code on behalf of a company or other entity, you represent and warrant that you have authority to bind that company or other entity to the Code and by agreeing to the Code, you are doing so on behalf of that company or entity (and in such event all references to “you” in the Code refer to both you and that company or entity).
##### 4.2.16.2. Purpose
The purpose of the Code is to provide guidance to our clients so that they understand ExpoPlatform’s expectations regarding a client’s behavior when dealing with ExpoPlatform personnel and our expectations that each of our clients use only ethical business practices and are fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
##### 4.2.16.3. Guidance for Clients
In order to be in alignment with ExpoPlatform’s core values, clients must:
- Act professionally and courteously at all times to all ExpoPlatform personnel
- Respect ExpoPlatform employees’ non-working hours and previously scheduled meetings
- Not attempt to intimidate or harass, sexually or otherwise, any ExpoPlatform employee
- Not use profane, hostile or aggressive language with ExpoPlatform employees
- Not engage in conduct which is fraudulent, corrupt, deceptive, misleading or harmful to the public or to the events industry
- Not engage in any conduct which is in violation of applicable anti-bribery/anti-corruption laws and regulations, trade controls (import/export) regulations, economic sanctions or other applicable sanctions regulations
##### 4.2.16.4. Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with the Client Code of Conduct may result in ExpoPlatform refusing to engage in any further dealings with the client, whether on the current project or on future projects.
##### 4.2.16.5. Acknowledgment
I understand that my compliance and my company’s compliance with the Code is a condition of ExpoPlatform providing services to me and/or my company.
I understand that ExpoPlatform expects the highest degree of professional ethics and integrity from its clients and I agree to treat all ExpoPlatform employees with dignity, professionalism and respect.
I acknowledge that the Code does not identify every possible action that may violate the Code and that ExpoPlatform reserves the right to refuse to provide any future services for conduct which it deems in violation of the Code.
I have carefully read and I understand the Code. I support these professional standards for ExpoPlatform and for myself and for my company, and will act in accordance with them and ensure that others in my company do as well.
### 5. Appendix I. ExpoPlatform Data Protection Addendum
##### 5.1. PERSONAL DATA / PROCESSOR
**I.** The purpose of these clauses is to define the conditions under which **the processor Expoplatform (“Processor” or “Service Provider”)** undertakes to carry out the personal data processing operations defined below on behalf of the Organiser, **the data controller**.
As part of their contractual relationship, the parties undertake to comply with the regulations in effect applicable to personal data processing and in particular, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 applicable from 25 May 2018 (hereinafter the “General Data Protection Regulation” or “GDPR”).
Under the terms of this rider, the following terms are defined as follows:
- “data controller”: the natural person or legal entity, public authority, service or other organisation which, solely or jointly with others, determines the purposes and methods of processing; where said processes and methods are determined by European Union law or the law of a Member State, the controller may be appointed or the specific criteria applicable to their appointment may be provided for by European Union law or the law of a Member State.
- “processor”: the natural person or legal entity, department or other organisation that processes personal data on behalf of the data controller.
**II.Description of the processing carried out by processors**
The processor is authorised to process personal data on behalf of the data controller that are necessary to provide the services described in the Budget & Scope section of the proposal document as well as any supplementary order forms (see template in Appendix II).
The details of the processing carried out by processors are as follows:
Nature of the operations carried out on the data (e.g. data storage)Please refer to the scope of services in the proposal and contract documentPurpose(s) of processingRegistration and/or participation in an event.Categories of personal data processedFirst name, last name, email, and other data as required by the data controllerCategories of persons concernedDelegatesPeriod of data retention or criterion justifying the retention of data (separate from the term of the contract)3 years
This rider is valid as a written instruction for the processing of data by the processor.
**III. Processor’s obligations in respect of the data controller**
The processor undertakes to:
**1. process the data solely for the purpose(s) of delivering the service**
**2. process the data in accordance with the data controller’s documented instructions.** If the processor considers that an instruction constitutes an infringement of the General Data Protection Regulation or any other provision of European Union law or the law of Member States on data protection, the data processor shall apply best effort to inform the data controller of this. The responsibility for ensuring compliance with such regulations rests with the data controller.
**3. unless otherwise specifically and expressly authorised by the data controller, process data exclusively within the territory of an EEA Member State.** The processor undertakes not to disclose, make accessible or transfer any of the data controller’s data, to any processing organisation or processor based in a country located outside the EEA, except with the data controller’s prior written consent.
In the event of a transfer outside the EEA, authorised by the data controller, said transfer may only take place within the strict limits necessary for the performance of the services, and provided said transfer is towards a State whose legislation in respect of personal data protection has been recognised by the European Commission as offering an equivalent level of protection, or is governed by standard contractual clauses issued by the European Commission or is carried out on the basis of any other alternative arrangements recognised by the General Data Protection Regulation, subject to data controller’s prior agreement to said arrangements in writing.
**4. put in place processes and practices that maintain the confidentiality of the personal data processed under this contract**
**5. ensure that those authorised to treat personal data according to this contract:**
- undertake to respect confidentiality or are subject to an appropriate statutory confidentiality obligation
- receive the necessary training in respect of personal data protection
**6.take account of data protection principles and data protection by default from the design stage onward of tools, products, applications and services**
**IV. Data subjects’ right to information**
It is the data controller’s responsibility to provide information relating to the data processing carried out by it to the data subjects concerned by the processing operations at the time the data are collected. The Service Provider shall provide all reasonable assistance and tools to ensure that such information can be easily accessed.
**V. Exercise of individual rights**
So far as possible, the processor shall assist the data controller in fulfilling its obligation to respond to requests to exercise their rights by data subjects, including rights of access, correction, deletion and opposition, right to restriction of processing, right to data portability and right not to be the subject to an automated individual decision (including profiling).
**VI. Notification of breaches of personal data**
The processor shall notify the data controller of any personal data breach within a maximum of 24 hours after becoming aware of it, by e-mail to the data protection officer. Said notification must be accompanied by any documentation that may be useful in enabling the data controller to inform the relevant regulatory authority of the breach, if applicable.
The processor shall, throughout the period of the Contract, set up and maintain a process and procedures to manage security incidents (including, in particular, breaches of personal data) and ensure continuity of service in accordance with industry standards. Requests from the data controller relating to security shall be treated diligently by the processor.
In the event of a presumed or proven security incident or breach of personal data in the Service Provider’s system, the processor shall advise the data controller immediately and at the latest, within 24 hours following the occurrence of the security incident or breach of personal data.
Immediately after said notification, the Parties will coordinate their actions in order to investigate the security incident concerned. The processor undertakes to cooperate fully with the data controller, at its own expense, to help it to manage the situation, including but not limited to:
(i) helping it with any investigation;
(ii) providing the data controller or an independent third party appointed by the data controller with physical access to the facilities and operations concerned;
(iii) organising interviews with the employees of the data controller and all other appropriate individuals; and
(iv) providing all registers, logs, files, data communications and other relevant documents necessary for compliance with laws, regulations and industry standards or as required by the data controller.
The processor will also provide all reasonable assistance to the data controller in the case of a notification in respect of any action the latter may be obliged or may choose to take in respect of a personal data breach. The processor undertakes not to inform third parties, including the persons concerned, of any breach of personal data without having obtained the prior consent of the data controller in writing, except in the cases provided for in the General Data Protection Regulation or other applicable laws.
The processor shall take the appropriate measures, at its own expense, to mitigate the consequences of any security incident and remedy it, and shall make all the amendments it judges necessary in order to avoid any re-occurrence of an incident of this kind. The processor shall assist the data controller, at its own expense, with restoring the data controller’s data in the event of a data loss caused by any failure to fulfil its regulations in respect of the Contract.
The processor shall cooperate and provide the data controller with the necessary assistance in respect of any complaint formulated by a data subject or any investigation or request issued by a regulatory authority with regard to the General Data Protection Regulation or any other applicable regulation.
The processor shall maintain a record of security incidents and make this available to the data controller, including but not limited to breaches of personal data, and shall document all relevant information concerning the circumstances of said incidents and breaches, the harm caused and corrective measures taken to mitigate their effects, as well as the actions and measures taken to avoid any repetition of such incidents or breaches.
**VII. Assistance from the processor in relation to the data controller’s fulfillment of its obligations**
The processor shall cooperate with the data controller and use its best endeavours to help the data controller prove that it is compliant with all its legislative and regulatory obligations, notably in respect of the General Data Protection Regulation.
**VIII. Retention of data**
Once the provision of services relating to the processing of these data is complete, the processor undertakes to:
- Destroy all personal data or
- At any time, at the data controller’s written request and at the latest, within 15 calendar days of the end of the Contract, the processor undertakes to return the data controller’s personal data, in a legible or interoperable form agreed between the Parties and to destroy all copies (paper or electronic) of the data controller’s personal data that it may hold.
This clause will remain in effect after the expiry or termination of the Contract for any reason whatsoever. This clause is subject to applicable data retention laws and obligations of the data processor.
**IX. Register of categories of processing activities**
The processor declares that it holds a written record of all categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of the data controller including:
(a) the name and contact details of the data controller on behalf of whom it is acting, any processors and, if applicable, the data protection officer;
(b) the categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of the data controller;
(c) if applicable, any transfers of personal data to a third country or international organisation, including the identification of said third country or international organisation and, in the case of transfers referred to in clause 49, paragraph 1, second subparagraph of the General Data Protection Regulation, documents attesting to the existence of appropriate guarantees;
(d) as far as possible, a general description of technical and organisational security measures, including but not limited, as required, to:
- pseudonymisation and encryption of personal data;
- means of guaranteeing the constant confidentiality, integrity, availability and resilience of processing systems and services;
- means of re-establishing the availability of personal data and access thereto in an appropriate time frame in the event of a physical or technical incident;
- a procedure for regularly testing, analysing and evaluating the effectiveness of technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of processing.
**X. Data controller’s obligations in respect of the processor**
The data controller undertakes, throughout the term of the contract, to:
1. 1. provide the processor with the data referred to in clause II;
2. 2. document in writing any additional instructions regarding the processing of data by the processor;
3. 3. ensure, prior to and during the period of processing, compliance with the obligations set out in the General Data Protection Regulation by the controller
##### 5.2. PLATFORM USAGE DATA
Anonymous data regarding clicks and behaviour of users, and is anonymised for the sole purpose of making improvements to the platform itself.
The full usage data can be exported by Organisers as required.
##### 5.3. EUROPEAN UNION STANDARD CONTRACTUAL CLAUSES FOR RESTRICTED DATA TRANSFERS
##### 5.3.1. SECTION I
Clause 1. **Purpose and scope**
(a) The purpose of these standard contractual clauses is to ensure compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) for the transfer of personal data to a third country.
(b) The Parties:
(i) the natural or legal person(s), public authority/ies, agency/ies or other body/ies (hereinafter “entity/ies”) transferring the personal data, as listed in Annex I.A. (hereinafter each “data exporter”), and
(ii) the entity/ies in a third country receiving the personal data from the data exporter, directly or indirectly via another entity also Party to these Clauses, as listed in Annex I.A. (hereinafter each “data importer”)
have agreed to these standard contractual clauses (hereinafter: “Clauses”).
(c) These Clauses apply with respect to the transfer of personal data as specified in Annex I.B.
(d) The Appendix to these Clauses containing the Annexes referred to therein forms an integral part of these Clauses.
Clause 2. **Effect and invariability of the Clauses**
(a) These Clauses set out appropriate safeguards, including enforceable data subject rights and effective legal remedies, pursuant to Article 46(1) and Article 46 (2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and, with respect to data transfers from controllers to processors and/or processors to processors, standard contractual clauses pursuant to Article 28(7) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, provided they are not modified, except to select the appropriate Module(s) or to add or update information in the Appendix. This does not prevent the Parties from including the standard contractual clauses laid down in these Clauses in a wider contract and/or to add other clauses or additional safeguards, provided that they do not contradict, directly or indirectly, these Clauses or prejudice the fundamental rights or freedoms of data subjects.
(b) These Clauses are without prejudice to obligations to which the data exporter is subject by virtue of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 3. **Third-party beneficiaries**
(a) Data subjects may invoke and enforce these Clauses, as third-party beneficiaries, against the data exporter and/or data importer, with the following exceptions:
(i) Clause 1, Clause 2, Clause 3, Clause 6, Clause 7;
(ii) Clause 8 – Module One: Clause 8.5 (e) and Clause 8.9(b); Module Two: Clause 8.1(b), 8.9(a), (c), (d) and (e); Module Three: Clause 8.1(a), (c) and (d) and Clause 8.9(a), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g); Module Four: Clause 8.1 (b) and Clause 8.3(b);
(iii) Clause 9 – Module Two: Clause 9(a), (c), (d) and (e); Module Three: Clause 9(a), (c), (d) and (e);
(iv) Clause 12 – Module One: Clause 12(a) and (d); Modules Two and Three: Clause 12(a), (d) and (f);
(v) Clause 13;
(vi) Clause 15.1(c), (d) and (e);
(vii) Clause 16(e);
(viii) Clause 18 – Modules One, Two and Three: Clause 18(a) and (b); Module Four: Clause 18.
(b) Paragraph (a) is without prejudice to rights of data subjects under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 4. **Interpretation**
(a) Where these Clauses use terms that are defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/679, those terms shall have the same meaning as in that Regulation.
(b) These Clauses shall be read and interpreted in the light of the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(c) These Clauses shall not be interpreted in a way that conflicts with rights and obligations provided for in Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 5. **Hierarchy**
In the event of a contradiction between these Clauses and the provisions of related agreements between the Parties, existing at the time these Clauses are agreed or entered into thereafter, these Clauses shall prevail.
Clause 6. **Description of the transfer(s)**
The details of the transfer(s), and in particular the categories of personal data that are transferred and the purpose(s) for which they are transferred, are specified in Annex I.B.
Clause 7 – Optional. **Docking clause**
(a) An entity that is not a Party to these Clauses may, with the agreement of the Parties, accede to these Clauses at any time, either as a data exporter or as a data importer, by completing the Appendix and signing Annex I.A.
(b) Once it has completed the Appendix and signed Annex I.A, the acceding entity shall become a Party to these Clauses and have the rights and obligations of a data exporter or data importer in accordance with its designation in Annex I.A.
(c) The acceding entity shall have no rights or obligations arising under these Clauses from the period prior to becoming a Party.
##### 5.3.2. SECTION II – OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
Clause 8. **Data protection safeguards**
The data exporter warrants that it has used reasonable efforts to determine that the data importer is able, through the implementation of appropriate technical and organisational measures, to satisfy its obligations under these Clauses.
**8.1 Instructions**
(a) The data exporter has informed the data importer that it acts as processor under the instructions of its controller(s), which the data exporter shall make available to the data importer prior to processing.
(b) The data importer shall process the personal data only on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, and any additional documented instructions from the data exporter. Such additional instructions shall not conflict with the instructions from the controller. The controller or data exporter may give further documented instructions regarding the data processing throughout the duration of the contract.
(c) The data importer shall immediately inform the data exporter if it is unable to follow those instructions. Where the data importer is unable to follow the instructions from the controller, the data exporter shall immediately notify the controller.
(d) The data exporter warrants that it has imposed the same data protection obligations on the data importer as set out in the contract or other legal act under Union or Member State law between the controller and the data exporter.
**8.2 Purpose limitation**
The data importer shall process the personal data only for the specific purpose(s) of the transfer, as set out in Annex I.B., unless on further instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, or from the data exporter.
**8.3 Transparency**
On request, the data exporter shall make a copy of these Clauses, including the Appendix as completed by the Parties, available to the data subject free of charge. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data exporter may redact part of the text of the Appendix prior to sharing a copy, but shall provide a meaningful summary where the data subject would otherwise not be able to understand its content or exercise his/her rights. On request, the Parties shall provide the data subject with the reasons for the redactions, to the extent possible without revealing the redacted information.
**8.4 Accuracy**
If the data importer becomes aware that the personal data it has received is inaccurate, or has become outdated, it shall inform the data exporter without undue delay. In this case, the data importer shall cooperate with the data exporter to rectify or erase the data.
**8.5 Duration of processing and erasure or return of data**
Processing by the data importer shall only take place for the duration specified in Annex I.B. After the end of the provision of the processing services, the data importer shall, at the choice of the data exporter, delete all personal data processed on behalf of the controller and certify to the data exporter that it has done so, or return to the data exporter all personal data processed on its behalf and delete existing copies. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit return or deletion of the personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process it to the extent and for as long as required under that local law. This is without prejudice to Clause 14, in particular the requirement for the data importer under Clause 14(e) to notify the data exporter throughout the duration of the contract if it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under Clause 14(a).
**8.6 Security of processing**
(a) The data importer and, during transmission, also the data exporter shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of the data, including protection against a breach of security leading to accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure or access to that data (hereinafter “personal data breach”). In assessing the appropriate level of security, they shall take due account of the state of the art, the costs of implementation, the nature, scope, context and purpose(s) of processing and the risks involved in the processing for the data subject. The Parties shall in particular consider having recourse to encryption or pseudonymisation, including during transmission, where the purpose of processing can be fulfilled in that manner. In case of pseudonymisation, the additional information for attributing the personal data to a specific data subject shall, where possible, remain under the exclusive control of the data exporter or the controller. In complying with its obligations under this paragraph, the data importer shall at least implement the technical and organisational measures specified in Annex II. The data importer shall carry out regular checks to ensure that these measures continue to provide an appropriate level of security.
(b) The data importer shall grant access to the data to members of its personnel only to the extent strictly necessary for the implementation, management and monitoring of the contract. It shall ensure that persons authorised to process the personal data have committed themselves to confidentiality or are under an appropriate statutory obligation of confidentiality.
(c) In the event of a personal data breach concerning personal data processed by the data importer under these Clauses, the data importer shall take appropriate measures to address the breach, including measures to mitigate its adverse effects. The data importer shall also notify, without undue delay, the data exporter and, where appropriate and feasible, the controller after having become aware of the breach. Such notification shall contain the details of a contact point where more information can be obtained, a description of the nature of the breach (including, where possible, categories and approximate number of data subjects and personal data records concerned), its likely consequences and the measures taken or proposed to address the data breach, including measures to mitigate its possible adverse effects. Where, and in so far as, it is not possible to provide all information at the same time, the initial notification shall contain the information then available and further information shall, as it becomes available, subsequently be provided without undue delay.
(d) The data importer shall cooperate with and assist the data exporter to enable the data exporter to comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679, in particular to notify its controller so that the latter may in turn notify the competent supervisory authority and the affected data subjects, taking into account the nature of processing and the information available to the data importer.
**8.7 Sensitive data**
Where the transfer involves personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, genetic data, or biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or a person’s sex life or sexual orientation, or data relating to criminal convictions and offences (hereinafter “sensitive data”), the data importer shall apply the specific restrictions and/or additional safeguards set out in Annex I.B.
**8.8 Onward transfers**
The data importer shall only disclose the personal data to a third party on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter. In addition, the data may only be disclosed to a third party located outside the European Union (in the same country as the data importer or in another third country, hereinafter “onward transfer”) if the third party is or agrees to be bound by these Clauses, under the appropriate Module, or if:
(i) the onward transfer is to a country benefitting from an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the onward transfer;
(ii) the third party otherwise ensures appropriate safeguards pursuant to Articles 46 or 47 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
Any onward transfer is subject to compliance by the data importer with all the other safeguards under these Clauses, in particular purpose limitation.
**8.9 Documentation and compliance**
The data importer shall only disclose the personal data to a third party on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter. In addition, the data may only be disclosed to a third party located outside the European Union (in the same country as the data importer or in another third country, hereinafter “onward transfer”) if the third party is or agrees to be bound by these Clauses, under the appropriate Module, or if:
(i) the onward transfer is to a country benefitting from an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the onward transfer;
(ii) the third party otherwise ensures appropriate safeguards pursuant to Articles 46 or 47 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
Any onward transfer is subject to compliance by the data importer with all the other safeguards under these Clauses, in particular purpose limitation.
**8.10 Documentation and compliance**
(a) The data importer shall promptly and adequately deal with enquiries from the data exporter or the controller that relate to the processing under these Clauses.
(b) The Parties shall be able to demonstrate compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer shall keep appropriate documentation on the processing activities carried out on behalf of the controller.
(c) The data importer shall make all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the obligations set out in these Clauses available to the data exporter, which shall provide it to the controller.
(d) The data importer shall allow for and contribute to audits by the data exporter of the processing activities covered by these Clauses, at reasonable intervals or if there are indications of non-compliance. The same shall apply where the data exporter requests an audit on instructions of the controller. In deciding on an audit, the data exporter may take into account relevant certifications held by the data importer.
(e) Where the audit is carried out on the instructions of the controller, the data exporter shall make the results available to the controller.
(f) The data exporter may choose to conduct the audit by itself or mandate an independent auditor. Audits may include inspections at the premises or physical facilities of the data importer and shall, where appropriate, be carried out with reasonable notice.
(g) The Parties shall make the information referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c), including the results of any audits, available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
Clause 9. **Use of sub-processors**
(a) The data importer has the controller’s general authorisation for the engagement of sub-processor(s) from an agreed list. The data importer shall specifically inform the controller in writing of any intended changes to that list through the addition or replacement of sub-processors at least \[Specify time period\] in advance, thereby giving the controller sufficient time to be able to object to such changes prior to the engagement of the sub-processor(s). The data importer shall provide the controller with the information necessary to enable the controller to exercise its right to object. The data importer shall inform the data exporter of the engagement of the sub-processor(s).
(b) Where the data importer engages a sub-processor to carry out specific processing activities (on behalf of the controller), it shall do so by way of a written contract that provides for, in substance, the same data protection obligations as those binding the data importer under these Clauses, including in terms of third-party beneficiary rights for data subjects. The Parties agree that, by complying with this Clause, the data importer fulfils its obligations under Clause 8.8. The data importer shall ensure that the sub-processor complies with the obligations to which the data importer is subject pursuant to these Clauses.
(c) The data importer shall provide, at the data exporter’s or controller’s request, a copy of such a sub-processor agreement and any subsequent amendments. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data importer may redact the text of the agreement prior to sharing a copy.
(d) The data importer shall remain fully responsible to the data exporter for the performance of the sub-processor’s obligations under its contract with the data importer. The data importer shall notify the data exporter of any failure by the sub-processor to fulfill its obligations under that contract.
(e) The data importer shall agree a third-party beneficiary clause with the sub-processor whereby – in the event the data importer has factually disappeared, ceased to exist in law or has become insolvent – the data exporter shall have the right to terminate the sub-processor contract and to instruct the sub-processor to erase or return the personal data.
Clause 10. **Data subject rights**
(a) The data importer shall promptly notify the data exporter and, where appropriate, the controller of any request it has received from a data subject, without responding to that request unless it has been authorised to do so by the controller.
(b) The data importer shall assist, where appropriate in cooperation with the data exporter, the controller in fulfilling its obligations to respond to data subjects’ requests for the exercise of their rights under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 or Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as applicable. In this regard, the Parties shall set out in Annex II the appropriate technical and organisational measures, taking into account the nature of the processing, by which the assistance shall be provided, as well as the scope and the extent of the assistance required.
(c) In fulfilling its obligations under paragraphs (a) and (b), the data importer shall comply with the instructions from the controller, as communicated by the data exporter.
Clause 11. **Redress**
(a) The data importer shall inform data subjects in a transparent and easily accessible format, through individual notice or on its website, of a contact point authorised to handle complaints. It shall deal promptly with any complaints it receives from a data subject.
(b) In case of a dispute between a data subject and one of the Parties as regards compliance with these Clauses, that Party shall use its best efforts to resolve the issue amicably in a timely fashion. The Parties shall keep each other informed about such disputes and, where appropriate, cooperate in resolving them.
(c) Where the data subject invokes a third-party beneficiary right pursuant to Clause 3, the data importer shall accept the decision of the data subject to:
(i) lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority in the Member State of his/her habitual residence or place of work, or the competent supervisory authority pursuant to Clause 13;
(ii) refer the dispute to the competent courts within the meaning of Clause 18.
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
(d) The Parties accept that the data subject may be represented by a not-for-profit body, organisation or association under the conditions set out in Article 80(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(e) The data importer shall abide by a decision that is binding under the applicable EU or Member State law.
(f) The data importer agrees that the choice made by the data subject will not prejudice his/her substantive and procedural rights to seek remedies in accordance with applicable laws.
Clause 12. **Liability**
(a) Each Party shall be liable to the other Party/ies for any damages it causes the other Party/ies by any breach of these Clauses.
(b) Each Party shall be liable to the data subject, and the data subject shall be entitled to receive compensation, for any material or non-material damages that the Party causes the data subject by breaching the third-party beneficiary rights under these Clauses. This is without prejudice to the liability of the data exporter under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(c) Where more than one Party is responsible for any damage caused to the data subject as a result of a breach of these Clauses, all responsible Parties shall be jointly and severally liable and the data subject is entitled to bring an action in court against any of these Parties.
(d) The Parties agree that if one Party is held liable under paragraph (c), it shall be entitled to claim back from the other Party/ies that part of the compensation corresponding to its / their responsibility for the damage.
(e) The data importer may not invoke the conduct of a processor or sub-processor to avoid its own liability.
Clause 13. **Supervision**
(a) The supervisory authority with responsibility for ensuring compliance by the data exporter with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 as regards the data transfer, as indicated in Annex I.C, shall act as competent supervisory authority.
(b) The data importer agrees to submit itself to the jurisdiction of and cooperate with the competent supervisory authority in any procedures aimed at ensuring compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer agrees to respond to enquiries, submit to audits and comply with the measures adopted by the supervisory authority, including remedial and compensatory measures. It shall provide the supervisory authority with written confirmation that the necessary actions have been taken.
##### 5.3.3. SECTION III – LOCAL LAWS AND OBLIGATIONS IN CASE OF ACCESS BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
Clause 14. **Local laws and practices affecting compliance with the Clauses**
(a) The Parties warrant that they have no reason to believe that the laws and practices in the third country of destination applicable to the processing of the personal data by the data importer, including any requirements to disclose personal data or measures authorising access by public authorities, prevent the data importer from fulfilling its obligations under these Clauses. This is based on the understanding that laws and practices that respect the essence of the fundamental rights and freedoms and do not exceed what is necessary and proportionate in a democratic society to safeguard one of the objectives listed in Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, are not in contradiction with these Clauses.
(b) The Parties declare that in providing the warranty in paragraph (a), they have taken due account in particular of the following elements:
(i) the specific circumstances of the transfer, including the length of the processing chain, the number of actors involved and the transmission channels used; intended onward transfers; the type of recipient; the purpose of processing; the categories and format of the transferred personal data; the economic sector in which the transfer occurs; the storage location of the data transferred;
(ii) the laws and practices of the third country of destination– including those requiring the disclosure of data to public authorities or authorising access by such authorities – relevant in light of the specific circumstances of the transfer, and the applicable limitations and safeguards;
(iii) any relevant contractual, technical or organisational safeguards put in place to supplement the safeguards under these Clauses, including measures applied during transmission and to the processing of the personal data in the country of destination.
(с) The data importer warrants that, in carrying out the assessment under paragraph (b), it has made its best efforts to provide the data exporter with relevant information and agrees that it will continue to cooperate with the data exporter in ensuring compliance with these Clauses.
(d) The Parties agree to document the assessment under paragraph (b) and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
(e) The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter promptly if, after having agreed to these Clauses and for the duration of the contract, it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under paragraph (a), including following a change in the laws of the third country or a measure (such as a disclosure request) indicating an application of such laws in practice that is not in line with the requirements in paragraph (a). The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
(f) Following a notification pursuant to paragraph (e), or if the data exporter otherwise has reason to believe that the data importer can no longer fulfil its obligations under these Clauses, the data exporter shall promptly identify appropriate measures (e.g. technical or organisational measures to ensure security and confidentiality) to be adopted by the data exporter and/or data importer to address the situation, if appropriate in consultation with the controller. The data exporter shall suspend the data transfer if it considers that no appropriate safeguards for such transfer can be ensured, or if instructed by the controller or the competent supervisory authority to do so. In this case, the data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses. If the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise. Where the contract is terminated pursuant to this Clause, Clause 16(d) and (e) shall apply.
not in line with the requirements in paragraph (a). The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
Clause 15. **Obligations of the data importer in case of access by public authorities**
**15.1 Notification**
(a) The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter and, where possible, the data subject promptly (if necessary with the help of the data exporter) if it:
(i) receives a legally binding request from a public authority, including judicial authorities, under the laws of the country of destination for the disclosure of personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses; such notification shall include information about the personal data requested, the requesting authority, the legal basis for the request and the response provided; or
(ii) becomes aware of any direct access by public authorities to personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses in accordance with the laws of the country of destination; such notification shall include all information available to the importer.
(iii) The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
(b) If the data importer is prohibited from notifying the data exporter and/or the data subject under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to use its best efforts to obtain a waiver of the prohibition, with a view to communicating as much information as possible, as soon as possible. The data importer agrees to document its best efforts in order to be able to demonstrate them on request of the data exporter.
(c) Where permissible under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to provide the data exporter, at regular intervals for the duration of the contract, with as much relevant information as possible on the requests received (in particular, number of requests, type of data requested, requesting authority/ies, whether requests have been challenged and the outcome of such challenges, etc.). The data exporter shall forward the information to the controller.
(d) The data importer agrees to preserve the information pursuant to paragraphs (a) to (c) for the duration of the contract and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
(e) Paragraphs (a) to (c) are without prejudice to the obligation of the data importer pursuant to Clause 14(e) and Clause 16 to inform the data exporter promptly where it is unable to comply with these Clauses.
**15.2 Review of legality and data minimisation**
(a) The data importer agrees to review the legality of the request for disclosure, in particular whether it remains within the powers granted to the requesting public authority, and to challenge the request if, after careful assessment, it concludes that there are reasonable grounds to consider that the request is unlawful under the laws of the country of destination, applicable obligations under international law and principles of international comity. The data importer shall, under the same conditions, pursue possibilities of appeal. When challenging a request, the data importer shall seek interim measures with a view to suspending the effects of the request until the competent judicial authority has decided on its merits. It shall not disclose the personal data requested until required to do so under the applicable procedural rules. These requirements are without prejudice to the obligations of the data importer under Clause 14(e).
(b) The data importer agrees to document its legal assessment and any challenge to the request for disclosure and, to the extent permissible under the laws of the country of destination, make the documentation available to the data exporter. It shall also make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request. The data exporter shall make the assessment available to the controller.
(c) The data importer agrees to provide the minimum amount of information permissible when responding to a request for disclosure, based on a reasonable interpretation of the request.
##### 5.3.4. SECTION IV – FINAL PROVISIONS
Clause 16. **Non-compliance with the Clauses and termination**
(a) The data importer shall promptly inform the data exporter if it is unable to comply with these Clauses, for whatever reason.
(b) In the event that the data importer is in breach of these Clauses or unable to comply with these Clauses, the data exporter shall suspend the transfer of personal data to the data importer until compliance is again ensured or the contract is terminated. This is without prejudice to Clause 14(f).
(c) The data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses, where:
(i) the data exporter has suspended the transfer of personal data to the data importer pursuant to paragraph (b) and compliance with these Clauses is not restored within a reasonable time and in any event within one month of suspension;
(ii) the data importer is in substantial or persistent breach of these Clauses; or
(iii) the data importer fails to comply with a binding decision of a competent court or supervisory authority regarding its obligations under these Clauses.
In these cases, it shall inform the competent supervisory authority and the controller of such non-compliance. Where the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise.
(d) Personal data that has been transferred prior to the termination of the contract pursuant to paragraph (c) shall at the choice of the data exporter immediately be returned to the data exporter or deleted in its entirety. The same shall apply to any copies of the data. The data importer shall certify the deletion of the data to the data exporter. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit the return or deletion of the transferred personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process the data to the extent and for as long as required under that local law.
(e) Either Party may revoke its agreement to be bound by these Clauses where (i) the European Commission adopts a decision pursuant to Article 45(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the transfer of personal data to which these Clauses apply; or (ii) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 becomes part of the legal framework of the country to which the personal data is transferred. This is without prejudice to other obligations applying to the processing in question under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 17. **Governing law**
These Clauses shall be governed by the law of the EU Member State in which the data exporter is established. Where such law does not allow for third-party beneficiary rights, they shall be governed by the law of another EU Member State that does allow for third-party beneficiary rights. The Parties agree that this shall be the law of Finland.
Clause 18. **Choice of forum and jurisdiction**
(a) Any dispute arising from these Clauses shall be resolved by the courts of an EU Member State.
(b) The Parties agree that those shall be the courts of Finland.
(c) A data subject may also bring legal proceedings against the data exporter and/or data importer before the courts of the Member State in which he/she has his/her habitual residence.
(d) The Parties agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of such courts.
---
### [ExpoPlatform Privacy Policy](https://expoplatform.com/privacy-policy/)
**Published:** March 4, 2021
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# ExpoPlatform Privacy Policy
ExpoPlatform is an AI-powered smart event platform for live, virtual and hybrid events and 365 Communities. We are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy.
### Table of contents
1. Data Policy for Organisers of events and communities with ExpoPlatform
2. Data Policy for users of ExpoPlatform.com website
3. Information we may collect from you
4. Uses made of the information
5. Our Legal basis for Processing Your Data
6. Disclosure of your information
7. How long will we retain your data?
8. Security
9. Automated Profiling
10. Marketing
11. Websites of others
12. Disabling your ExpoPlatform account
13. Transfers of data outside europe
14. Your Rights
15. Changes to the privacy policy
16. Contact
17. Mobile App Legal Disclaimer
### 1. Data Policy for Organisers of events and communities with ExpoPlatform
ExpoPlatform was founded by event professionals, for event professionals. We believe in **Organiser controlled data** *not* Vendor controlled data.
This means that the Organiser is the sole controller of the customer user data (including visitor and exhibitor user data) and any intellectual property (such as content or products) shared on the platform. Read our [Data Manifesto](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/) for more on this.
We give organisers full access to all types of data collected on our systems, making it easy to bring this into client’s database with APIs and data exports.
The types of data our policy applies to includes:
Type of data**How we treat it**Customer User dataThe Organiser is the sole controller of all identifiable user data, including name, email address, demographic data. ExpoPlatform has no control of this data, and cannot use it for any marketing purposes outside the wishes of the Organiser.
The Organiser can export all this data and remove it from our platform as they wish.
Content and intellectual propertyThe Organiser is the sole controller of all content shared within the platform, including presentations, news, on-demand content, exhibitor products and press releases. ExpoPlatform has no control of content, and cannot use it in any purposes without express permission by the Organiser.Platform Usage dataExpoPlatform and the Organiser are the co-controllers of the usage data generated by the platform. This is anonymous data regarding clicks and behaviour of users, and is anonymised for the sole purpose of making improvements to the platform itself.
The full usage data can be exported by Organisers as required.
When we run events with an Organiser we will typically use their own **Data Protection Agreement (DPA)** and **Privacy Policy**, rather than our own (detailed below)
### 2. Data Policy for users of [ExpoPlatform.com](/) website
This policy (together with our terms of use available) applies to your use of: “ExpoPlatform.com” website and for those organisers who do not have their own privacy policy, can also cover our web and mobile application software, or any event-branded version of ExpoPlatform’s web platform or mobile application once you have downloaded ExpoPlatform’s mobile application onto your mobile phone or handheld device (Device); and Any of the services accessible through ExpoPlatform (Services).
This policy sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you or others provide to us, will be processed by us. Please read the following carefully to understand our views and practices regarding your personal data and how we will treat it. In particular, note that we will use your data to propose you as a match to other ExpoPlatform users. This is based on the content of social media platforms hosting accounts you notify us of, and information provided to us by the organiser of an event for which you have registered and we have produced a branded version of ExpoPlatform (“Organiser”).
For the purpose of data protection legislation:
- the data controller of usage data is ExpoPlatform Ltd whose registered office is 28 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AZ.
- The data controller of personally identifiable information is the Organiser who has deployed our platform and is identified in the privacy policy linked to or available in each instance of our web and mobile applications.
### 3. Information we may collect from you
We may collect and process the following data about you: - Information you give us (Submitted information): You may give us information about you by completing your profile or filling in forms on ExpoPlatform, or by corresponding with us (for example, by e-mail or chat). This includes information you provide when you register to use ExpoPlatform, subscribe to any of our Services, search for another user, ‘handshake’ with another user, share data via ExpoPlatform’s social media functions, enter a competition, promotion or survey, and when you report a problem with ExpoPlatform. The information you give us may include your name, address, e-mail address and phone number, access to your LinkedIn, FaceBook or other social media account, the Device’s phone number, your age, username, password and other registration information, personal description and photograph. It will also include the details of any event for which you have registered with an Organiser.
- Information we collect about you and your Device. Each time you use ExpoPlatform we may automatically collect the following information:
1. Technical information, including the type of mobile device you use (model, manufacture and library version), a unique device identifier (for example, your Device’s IMEI number, the MAC address of the Device’s wireless network interface), mobile network information, your mobile operating system, the type of mobile browser you use, time zone setting, (Device Information);
2. Information contained in your LinkedIn, FaceBook account (if you permit us to access them) or other account we ask your permission to access (Social Information);
3. Details of your use of ExpoPlatform and the resources and features that you access, the users you are matched with (Log Information).
4. Information we receive from Organisers. We work with Organisers and may receive information about you from them, in relation to an event you have registered to attend. This information comprises the registration details you provided to the Organiser – for example, your name, email address, street address and demographic data. (Organiser Information).
If you contact us, we may keep a record of that correspondence.
### 4. Uses made of the information
We use information held about you in the following ways: - Submitted Information: We will use this to help us provide you with ExpoPlatform’s various features and personalise your experience; we will also use it to display your profile to other users, and propose you as a potential matches for other users. We also anonymise and aggregate the information such that it can no longer identify you as an individual. We do this for various purposes including research and improving our Services.
- Device information: We use this to better understand who uses ExpoPlatform and quickly understand if bugs are related to specific phones.
- Social Information: We use this to build your profile and to help us decide which other users are good potential matches for you, and whether you are a good potential match for other users. We also anonymise and aggregate the information such that it can no longer identify you as an individual. We do this for various purposes including research and improving our Services.
- Log information: we use this to optimize and further develop ExpoPlatform for the benefit of us and all our users. We also anonymise and aggregate the information such that it can no longer identify you as an individual. We do this for various purposes including research and improving our Services.
- Organiser Information: we use this to personalise your ExpoPlatform experience in relation to the event you are attending, and to decide which other users to propose a match with. We may use an email address we receive from an Organiser for the purposes of sending you service messages regarding how to access and use ExpoPlatform. We also anonymise and aggregate the information such that it can no longer identify you as an individual. We do this for various purposes including research and improving our Services.
We may associate any category of information with any other category of information and will treat the combined information as personal data in accordance with this policy for as long as it is combined.
If we have your consent, we may also use your personal data to provide you with marketing messages about other products and services we provide which may be of interest to you.
Also, we may provide various third parties (including Organisers) with anonymous aggregate information about our users (for example, we may inform them that 200 delegates of a specific category have participated in at least one meeting during the event). This data will not identify you as an individual.
### 5. Our Legal basis for Processing Your Data
The legal grounds for processing your personal data are as follows: - It is necessary for the performance of a contract to which you are a party, or to take steps prior to entering into a contract with you. Our Terms of Use sets out the basis of your use of the Services and the rules for using them.
- It is necessary for the purposes of our legitimate interests, except where our interests are overridden by the interests, rights or freedoms of affected individuals (such as you). To determine this, we shall consider a number of factors, such as what your expectations are about the processing of the data, the nature of the data, and the impact of the processing on you.
- In some cases, your consent (such as where we seek your consent to send you details of our products and services by email).
- It may be necessary for us to undertake processing in order to comply with mandatory legal obligations to which we are subject under EU or UK law.
### 6. Disclosure of your information
We may disclose some or all of the data we collect from you when you download or use ExpoPlatform’s services and applications to the following third parties: - Organiser Information – Organisers will receive activation data in respect of your email address – that is, whether or not you have successfully downloaded and registered on ExpoPlatform.
- Social Information – Other users of ExpoPlatform.
We may disclose your personal information to any member of our group, which means our subsidiaries, our ultimate holding company and its subsidiaries, as defined in section 1159 of the Companies Act 2006.
We may disclose your personal information to third parties:
- In the event that we sell or buy any business or assets, in which case we may disclose your personal data to the prospective seller or buyer of such business or assets.
- If ExpoPlatform or substantially all of its assets are acquired by a third party, in which case personal data held by it about its customers will be one of the transferred assets.
- If we are under a duty to disclose or share your personal data in order to comply with any legal or regulatory obligation or request.
In order to:
- enforce or apply our Terms of Use and other agreements or to investigate potential breaches; or
- protect the rights, property or safety of ExpoPlatform, our customers, or others. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organisations for the purposes of fraud protection and credit risk reduction.
### 7. How long will we retain your data?
We will not retain your personal data for longer than is necessary in relation to the purposes for which the data was collected or otherwise processed. The criteria we use for determining this period data will be any legal or regulatory requirements, statutory retention periods or guidance provided by regulatory bodies such as the Information Commissioners Office. For example, we delete any personally identifying Log Data when you disable your ExpoPlatform account, or 2 years after your last use of ExpoPlatform. We use this 2 year period because in our experience users may wish to retain an active ExpoPlatform registration to access information derived from the Services when they repeat attend the same event in another year. Some events are held on a biennial basis (every 2 years).
### 8. Security
We take security seriously and we use best industry practices to protect your data. Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. Although we will do our best to protect your personal data, we cannot guarantee the security of your data transmitted to or through ExpoPlatform or the Services; any transmission is at your own risk. Once we have received your information, we will use strict procedures and security features to try to prevent unauthorised access.
ExpoPlatform includes chat features. Ensure when using these features that you do not submit any personal data that you do not want to be seen, collected or used by other users.
### 9. Automated Profiling
To assist us in providing an effective networking service, in addition to the data that you provide to us if you register, we may also obtain data from your usage of ExpoPlatform to help us understand what you might be interested in, or who you might be interested in connecting with. This ‘profiling’ activity is powered by some intelligence in our software which makes calculations about potential preferences or requirements you might have about what you see in the application or who we think you might wish to connect with. There’s no consequence for you of this profiling other than improvements to what we suggest to you in ExpoPlatform applications.
### 10. Marketing
You have the right to ask us not to process your personal data for marketing purposes. we will usually inform you (before collecting your data) if we intend to use your data for such purposes or if we intend to disclose your information to any third party for such purposes. If you are using a third party-branded version of the App, this includes disclosure to the owner of, or companies doing business under that brand. You can exercise your right to prevent such processing by checking certain boxes on the forms we use to collect your data. You can also exercise the right at any time by contacting us at hello@ExpoPlatform.events.
### 11. Websites of others
ExpoPlatform may, from time to time, contain links to and from the websites of others. If you are using a third-party branded version of ExpoPlatform, this includes websites of companies providing services under that brand. If you follow a link to any of these websites, please note that these websites and any services that may be accessible through them have their own privacy policies and that we do not accept any responsibility or liability for these policies or for any personal data that may be collected through these websites or services, such as contact and location data. Please check these policies before you submit any personal data to these websites or use these services.
### 12. Disabling your ExpoPlatform account
You can disable your account at any time using the ‘Remove Account’ button within an event that you are registered for. Please note that this will remove your data only across the same Data Controller (i.e. Organiser), and you may need to repeat this procedure on other events with other Organisers where you have participated as each Organisers data is logically separated.
### 13. Transfers of data outside europe
The information which you provide to us may be transferred to countries outside the European Economic Area (“EEA”). These countries may not have similar data protection laws to those in the EEA. If we transfer your information outside of the EU in this way, we will take steps to ensure that appropriate security measures are taken with the aim of ensuring that your privacy rights continue to be protected as outlined in this Policy. We currently use Amazon Web Services to help us manage our email communication. If you use our Services while you are outside the EU, your information may be transferred outside the EU in order to provide you with those Services.
### 14. Your Rights
You have a number of rights regarding our use of your data. Upon written request, we will provide you with a copy of the personal data which we keep about you, subject to any exceptions under data protection laws (for example, if the data includes information about other people). We will respond to you within the time frame specified within the applicable data protection law, which is generally within one month of receipt of the written request. We will provide the information without charge, but we may charge a reasonable fee for the administrative cost of providing the information where the request for information is excessive.
You can require us to correct any mistakes in your personal data which we hold about you. You can request a copy of your information which we hold (this is known as a subject access request). To the extent required by data protection laws, we will provide you with a readable copy of the personal data which we keep about you. We will respond to you within the time frame specified within the applicable data protection law, which is generally within one month of receipt of the request.
You can ask us to stop contacting you for direct marketing purposes.
You can require us to erase personal information we hold about you where: the personal data is no longer necessary in relation to the purposes for which it was collected or otherwise processed; you object to the processing and there is no overriding legitimate interest for us to continue the processing of the data; your personal data was unlawfully processed; or your personal data must be erased in order to comply with a legal obligation.
You have the right to restrict the processing of your personal data where: you contest the accuracy of the personal data; you have objected to our processing of your data, and we are considering your objection because we have said the processing is necessary for the purpose of our legitimate interests; the processing is unlawful and you do not wish for the data to be erased but require restricted processing of the data instead; or we no longer require your personal data but you require the data to establish, exercise or defend a legal claim.
You have the right to object to us processing your personal data where our legal basis for processing the data is for the purposes of our legitimate interests or for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest. We may refuse if there are compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which override your interests, rights and freedoms, or the processing is necessary for the exercise or defence of legal claims.
Should you wish to exercise these rights then you can write to us at gdpr@expoplatform.com
### 15. Changes to the privacy policy
Any changes we may make to our privacy policy in the future will be posted on this page and, where appropriate, notified to you when you next start ExpoPlatform. The new terms may be displayed on-screen and you may be required to read and accept them to continue your use of ExpoPlatform.
### 16. Contact
Questions, comments and requests regarding this privacy policy are welcomed and should be addressed to gdpr@expoplatform.com If you are not satisfied with our response or believe we are processing your personal data not in accordance with the law you can get in touch with the UK data protection regulator, the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Further details can be found at www.ico.org.uk or 0303 123 1113.
### 17. Mobile App Legal Disclaimer
By using ExpoPlatform you agree to the Licensed Application End User Licence Agreement provided by the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If there are any questions regarding this please fill in the feedback form and we will get back to you quickly.
---
### [Terms & Conditions - Community](https://expoplatform.com/terms-conditions-community/)
**Published:** October 10, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Terms & Conditions – Community
Last updated: 5 October 2023
### Table of contents
1. Customer Support (Community)
2. Security and GDPR
3. Insurance
4. Terms and Conditions
1. Background
2. Agreed Terms
1. Definitions
2. Licence Acceptance
3. Licence
4. External Interfaces
5. Services
6. Finance and revenue
7. Organiser Account
8. Intellectual Proprietary Rights
9. Restrictions
10. Confidentiality and Publicity
11. Data Protection
12. Warranties
13. Term and Termination
14. Limitation of Liability
15. General
16. ExpoPlatform Code of Conduct Statement
5. Appendix I. ExpoPlatform Data Protection Addendum
1. Personal data/Processor
2. Platform Usage data
3. European union standart contractual clauses for restricted data transfers
1. Section I
2. Section II
3. Section III
4. Section IV
### 1. Customer Support (Community)
The key phases for launch are below and we will assign a Technical Account Manager who will be responsible for onboarding you and supporting you throughout each phase of the project and will be reviewing and monitoring the progress and delivery.
The key phases of the project delivery are:
- Definition of the Requirements
- Platform Configuration
- Planning of the Delivery Schedule (organiser launch, public launch, launch stages and functionality)
- Testing and Readiness Assessment
- Public Launch
- Analysis and Review
During the set-up and training phase the Organiser will be trained on use of the purchased system modules as defined in Your Agreement and will also be provided with reference materials and guides
Details of included support are as follows:
Set-Up SupportThe EP team will complete the initial set up which includes:
- Home page template populated with the content you provide
- Website wireframe set up
- Platform settings configured according to your requirements
- Initial data import
- Initial sponsorship set up
- Mobile app set up (if applicable)
After training has been completed and the visitor launch has taken place, the site will be deemed to have been handed over with your team then taking ownership of the website and ongoing site updates and the Technical Account Manager supporting you as needed
Project ManagementA Technical Account Manager will be assigned to your account and will lead your implementation.
Email access and 1 project call per week, leading up to the event, are included.
One set of platform trainings included (can be recorded to share with other team members)
Ongoing SupportOngoing access to the Technical Account Manager managing your account via email
We have a detailed Service Level Agreement (SLA), and we use a ticketing system that keeps track of all submitted queries against our SLA. Tickets are submitted via email.
Your community must be launched within 3 months after the kickoff meeting and once launched will remain live for a period of 1 year, unless otherwise specified. 2 weeks after the end of that 1 year period, the site will be shut down and all integrations will be disabled unless other arrangements have been made in advance and the community mobile app will be removed from app stores unless other arrangements are made in advance.
### 2. Security and GDPR
ExpoPlatform fully complies with GDPR regulations and is sufficiently flexible to allow the organiser to handle the GDPR requirements correctly for their specific event needs.
Users are able to opt out of networking during sign-up, and at any point later from within their profile. These consents (consent and withdrawal of consent) are recorded explicitly with a date/time stamp. An organiser is able to extract all data relating to a user or data subject by downloading a report from the entire instance of a user’s profile. This includes: visitor profile; threads and messages they started, commented on or are mentioned in; recorded exhibitor interactions the user may have had. Profiles can also be permanently deleted along with the user’s personal details.
In keeping up with the latest security standards, our platform uses SSL encryption whenever possible, and supports the custom installation of SSL certificates for client domains. We use a combination of open-source and proprietary technologies hosted on one of the most secure operating systems in the world – Linux. Our servers are provisioned by Amazon Web Services with a proven track record and a guarantee of 99.99% uptime on instances.
We have also undergone extensive penetration tests with clients such as Accenture and CNH Industrial, and adhere to the most stringent corporate security criteria. We constantly review our security policy and measures that are in place, and release security patches for our system as needed without disruption to our clients and their events.
### 3. Insurance
We current have the following levels of insurance cover:
PolicyCoverInsurerProfessional Indemnity£1,000,000HIPR3047362XBEmployer’s liability cover£10,000,000HIPR3047362XBPublic liability cover£1,000,000HIPR3047362XBCyberinsurance£3,000,000PL-PSC10002385364/02
### 4. Terms and Conditions
##### 4.1. Background
The **Parties** hereby agree that the Provider shall supply the Organiser with website hosting and related services on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.
The Provider shall license use of the Platform and Documents to you on the basis of this Licence. The Provider shall not sell the Platform or Documents to you. At all times, the Provider remains the owner of the Platform and Documents.
You are licensed to use the Platform only if you accept all of the terms and conditions set out below.
##### 4.2. AGREED TERMS
##### 4.2.1. Definitions
The following definitions apply in this Agreement:
- **Account:** means the account with the Organiser;
- **Applicable law:** means applicable laws, statutes, directives, regulations or any other legislation, codes of practice or regulatory rules in force during the term of this agreement in England and Wales, or in any other applicable legal jurisdiction;
- **Confidential Information:** any and all information, whether technical or commercial (including all specifications, drawings and designs within the exhibition web platform) disclosed in writing, on disc, orally or by inspection of documents or during the course of the performance of this Agreement between the Parties, where the information is:
(a) identified as confidential at the time of disclosure; or
(b) proprietary in nature or is, or ought reasonably to be considered confidential given the nature of the information or the circumstances of disclosure.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Platform content, the Platform software and Documentation which exist prior to the Effective Date shall be deemed to be Confidential Information belonging to the Provider.
- **Customer Data:** the data inputted by the Permitted Users, or the Organiser on the Permitted User’s behalf for the purpose of using the Platform or facilitating the Permitted User’s use of the Platform.
- **Data Protection Legislation:** unless and until the General Data Protection Regulation ((EU) 2016/679) (GDPR) is no longer directly applicable in the UK, the GDPR and any national implementing laws, regulations and secondary legislation, as amended or updated from time to time, in the UK; and then any successor legislation to the GDPR or the Data Protection Act 2018.
- **Delegate:** any person that participates in an Event and is thereby a customer of the Organiser and a visitor to the Platform.
- **Documentation:** any written, explanatory materials provided to the Organiser by the Provider in connection with this Agreement and relating to the operation or use of the Platform software, and any copies thereof, including, but not limited to all documentation available at:
- **Effective Date:** Date contract was signed. Please refer to the order form.
- **Events:** All events organised by Organiser for which the Platform is or will be deployed.
- **Exhibitor:** Any company that participates in an Event as a sponsor or an exhibitor, and is thereby a client of the Organiser and an exhibitor on the Platform.
- **Intellectual Property Rights:** patents, utility models, rights to inventions, copyright and neighbouring and related rights, moral rights, trademarks and service marks, business names and domain names, rights in get-up and trade dress, goodwill and the right to sue for passing off or unfair competition, rights in designs, rights in computer software, database rights, rights to use, and protect the confidentiality of, confidential information (including know-how and trade secrets) and all other intellectual property rights, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications and rights to apply for and be granted, renewals or extensions of, and rights to claim priority from, such rights and all similar or equivalent rights or forms of protection which subsist or will subsist now or in the future in any part of the world.
- **Materials:** the content provided to the Provider by the Organiser from time to time for incorporation in the Platform.
- **Platform Specification:** the specification for the Platform referred to in clause 2.
- **Project:** means all processes involved in the completion of the Platform.
- **Project Plan:** the timetable for setting up the Platform and performing the Services.
- **Permitted User:** the Organiser’s employees, agents and independent contractors, Delegates or Exhibitors who are authorised by the Organiser to use the Platform and the Documentation.
- **Platform:** the website and/or networking platform provided to the Organiser by the Provider for use on relevant Events. The platform is to be hosted by the Provider pursuant to this Agreement including the web portal and any mobile applications deployed by the Provider for the Organiser.
- **Registration:** any person that registers for an Event and is thereby a client of the Organiser and a visitor to the Platform.
- **Services:** the hosting and related services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement as described in clause 5.
- **Scope of Services:** hosting and related services to be provided pursuant to this Agreement as described in the BUDGET & SCOPE section of the proposal which defines the **Initial Order** order, and the services described in any supplementary order forms which defines **Additional Orders** (see Appendix II for template).
##### 4.2.2. Licence Acceptance
By signing this Agreement, you indicate your acceptance of this Licence Agreement and the limited warranty and limitation of liability set out in herein. Such acceptance is either on your own behalf or on behalf of any corporate entity which employs you or which you represent (a “Corporate Licensee”). In this Licence Agreement, “you” includes both the reader and any Corporate Licensee.
##### 4.2.3. Licence
4.2.3.1. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Provider hereby grants the Organiser a non-exclusive, limited, non-sub-licensable, non-transferable and revocable license, to:
4.2.3.1.1. remotely access (i.e. on a SaaS basis) the Platform and use it for internal business purposes, using your own network and systems; and
4.2.3.1.2. use the Documentation for your internal business purposes.
4.2.3.2. The Organiser may only use the Platform in accordance with the Documentation, subject to the use limitations indicated in this Agreement and in accordance with Applicable Laws. Nothing herein shall prevent, nor be deemed as preventing the Organiser from negotiating and/or entering into agreements with third parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.
##### 4.2.4. External Interfaces
4.2.4.1. The Organiser acknowledges that in order to utilise the Platform according to the Organiser’s requirements, the Platform will interface with external programs which are not distributed by the Provider as part of the licence (“External Programs”).
4.2.4.2. The Organiser hereby represents and warrants that it has obtained all the required rights and authorisations from the owners and/or licensors of the External Programs to interface the Platform with the External Programs and that such interface does not constitute an infringement of any right of a third party. The Organiser hereby agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Provider from all damages, liabilities, costs, and expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising from claims or allegations related to or in connection with use of the External Programs including but not limited to the Organiser’s failure to comply with the aforesaid requirements.
4.2.4.3. The Organiser acknowledges that its use of the Platform will be web-based and only (except for cases where specific mobile applications are provided by Provider) for all Permitted Users, using the Organiser’s hardware, software and communication systems.
##### 4.2.5. Services
The Provider shall provide the Services, as set out in the Initial Order and any Additional Orders, by deploying, hosting, and providing to the Organiser technical support as is reasonably required by the Organiser for the Platform.
##### 4.2.6. Finance and revenue
4.2.6.1. In consideration of payment by the Organiser of the agreed licence fee and the Organiser agreeing to abide by the terms of this Licence Agreement, the Provider hereby grants to the Organiser a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence as set out in clause 3 to use the Platform and the Documentation.
4.2.6.2. The Organiser agrees that any additional work performed by the Provider upon the Organiser’s written request shall be mutually agreed in writing and billed for separately.
4.2.6.3. All invoices shall be due within 14 days of issue. All late payments shall incur daily interest at 8% above the base rate of the Bank of England. The Provider reserves the right to suspend provision of services when any invoices are overdue by more than 30 calendar days until such invoices are paid in full or in the event of non-payment termination under clause 13.2. The Organiser shall pay the interest together with the overdue amount. The Parties agree that the right to claim interest under this clause is a substantial remedy for late payment and is not in substitution for any statutory right to claim interest under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998.
##### 4.2.7. Organiser Account
4.2.7.1. The Platform may only be used through the account. The Account may only be accessed by the Organiser’s Permitted Users, who are explicitly authorised by the Organiser to use the Platform.
4.2.7.2. The Organiser will ensure that the Permitted Users keep the account login details secure at all times and comply with the terms of this Agreement. The Organiser shall remain at all times fully responsible for any breach of this Agreement by a Permitted User. Any unauthorised access or use of the account or the Platform must be immediately reported to the Provider.
##### 4.2.8. Intellectual Proprietary Rights
4.2.8.1. Any and all right, title and interest in and to the Platform, and the Documentation, including any modifications to the Platform that are developed by or for the Provider and all associated Intellectual Property Rights, are and shall at all times remain the sole and exclusive property of the Provider. The Organiser is granted no title or ownership rights in or to the Platform.
4.2.8.2. The Programs contain trade secrets of the Provider, including but not limited to the structure, organisation, design engineering details, the source code of the Platform and other data pertaining to the Platform and proprietary information owned by the Provider and is protected, inter alia, by copyright laws and international trade provisions.
4.2.8.3. The Organiser will take no action which adversely affects the Provider’s Intellectual Property Rights in the Platform and the Organiser must treat the Platform like any other copyrighted material and the Organiser may not copy or distribute the Platform software or the Documentation electronically or otherwise, for any purpose.
4.2.8.4. The Organiser shall promptly notify the Provider in writing of any infringement or other violation of the Provider’s Intellectual Property Rights to which it becomes aware.
##### 4.2.9. Restrictions
4.2.9.1. Except as expressly set out in this Agreement or as permitted by any local law, the Organiser undertakes as follows:
(a) not to copy the Platform or Documentation except where such copying is incidental to normal use of the Platform, or where it is necessary for the purpose of back-up or operational security;
(b) not to rent, lease, sub-license, loan, translate, merge, adapt, vary or modify the Platform or Documentation;
(c) not to make alterations to, or modifications of, the whole or any part of the Platform, nor permit the Platform or any part of it to be combined with, or become incorporated in, any other programs;
(d) not to disassemble, decompile, reverse-engineer or create derivative works based on the whole or any part of the Platform nor attempt to do any such thing except to the extent that (by virtue of section 296A of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988) such actions cannot be prohibited because they are essential for the purpose of achieving inter-operability of the Platform with another software program, and provided that the information obtained by the Organiser during such activities:
(i) is used only for the purpose of achieving inter-operability of the Platform with another software program; and
(ii) is not unnecessarily disclosed or communicated without our prior written consent to any third party; and
(iii) is not used to create any software which is substantially similar to the Platform;
(e) to keep all copies of the Platform secure and to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the number and locations of all copies of the Platform;
(f) to supervise and control use of the Platform and ensure that the Platform is used by your employees and representatives in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;
##### 4.2.10. Confidentiality and Publicity
4.2.10.1. The Parties agree to keep confidential the existence and contents of this Agreement, the Confidential Information as well as any information of whatever nature concerning the business, finances, assets, liabilities, dealings, transactions, know-how, customers, suppliers, processes or affairs of the other Party and the Parties agree not to disclose or otherwise make available the same to a third party without the prior written consent of the other Party.
4.2.10.2. The obligations of confidentiality in clause 10 shall continue in force for a period of three (3) years from the Effective Date and shall not be affected by the expiry of termination of this Agreement.
4.2.10.3. The obligations set out in clause 10 shall not apply to Confidential Information or any other information that the receiving Party can demonstrate:
- is or has become publicly known other than through breach of clause 10; or
- was in the possession of the receiving Party prior to disclosure by the other Party; or
- was received by the receiving Party from an independent third party who has full right of disclosure; or
- was required to be disclosed by a governmental authority, provided that the Party subject to such requirement to disclose gives the other prompt written notice of the requirement.
4.2.10.4. All media releases, public announcements and public disclosures by the Parties relating to this Agreement or its subject matter, including promotional or marketing material, shall be coordinated between them and mutually approved in writing prior to release.
##### 4.2.11. Data Protection
4.2.11.1. Under the Data Protection Legislation, the Provider is required to provide the Organiser with certain information about who the Provider is, how personal data is processed of those individuals who use the Platform and the Documentation and for what purposes and those individuals’ rights in relation to their personal data and how to exercise them. This information is provided in and it is important that the Organiser reads that information.
4.2.11.2. Both parties will comply with all applicable requirements of the Data Protection Legislation. This clause 11.2 is in addition to, and does not relieve, remove or replace, a party’s obligations under the Data Protection Legislation. In addition, both parties subscribe to the Data Processing Agreement Addendum as described in Appendix I.
4.2.11.3. The Provider warrants that to the extent it processes any Personal Data on behalf of the Organiser:
- it shall only process such Personal Data for the purposes of fulfilling its obligations under this Agreement; and
- it has in place appropriate technical and organisational security measures against unauthorised or unlawful processing of Personal Data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, Personal Data.
4.2.11.4. Without prejudice to the generality of clause 11.2, the Organiser will ensure that it has all necessary appropriate consents and notices in place to enable lawful transfer of the personal data to the Provider for the duration and purposes of this agreement so that the Provider may lawfully use, process and transfer the personal data in accordance with this agreement on the Organiser’s behalf.
4.2.11.5. The Organiser consents to the Provider appointing the current third-party processors of Personal Data under this agreement listed at [https://expoplatform.com/privacy-policy/](https://expoplatform.com/privacy-policy) and any other additional third-party processors appointed by the Provider from time to time, provided that the Provider will give to the Organiser a prior written 60 days’ notice to advise of any such additional third-party processors and the Organiser does not object to the appointment of any such additional third-party processors during the 60 days’ notice period.The Provider confirms that it has entered or (as the case may be) will enter with each of the third-party processors into a written agreement substantially on that third party’s standard terms of business incorporating terms which are substantially similar to those set out in this clause 11. As between the Provider and the Organiser, the Provider shall remain fully liable for all acts or omissions of any third-party processor appointed by it pursuant to this clause 11.
4.2.11.6. The Organiser and the Permitted Users shall own all right, title and interest in and to all of the Customer Data and shall have sole responsibility for the legality, reliability, integrity, accuracy and quality of all such Customer Data.
4.2.11.7. The Organiser agrees to indemnify and keep indemnified the Provider and defend it at the Organiser’s own expense against all costs, claims, damages or expenses incurred by the Supplier or for which the Provider may become liable due to any failure by the Organiser or its employees or agents to comply with any of the Organiser’s obligations under this clause 11.
##### 4.2.12. Warranties
4.2.12.1. Each of the Parties warrants to the other that it has full power and authority to enter into and perform this Agreement.
4.2.12.2. The Provider shall perform the Services with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with generally recognised commercial practices and standards.
4.2.12.3. The Provider warrants that the operation of the Platform will be uninterrupted and free of errors and material defects under normal use, and that the Platform will perform substantially in accordance with the Platform Specification for the duration of this Agreement. The Warranty Period applies for the duration of this Agreement.
4.2.12.4. If, within the Warranty Period, the Organiser notifies the Provider in writing of any defect or fault in the Platform as a result of which it fails to perform substantially in accordance with the Documentation, the Provider will, at its sole option, either repair or replace the Platform, provided that the Organiser shall make available all the information that may be necessary to help the Provider remedy the defect or fault, including providing sufficient information to enable the Provider to recreate the defect or fault.
4.2.12.5. The Warranty in clause 12.3 shall not apply if the defect or fault in the Platform results from you having altered or modified the Platform or if the defect or fault in the Platform results from you having used the Platform in any way that results in a breach of the terms of this Agreement.
##### 4.2.13. Term and Termination
4.2.13.1. The Agreement shall automatically renew for successive terms of the same duration as the initial term (each, a “Renewal Term”) unless:
4.2.13.1.1. either party notifies the other party of termination, in writing, at least 3 months’ notice before the end of the Initial Term or any Renewal Period, in which case this agreement shall terminate upon the expiry of the applicable Initial Term or Renewal Period; or
4.2.13.1.2. otherwise terminated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the Initial Term together with any subsequent Renewal Periods shall constitute the Term.
4.2.13.2. Without affecting any other right or remedy available to it, either Party may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect by giving written notice to the other Party if:
- the other party fails to pay any amount due under this Agreement on the due date for payment and remains in default not less than 15 days after being notified in writing to make such payment;
- the other Party commits a material breach of any terms of this Agreement which breach is irremediable or (if such breach is remediable) fails to cure that breach within a period of 14 days after being notified in writing to do so;
- the other party repeatedly breaches any of the terms of this Agreement in such a manner as to reasonably justify the opinion that its conduct is inconsistent with it having the intention or ability to give effect to the terms of this Agreement;
- the other party suspends, or threatens to suspend, payment of its debts or is unable to pay its debts as they fall due or admits inability to pay its debts or is deemed unable to pay its debts; or
- in the event of fraud, wilful misconduct or gross negligence of the other Party.
4.2.13.3. On expiry or termination of this Agreement:
- all licences granted by the Provider under this Agreement shall terminate immediately;
- the Organiser shall immediately cease all activities authorised by this Agreement;
- the Organiser must immediately and permanently delete or remove the Platform software from all computer equipment in your possession, and immediately destroy or return to us (at our option) all copies of the Platform and Documentation then in the Organiser’s possession, custody or control and, in the case of destruction, certify to us that you have done so;
- the Provider shall provide all such assistance as is requested by the Organiser to transfer the hosting of the Platform to the Organiser or another service provider, subject to payment of the Provider’s expenses reasonably incurred; and
- any provision of this Agreement that expressly or by implication is intended to come into or continue in force on or after termination or expiry of this agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
4.2.13.4. Termination or expiry of this Agreement shall not affect any rights, remedies, obligations or liabilities of the Parties that have accrued up to the date of termination or expiry, including the right to claim damages in respect of any breach of the Agreement which existed at or before the date of termination or expiry.
##### 4.2.14. Limitation of Liability
4.2.14.1. The Organiser acknowledges that the Platform has not been developed to meet any specific requirements, including any particular cybersecurity requirements that might exist under law or otherwise. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the Organiser to ensure that the facilities and functions of the Platform as described in the Documentation meet the requirements of the Organiser, Exhibitor or Delegate.
4.2.14.2. The Platform and Documentation is for internal business use only, and the Organiser agrees not to use the Platform or the Documentation for any re-sale purpose.
4.2.14.3. The Provider shall not in any circumstances whatever be liable to the Organiser, whether in contract, tort (including negligence), breach of statutory duty, or otherwise, arising under or in connection with the Agreement for:
(a) loss of profits, sales, business, or revenue;
(b) business interruption;
(c) loss of anticipated savings;
(d) loss or corruption of data or information;
(e) loss of business opportunity, goodwill or reputation; where any of the losses set out in [Clause 14.3(a)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q_onyYQZE3f_eujTAe_ehhjz_JZzZ_9LPv-nJ7ZVF0g/edit) to [Clause 14.3(e)](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Q_onyYQZE3f_eujTAe_ehhjz_JZzZ_9LPv-nJ7ZVF0g/edit#bookmark=id.lnxbz9) are direct or indirect; or
(f) any special, indirect or consequential loss, damage, charges or expenses.
4.2.14.4. Other than the losses set out in clause 14.3 (for which the Provider is not liable), the Provider’s maximum aggregate liability under or in connection with this Agreement whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise, shall in all circumstances be limited to a sum equal to 100% of the Licence Fee. This clause shall not apply to clause 14.5.
4.2.14.5. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit or exclude any liability for:
(a) death or personal injury resulting from the Provider’s negligence;
(b) fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
(c) any other liability that cannot be excluded or limited by English law.
##### 4.2.15. General
4.2.15.1. This Agreement is made exclusively for the benefit of the Parties to it and does not confer any rights on any third party other than the Delegates in respect of the data protection provisions set forth in clause 11 pursuant to the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999.
4.2.15.2. No variation of this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing signed by and on behalf of both of the Parties. The expression “variation” as used in the preceding sentence includes, but is not limited to supplement, deletion or replacement, however effected. Variation of this Agreement cannot be effected via email.
4.2.15.3. The Provider may engage third party consultants or subcontractors at its own cost, including but not limited to companies with which the Provider may have an alliance, to perform the services under this Agreement in whole or in part on behalf of the Provider but shall remain fully responsible for the provision of all its services as set out in this Agreement.
4.2.15.4. This Agreement is entered into in the English language. Should there be any discrepancy between this Agreement and any translation of it into any language other than English, the original English text shall prevail.
4.2.15.5. This Agreement and any document expressly referred to in it constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes and extinguishes all previous agreements, promises, assurances, warranties, representations and understandings between the Parties, whether written or oral, relating to its subject matter. The Organiser agrees that it shall have no remedies in respect of any statement, representation, assurance or warranty (whether made innocently or negligently) that is not set out in this Agreement or any document expressly referred to in it. The Organiser agrees that it shall have no claim for innocent or negligent misrepresentation or negligent misstatement based on any statement in this Agreement or any document expressly referred to in it.
4.2.15.6. If the Provider fails to insist that the Organiser performs any of the Organiser’s obligations under this Agreement, or if the Provider does not enforce its rights against the Organiser, or if the Provider delays in doing so, that will not mean that the Provider has waived its rights against the Organiser and will not mean that the Organiser does not have to comply with those obligations. If the Provider does waive a default by the Organiser, it will only do so in writing signed by the Provider, and that will not mean that the Provider will automatically waive any later default by the Organiser.
4.2.15.7. Each of the conditions of this Agreement operates separately. If any court or competent authority decides that any of them are unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining conditions will remain in full force and effect.
4.2.15.8. The Organiser may not assign its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Provider.
4.2.15.9. This Agreement does not, and shall not be construed to create any relationship, partnership, joint venture, employer-employee, agency, or franchisor-franchisee relationship between the Parties.
4.2.15.10. The Provider will not be liable for any delay or failure to provide the Services resulting from circumstances or causes beyond the reasonable control of the Provider.
4.2.15.11. This Agreement may be executed in electronic counterparts, each of which counterpart, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed to be an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute but one and the same agreement.
4.2.15.12. Any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, including any question regarding its existence, validity or termination, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the LCIA Rules, which Rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this clause. The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be London. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English. The governing law of the contract is the substantive law of England. The Parties both irrevocably agree to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
##### 4.2.16. ExpoPlatform Code of Conduct Statement
4.2.16.1. The ExpoPlatform team is central to its mission of helping organizers reinvent their business, transform their events into smart events and enhance customer value through year-round communities.
We expect our team to act professionally and courteously in their dealings with all clients and we expect that all of our team will be treated professionally and courteously in return.
This Client Code of Conduct (“the Code”) is fundamental to furthering ExpoPlatform’s mission and its successful collaboration with clients and applies to all ExpoPlatform clients and their representatives.
As an ExpoPlatform client, you are expected to conduct yourself and your business ethically and with integrity. You are also expected to act professionally and courteously in your dealings with all ExpoPlatform employees.
If you are reviewing the Code on behalf of a company or other entity, you represent and warrant that you have authority to bind that company or other entity to the Code and by agreeing to the Code, you are doing so on behalf of that company or entity (and in such event all references to “you” in the Code refer to both you and that company or entity).
##### 4.2.16.2. Purpose
The purpose of the Code is to provide guidance to our clients so that they understand ExpoPlatform’s expectations regarding a client’s behavior when dealing with ExpoPlatform personnel and our expectations that each of our clients use only ethical business practices and are fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
##### 4.2.16.3. Guidance for Clients
In order to be in alignment with ExpoPlatform’s core values, clients must:
- Act professionally and courteously at all times to all ExpoPlatform personnel
- Respect ExpoPlatform employees’ non-working hours and previously scheduled meetings
- Not attempt to intimidate or harass, sexually or otherwise, any ExpoPlatform employee
- Not use profane, hostile or aggressive language with ExpoPlatform employees
- Not engage in conduct which is fraudulent, corrupt, deceptive, misleading or harmful to the public or to the events industry
- Not engage in any conduct which is in violation of applicable anti-bribery/anti-corruption laws and regulations, trade controls (import/export) regulations, economic sanctions or other applicable sanctions regulations
##### 4.2.16.4. Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with the Client Code of Conduct may result in ExpoPlatform refusing to engage in any further dealings with the client, whether on the current project or on future projects.
##### 4.2.16.5. Acknowledgment
I understand that my compliance and my company’s compliance with the Code is a condition of ExpoPlatform providing services to me and/or my company.
I understand that ExpoPlatform expects the highest degree of professional ethics and integrity from its clients and I agree to treat all ExpoPlatform employees with dignity, professionalism and respect.
I acknowledge that the Code does not identify every possible action that may violate the Code and that ExpoPlatform reserves the right to refuse to provide any future services for conduct which it deems in violation of the Code.
I have carefully read and I understand the Code. I support these professional standards for ExpoPlatform and for myself and for my company, and will act in accordance with them and ensure that others in my company do as well.
### 5. Appendix I. ExpoPlatform Data Protection Addendum
##### 5.1. PERSONAL DATA / PROCESSOR
**I.** The purpose of these clauses is to define the conditions under which **the processor Expoplatform (“Processor” or “Service Provider”)** undertakes to carry out the personal data processing operations defined below on behalf of the Organiser, **the data controller**.
As part of their contractual relationship, the parties undertake to comply with the regulations in effect applicable to personal data processing and in particular, Regulation (EU) 2016/679 applicable from 25 May 2018 (hereinafter the “General Data Protection Regulation” or “GDPR”).
Under the terms of this rider, the following terms are defined as follows:
- “data controller”: the natural person or legal entity, public authority, service or other organisation which, solely or jointly with others, determines the purposes and methods of processing; where said processes and methods are determined by European Union law or the law of a Member State, the controller may be appointed or the specific criteria applicable to their appointment may be provided for by European Union law or the law of a Member State.
- “processor”: the natural person or legal entity, department or other organisation that processes personal data on behalf of the data controller.
**II.Description of the processing carried out by processors**
The processor is authorised to process personal data on behalf of the data controller that are necessary to provide the services described in the Budget & Scope section of the proposal document as well as any supplementary order forms (see template in Appendix II).
The details of the processing carried out by processors are as follows:
Nature of the operations carried out on the data (e.g. data storage)Please refer to the scope of services in the proposal and contract documentPurpose(s) of processingRegistration and/or participation in an event.Categories of personal data processedFirst name, last name, email, and other data as required by the data controllerCategories of persons concernedDelegatesPeriod of data retention or criterion justifying the retention of data (separate from the term of the contract)3 years
This rider is valid as a written instruction for the processing of data by the processor.
**III. Processor’s obligations in respect of the data controller**
The processor undertakes to:
**1. process the data solely for the purpose(s) of delivering the service**
**2. process the data in accordance with the data controller’s documented instructions.** If the processor considers that an instruction constitutes an infringement of the General Data Protection Regulation or any other provision of European Union law or the law of Member States on data protection, the data processor shall apply best effort to inform the data controller of this. The responsibility for ensuring compliance with such regulations rests with the data controller.
**3. unless otherwise specifically and expressly authorised by the data controller, process data exclusively within the territory of an EEA Member State.** The processor undertakes not to disclose, make accessible or transfer any of the data controller’s data, to any processing organisation or processor based in a country located outside the EEA, except with the data controller’s prior written consent.
In the event of a transfer outside the EEA, authorised by the data controller, said transfer may only take place within the strict limits necessary for the performance of the services, and provided said transfer is towards a State whose legislation in respect of personal data protection has been recognised by the European Commission as offering an equivalent level of protection, or is governed by standard contractual clauses issued by the European Commission or is carried out on the basis of any other alternative arrangements recognised by the General Data Protection Regulation, subject to data controller’s prior agreement to said arrangements in writing.
**4. put in place processes and practices that maintain the confidentiality of the personal data processed under this contract**
**5. ensure that those authorised to treat personal data according to this contract:**
- undertake to respect confidentiality or are subject to an appropriate statutory confidentiality obligation
- receive the necessary training in respect of personal data protection
**6.take account of data protection principles and data protection by default from the design stage onward of tools, products, applications and services**
**IV. Data subjects’ right to information**
It is the data controller’s responsibility to provide information relating to the data processing carried out by it to the data subjects concerned by the processing operations at the time the data are collected. The Service Provider shall provide all reasonable assistance and tools to ensure that such information can be easily accessed.
**V. Exercise of individual rights**
So far as possible, the processor shall assist the data controller in fulfilling its obligation to respond to requests to exercise their rights by data subjects, including rights of access, correction, deletion and opposition, right to restriction of processing, right to data portability and right not to be the subject to an automated individual decision (including profiling).
**VI. Notification of breaches of personal data**
The processor shall notify the data controller of any personal data breach within a maximum of 24 hours after becoming aware of it, by e-mail to the data protection officer. Said notification must be accompanied by any documentation that may be useful in enabling the data controller to inform the relevant regulatory authority of the breach, if applicable.
The processor shall, throughout the period of the Contract, set up and maintain a process and procedures to manage security incidents (including, in particular, breaches of personal data) and ensure continuity of service in accordance with industry standards. Requests from the data controller relating to security shall be treated diligently by the processor.
In the event of a presumed or proven security incident or breach of personal data in the Service Provider’s system, the processor shall advise the data controller immediately and at the latest, within 24 hours following the occurrence of the security incident or breach of personal data.
Immediately after said notification, the Parties will coordinate their actions in order to investigate the security incident concerned. The processor undertakes to cooperate fully with the data controller, at its own expense, to help it to manage the situation, including but not limited to:
(i) helping it with any investigation;
(ii) providing the data controller or an independent third party appointed by the data controller with physical access to the facilities and operations concerned;
(iii) organising interviews with the employees of the data controller and all other appropriate individuals; and
(iv) providing all registers, logs, files, data communications and other relevant documents necessary for compliance with laws, regulations and industry standards or as required by the data controller.
The processor will also provide all reasonable assistance to the data controller in the case of a notification in respect of any action the latter may be obliged or may choose to take in respect of a personal data breach. The processor undertakes not to inform third parties, including the persons concerned, of any breach of personal data without having obtained the prior consent of the data controller in writing, except in the cases provided for in the General Data Protection Regulation or other applicable laws.
The processor shall take the appropriate measures, at its own expense, to mitigate the consequences of any security incident and remedy it, and shall make all the amendments it judges necessary in order to avoid any re-occurrence of an incident of this kind. The processor shall assist the data controller, at its own expense, with restoring the data controller’s data in the event of a data loss caused by any failure to fulfil its regulations in respect of the Contract.
The processor shall cooperate and provide the data controller with the necessary assistance in respect of any complaint formulated by a data subject or any investigation or request issued by a regulatory authority with regard to the General Data Protection Regulation or any other applicable regulation.
The processor shall maintain a record of security incidents and make this available to the data controller, including but not limited to breaches of personal data, and shall document all relevant information concerning the circumstances of said incidents and breaches, the harm caused and corrective measures taken to mitigate their effects, as well as the actions and measures taken to avoid any repetition of such incidents or breaches.
**VII. Assistance from the processor in relation to the data controller’s fulfillment of its obligations**
The processor shall cooperate with the data controller and use its best endeavours to help the data controller prove that it is compliant with all its legislative and regulatory obligations, notably in respect of the General Data Protection Regulation.
**VIII. Retention of data**
Once the provision of services relating to the processing of these data is complete, the processor undertakes to:
- Destroy all personal data or
- At any time, at the data controller’s written request and at the latest, within 15 calendar days of the end of the Contract, the processor undertakes to return the data controller’s personal data, in a legible or interoperable form agreed between the Parties and to destroy all copies (paper or electronic) of the data controller’s personal data that it may hold.
This clause will remain in effect after the expiry or termination of the Contract for any reason whatsoever. This clause is subject to applicable data retention laws and obligations of the data processor.
**IX. Register of categories of processing activities**
The processor declares that it holds a written record of all categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of the data controller including:
(a) the name and contact details of the data controller on behalf of whom it is acting, any processors and, if applicable, the data protection officer;
(b) the categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of the data controller;
(c) if applicable, any transfers of personal data to a third country or international organisation, including the identification of said third country or international organisation and, in the case of transfers referred to in clause 49, paragraph 1, second subparagraph of the General Data Protection Regulation, documents attesting to the existence of appropriate guarantees;
(d) as far as possible, a general description of technical and organisational security measures, including but not limited, as required, to:
- pseudonymisation and encryption of personal data;
- means of guaranteeing the constant confidentiality, integrity, availability and resilience of processing systems and services;
- means of re-establishing the availability of personal data and access thereto in an appropriate time frame in the event of a physical or technical incident;
- a procedure for regularly testing, analysing and evaluating the effectiveness of technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of processing.
**X. Data controller’s obligations in respect of the processor**
The data controller undertakes, throughout the term of the contract, to:
1. 1. provide the processor with the data referred to in clause II;
2. 2. document in writing any additional instructions regarding the processing of data by the processor;
3. 3. ensure, prior to and during the period of processing, compliance with the obligations set out in the General Data Protection Regulation by the controller
##### 5.2. PLATFORM USAGE DATA
Anonymous data regarding clicks and behaviour of users, and is anonymised for the sole purpose of making improvements to the platform itself.
The full usage data can be exported by Organisers as required.
##### 5.3. EUROPEAN UNION STANDARD CONTRACTUAL CLAUSES FOR RESTRICTED DATA TRANSFERS
##### 5.3.1. SECTION I
Clause 1. **Purpose and scope**
(a) The purpose of these standard contractual clauses is to ensure compliance with the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 April 2016 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data and on the free movement of such data (General Data Protection Regulation) for the transfer of personal data to a third country.
(b) The Parties:
(i) the natural or legal person(s), public authority/ies, agency/ies or other body/ies (hereinafter “entity/ies”) transferring the personal data, as listed in Annex I.A. (hereinafter each “data exporter”), and
(ii) the entity/ies in a third country receiving the personal data from the data exporter, directly or indirectly via another entity also Party to these Clauses, as listed in Annex I.A. (hereinafter each “data importer”)
have agreed to these standard contractual clauses (hereinafter: “Clauses”).
(c) These Clauses apply with respect to the transfer of personal data as specified in Annex I.B.
(d) The Appendix to these Clauses containing the Annexes referred to therein forms an integral part of these Clauses.
Clause 2. **Effect and invariability of the Clauses**
(a) These Clauses set out appropriate safeguards, including enforceable data subject rights and effective legal remedies, pursuant to Article 46(1) and Article 46 (2)(c) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and, with respect to data transfers from controllers to processors and/or processors to processors, standard contractual clauses pursuant to Article 28(7) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, provided they are not modified, except to select the appropriate Module(s) or to add or update information in the Appendix. This does not prevent the Parties from including the standard contractual clauses laid down in these Clauses in a wider contract and/or to add other clauses or additional safeguards, provided that they do not contradict, directly or indirectly, these Clauses or prejudice the fundamental rights or freedoms of data subjects.
(b) These Clauses are without prejudice to obligations to which the data exporter is subject by virtue of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 3. **Third-party beneficiaries**
(a) Data subjects may invoke and enforce these Clauses, as third-party beneficiaries, against the data exporter and/or data importer, with the following exceptions:
(i) Clause 1, Clause 2, Clause 3, Clause 6, Clause 7;
(ii) Clause 8 – Module One: Clause 8.5 (e) and Clause 8.9(b); Module Two: Clause 8.1(b), 8.9(a), (c), (d) and (e); Module Three: Clause 8.1(a), (c) and (d) and Clause 8.9(a), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g); Module Four: Clause 8.1 (b) and Clause 8.3(b);
(iii) Clause 9 – Module Two: Clause 9(a), (c), (d) and (e); Module Three: Clause 9(a), (c), (d) and (e);
(iv) Clause 12 – Module One: Clause 12(a) and (d); Modules Two and Three: Clause 12(a), (d) and (f);
(v) Clause 13;
(vi) Clause 15.1(c), (d) and (e);
(vii) Clause 16(e);
(viii) Clause 18 – Modules One, Two and Three: Clause 18(a) and (b); Module Four: Clause 18.
(b) Paragraph (a) is without prejudice to rights of data subjects under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 4. **Interpretation**
(a) Where these Clauses use terms that are defined in Regulation (EU) 2016/679, those terms shall have the same meaning as in that Regulation.
(b) These Clauses shall be read and interpreted in the light of the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(c) These Clauses shall not be interpreted in a way that conflicts with rights and obligations provided for in Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 5. **Hierarchy**
In the event of a contradiction between these Clauses and the provisions of related agreements between the Parties, existing at the time these Clauses are agreed or entered into thereafter, these Clauses shall prevail.
Clause 6. **Description of the transfer(s)**
The details of the transfer(s), and in particular the categories of personal data that are transferred and the purpose(s) for which they are transferred, are specified in Annex I.B.
Clause 7 – Optional. **Docking clause**
(a) An entity that is not a Party to these Clauses may, with the agreement of the Parties, accede to these Clauses at any time, either as a data exporter or as a data importer, by completing the Appendix and signing Annex I.A.
(b) Once it has completed the Appendix and signed Annex I.A, the acceding entity shall become a Party to these Clauses and have the rights and obligations of a data exporter or data importer in accordance with its designation in Annex I.A.
(c) The acceding entity shall have no rights or obligations arising under these Clauses from the period prior to becoming a Party.
##### 5.3.2. SECTION II – OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES
Clause 8. **Data protection safeguards**
The data exporter warrants that it has used reasonable efforts to determine that the data importer is able, through the implementation of appropriate technical and organisational measures, to satisfy its obligations under these Clauses.
**8.1 Instructions**
(a) The data exporter has informed the data importer that it acts as processor under the instructions of its controller(s), which the data exporter shall make available to the data importer prior to processing.
(b) The data importer shall process the personal data only on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, and any additional documented instructions from the data exporter. Such additional instructions shall not conflict with the instructions from the controller. The controller or data exporter may give further documented instructions regarding the data processing throughout the duration of the contract.
(c) The data importer shall immediately inform the data exporter if it is unable to follow those instructions. Where the data importer is unable to follow the instructions from the controller, the data exporter shall immediately notify the controller.
(d) The data exporter warrants that it has imposed the same data protection obligations on the data importer as set out in the contract or other legal act under Union or Member State law between the controller and the data exporter.
**8.2 Purpose limitation**
The data importer shall process the personal data only for the specific purpose(s) of the transfer, as set out in Annex I.B., unless on further instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter, or from the data exporter.
**8.3 Transparency**
On request, the data exporter shall make a copy of these Clauses, including the Appendix as completed by the Parties, available to the data subject free of charge. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data exporter may redact part of the text of the Appendix prior to sharing a copy, but shall provide a meaningful summary where the data subject would otherwise not be able to understand its content or exercise his/her rights. On request, the Parties shall provide the data subject with the reasons for the redactions, to the extent possible without revealing the redacted information.
**8.4 Accuracy**
If the data importer becomes aware that the personal data it has received is inaccurate, or has become outdated, it shall inform the data exporter without undue delay. In this case, the data importer shall cooperate with the data exporter to rectify or erase the data.
**8.5 Duration of processing and erasure or return of data**
Processing by the data importer shall only take place for the duration specified in Annex I.B. After the end of the provision of the processing services, the data importer shall, at the choice of the data exporter, delete all personal data processed on behalf of the controller and certify to the data exporter that it has done so, or return to the data exporter all personal data processed on its behalf and delete existing copies. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit return or deletion of the personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process it to the extent and for as long as required under that local law. This is without prejudice to Clause 14, in particular the requirement for the data importer under Clause 14(e) to notify the data exporter throughout the duration of the contract if it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under Clause 14(a).
**8.6 Security of processing**
(a) The data importer and, during transmission, also the data exporter shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of the data, including protection against a breach of security leading to accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure or access to that data (hereinafter “personal data breach”). In assessing the appropriate level of security, they shall take due account of the state of the art, the costs of implementation, the nature, scope, context and purpose(s) of processing and the risks involved in the processing for the data subject. The Parties shall in particular consider having recourse to encryption or pseudonymisation, including during transmission, where the purpose of processing can be fulfilled in that manner. In case of pseudonymisation, the additional information for attributing the personal data to a specific data subject shall, where possible, remain under the exclusive control of the data exporter or the controller. In complying with its obligations under this paragraph, the data importer shall at least implement the technical and organisational measures specified in Annex II. The data importer shall carry out regular checks to ensure that these measures continue to provide an appropriate level of security.
(b) The data importer shall grant access to the data to members of its personnel only to the extent strictly necessary for the implementation, management and monitoring of the contract. It shall ensure that persons authorised to process the personal data have committed themselves to confidentiality or are under an appropriate statutory obligation of confidentiality.
(c) In the event of a personal data breach concerning personal data processed by the data importer under these Clauses, the data importer shall take appropriate measures to address the breach, including measures to mitigate its adverse effects. The data importer shall also notify, without undue delay, the data exporter and, where appropriate and feasible, the controller after having become aware of the breach. Such notification shall contain the details of a contact point where more information can be obtained, a description of the nature of the breach (including, where possible, categories and approximate number of data subjects and personal data records concerned), its likely consequences and the measures taken or proposed to address the data breach, including measures to mitigate its possible adverse effects. Where, and in so far as, it is not possible to provide all information at the same time, the initial notification shall contain the information then available and further information shall, as it becomes available, subsequently be provided without undue delay.
(d) The data importer shall cooperate with and assist the data exporter to enable the data exporter to comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679, in particular to notify its controller so that the latter may in turn notify the competent supervisory authority and the affected data subjects, taking into account the nature of processing and the information available to the data importer.
**8.7 Sensitive data**
Where the transfer involves personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, or trade union membership, genetic data, or biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a natural person, data concerning health or a person’s sex life or sexual orientation, or data relating to criminal convictions and offences (hereinafter “sensitive data”), the data importer shall apply the specific restrictions and/or additional safeguards set out in Annex I.B.
**8.8 Onward transfers**
The data importer shall only disclose the personal data to a third party on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter. In addition, the data may only be disclosed to a third party located outside the European Union (in the same country as the data importer or in another third country, hereinafter “onward transfer”) if the third party is or agrees to be bound by these Clauses, under the appropriate Module, or if:
(i) the onward transfer is to a country benefitting from an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the onward transfer;
(ii) the third party otherwise ensures appropriate safeguards pursuant to Articles 46 or 47 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
Any onward transfer is subject to compliance by the data importer with all the other safeguards under these Clauses, in particular purpose limitation.
**8.9 Documentation and compliance**
The data importer shall only disclose the personal data to a third party on documented instructions from the controller, as communicated to the data importer by the data exporter. In addition, the data may only be disclosed to a third party located outside the European Union (in the same country as the data importer or in another third country, hereinafter “onward transfer”) if the third party is or agrees to be bound by these Clauses, under the appropriate Module, or if:
(i) the onward transfer is to a country benefitting from an adequacy decision pursuant to Article 45 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the onward transfer;
(ii) the third party otherwise ensures appropriate safeguards pursuant to Articles 46 or 47 of Regulation (EU) 2016/679;
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
Any onward transfer is subject to compliance by the data importer with all the other safeguards under these Clauses, in particular purpose limitation.
**8.10 Documentation and compliance**
(a) The data importer shall promptly and adequately deal with enquiries from the data exporter or the controller that relate to the processing under these Clauses.
(b) The Parties shall be able to demonstrate compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer shall keep appropriate documentation on the processing activities carried out on behalf of the controller.
(c) The data importer shall make all information necessary to demonstrate compliance with the obligations set out in these Clauses available to the data exporter, which shall provide it to the controller.
(d) The data importer shall allow for and contribute to audits by the data exporter of the processing activities covered by these Clauses, at reasonable intervals or if there are indications of non-compliance. The same shall apply where the data exporter requests an audit on instructions of the controller. In deciding on an audit, the data exporter may take into account relevant certifications held by the data importer.
(e) Where the audit is carried out on the instructions of the controller, the data exporter shall make the results available to the controller.
(f) The data exporter may choose to conduct the audit by itself or mandate an independent auditor. Audits may include inspections at the premises or physical facilities of the data importer and shall, where appropriate, be carried out with reasonable notice.
(g) The Parties shall make the information referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c), including the results of any audits, available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
Clause 9. **Use of sub-processors**
(a) The data importer has the controller’s general authorisation for the engagement of sub-processor(s) from an agreed list. The data importer shall specifically inform the controller in writing of any intended changes to that list through the addition or replacement of sub-processors at least \[Specify time period\] in advance, thereby giving the controller sufficient time to be able to object to such changes prior to the engagement of the sub-processor(s). The data importer shall provide the controller with the information necessary to enable the controller to exercise its right to object. The data importer shall inform the data exporter of the engagement of the sub-processor(s).
(b) Where the data importer engages a sub-processor to carry out specific processing activities (on behalf of the controller), it shall do so by way of a written contract that provides for, in substance, the same data protection obligations as those binding the data importer under these Clauses, including in terms of third-party beneficiary rights for data subjects. The Parties agree that, by complying with this Clause, the data importer fulfils its obligations under Clause 8.8. The data importer shall ensure that the sub-processor complies with the obligations to which the data importer is subject pursuant to these Clauses.
(c) The data importer shall provide, at the data exporter’s or controller’s request, a copy of such a sub-processor agreement and any subsequent amendments. To the extent necessary to protect business secrets or other confidential information, including personal data, the data importer may redact the text of the agreement prior to sharing a copy.
(d) The data importer shall remain fully responsible to the data exporter for the performance of the sub-processor’s obligations under its contract with the data importer. The data importer shall notify the data exporter of any failure by the sub-processor to fulfill its obligations under that contract.
(e) The data importer shall agree a third-party beneficiary clause with the sub-processor whereby – in the event the data importer has factually disappeared, ceased to exist in law or has become insolvent – the data exporter shall have the right to terminate the sub-processor contract and to instruct the sub-processor to erase or return the personal data.
Clause 10. **Data subject rights**
(a) The data importer shall promptly notify the data exporter and, where appropriate, the controller of any request it has received from a data subject, without responding to that request unless it has been authorised to do so by the controller.
(b) The data importer shall assist, where appropriate in cooperation with the data exporter, the controller in fulfilling its obligations to respond to data subjects’ requests for the exercise of their rights under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 or Regulation (EU) 2018/1725, as applicable. In this regard, the Parties shall set out in Annex II the appropriate technical and organisational measures, taking into account the nature of the processing, by which the assistance shall be provided, as well as the scope and the extent of the assistance required.
(c) In fulfilling its obligations under paragraphs (a) and (b), the data importer shall comply with the instructions from the controller, as communicated by the data exporter.
Clause 11. **Redress**
(a) The data importer shall inform data subjects in a transparent and easily accessible format, through individual notice or on its website, of a contact point authorised to handle complaints. It shall deal promptly with any complaints it receives from a data subject.
(b) In case of a dispute between a data subject and one of the Parties as regards compliance with these Clauses, that Party shall use its best efforts to resolve the issue amicably in a timely fashion. The Parties shall keep each other informed about such disputes and, where appropriate, cooperate in resolving them.
(c) Where the data subject invokes a third-party beneficiary right pursuant to Clause 3, the data importer shall accept the decision of the data subject to:
(i) lodge a complaint with the supervisory authority in the Member State of his/her habitual residence or place of work, or the competent supervisory authority pursuant to Clause 13;
(ii) refer the dispute to the competent courts within the meaning of Clause 18.
(iii) the onward transfer is necessary for the establishment, exercise or defence of legal claims in the context of specific administrative, regulatory or judicial proceedings; or
(iv) the onward transfer is necessary in order to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another natural person.
(d) The Parties accept that the data subject may be represented by a not-for-profit body, organisation or association under the conditions set out in Article 80(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(e) The data importer shall abide by a decision that is binding under the applicable EU or Member State law.
(f) The data importer agrees that the choice made by the data subject will not prejudice his/her substantive and procedural rights to seek remedies in accordance with applicable laws.
Clause 12. **Liability**
(a) Each Party shall be liable to the other Party/ies for any damages it causes the other Party/ies by any breach of these Clauses.
(b) Each Party shall be liable to the data subject, and the data subject shall be entitled to receive compensation, for any material or non-material damages that the Party causes the data subject by breaching the third-party beneficiary rights under these Clauses. This is without prejudice to the liability of the data exporter under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
(c) Where more than one Party is responsible for any damage caused to the data subject as a result of a breach of these Clauses, all responsible Parties shall be jointly and severally liable and the data subject is entitled to bring an action in court against any of these Parties.
(d) The Parties agree that if one Party is held liable under paragraph (c), it shall be entitled to claim back from the other Party/ies that part of the compensation corresponding to its / their responsibility for the damage.
(e) The data importer may not invoke the conduct of a processor or sub-processor to avoid its own liability.
Clause 13. **Supervision**
(a) The supervisory authority with responsibility for ensuring compliance by the data exporter with Regulation (EU) 2016/679 as regards the data transfer, as indicated in Annex I.C, shall act as competent supervisory authority.
(b) The data importer agrees to submit itself to the jurisdiction of and cooperate with the competent supervisory authority in any procedures aimed at ensuring compliance with these Clauses. In particular, the data importer agrees to respond to enquiries, submit to audits and comply with the measures adopted by the supervisory authority, including remedial and compensatory measures. It shall provide the supervisory authority with written confirmation that the necessary actions have been taken.
##### 5.3.3. SECTION III – LOCAL LAWS AND OBLIGATIONS IN CASE OF ACCESS BY PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
Clause 14. **Local laws and practices affecting compliance with the Clauses**
(a) The Parties warrant that they have no reason to believe that the laws and practices in the third country of destination applicable to the processing of the personal data by the data importer, including any requirements to disclose personal data or measures authorising access by public authorities, prevent the data importer from fulfilling its obligations under these Clauses. This is based on the understanding that laws and practices that respect the essence of the fundamental rights and freedoms and do not exceed what is necessary and proportionate in a democratic society to safeguard one of the objectives listed in Article 23(1) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679, are not in contradiction with these Clauses.
(b) The Parties declare that in providing the warranty in paragraph (a), they have taken due account in particular of the following elements:
(i) the specific circumstances of the transfer, including the length of the processing chain, the number of actors involved and the transmission channels used; intended onward transfers; the type of recipient; the purpose of processing; the categories and format of the transferred personal data; the economic sector in which the transfer occurs; the storage location of the data transferred;
(ii) the laws and practices of the third country of destination– including those requiring the disclosure of data to public authorities or authorising access by such authorities – relevant in light of the specific circumstances of the transfer, and the applicable limitations and safeguards;
(iii) any relevant contractual, technical or organisational safeguards put in place to supplement the safeguards under these Clauses, including measures applied during transmission and to the processing of the personal data in the country of destination.
(с) The data importer warrants that, in carrying out the assessment under paragraph (b), it has made its best efforts to provide the data exporter with relevant information and agrees that it will continue to cooperate with the data exporter in ensuring compliance with these Clauses.
(d) The Parties agree to document the assessment under paragraph (b) and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
(e) The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter promptly if, after having agreed to these Clauses and for the duration of the contract, it has reason to believe that it is or has become subject to laws or practices not in line with the requirements under paragraph (a), including following a change in the laws of the third country or a measure (such as a disclosure request) indicating an application of such laws in practice that is not in line with the requirements in paragraph (a). The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
(f) Following a notification pursuant to paragraph (e), or if the data exporter otherwise has reason to believe that the data importer can no longer fulfil its obligations under these Clauses, the data exporter shall promptly identify appropriate measures (e.g. technical or organisational measures to ensure security and confidentiality) to be adopted by the data exporter and/or data importer to address the situation, if appropriate in consultation with the controller. The data exporter shall suspend the data transfer if it considers that no appropriate safeguards for such transfer can be ensured, or if instructed by the controller or the competent supervisory authority to do so. In this case, the data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses. If the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise. Where the contract is terminated pursuant to this Clause, Clause 16(d) and (e) shall apply.
not in line with the requirements in paragraph (a). The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
Clause 15. **Obligations of the data importer in case of access by public authorities**
**15.1 Notification**
(a) The data importer agrees to notify the data exporter and, where possible, the data subject promptly (if necessary with the help of the data exporter) if it:
(i) receives a legally binding request from a public authority, including judicial authorities, under the laws of the country of destination for the disclosure of personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses; such notification shall include information about the personal data requested, the requesting authority, the legal basis for the request and the response provided; or
(ii) becomes aware of any direct access by public authorities to personal data transferred pursuant to these Clauses in accordance with the laws of the country of destination; such notification shall include all information available to the importer.
(iii) The data exporter shall forward the notification to the controller.
(b) If the data importer is prohibited from notifying the data exporter and/or the data subject under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to use its best efforts to obtain a waiver of the prohibition, with a view to communicating as much information as possible, as soon as possible. The data importer agrees to document its best efforts in order to be able to demonstrate them on request of the data exporter.
(c) Where permissible under the laws of the country of destination, the data importer agrees to provide the data exporter, at regular intervals for the duration of the contract, with as much relevant information as possible on the requests received (in particular, number of requests, type of data requested, requesting authority/ies, whether requests have been challenged and the outcome of such challenges, etc.). The data exporter shall forward the information to the controller.
(d) The data importer agrees to preserve the information pursuant to paragraphs (a) to (c) for the duration of the contract and make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request.
(e) Paragraphs (a) to (c) are without prejudice to the obligation of the data importer pursuant to Clause 14(e) and Clause 16 to inform the data exporter promptly where it is unable to comply with these Clauses.
**15.2 Review of legality and data minimisation**
(a) The data importer agrees to review the legality of the request for disclosure, in particular whether it remains within the powers granted to the requesting public authority, and to challenge the request if, after careful assessment, it concludes that there are reasonable grounds to consider that the request is unlawful under the laws of the country of destination, applicable obligations under international law and principles of international comity. The data importer shall, under the same conditions, pursue possibilities of appeal. When challenging a request, the data importer shall seek interim measures with a view to suspending the effects of the request until the competent judicial authority has decided on its merits. It shall not disclose the personal data requested until required to do so under the applicable procedural rules. These requirements are without prejudice to the obligations of the data importer under Clause 14(e).
(b) The data importer agrees to document its legal assessment and any challenge to the request for disclosure and, to the extent permissible under the laws of the country of destination, make the documentation available to the data exporter. It shall also make it available to the competent supervisory authority on request. The data exporter shall make the assessment available to the controller.
(c) The data importer agrees to provide the minimum amount of information permissible when responding to a request for disclosure, based on a reasonable interpretation of the request.
##### 5.3.4. SECTION IV – FINAL PROVISIONS
Clause 16. **Non-compliance with the Clauses and termination**
(a) The data importer shall promptly inform the data exporter if it is unable to comply with these Clauses, for whatever reason.
(b) In the event that the data importer is in breach of these Clauses or unable to comply with these Clauses, the data exporter shall suspend the transfer of personal data to the data importer until compliance is again ensured or the contract is terminated. This is without prejudice to Clause 14(f).
(c) The data exporter shall be entitled to terminate the contract, insofar as it concerns the processing of personal data under these Clauses, where:
(i) the data exporter has suspended the transfer of personal data to the data importer pursuant to paragraph (b) and compliance with these Clauses is not restored within a reasonable time and in any event within one month of suspension;
(ii) the data importer is in substantial or persistent breach of these Clauses; or
(iii) the data importer fails to comply with a binding decision of a competent court or supervisory authority regarding its obligations under these Clauses.
In these cases, it shall inform the competent supervisory authority and the controller of such non-compliance. Where the contract involves more than two Parties, the data exporter may exercise this right to termination only with respect to the relevant Party, unless the Parties have agreed otherwise.
(d) Personal data that has been transferred prior to the termination of the contract pursuant to paragraph (c) shall at the choice of the data exporter immediately be returned to the data exporter or deleted in its entirety. The same shall apply to any copies of the data. The data importer shall certify the deletion of the data to the data exporter. Until the data is deleted or returned, the data importer shall continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses. In case of local laws applicable to the data importer that prohibit the return or deletion of the transferred personal data, the data importer warrants that it will continue to ensure compliance with these Clauses and will only process the data to the extent and for as long as required under that local law.
(e) Either Party may revoke its agreement to be bound by these Clauses where (i) the European Commission adopts a decision pursuant to Article 45(3) of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 that covers the transfer of personal data to which these Clauses apply; or (ii) Regulation (EU) 2016/679 becomes part of the legal framework of the country to which the personal data is transferred. This is without prejudice to other obligations applying to the processing in question under Regulation (EU) 2016/679.
Clause 17. **Governing law**
These Clauses shall be governed by the law of the EU Member State in which the data exporter is established. Where such law does not allow for third-party beneficiary rights, they shall be governed by the law of another EU Member State that does allow for third-party beneficiary rights. The Parties agree that this shall be the law of Finland.
Clause 18. **Choice of forum and jurisdiction**
(a) Any dispute arising from these Clauses shall be resolved by the courts of an EU Member State.
(b) The Parties agree that those shall be the courts of Finland.
(c) A data subject may also bring legal proceedings against the data exporter and/or data importer before the courts of the Member State in which he/she has his/her habitual residence.
(d) The Parties agree to submit themselves to the jurisdiction of such courts.
---
### [Terms of Use](https://expoplatform.com/terms-of-use/)
**Published:** September 16, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Terms of Use
Last updated: 10 August 2022
### Table of contents
1. Purpose
2. Application and Services provider & contact details
3. Access to the Application and Services
4. Acceptance of the Terms of Use
5. Registration
6. Services
7. Length of Services and unsubscribing
8. Agreement on proof
9. User responsibility and obligations
10. User guarantee
11. ExpoPlatform’s responsibility and liability waiver
12. Limitation of liability
13. Prohibited behavior
14. Penalties for breaches
15. Intellectual property
16. User personal data
17. Links and third-party sites
18. Advertising
19. Amendments
20. Language
21. Law and jurisdiction
### 1. Purpose
ExpoPlatform provides an app that can be accessed via http://expoplatform.com and its subdomains, and an API (collectively, the Application) via which it offers professional event organizers (the Organizers) a turnkey solution enabling them to create a platform for each of their events (the Event Platform) that can be accessed by registered natural persons and/or people who might be interested in the event (the Visitors) and businesses taking part in the event (the Exhibitors).
The Application aims to enable Visitors and Exhibitors (collectively, the Users) to share content and easily connect with each other before, during and after the Event, in order to expand their business network.
The purpose of these general terms and conditions (the Terms of Use) is to lay down the procedures and conditions governing usage of the services provided by ExpoPlatform to Users (the Services) and set out the rights and obligations of the parties within this scope.
If required, the Terms of Use may be supplemented by conditions of use that are specific to certain Services, which would then supplement the Terms of Use, and, if contradictory, would prevail over them.
### 2. Application and Services provider & contact details
The Application and the Services are provided by ExpoPlatform Limited, an company limited by shares registered in the United Kingdom under the number 08709065, and registered at 28 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3AZ, United Kingdom.
ExpoPlatform can be contacted via email on support@expoplatform.com
### 3. Access to the Application and Services
##### 3.1 Legal capacity
The Application and Services can be accessed by:
- Any natural person with full legal capacity to make undertakings under these Terms of Use. Natural persons without full legal capacity can access the Application and Services only with the agreement of their legal representative.
- Any legal entity represented by a natural person with the legal capacity to contract in the name of and on behalf of the legal entity.
##### 3.2 Business Application and Services
The Application and the Services are exclusively designed for business, meaning any and all natural persons and legal entities undertaking a remunerated activity other than occasionally in any sector of industry or commerce.
### 4. Acceptance of the Terms of Use
Users agree to these Terms of Use by ticking a box the first time they log in to the Application.
User acceptance must be full and unequivocal. Any conditional acceptance will be regarded as null and void. Users who do not agree to being bound by these Terms of Use must not access the Application or use the Services.
### 5. Registration
In order to use the Services, and when their account is not directly created by the Organizer of the Event (the Account), the User is required to complete a registration form on the Application, completing all the required information, in particular their name, first name and email address. The User acknowledges and agrees to the email address given on the registration form being their username.
ExpoPlatform reserves the right, at its own discretion and at any time following registration, to undertake any checks that it deems appropriate, notably verifying the User’s email, identity and/or contact details.
Once the Account is created by the Organizer or by the User the latter will have immediate access to the Services.
All Users guarantee to ExpoPlatform that the information provided on the registration form or sent to ExpoPlatform is accurate and is not in any way misleading. The User notably undertakes to provide a valid email address. The User undertakes to immediately update their personal information in their Account if any changes to the information occur.
The User acknowledges and accepts that the information provided in order to set up and update their Account constitutes proof of identity.
The User accesses the Services by logging in to their Account using their email address as the username and the password selected upon account activation. The User acknowledges and accepts this.
Users can log in to their Account at any time once they have entered their username and password.
The User undertakes to make personal use of the Services and not allow any third party to use them on their behalf or instead of them, unless they take full responsibility.
Users are also responsible for keeping their username and password confidential and secure. Any logins to the Application using their username and password will be deemed to have been effected by the User.
The User must immediately contact ExpoPlatform using the contact details listed in Clause 2 if they notice that their Account has been used without their knowledge. The User acknowledges that ExpoPlatform is entitled to take all the appropriate measures in this case.
### 6. Services
The User has access to the following Services in a format and in line with the technical resources and features that ExpoPlatform deems most appropriate.
##### 6.1 Services
##### 6.1.1 The Event Page
ExpoPlatform sends an email to Users whose name and contact details have been provided to it by the Organizer containing an internet link that will allow them to connect and access, from the Application, the Event Page for the Event for which they have pre-registered (the Event Page). The User must connect using the email address provided by the Organizer.
Users may continue to access the Event Page indefinitely after the Event end date, unless the Organizer decides to shut down access to the Content of the aforementioned Event Page.
##### 6.1.2 Interactive Services
Depending on the ExpoPlatform options selected by the Organizer, the User can also access one or more of these Services:
- AI-powered Visitor networking and suggested people to meet
- Meeting module (including online meeting rooms)
- Session and event programme
- Discussion and community groups
- List of Exhibitors and Exhibitor profiles
- List of Visitors and Visitor profiles
- Push notifications and messages
- Social feeds
- Exhibitor manuals (for exhibitors)
- Event website pages
- Interactive event floor plan (map)
- Other functionality that may be introduced by ExpoPlatform from time to time
##### 6.1.3 Subsequent Events
The User may use their Account for other subsequent Events . In this way, the Application may send the User personalized interactions based on those they had during previous Events they attended.
##### 6.1.4 Paid services
Certain Services offered to the User on the Application may be chargeable.
When this is the case, their prices and currency are indicated on the Application and excluding taxes (unless explicitly stated otherwise), in the form of unit purchases.
An invoice will be sent to the User through any pertinent channels for each purchase made on the Application, and can be consulted at any time in the User’s Personal Area.
Payment of the purchase price will be by credit card, directly on the Application. The payment system is implemented by Stripe, who alone will retain the User’s bank details for this purpose. ExpoPlatform does not retain any bank details.
Users guarantee to ExpoPlatform that they possess the required authorization to use the chosen means of payment.
##### 6.2 Technical support
ExpoPlatform offers the User technical support at the following address: support@expoplatform.com enabling them to flag up any difficulties encountered when using the Services.
##### 6.3 Other Services
ExpoPlatform reserves the right to offer any other Service it deems appropriate, in a format and with the technical features and resources that it deems most appropriate to deliver these Services.
### 7. Length of Services and unsubscribing
The Terms of Use apply throughout the User’s period of usage of the Services.
Users are subscribed to Services throughout the time their Account is open.
Users can unsubscribe by deleting their account at any time in the App. This takes immediate effect and leads to the User’s Account and data being automatically deleted.
In the event that the User’s Account remains inactive for a continuous period of 3 (three) years, ExpoPlatform may delete the User’s Account and all of their data.
### 8. Agreement on proof
The User expressly acknowledges and accepts:
- data collected by the Application and on ExpoPlatform’s IT equipment is a true reflection of the transactions taking place under the scope of this agreement,
- this data constitutes the main mode of proof admitted by the parties.
### 9. User responsibility and obligations
Without prejudice to the other obligations contained in these Terms of Use, the User undertakes to adhere to the following:
9.1 When using the services, the User undertakes to adhere to these Terms of Use, as well as the law and regulations in force, and to not infringe the rights of third parties or public order.
The user alone is responsible for their usage of the Application and Services.
9.2 The User undertakes to provide ExpoPlatform with all the information needed to properly deliver the Services. In a more general sense, the User undertakes to cooperate actively with ExpoPlatform with a view to the proper implementation of the General Terms and Conditions.
9.3 The User alone is responsible for the documents, details, data, information and any content that it provides ExpoPlatform as part of its usage of the Service. The User guarantees to ExpoPlatform that it is authorized to provide this information and that it has all the rights and authorization needed to use this information within the framework of the Services.
9.4 The User states that they have acquainted themselves with the Application and its features.
9.5 The User alone is responsible for their behavior at Event venues and undertakes to adhere to the general conditions stipulated by these venues.
9.6 The User alone is responsible for their usage of the Services and notably for the contacts they may forge with other Visitors and Exhibitors with whom they may enter into contact, and for the information that the User sends them via the App.
9.7 The User undertakes to make strictly personal usage of the Services. Consequently, the User will refrain from assigning, ceding or transferring all or some of its rights and obligations under this agreement to a third party, in any manner.
9.8 The User alone is responsible for all content (text, graphical, audio, audiovisual and other content types) that they publish on the Application (the Content) and for any resulting repercussions.
The User accepts that the Content published on the Application is made public by default and may be viewed by other Users.
9.9 The User warrants to ExpoPlatform that it has all the rights and authorizations required to disseminate this Content. The User warrants that this Content is lawful, does not contravene public order, morality or the rights of third parties, does not breach any legislative or regulatory provision, and more generally, cannot in any way result in civil or criminal liability for ExpoPlatform.
The user will therefore refrain from disseminating, notably but not limited to:
- child pornography, pornography, defamatory, abusive, racist, obscene, indecent, shocking, violent, xenophobic or revisionist Content,
- infringing content,
- Content that violates a third party’s image,
- Content that is false, misleading or proposes or promotes illegal, fraudulent or misleading activities,
- and more generally Content that may infringe the rights of third parties or be detrimental to third parties, in any manner or form.
### 10. User guarantee
The User holds ExpoPlatform harmless against any complaints, claims, actions and/or demands of any kind that it may face due to the breach by the User of any of its obligations or guarantees under the terms of these Terms of Use.
The User undertakes to compensate ExpoPlatform for any damage that it may suffer and to pay all of its fees, expenses and/or penalties that it may incur as a result.
### 11. ExpoPlatform’s responsibility and liability waiver
11.1 ExpoPlatform undertakes to deliver the Services diligently and in line with best practice, with the understanding that it has a best efforts obligation, to the exclusion of any performance guarantees, and the user expressly acknowledges and accepts this.
11.2 ExpoPlatform’s only role is to provide the Services described in these Terms of Use.
11.3 ExpoPlatform is not involved in the relations between Users and Organizer, and cannot under any circumstances be held liable for any difficulties that may occur between them, or be involved in any disputes that may arise, notably concerning the delivery of Exhibitor Services, Visitor obligations, guarantees, declarations and any other User obligations.
However, with a view to continually improving the quality of the services, ExpoPlatform invites Users to feed back about any difficulties that they may wish to bring to ExpoPlatform’s attention.
11.4 ExpoPlatform does not make any guarantee to the User that the Services offered will meet all the User’s needs and expectations.
11.5 ExpoPlatform cannot be held liable for the decisions taken by the User or by any third party appointed by the User. Similarly, ExpoPlatform cannot under any circumstances be held liable for the Content published by the User on the Application, over which ExpoPlatform has no oversight, or verifying or moderating role of any sort.
11.6 ExpoPlatform undertakes to make regular checks to verify that the Application and its website http://expoplatform.com are working properly and are accessible. In this respect, ExpoPlatform reserves the right to temporarily suspend access to the application for maintenance purposes.
Likewise, ExpoPlatform cannot be held liable for users being temporarily unable or finding it difficult to access the application if caused by outside circumstances, force majeure or caused by disruption to the telecommunications network, with Users being aware of the complex nature of global networks and of the times of day when large numbers of users are online.
The Services are delivered by ExpoPlatform “as is” and without any kind of express or implicit guarantees. ExpoPlatform does not in particular warrant to Users (i) that the Services, subject to a constant quest to improve, notably their performance and progress, will be totally free from errors, defects or flaws, (ii) that the Services, which are standard and are not in any way aimed solely at a specific User based on their own personal constraints, will specifically meet their needs and expectations.
### 12. Limitation of liability
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EXPOPLATFORM WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO THE USER FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES (INCLUDING DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, CUSTOMERS OR ANY OTHER NON-MATERIAL DAMAGES) ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THEIR ACCESS TO OR USE OF THE SERVICES, OR THEIR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE THE SERVICES OR ANY MATERIAL OR CONTENT OF THE SERVICES, WHETHER BASED ON ANY WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), LAW OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, AND WHETHER OR NOT ANY OF ExpoPlatform’S ENTITIES HAD BEEN ADVISED OF THE POTENTIAL DAMAGES.
TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF ExpoPlatform WITH REGARD TO THE USERS FOR ANY CLAIMS ARISING FROM OR RELATED TO THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY PART OF THE SERVICES OR OTHERWISE WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THESE TERMS OF USE, WHETHER CONTRACTUAL, TORTIOUS OR OTHERWISE, IS LIMITED TO 100 EURO.
EACH PROVISION OF THESE TERMS OF USE WHICH PROVIDES FOR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY, EXCLUSION OF WARRANTY OR EXCLUSION OF DAMAGES IS INTENDED TO APPORTION THE RISKS AMONG THE PARTIES BY VIRTUE OF THESE TERMS OF USE. THIS APPORTIONMENT IS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT ON WHICH THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE PARTIES IS FOUNDED. EACH OF THESE PROVISIONS IS SEPARABLE AND INDEPENDENT OF ALL OTHER THE PROVISIONS OF THESE CONDITIONS. THE LIMITATIONS IN THIS SECTION WILL APPLY EVEN IF A LIMITED MOTION FAILS IN ITS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE.
### 13. Prohibited behavior
13.1 It is strictly prohibited to use the Services for the following ends:
- carrying out activities that are illegal, fraudulent or that infringe the rights or security of third parties,
- violating public order or laws and regulations in force,
- hacking into the IT system of a third party or any activity that aims to harm, control, interfere with or intercept all or part of a third party’s information system, violate its integrity or security,
- action taken to improve the SEO of a third-party site,
- assisting with or inciting, in any manner or form whatsoever, one or more of the acts and activities described above,
- and more generally, any actions that use the Services for purposes other than that for which they have been designed.
13.2 It is strictly prohibited for Users to copy and/or utilize for their own ends or those of third parties the concept, technologies, all or part of the data or any other component part of the Application.
13.3 The following is also strictly forbidden: (i) any behavior that would interrupt, suspend, slow down or prevent Service continuity, (ii) any hacking or attempts to hack into ExpoPlatform’s systems, (iii) any hijacking of the Application’s system resources, (iv) any actions that would place a disproportionate load on ExpoPlatform’s infrastructure, (v) any attempts to breach the security and authentication systems, (vi) any acts that could infringe the financial, business or moral interests and rights of ExpoPlatform or Users of its Application, and finally and more generally (vii) any breaches of these Terms of Use.
13.4 It is strictly forbidden to make money from, sell or cede all or part of the access to the Services or Application, and to the information hosted and/or shared on it.
### 14. Penalties for breaches
In the event of a breach of any of the provisions of the Terms of Use, or more generally, any violation of laws and regulations by the User, ExpoPlatform reserves the right to take all appropriate measures and notably to:
- suspend, remove or prevent access to Services by a User who has committed a breach or violation, or who has taken part in one,
- delete any Content linked to the breach or violation in question, fully or partially,
- take all appropriate measures and instigate any legal proceedings,
- notify the relevant authorities where applicable, and cooperate with them and provide them with all the information they need for their investigation and to suppress illegal or illicit activities.
The User is advised and accepts that any breach of their obligations may, apart from the consequences outlined above, lead to the immediate termination of these Terms of Use by ExpoPlatform by any written means.
### 15. Intellectual property
The systems, software, structure, infrastructure, databases, codes and content of any kind (templates, text, images, visuals, music, logos, trademarks, databases etc.) used by ExpoPlatform on the Application are protected by any intellectual property rights and database producer rights in force. Any dismantling, decompilation, decoding, extraction, reuse, copying and more generally, any reproduction, representation, dissemination and usage of any of these elements, either in full or partially, without ExpoPlatform’s authorization, is strictly forbidden and may lead to legal action being taken.
The User grants ExpoPlatform an unlimited, perpetual, irrevocable and non-exclusive right to use their suggestions or proposals for improving the Application or the Event Pages, in any way or for any purpose.
Unless otherwise explicitly stated and/or agreed during event registration or other means, by posting Content on the Application, the User thus grants ExpoPlatform a non-exclusive, worldwide and royalty-free right and license (with the right to sub-license) to host, store, transfer, display, run, reproduce, and modify all or part of such Content, in any format and through any channel currently known or hereafter developed.
### 16. User personal data
ExpoPlatform undertakes to comply with data protection regulations and in particular with EU regulation 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, hereafter the GDPR).
ExpoPlatform implements a personal data protection policy. Its characteristics are explained in the Privacy Policy.
ExpoPlatform guarantees that its sub-processors who may collect and process personal data on its behalf as part of the provision of the services implement the appropriate technical and organizational methods to ensure compliance with the GDPR and more generally with personal data regulations.
ExpoPlatform notably guarantees that the procedures applied by the aforementioned sub-processors are governed by contractual provisions compliant with GDPR rules.
The App User is informed and agrees to sharing with ExpoPlatform the data that appears in their Account and the data relating to their participation in the Event.
This information required by ExpoPlatform is needed for the App to work. The Application aims to enable users to share content and easily connect with each other before, during and after the Event, in order to expand their professional network.
### 17. Links and third-party sites
ExpoPlatform cannot under any circumstances be held liable for the technical availability of websites run by third parties (including any partners) which the User may access via the Application.
ExpoPlatform does not assume any liability for the content, adverts, products and/or services available on such third-party websites, and Users are reminded that these sites are governed by their own terms and conditions of use.
The company is a networking platform and is not responsible for relationships between the Visitors, Exhibitors, Organizers and any advertisers, professionals or salespersons (including its potential partners) to whom Users may be directed via the Application and will not take part in any disputes whatsoever with these third parties, particularly concerning Event participation, guarantees, declarations or any other obligations whatsoever to which these third parties may be bound.
### 18. Advertising
ExpoPlatform, in collaboration with the Organizer, reserves the right to include on any page of the Application and in any communication with the Users advertising and promotional messages in a format and in conditions decided upon solely by ExpoPlatform.
### 19. Amendments
ExpoPlatform reserves the right to amend these General Terms and Conditions at any time.
Users will be informed about these amendments via any pertinent method.
Users who do not agree to the amended Terms of Use must unsubscribe from the services following the procedure explained in Clause 7 Length of services and unsubscribing.
Any User who makes use of the services after the amended Terms of Use have taken effect is deemed to have accepted the amendments.
### 20. Language
If the Terms of Use are translated into one or more languages, in the event of a contradiction or dispute about the meaning of a term or provision, the English language version will be used to interpret the agreement.
### 21. Law and jurisdiction
These Terms of Use are governed by English law, and the only courts competent to deal with any dispute between the User and ExpoPlatform which may arise regarding their validity, interpretation or execution will be the courts of England and Wales, excepting any contrary and mandatory procedural requirement.
---
### [Hosted Buyer program](https://expoplatform.com/hosted-buyer-program/)
**Published:** May 27, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Hosted Buyer Programme for your next event
Create a personalised concierge experience for your event VIP guests and increase exhibitor ROI.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
### Qualify and onboard hosted buyers online
Map out a seamless journey to qualify and onboard your Hosted Buyers with a data-driven dashboard efficiently.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Manage buyer hospitality, meetings and documentation
Support attendees by providing allowance details, essential documents, and hospitality information on the portal.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
### The Hosted Buyer Playbook
Your complete guide to creating ROI-driven meeting programs!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Supervise meetings with an intuitive dashboard
Gather real-time insights on pre-set appointments using buyer check-ins and meeting-tracker dashboard.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
### Match buyers with relevant sellers using AI
Connect your buyers to suitable exhibitors based on their preferences with utmost accuracy using AI-driven algorithm.
[Discover Here](https://expoplatform.com/ai-powered-matchmaking/)
### Hosted buyer seamless journey
Deliver a VIP experience with Hoster Buyer program
Create smart meeting schedules for efficient networking and business.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Thank you for your request](https://expoplatform.com/thank-you/)
**Published:** April 3, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Pick up the time for a 30 minutes Demo meeting
Thank you for the demo request.
Now you can the time that works best for you and get the meeting booked to your calendar.
[No, thanks](/)
Book the Time
---
### [Ebooks Library](https://expoplatform.com/ebooks-library/)
**Published:** April 29, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Five free ebooks: Download the Future of Events ebook series
- 250+ pages of deep-dive content;
- 30+ industry experts’ exclusive insights;
- 70+ insightful infographics/diagrams.
[Download 5x EBooks](#download-section)
Download 5X Ebooks
and subscribe to our mailing list
By submitting this form I agree to the ExpoPlatform’s [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)
## Download 250+ pages of expert advice and inspiration from the world’s leading event professionals
ExpoPlatform’s ‘Future of Events’ series of ebooks brings together experts from the world’s leading event organisers to reveal how they are building the next generation of event businesses.
The series explores how they are using technology to power better in-person events, masterclasses in revenue generation, and how they create engaged communities year-round.
## This exclusive pack of 5 books includes:
### The Marketplace Blueprint
The complete guide to creating a successful online marketplace
### The Community Blueprint
A practical guide to building a 365 business model
### The Monetisation Blueprint
How to accelerate digital revenue growth
### The AI Blueprint
How data science is shaping the future of events
### The Hybrid Blueprint
A practical guide to blending digital and physical event experiences
[Download 5x EBooks](#download-section)
## Meet our expert contributors from the events industry
Simon Albert
Managing director,
Messe Frankfurt UK
Carina Bauer
CEO,
IMEX Group
Tesi Baur
Founder and CEO,
MBB-Consulting Group
Mark Brewster
CEO,
Explori
Brian Field
COO,
Emerald
Stephan Forseilles
Head,
Technology at Easyfairs
Alison Gilmore
Director,
ILTM’s Exhibition
Gunnar Heinrich
CEO,
Adventics
James Hampton
Operations Director,
MCI Group
Sophie Holt
Managing Director,
Explori
Liz Irving
Executive Vice President,
Clarion Events
Anna Knight
VP Licensing portfolio,
Informa Markets
Stuart Ledden
Marketing Director,
Tarsus Group
Paul Miller
CEO,
Questex
Michael Seaman
CEO,
Raccoon Events
Ade Allenby
Global Head of Innovation,
Reed Exhibitions
Tamar Beck
CEO,
Gleanin
Charlie Cracknell
Managing Director,
Inspired Minds
Laura Davidson
Director,
Tag Digital
Kathryn Frankson
Director of Event Marketing,
Informa
Max Gabriel
Chief Transformation Officer,
Informa Markets
Heather Holst-Knudsen
СEO,
H2K Partners
Dominic Jones
Regional Marketing Manager,
Axis Communications
Elsbeth Kottelenberg
Head,
Data and Insights at Jaarbeurs
Mark Maydon
Director,
Crowd Connected
Raoul Monks
CEO and Founder,
Flume Training
Mark Parsons
Founder,
Events Intelligence
Joe Pulizzi
Founder,
Content Marketing Institute
Nick Rosier
Digital director,
2Heads
Timothy Skennion
Managing Director,
Derabo Advisory Group
Donna Shaw
COO,
Rego
Tanya Thomas
Chief sales officer,
GDS Group
RD Whitney
CEO,
Community Leaders Institute
Show More
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Resources](https://expoplatform.com/resources/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Resources
Research
Ebooks
Publications
Checklists
Load More
---
### [Reasons why ExpoPlatform is the ideal solution for your events and Communities in the New Normal](https://expoplatform.com/reasons-why-expoplatform-is-the-ideal-solution-for-your-events-and-communities-in-the-new-normal/)
**Published:** April 16, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Why ExpoPlatform
10 Reasons to choose ExpoPlatformform your Smart Events & 365 Communities
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
Reason 1
### Trusted by world-leading organizers
The **largest exhibition** and **conference organizers** across the globe work with us. We are a platform dealing with large-scale international audiences.
We offer tools for next-level live, hybrid and fully virtual events. That includes **exhibitions, conferences, corporate events, associations** and **more**.
Reason 2
### 365 community to do business year-round
Connect your market year-round with our 365 community platform.
**Engage your community** with editorial content, regular webinars, interest groups and a marketplace.
Reason 3
### Smart Events Mobile App
Our mobile app digitally extends the Smart Event experience by helping your audience connect and network, generate leads and share content on the go.
Reason 4
### A fully customized experience
We give you a **range of modules to build a customized experience** for your audiences.
From registration to interactive floorplans, choose the options you need with an all-in-one platform or integrate with your current providers.
### Want to explore more features?
Grow your events and communities with ExpoPlatform!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
Reason 5
### +250% leads for your exhibitors and sponsors
Give your exhibitors + 250% more ROI with an advanced **lead intelligence system**.
You can track every interaction that buyers have with exhibitors, live and online.
The real-time dashboard reflects interactions with online company profiles, products and content, as well as scans on the show floor during live events.
Reason 6
### AI-powered personalization
Offer personalized recommendations for people and products.
Our AI-powered **person-to-object matchmaking** is unique in giving your users Amazon-like suggestions **for products, suppliers** and **content** – as well as facilitating smart connections between users.
Reason 7
### Control 100% of your data
Organizers should be in control of the event data. We will never share it and will always delete as required, in contrast to some other platforms.
ExpoPlatform is **GDPR** and **VSef-compliant**. Read our Data Manifesto for more information.
Reason 8
### The product discovery platform
Use a range of tools to connect buyers with new products and services.
Our 365 Marketplace includes **AI product recommendations**, showcase **hubs**, and a **new Product Finder RFI tendering** tool.
Reason 9
### Hosted buying for VIPs
Easily create a **fully managed VIP concierge service** with our hosted buyer module.
Qualify hosted buyers, schedule one-to-one meetings, meet them on-site and rate the success of meetings.
Reason 10
### Meetings Make Trees Sustainability Programme
Plant a tree for every meeting confirmed via the platform or app with our Meetings Make Trees scheme.
You can also track your sustainability score based on the number of those planted.
Get started with Smart Events & 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Approved Partners](https://expoplatform.com/approved-partners/)
**Published:** April 16, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Approved Partner Programmes
Approved Partner Programmes (APPs) are designed to incorporate ExpoPlatform’s comprehensive offering with that of other premium service providers for organisers of exhibitions, conferences and corporate events.
By working with carefully selected partners, we can enrich our client proposition with additional expertise.
[Get Demo Now](/request-demo/)
Seamless Content Transfer
### Streamline content flows at your events
Create a seamless integration experience by synchronising session and speaker data.
Simplify complex content flows for academic and content-heavy events.
Save time, reduce stress and get your content up-to-speed with a fully integrated speaker and content management platform.
Branded kiosks and badge printing
### Create seamless visitor registration at venues
Provides branded kiosks and hosted registration areas at venues to facilitate smooth arrival of visitors.
Ensures quick badge printing, faster check-ins and seamless visitor processing with less staff.
Audience smart reach
### Grow your audience with the right people
Identify the most engaged segments of visitors and exhibitors on our platform and find more of them.
Connect your community’s first-party data to programmatic networks.
Increase your reach, audience & revenue using paid media across search, social, programmatic and video.
VIP concierge and digital sales
### Create a personalised concierge for your buyers
Create a bespoke, fully hosted experience for your most valuable buyers.
Professional concierge team will call and email to setup meetings, using our software to schedule meetings.
The service continues when you go on-site with team available to meet your VIPs at the venue.
Location tracking
### Improve audience navigation in your venues
Provide an indoor positioning system with ‘blue dot’ navigation, mobile tracking, personalised engagement and footfall analytics at the venue.
Multilingual captions and interpreters
### Make your event content accessible for everyone
Facilitate content accessibility at your event with multi-language video player, live remote interpretation management & AV production.
---
### [Advisory Board](https://expoplatform.com/advisory-board/)
**Published:** April 12, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Advisory board
## Simon Foster
Group CEO at Arc
Simon joined the industry almost 30 years ago as a marketing manager. He enjoys the passion, the excitement and the energy people bring to events. He has led many businesses globally, launching products, building partnerships and in-region businesses, while delivering strong profits through organic growth and acquisitions.
Throughout, he has always sought sustainable growth through understanding and serving the customer, embracing change and creating more effective and innovative ways to bring people together. He has continuously built teams and processes that thrive from disruption and change to propel the overall industry forward.
He joined Comexposium as CEO in August 2017 with the aim to lead an international transformation and deliver a sale of the business for the PE shareholders. Prior to Comexposium, he was with UBM plc (now Informa) for 19 years, as CEO of UBM EMEA and UBM Americas. He is Chairman of the Association of Exhibition Organisers (AEO) International Group, has been on the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO) Board and chaired the UFI CEO Summit in 2020.
## Liz Irving
President, Clarion Events Inc. – North America
Liz’s endless curiosity, desire for learning, and passion for building relationships define her responsibilities as the Executive Vice President- Head of Marketing, Technology and Customer Experience for Clarion Events. With over 20 years of experience in the events industry, she focuses on delivering results by creating brand strategies and providing innovative approaches that meet her customers’ needs.
In her current role, Liz oversees the strategic direction and integration of the marketing and technology functions across North America. These are led by insight, marketing effectiveness, digital and virtual platform development and innovation. In addition, she is responsible for virtual product strategy development where she partners with Clarion’s portfolio directors to identify growth opportunities to enhance existing events and develop new digital offerings. She constantly has her eye on the customer experience and how to continuously evolve what our events offer to increase the value we provide face-to-face and digitally.
## Anna Knight
SVP, Licensing at Informa Markets
Anna Knight is SVP of the Licensing business within Informa Markets. She has over 16 years of experience working within both start-up and established events-led organisations (Centaur, UBM, Informa). She transitioned from managing marketing teams in exhibitions and conferences to running multi-million pound event and media portfolios. She currently leads a global team based in London, Santa Monica and New York within the brand licensing industry. Anna has immense experience in launches, high-growth events and turnaround projects within EMEA, North America & Asia.
## Sophie Holt
Managing Director at Explori
Sophie is an experienced event professional who has worked with a number of respected organisers specialising in launch events. Over her career, she has launched 11 tradeshows and events in sectors as diverse as healthcare management, AI and gaming.
Sophie has first-hand experience in the power of customer insight to shape event strategies that deliver sustainable growth. She is passionate about the role of customer experience in the future of face-to-face marketing.
She leads the operational teams at Explori and regularly authors white papers and shares insight with the industry at conferences around the world, including the Global Visitor and Exhibitor Insights Reports for UFI and SISO.
Prior to joining the exhibitions industry, Sophie worked in corporate events, with a number of well-known brands including Avon Cosmetics and Toyota.
## Robert Millar
Director at Devonshire & St Andrews
Robert is a strategic advisor with over 20 years’ experience of working globally at the Board level with major brands across multiple industries. His area of expertise is in helping businesses create sustainable growth by focusing on strategic transformation – combining the ability to develop long-term strategies with the more practical actions required to deliver change.
He has led over 40 major programmes of work across multiple industries including TMT, Financial Services, Retail, Utilities, B2B, Logistics, Real Estate, Utilities and Events.
He is responsible for the development of internationally recognised thought leadership in the discipline of customer-led change that has been proven across a multitude of successful strategy, innovation and transformation programmes. He has spoken at numerous conferences, business events and universities, and has been quoted in multiple publications on this topic.
## Paul Miller
CEO at Questex
Paul is an experienced, award-winning executive with deep skills in events, business development, digital media, advertising, content marketing, and social media. He is customer-focused, bringing high levels of innovation and creativity to help customers achieve superior ROI on marketing investment.
He has led and grown businesses with revenues ranging from $30 million to $250 million in both privately owned and publicly held companies. He has also built/acquired businesses and partnerships around the world including China, Brazil, India, Japan and Western Europe. Acquisitions in the US and Canada include Canon Communications, Semiconductor Insights, TechOnline, Portelligent and Design Con.
He is proficient in leading the implementation of marketing and sales automation technologies from Eloqua to Salesforce.com – led the creation of the groundbreaking community content strategy at UBM with a focus on building Data Warehouse and analytics capabilities.
## Timothy Skennion
Managing Director at Derabo Advisory Group
Timothy Skennion is the Managing Director of Derabo Advisory Group – a growth-focused advisory firm that partners with businesses to optimise performance across all functional areas as well as drive long-term value for the organisation and their shareholders. As an advisor to the executive teams and boards of Derabo’s clients, Tim provides agile and customisable solutions that augment the production of their management teams, helping fill critical functional gaps and support the achievement of both near-term and long-term objectives. Tim also serves as an informal executive resource to many startups, private investment firms and accelerators. As a career revenue leader, Tim’s niche is in helping organisations identify and maximise their full revenue potential through Innovation, Process and People, and building and implementing highly productive revenue programmes.
## James Hampton
Account Director at MSL Global
James has led the operational delivery for MCI UK’s association customers since 2017. He has a wealth of experience supporting associations with commercial strategies and resourcing associated with their flagship meetings be they face-to-face, fully virtual or hybrid.
## Laura Davidson
CEO at Tag Digital
Laura is one of the co-founders of Tag Digital – a paid media agency that supports event organisers reach their goals using search, social, display and video. Laura has helped the agency grow by working with the world’s leading organisers and delivering campaigns for over 2000 events per year largely across EMEA and North America, earning the company “Barclay’s International Expansion of the Year”.
Laura is focused on the strategic growth of the company through new product innovation, scaling up the team and entering new markets.
## Simon Parker
Managing Director at CIBSE Services
Simon has over 30 years of experience in events having run global portfolios of events for Miller Freeman, UBM and Informa. Most recently he was MD/ EVP at UBM/ Informa where he ran a business of events, digital and content products with over 400 colleagues in London, the Middle East, Turkey and Asia. He is currently Chair of the AEO and has sat on the Council for the last six years.
## Claire Washington-Smith
CEO at Rego
Claire is the CEO and chair at Rego as well as a founding member of the Women in Exhibitions Network UK. With more than 30 years of industry experience, she has led events and exhibitions sales and partnerships for leading exhibition, media, corporate and agency leadership teams across the globe.
Claire is passionate about events and her dedication to a people-focused approach has been instrumental in shaping and developing world-class traditional and digital solutions.
## Mark Temple-Smith
Group Managing Director at CloserStill Media
Mark is Group Managing Director at CloserStill Media. He has more than 20 years of experience in the global exhibitions industry, including time as Tarsus Group CEO Asia. Prior to that, Mark was COO at Informa Markets and in previous roles led the growth strategy at the then ITE Group – now Hyve – as the regional director for Asia.
At ITE, he expanded the Asian business from a startup to around 50 exhibitions with more than 400 colleagues.
## Stuart Ledden
Marketing Director at Insurtech Insights
Stuart is a strategic leader with a successful track record of developing multi-channel digital solutions that engage and interact with a wide variety of audiences. He has worked for over 20 years championing communication at board level with gravitas and ease. He has witnessed the rapid development of emerging platforms, seen a few become part of everyday life and many others slip into oblivion.
This time gave him extensive practical experience of team leadership, people management, strategic planning, digital creative development, user experience design, consumer insight research, production and technical processes, software and application development and project management.
He has a grounded ability to understand business and commercial objectives enables me to formulate effective solutions that engage immediate and wider stakeholder groups – whilst always striving to deliver innovative and premium user experiences.
## Lori Hoinkes
CEO at Manchester Central Convention Complex
Lori is a strategy and business transformation executive with 25+ years of experience. She applies rigorous, data-based analysis to create pragmatic and actionable strategic plans focused on driving simplicity and profitability. She has extensive experience in strategy development, business process improvement, and leading large transformation initiatives.
As an insightful and agile leader, she has developed expertise in solution development and implementation. This includes analysing business issues, identifying opportunities, developing business proposals, securing board approval, and leading these initiatives through successful implementation. She is the CEO at Manchester Central Convention Complex.
---
### [Events](https://expoplatform.com/events/)
**Published:** May 15, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# ExpoPlatforms Events
Upcoming events
Past events
On-demand events
Load More
---
### [Floor Plan](https://expoplatform.com/floor-plan/)
**Published:** May 17, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Guide visitors with Interactive Floor Plan
Build a customisable floor plan layout and guide attendees to important venue spaces such as exhibitions stalls, conference rooms, and stage areas.
[Get Demo Now](#form-section)
### Customise Exhibitor Stands for better branding
Exhibitors can customise their stands on the map with brief information, custom branding and links to the individual profiles.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Generate engagement on the exhibitor profiles
Drive interactions between the floor plan mini-profiles and the visitors with elements like meet, message and favourite.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Filter Floor Plan for a sorted view
Visitors can sort the venue spaces based on multiple available filters and categories to see a different view.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
Guide visitors with Interactive Floor Plan
Create a custom floor plan to guide attendees to key areas like stalls, conference rooms, and stages.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Exhibitor Manual](https://expoplatform.com/exhibitor-manual/)
**Published:** May 16, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Exhibitor Manual
The easy way to onboard and monetise your exhibitors
[Watch the Video](#form-section)[Book a Full Demo Now](/request-demo)
Exhibitor participation at the PGA Virtual Experience and Marketplace was strong – and we look forward to continued platform enhancements moving forward.
3000+
exhibitors onboarded
Using our Exhibitor Manual
### Customised exhibitor journeys for your event
Easy to create dynamic, interactive forms and multi-step pipelines to onboard exhibitors.
Use the drag’n’drop editor to build unique flows using conditional logic for custom journeys.
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Automated reminders and checklists
Allow exhibitors to add team members, upload key documents, complete checklists and set deadlines with automated email reminders.
[Get Demo](/request-demo/)
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Generate revenue
Monetise exhibitors by conneceting them to trusted suppliers with ease through the webstore.
Monetise upsells and collect payment through invoices or credit card payment.
[Find Out More](/request-demo/)
### Seamless event experience
Part of a seamless event experience from onboarding through to the event itself – without any messy integrations.
[Start Now](/request-demo/)
Exhibitor onboarding and monetisation simplified
Discover how Exhibitor Manual facilitates seamless exhibitor journeys and boosts ROI.
Watch 5 minutes Demo
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent Website
---
### [Careers | Join our global team making events smarter](https://expoplatform.com/careers/)
**Published:** May 31, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Let’s Grow Together
We’re growing fast and looking for people who believe that together with a team we can accomplish more than apart.
[Explore Vacancies](#vacancies-list)
All Positions
Growth
UK
Full time
[ Sales Executive – Tech for Exhibitions ](https://expoplatform.com/?post_type=vacancies&p=25789)
[ Job Details ](https://expoplatform.com/?post_type=vacancies&p=25789)
Load More
### Can’t find the right position but want to join our team?
Send us your CV and we will contact you when a relevant opportunity is available.
[More Info](#)
Apply now
Join our fast growing team!
Your CV
### Our Values
Be proactive
Initiate solutions
Ask questions and be curious
Think several steps ahead
Deliver awesome
Get the promised done
Exceed expectations
Consider yourself an extension of our clients’ team
Achieve together
Value your team members’ impact
Share your knowledge and expertise
Celebrate our wins as a team
Remove barriers
Communication is key
Respect differences – build equality
Encourage friendly and fun relationships
Act with integrity
Be honest and open
Build trust as a team
Be transparent
Inspire innovation
Bring new ideas for product, features and processes
Keep looking for improvements
Share challenges to inspire solutions
Ian Carpenter
New Business Director
I've really enjoyed my first few months at ExpoPlatform. Its super fast paced, and I'm excited to be a part of the early stage growth.
Maksym Nosenko
Lead Developer
I feel very proud to be one of the oldest employees of EP. My career has skied with the growth of the company. I am really grateful to work in a place which makes us grow to greater heights.
Ajay Singh
Director, Product Success
Good environment, a great team and excellent managers to work with. Super place to work!
Devansh Prasad
Director of Technical Account Management
Technology is best when it brings people together and this is how we roll at ExpoPlatform. Delighted to be part of such a caring and supportive team where innovative and creative ideas are a daily phenomenon
---
### [Subscribe to ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/subscription/)
**Published:** August 20, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Join thousands of eventprofs who take tech seriously
## Keep ahead in the events industry
Weekly news, analysis and insights straight to your inbox.
By submitting this form I agree to receive product updates and marketing communications from ExpoPlatform
---
### [Session & Speakers](https://expoplatform.com/session-speakers/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Instill Interactivity in your Sessions
## Align and organise multiple sessions together for your conferences. Build a memorable impression with your powerful speaker sessions.
[Book a Demo](#form-section)
### Categorise Sessions with Tags and Tracks
Sort your sessions with tags and tracks of specific categories. With these, visitors can easily filter sessions of their interest and attend them accordingly.
### Create interactive profiles for your speakers
Manage your speakers by creating fully interactive profiles with their details, social media handles, and their topic of discussion.
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#form-section)
### Analyse Session-specific metrics for various actions
Get regular session check-in, payments made, attendance and various other statistics for all individual sessions to analyse and plan accordingly.
ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced experience.
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
The feedback from exhibitors and visitors on ExpoPlatform use has been absolutely amazing. Visitors had one platform that collects all the information they need – and it was great for exhibitors as well.
They had a lead scanner and a matchmaking tool that enabled exhibitors to really meet the key buyers that they come to the show for.
Vicky Clayton
Marketing Manager, dmg events
The ExpoPlatform product allowed us to create an experience that connects our end users and we worked with EP to create a process which best encourages meetings.
We will continue our partnership with ExpoPlatform and our aim is to further grow this number and the experience of all that attend our events worldwide.
Nathalie Ravier
Digital Solutions Director, Vinexposium
I am so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved with IMEX America 2023! We delivered a new tech stack, for a new audience, which facilitated record numbers and delivered an experience celebrated by all.
I have never been more proud of what I am today to have owned the ExpoPlatform implementation and to have been a part of the team which transformed the tech foundation for IMEX.
Jordan Yeates
Senior product manager, IMEX Group
ExpoPlatform are a key partner to Informa Markets because they share our vision of applying innovative technologies to continuously improve customer experiences.
Eleni Lialiamou
EVP Product Management, Informa Markets
With ExpoPlatform, we were able to simplify our tech stack, improve our customer experience and optimize our data as an organizer to unlock audience and revenue opportunities.
Elizabeth Irving
CMO, Clarion Events
The flexibility and tools offered by ExpoPlatform help you fulfil the virtual customer experience. Their mobile app is packed with features to enhance your live event experience.
Tomoko Kawase
Operations Executive, Reed Exhibitors
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Request demo (German)](https://expoplatform.com/request-demo-de/)
**Published:** May 30, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Legen Sie los mit Smart Events und 365 Communities!
## Sprechen Sie mit ExpoPlatforms Eventexperten über Ihre spezifischen Anforderungen und erleben Sie eine Live-Präsentation unserer Lösungen.
Kostenlose Beratung anfragen
Telefon \*
An welchen Lösungen sind Sie interessiert? \*
—Please choose an option—5 oder mehr1-40
Anzahl der Ausstellungen, die Sie pro Jahr durchführen \*
—Please choose an option—500 oder mehr100-500Bis zu 100
Für welche der folgenden Lösungen interessieren Sie sich?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent-Sponsoring / MonetarisierungHosted-Buyer-ProgrammEvent-RegistrierungLead-ErfassungEvent-AppSpeed NetworkingLead-Erfassung ProEvent-PlattformRound TablesEvent-WebsiteMeetingformate
ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced experience.
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
It was a terrific success and I am really grateful to the ExpoPlatform team for all the effort they put in.
Nick Dugdale-Moore
Regional Director for Europe, UFI
The feedback from exhibitors and visitors on ExpoPlatform use has been absolutely amazing. Visitors had one platform that collects all the information they need – and it was great for exhibitors as well.
They had a lead scanner and a matchmaking tool that enabled exhibitors to really meet the key buyers that they come to the show for.
Vicky Clayton
Marketing Manager, dmg events
The ExpoPlatform product allowed us to create an experience that connects our end users and we worked with EP to create a process which best encourages meetings.
We will continue our partnership with ExpoPlatform and our aim is to further grow this number and the experience of all that attend our events worldwide.
Nathalie Ravier
Digital Solutions Director, Vinexposium
I am so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved with IMEX America 2023! We delivered a new tech stack, for a new audience, which facilitated record numbers and delivered an experience celebrated by all.
I have never been more proud of what I am today to have owned the ExpoPlatform implementation and to have been a part of the team which transformed the tech foundation for IMEX.
Jordan Yeates
Head of Product Technology, IMEX Group
ExpoPlatform are a key partner to Informa Markets because they share our vision of applying innovative technologies to continuously improve customer experiences.
Eleni Lialiamou
EVP Product Management, Informa Markets
With ExpoPlatform, we were able to simplify our tech stack, improve our customer experience and optimize our data as an organizer to unlock audience and revenue opportunities.
Elizabeth Irving
President, Clarion Events North America
The flexibility and tools offered by ExpoPlatform help you fulfil the virtual customer experience. Their mobile app is packed with features to enhance your live event experience.
Tomoko Kawase
Senior Executive, Digital Products, Reed Exhibitions Limited
### Get more from your events with the most complete smart event platform
- Run your in-person, virtual, or hybrid event with a single platform
- Grow Revenue with new monetisation opportunities
- Drive +250% more Leads for your exhibitors and sponsors
- Connect and engage your community year-round
[Get in Touch](/request-demo)
---
### [Online Networking](https://expoplatform.com/online-networking/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Facilitate Business with Online Networking Profiles
## Build digital touchpoints supported with microsite interactions for exhibitors, products, speakers and delegates.
[Book a Demo](#form-section)
### Market better with responsive & engaging microsites
Display exhibitor description, team and product information, marketing materials, images and videos for reaching out virtually.
### Connect your event audience with relevant profiles
Enable discussions between attendees and exhibitors, products, speakers and delegates with chat, message, and favourite options in the profile.
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#form-section)
### Interactive product catalogue with images & videos
Showcase clickable product catalogue in the exhibitor profile with multiple images, video, and categories in a pop-up fashion.
### Interaction analytics for exhibitor profiles
Provide a detailed breakdown of microsite interaction by leads to generate valuable business-generation opportunities.
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Online Meetings](https://expoplatform.com/online-meetings/)
**Published:** May 23, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Build conversations with Online Meetings
## Seamlessly connect and engage your event audience online using a powerful, interactive, and customised virtual meetings system.
[Book a Demo](#form-section)
### Keep attendees engrossed in the event
With native and customisable virtual rooms, our networking platform provides a hassle-free and no installs experience during online meetings.
### Host different kinds of meetings
Facilitate 1-2-1 or group meetings with exhibitor product catalogues, marketing materials, and other documents.
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#community-form)
### Provide Interactive experience to attendees
Offer essential facilities like screen sharing, chat, push notifications and emails for confirmation, and meeting-ratings to boost engagement.
### Sync meetings with attendee’s event schedule
Integrate meeting scheduling and confirmation with personal attendee calendars to help them track their event schedule.
ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced experience.
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
The feedback from exhibitors and visitors on ExpoPlatform use has been absolutely amazing. Visitors had one platform that collects all the information they need – and it was great for exhibitors as well.
They had a lead scanner and a matchmaking tool that enabled exhibitors to really meet the key buyers that they come to the show for.
Vicky Clayton
Marketing Manager, dmg events
The ExpoPlatform product allowed us to create an experience that connects our end users and we worked with EP to create a process which best encourages meetings.
We will continue our partnership with ExpoPlatform and our aim is to further grow this number and the experience of all that attend our events worldwide.
Nathalie Ravier
Digital Solutions Director, Vinexposium
I am so unbelievably proud of what we have achieved with IMEX America 2023! We delivered a new tech stack, for a new audience, which facilitated record numbers and delivered an experience celebrated by all.
I have never been more proud of what I am today to have owned the ExpoPlatform implementation and to have been a part of the team which transformed the tech foundation for IMEX.
Jordan Yeates
Senior product manager, IMEX Group
ExpoPlatform are a key partner to Informa Markets because they share our vision of applying innovative technologies to continuously improve customer experiences.
Eleni Lialiamou
EVP Product Management, Informa Markets
With ExpoPlatform, we were able to simplify our tech stack, improve our customer experience and optimize our data as an organizer to unlock audience and revenue opportunities.
Elizabeth Irving
CMO, Clarion Events
The flexibility and tools offered by ExpoPlatform help you fulfil the virtual customer experience. Their mobile app is packed with features to enhance your live event experience.
Tomoko Kawase
Operations Executive, Reed Exhibitors
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Online Conferences](https://expoplatform.com/online-conferences/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Deliver Engaging & Interactive Online Sessions
## Host live-streams, broadcasts and on-demand sessions with sponsorship opportunities for an engaging conference programme.
[Book a Demo](#form-section)
### Organise different types of sessions
Available in 4 unique formats: Breakout, Livestream, External or On-demand, set-up engaging sessions with multiple speakers and moderators.
### Native & topic specific break-out sessions
Tailor a beautiful, responsive and powerful website for your event. Choose from multiple pre-configured templates and customise structure, look, and features.
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#form-section)
### Groom audience participation in conferences
With the help of conditional logic, you can customize the type of matchmaking offered to attendees by creating categories and filters.
### Analyse performance of the sessions
Separate session statistics section for real-time insights on total participants, total and average session time, interactions etc.
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Meeting and Scheduling](https://expoplatform.com/meeting-and-scheduling/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Facilitate event schedule and meetings management
## Enable your attendees, exhibitors and sponsors to seamlessly manage their meetings and event schedule and make the most of your event.
[Book a Demo](#form-section)
### Suggest preference-based meeting recommendations
Provide best-suited recommendations with the results obtained from matchmaking and online registration form responses.
### Provide personalised schedules to attendees and exhibitors
Let your attendees and exhibitors track meetings, sessions, and much more with event schedules – all synchronised to their external calendars.
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#form-section)
### Help exhibitors in tracking the schedule of their teams
Exhibitors and Sponsors can glance at their team members’ schedule to view confirmed meetings and day-to-day activities.
### Collect meeting ratings and feedback with automated campaigns
Gather ratings and send automated meeting feedback emails to participants and analyse the performance of the meetings.
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Lead Capture](https://expoplatform.com/lead-capture/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Retrieve Leads seamlessly and increase follow-ups
## Help your attendees in building qualified connections by collecting lead information in a structured manner – on their mobile devices completely.
[Book a Demo](#form-section)
### Scan and capture visitor data with mobile app
Capture real-time data on the event mobile application by scanning barcodes/QR codes and categorising them as separate contacts.
### Organise scanned contacts and add notes
Categorise contacts with a rating system and add specific notes to mark your interactions and contextualise them.
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#form-section)
### View contact list instantly on mobile app & web dashboard
Access your contact list with mobile app or web dashboard and export scanned results directly to proceed with follow-ups and discussions.
### Get data-driven insights for contact-list with analytics
Track the behavior your contact lists with granular data supported by our analytics dashboard.
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Italian - 12 reasons to choose ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/ragioni-per-cui-expoplatform-e-la-soluzione-ideale-per-i-tuoi-eventi-e-le-tue-community-nella-nuova-normalita/)
**Published:** May 24, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# 12 motivi
## per cui ExpoPlatform è la soluzione ideale per Smart Events e 365 Community
[Richiedi Demo](#form-section)
Motivo 1
### Scelto dai più grandi organizzatori del mondo
Lavoriamo con alcuni dei più grandi organizzatori di fiere e conferenze in tutto il mondo e siamo abituati a trattare con un pubblico internazionale su larga scala.
La nostra piattaforma può essere tradotta in 12 lingue e con server dagli Stati Uniti a Hong Kong abbiamo alti livelli di accessibilità in tutto il mondo.
Motivo 2
### Eventi ibridi e intelligenti
Crea un’esperienza di evento completamente ibrida utilizzando la nostra piattaforma online e l’app mobile per lo streaming di contenuti, matchmaking e offrire una gamma di strumenti per eventi live, ibridi e completamente virtuali di successo.
Motivo 3
### Personalizzazione basata sull’intelligenza artificiale
Il nostro motore di intelligenza artificiale “da persona a oggetto” è unico nel settore degli eventi, fornendo agli utenti non solo un matchmaking intelligente tra i delegati, ma anche consigli “similmente ad Amazon” per prodotti, fornitori e contenuti personalizzati per loro.
Motivo 4
### Fai crescere la tua comunità tutto l’anno
Connetti il tuo mercato tutto l’anno con la nostra piattaforma della community 365. Coinvolgi la community con contenuti, sotto forma di contenuti editoriali e webinar, e un marketplace di fornitori che possono essere contattati.
### Fai crescere i tuoi eventi e le tue community con ExpoPlatform
[Richiedi Demo](#form-section)
Motivo 5
### Crea un’esperienza modulare e personalizzata
Poiché ogni mercato è diverso, ti offriamo una gamma di moduli per creare un’esperienza personalizzata per il tuo pubblico. Dalla registrazione alle planimetrie interattive, scegli i moduli di cui hai bisogno come piattaforma “tutto in uno” o integrati con altri sistemi secondo necessità.
Motivo 6
### Mantieni il controllo dei tuoi dati
Riteniamo che gli organizzatori debbano avere il pieno controllo dei propri dati. Non li condivideremo mai e li elimineremo su richiesta, a differenza di altre piattaforme di eventi virtuali.
ExpoPlatform è conforme al GDPR e co-fondatore di VSef, un’iniziativa per rendere più facile l’accesso ai tuoi dati. Leggi il nostro manifesto dei dati per maggiori informazioni.
Motivo 7
### La piattaforma di ricerca del prodotto
Un marketplace per aiutare il tuo settore a fare affari tutto l’anno. Abbiamo sviluppato una gamma di strumenti per connettere gli acquirenti con nuovi prodotti e servizi, il nostro Marketplace 365 include consigli sui prodotti guidati da intelligenza artificiale, vetrine e il nuovo strumento “Product Finder RFI”.
Motivo 8
### Cruscotto del ROI degli espositori
Forniamo ai tuoi espositori un sistema avanzato di punteggio dei lead per tenere traccia di ogni interazione che gli acquirenti hanno con gli espositori, dal vivo e online.
La dashboard mostra come i potenziali clienti interagiscono con il loro profilo aziendale online, i prodotti e i contenuti, in combinazione con le scansioni presso il loro stand durante gli eventi dal vivo, con strumenti per semplificare la pianificazione degli incontri con i membri del team degli espositori.
Motivo 9
### Ottimizzato per i motori di ricerca
Poiché il 90% degli acquisti inizia con i motori di ricerca, assicurati di non perdere questo canale di marketing fondamentale per convogliare gli acquirenti sulla tua piattaforma.
La nostra piattaforma ottimizzata per i motori di ricerca garantisce che i tuoi contenuti e fornitori possano essere trovati dagli acquirenti quando ne hanno bisogno. Una volta sul sito, è possibile utilizzare i contenuti riservati e gli inviti all’azione per incoraggiarli a registrarsi.
Motivo 10
### Acquisto in hosting per VIP
È facile creare un servizio di concierge VIP completamente gestito con la nostra tecnologia per la gestione degli acquirenti in hosting e per gli eventi virtuali. Qualifica gli hosted buyers, pianifica incontri one-to-one, incontrali in loco e valuta il successo dei meetings.
Motivo 11
### Semplice piattaforma per la realizzazione di siti web
Perché costruire il tuo sito web su una piattaforma diversa quando potresti offrire a visitatori ed espositori un’unica esperienza?
Il nostro builder di siti web “trascina e rilascia” ti dà il controllo per progettare un sito Web accattivante per accogliere i partecipanti, già integrato con la tua agenda, relatori e sponsor.
Motivo 12
### Manuale dell’espositore
Il nostro manuale per espositori completo, integrato nella dashboard dell’espositore, ti consente di gestire i tuoi espositori su larga scala.
Imposta liste di controllo e attività da completare per gli espositori, automatizza le e-mail inviate a coloro che non rispettano la scadenza e ottieni una panoramica per tutti i profili degli espositori e i loro dati inviati.
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities](https://expoplatform.com/get-started-with-smart-events-and-365-communities/)
**Published:** May 21, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
## Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
### Mix and blend your ideal experience
Our powerful modules are pre-integrated to create custom and seamless event experiences
Smart Event App
Mobile Apps for tech-powered event experiences
AI Matchmaking
Personalised and more relevant ‘Person-to-Object’ matchmaking
365 Community
Engage your community with Groups, Marketplaces and Webinars
Registration & Payment
Build custom registration and payment journeys
Lead Intelligence
Real-time Exhibitor ROI dashboards and Lead Retrieval
Hosted Buying
Manage meeting programmes with Concierge Plus
Exhibitor Manual
Seamless onboarding and monetisation of exhibitors
Website Builder
Drag and drop your custom designed website
Interactive Floorplan
Help visitors to navigate the venue
### Your next move towards Smarter Events and Engaged Communities
The smart event era is here! Learn how you can take advantage of technology and take your events to a new level.
[Get a Free Demo](#get-a-free-demo)
ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced experience.
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
ExpoPlatform are a key partner to Informa Markets because they share our vision of applying innovative technologies to continuously improve customer experiences.
Eleni Lialiamou
EVP Product Management, Informa Markets
### Recognised by
### See the Difference
How ExpoPlatform can improve engagement,
revenue and networking at your next event.
[Get a Free Demo](#get-a-free-demo)
---
### [German - 12 reasons to choose ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/gruende-warum-expoplatform-die-fuhrende-loesung-fur-smart-events-und-365-communities-ist/)
**Published:** May 24, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# 12 Gründe
## warum ExpoPlatform die führende Lösung für Smart Events und 365 Communities ist
[Demo anfragen](#form-section)
1. Grund
### Die weltgrößten Veranstalter
Wir arbeiten erfolgreich mit vielen der größten Messe- und Konferenzveranstalter weltweit zusammen und erreichen zuverlässig ein großes internationales Publikum.
Unsere Plattform ist in 12 Sprachen übersetzt und verfügt über eine weltweit hohe Erreichbarkeit mit Servern von den USA bis Hongkong.
2. Grund
### Smart- und Hybrid-Events
Schaffen Sie mit unserer Online-Plattform und mobilen App ein umfassendes Smart-Event-Erlebnis: Streamen Sie Inhalte, vernetzen Sie Besucher und Aussteller durch unser einzigartiges Matchmaking-Tool und verwenden Sie eine ganze Reihe von weiteren Tools, um erfolgreiche Live-, Hybrid- und virtuelle Events anzubieten.
3. Grund
### KI-basierte Personalisierung
Unser „Person-zu-Objekt“- Algorithmus basiert auf künstlicher Intelligenz.
Einzigartig in der Veranstaltungsbranche bietet er Nutzern nicht nur ein intelligentes Matchmaking zwischen den Teilnehmern, sondern auch relevante Empfehlungen in Echtzeit für Produkte, Zulieferer und personalisierte Inhalte.
4. Grund
### Bleiben Sie das ganze Jahr über für Ihre Community relevant
Vernetzen Sie Ihren Markt das ganze Jahr über mit unserer 365 Community-Plattform.
Erreichen Sie höchste Kundenbindung in Ihrer Community durch die Verknüpfung mit redaktionellen Inhalten, regelmäßigen Webinaren und einem Marktplatz mit relevanten Zulieferern.
### Erweitern Sie Ihre Events und Communities mit ExpoPlatform
[Demo anfragen](#form-section)
5. Grund
### Modularer Aufbau – immer die passende Lösung
Da jeder Markt anders ist, bieten wir Ihnen eine Reihe von Modulen, um ein maßgeschneidertes Erlebnis für Ihre Kunden zu schaffen.
Wählen Sie von der Registrierung bis hin zu interaktiven Hallenplänen ausschließlich die Module, die Sie benötigen. „All-in-One“-Plattform oder je nach Bedarf in andere Systeme integriert.
6. Grund
### Behalten Sie die Kontrolle über Ihre Daten
Veranstalter müssen die volle Kontrolle über ihre Daten haben. Daher ist Datenschutz die oberste Priorität für uns.
ExpoPlatform arbeitet selbstverständlich vollumfänglich DSGVO-konform und ist Mitbegründer von VSef, einer Initiative für den verantwortungsvollen Umgang mit Daten.
Lesen Sie auch unsere Erklärung zum Datenmanagement für weiterführende Informationen.
7. Grund
### Die Product Discovery-Plattform
Ein Marktplatz, der Ihre Branche das ganze Jahr über vernetzt.
Wir haben eine Reihe von Tools entwickelt, um Einkäufer jederzeit über neue Produkte und Dienstleistungen zu informieren.
Unser 365 Marktplatz umfasst KI-basierte Produktempfehlungen, Showcase-Hubs und das neue Ausschreibungstool „Product Finder“.
8. Grund
### Aussteller-ROI-Dashboard
Wir bieten Ihren Ausstellern ein fortschrittliches Lead-Scoring-System, das es erlaubt, jede Interaktion von Einkäufern live und online nachzuverfolgen.
Das Dashboard zeigt, wie potenzielle Kunden mit ihrem Online-Unternehmensprofil, ihren Produkten und Inhalten interagieren.
Mit unseren Tools planen Ausstellerteams so effizient Ihre Kundentermine und stellen eine zügige und priorisierte Nachbearbeitung sicher.
9. Grund
### Suchmaschinenoptimiert
Unsere suchmaschinenoptimierte Plattform stellt sicher, dass Einkäufer einfach und schnell für sie relevante Inhalte und Zulieferer finden. 90% aller Käufe beginnen mit einer Suchmaschineneingabe.
Wir stellen sicher, dass Ihnen dieser wichtige Kanal dabei hilft, Einkäufer auf Ihre Plattform zu bringen und zu halten.
Durch unser ausgeklügeltes Rechtemanagement können Sie den Zugriff auf alle Inhalte nach Zielgruppen staffeln
10. Grund
### Digitaler Concierge für VIPs
Mit unserer Hosted-Buyer Lösung haben Ihre Besucher immer einen digitalen Concierge an ihrer Seite.
Bieten Sie Ihren VIPs außergewöhnlichen Service von exklusiven Einladungen, hand-kurierten Meetings, Shuttleservice, Formularerfassung, Loungezugang bis hin zu Reisekostenübernahmen.
Der ganz besondere Service, der VIPs Ihre Wertschätzung erleben läßt.
11. Grund
### Einfach erstellte Webseiten
Mit unser vollintegrierten Lösung benötigen Sie keine separaten Webseiten, sondern bieten Ihren Besuchern und Ausstellern ein medienbruchloses Kundenerlebnis.
Unser flexibler „Drag and Drop“-Webseiten-Builder gibt Ihnen dabei die volle Kontrolle über die Gestaltung einer rundum ansprechenden Eventwebseite.
Eine ganze Reihe an bewährten Designformaten von Programm und Referenten, Produkten- und Ausstellerverzeichnis, Werbeplätzen und Sponsoren sind bereits vorab integriert.
12. Grund
### Ausstellerhandbuch
Unser umfassendes Ausstellerhandbuch ermöglicht es Ihnen, die Zusammenarbeit mit Ihren Ausstellern effizient und zeitsparend zu organisieren.
Checklisten und Aufgaben erleichtern Ausstellern die Messevorbereitung und -organisation. Automatisierte Benachrichtigungen stellen die fristgerechte Einreichung aller Unterlagen sicher.
Dashboards sorgen dafür, dass weder Ihre Aussteller noch Sie den Überblick verlieren.
### Kontakt
Jens Schindler
Regional Director, DACH
+49 177 1699 669
Legen Sie los mit Smart Events und 365 Communities!
Sprechen Sie mit ExpoPlatforms Eventexperten über Ihre spezifischen Anforderungen und erleben Sie eine Live-Präsentation unserer Lösungen.
Kostenlose Beratung anfragen
Telefon \*
An welchen Lösungen sind Sie interessiert? \*
—Please choose an option—5 oder mehr1-40
Anzahl der Ausstellungen, die Sie pro Jahr durchführen \*
—Please choose an option—500 oder mehr100-500Bis zu 100
Für welche der folgenden Lösungen interessieren Sie sich?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent-Sponsoring / MonetarisierungHosted-Buyer-ProgrammEvent-RegistrierungLead-ErfassungEvent-AppSpeed NetworkingLead-Erfassung ProEvent-PlattformRound TablesEvent-WebsiteMeetingformate
---
### [French - 12 reasons to choose ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/raisons-pour-lesquelles-expoplatform-est-la-solution-ideale-pour-vos-evenements-et-communautes-dans-la-nouvelle-normalite/)
**Published:** May 24, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Why ExpoPlatform
## 12 raisons pour lesquelles ExpoPlatform est la solution idéale pour les Evénements connectés, et les Communautés 365
[DEMANDE DE DÉMO](#form-section)
Raison 1
### Reconnu par les plus grands organisateurs au monde
Nous travaillons avec certains des plus grands organisateurs de salons et de conférences à travers le monde, habitués à s’adresser à une audience internationale à grande échelle.
Notre plateforme peut être traduite en 12 langues. Avec nos serveurs implantés aux États-Unis et à Hong Kong, nous fournissons des niveaux d’accessibilité exceptionnels dans le monde entier.
Raison 2
### Événements hybrides et intelligents
Créez une expérience d’événement hybride complète en utilisant notre plateforme en ligne et notre application mobile afin de diffuser du contenu, faire du matchmaking et offrir une gamme d’outils pour des événements physiques, hybrides et entièrement virtuels réussis.
Raison 3
### Personnalisation basée sur l’IA
Notre moteur d’intelligence artificielle ”personne à objet” est unique dans le secteur de l’événementiel, offrant aux utilisateurs non seulement une mise en relation intelligente entre personnes, mais également des recommandations ”de type Amazon” pour les produits, les fournisseurs et les contenus personnalisés.
Raison 4
### Développez votre communauté toute l’année
Connectez votre marché toute l’année avec notre plateforme communautaire 365. Engagez la communauté avec du contenu, sous forme de contenu éditorial et de webinaires réguliers, ainsi qu’une place de marché via laquelle les fournisseurs peuvent être contactés.
### Développez vos événements et communautés avec ExpoPlatform
[Réserver un appel](#form-section)
Raison 5
### Construisez une expérience modulaire et personnalisée
Parce que chaque marché est différent, nous vous proposons une gamme de modules permettant de construire une expérience personnalisée pour votre audience. De l’inscription en ligne aux plans interactifs, choisissez les modules dont vous avez besoin en tant que plateforme « tout-en-un » ou intégrés à d’autres systèmes selon vos besoins.
Raison 6
### Gardez le contrôle de vos données
Nous pensons que les organisateurs devraient avoir le plein contrôle de leurs données. Nous ne les partagerons jamais et les supprimerons au besoin, contrairement à d’autres plateformes d’événements virtuels.
ExpoPlatform est conforme au GDPR et co-fondateur de VSef, une initiative visant à faciliter l’accès à vos données. Lisez notre [Data Manifesto](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/) pour plus d’informations.
Raison 7
### La plateforme de découverte de produits
Une place de marché pour aider votre industrie à faire des affaires toute l’année. Nous avons développé une gamme d’outils pour connecter les acheteurs à de nouveaux produits et services: notre 365 Marketplace inclut des recommandations de produits par l’IA, des showrooms virtuels et un nouvel outil d’appel d’offres RFI Product Finder.
Raison 8
### Tableau de bord ROI des exposants
Fournissez à vos exposants un système avancé d’évaluation des prospects, permettant de suivre chaque interaction des acheteurs envers les exposants, sur place et en ligne. Le tableau de bord de l’exposant montre comment les prospects interagissent avec leur profil d’entreprise, leurs produits et leur contenu, complété par les scans de badges réalisés sur leur stand lors d’événements physiques.
Le dashboard est assorti d’outils permettant aux membres de l’équipe exposante de planifier facilement leurs réunions avec les prospects.
Raison 9
### Moteur de recherche optimisé
Etant donné que 90 % des achats commencent par les moteurs de recherche, assurez-vous de ne pas négliger ce canal marketing essentiel pour amener les acheteurs sur votre plateforme.
Notre plateforme optimisée pour les moteurs de recherche garantit que votre contenu et vos fournisseurs peuvent être trouvés facilement par les acheteurs lorsqu’ils en ont besoin. Une fois sur le site, vous pouvez mettre en place du contenu à accès réservé et des boutons pour les encourager à s’inscrire.
Raison 10
### Programme d’acheteurs invités/VIP
Il est facile de créer un service de conciergerie VIP entièrement géré grâce à notre gestion des acheteurs invités et notre technologie d’événement virtuel. Qualifiez les acheteurs invités, planifiez facilement des agendas de rendez-vous individuels de qualité, faites-les se rencontrer sur place et évaluez le succès des rendez-vous.
Raison 11
### Générateur de site Web facile à utiliser
Pourquoi construire votre site web sur une plateforme différente alors que vous pourriez offrir aux visiteurs et exposants une seule expérience?
Notre créateur de site Web flexible par glisser-déposer vous permet de concevoir rapidement un site Web engageant et visuellement attrayant pour accueillir vos participants, tout en étant est déjà intégré à vos modules d’agenda, de conférenciers et de sponsors.
Raison 12
### Manuel interactif de l’exposant
Notre manuel interactif complet de l’exposant, intégré à leur tableau de bord, vous permet de gérer vos exposants à grande échelle.
Définissez vos checklists et les tâches à accomplir par les exposants, automatisez les e-mails pour leur rappeler les dates limites et obtenez une vue d’ensemble de tous les profils d’exposants et de leurs données complétées.
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Chinese - 12 reasons to chose ExpoPlatform](https://expoplatform.com/chinese-12-reasons-to-chose-expoplatform/)
**Published:** May 28, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# 12 个原因
## ExpoPlatform 是智能活动和 365 社区最理想解决方案的
[请求演示](#form-section)
原因 1
### 受世界上最大的组织者的信赖
我们与全球一些最大的展览和会议组织者合作，并习惯与大规模的国际用户打交道。我们的平台可以被翻译成 12 种语言，并且可以使用美国，香港等服务器，我们在全球范围内具有很高的可访问性。
原因 2
### 混合和智能活动
使用我们的在线平台和移动应用程序创建完整的活动，移动传输内容、配对。并提供混合现场、虚拟的活动可能性，创造一个完全混合的活动体验。
原因 3
### 人工智能个性化
我们的“人对物”人工智能引擎在活动行业中是独一无二的，不仅为用户提供代表之间的智能匹配，还为用户提供类似亚马逊的产品、供应商和个性化内容推荐。
原因 4
### 全年发展社区
使用我们的 365 社区平台全年连接您的市场。以编辑内容和定期网络研讨会的形式，让社区参与到内容中来，并建立一个可以联系的供应商市场。
### 利用 ExpoPlatform 发展您的活动和社区
[请求演示](#form-section)
原因 5
### 构建模块化、定制化的体验
由于每个市场都不同，我们为您提供了一系列模块来为您的受众打造定制体验。从注册到交互式平面图，选择您需要的模块作为“一体化”平台或根据需要与其他系统集成。
原因 6
### 控制您的数据
我们认为组织者应该完全控制他们的数据。与其他虚拟事件平台相比，我们永远不会共享它并会根据需要将其删除。
ExpoPlatform 是符合 GDPR 标准的 VSef 的联合创始人，VSef是一项旨在使您的数据更容易访问的计划。更多信息，请阅读我们的数据宣言。
原因 7
### 产品发现平台
一个帮助您的行业全年开展业务的市场。我们开发了一系列工具来将买家与新产品和服务联系起来，我们的 365 市场包括 AI 产品推荐、展示中心和新的产品Finder RFI 招标工具。
原因 8
### 参展商投资回报率仪表板
我们为您的参展商提供先进的潜在客户评分系统，跟踪买家与参展商的每一次互动，无论是现场还是线上。仪表板显示潜在客户与他们的在线公司简介、产品和内容互动，并结合现场活动期间在他们展位上的扫描图，以及让参展商团队成员轻松安排与潜在客户会面的工具。
原因 9
### 搜索引擎优化
由于 90% 的购买都是从搜索引擎开始的，因此要确保你不会错过这个关键的营销渠道，把买家带到你的平台上。 我们的搜索引擎优化平台可确保买家在需要时可以找到您的内容和供应商。进入网站后，封闭的内容和行动呼吁可以用来鼓励他们注册。
原因 10
### VIP 托管购买
借助我们的托管买家管理和虚拟活动技术，可以轻松创建完全托管的 VIP 礼宾服务。确定主办买家的资格，安排一对一的会议，在现场与他们会面并评估会议的成功率。
原因 11
### 简单的网站建设者
当您可以为参观者和参展商提供单一体验时，为什么要在不同的平台上建立您的网站？我们灵活的“拖放”网站构建器让您可以控制设计一个引人入胜、视觉上吸引人的网站来欢迎参与者，该网站已经与您的议程、演讲者和赞助商整合在一起。
原因 12
### 展商手册
我们全面的参展商手册内置于参展商仪表板中，允许您按规模管理参展商。为参展商设置检查表和任务以完成，自动发送电子邮件给那些错过最后期限的参展商，并获得所有参展商简介及其提交数据的鸟瞰视图。
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Campaigns](https://expoplatform.com/campaigns/)
**Published:** April 26, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Your Smart Events & Communities with ExpoPlatform
## Book a call now and Discover how ExpoPlatform can take your events &365-communities to the next level
[Get Demo](#request-demo)
### All you need for Smart, virtual & hybrid event experiences
- Smart person-to-object matchmaking for the most relevant people, sessions, products, companies and news;
- Multi-track agenda for content and engagement tools available on livestream or on-demand;
- Video meetings and messaging to connect your industry before, during and after an event;
- Fully customisable drag and drop builder to design interactive marketing pages;
[Get Demo](#request-demo)
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#request-demo)
### Connect your industry year-round with a 365 Community
- **Content Hub**
Digital content, on-demand sessions and products all in one place;
- **Online Marketplace**
Product and service promotion as well as direct connection with buyers searching for solutions;
- **Webinars**
Lead-generating webinars and meetups to bring your community together;
- **SEO**
A critical audience acquisition channel for buyers with purchase intent.
[Get Demo](#request-demo)
Book a 1-2-1 demo now to:
- Get a 360-degree platform overview;
- Explore our pricing and revenue calculators;
- Get expert advice on the digital transformation of your business model;
- Find out how to make more money through in-person event tech and data;
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Association Hybrid and Virtual events for growing membership engagement](https://expoplatform.com/12-reasons-to-choose-expoplatform-associations/)
**Published:** April 16, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Why ExpoPlatform
## 12 reasons why Associations use ExpoPlatform to engage and grow their membership
[Get Demo](#form-section)
Reason 1
### Trusted by the world’s leading Associations
We work with some of the largest exhibition, conference organisers and membership associations across the globe, and as used to dealing with large-scale international audiences.
Our platform can be translated into 12 languages, and with servers from the US to Hong Kong we have high levels of accessibility around the world.
Reason 2
### Hybrid and Smart Events
Create a full hybrid event experience using our online platform and mobile app to stream content, AI matchmaking and offer an extensive range of digital tools for successful live, hybrid and fully virtual events.
Read this case study with [The Union World Conference on Lung Health](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-51st-union-world-conference-on-lung-health/)
Reason 3
### AI-powered personalisation
Our ‘Person-to-object’ Artificial Intelligence engine is unique in the event industry, providing users with not just smart matchmaking between delegates, but also ‘Amazon-like’ recommendations for Products, Suppliers and Content personalised for them.
Reason 4
### Engage and Grow membership year-round
Connect your market year-round with our 365 community platform.
Engage the community with content, in the form of editorial content and regular webinars, and a marketplace of suppliers who can be contacted.
### Grow your events and
communities with ExpoPlatform
[Book a Call](#form-section)
Reason 5
### Build a modular, customised experience
Because every market is different, we give you a range of modules to build a customised experience for your audience. From registration to interactive floorplans, choose the modules you need as an ‘all-in-one’ platform or integrated with other systems as required.
Reason 6
### Keep control of your data
We believe that organisers should have full control of their data. We will never share it and will delete it as required, in contrast to many other virtual event platforms.
ExpoPlatform is GDPR compliant and a co-founder of VSef, an initiative to make it easier to access your data. Read our [data manifesto](https://expoplatform.com/blog/data/data-manifesto/) for more information on this important topic.
Reason 7
### The Product Discovery Platform
A marketplace to help your industry to do business year-round. We have developed a range of tools to connect buyers with new products and services, our 365 Marketplace included AI product recommendations, showcase hubs, and new Product Finder RFI tendering tool.
Reason 8
### Exhibitor ROI Dashboard
Provide your exhibitors with an advanced lead scoring system to track every interaction that buyers have with exhibitors, live and online.
The dashboard show how prospects are engaging with their online company profile, products and content, combined with scans at their stand during live events, with tools to make it easy for exhibitor team members to schedule meetings with prospects.
Reason 9
### Search Engine Optimised
As 90% of buying starts with search engines, make sure that you don’t miss this critical marketing channel to bring buyers to your platform.
Our search engine optimised platform ensures that your content and suppliers can be found by buyers when they need it. Once on the site, gated content and calls to action can be used to encourage them to register.
Reason 10
### Hosted Buying for VIPs
It’s easy to create a fully managed VIP concierge service with our hosted buyer management and virtual event technology. Qualify hosted buyers, schedule one-to-one meetings, meet them on-site and rate the success of meetings.
Reason 11
### Simple website builder
Why build your website on a different platform when you could offer visitors and exhibitors a single experience?
Our flexible ‘drag and drop’ website builder gives you the control to design an engaging, visually appealing website to welcome participants, which is already integrated with your agenda, speakers and sponsors.
Reason 12
### Exhibitor Manual
Our comprehensive exhibitor manual, built into the exhibitor dashboard, allows you to manage your exhibitors at scale.
Set checklists and tasks for exhibitors to complete, automate emails sent out to those that miss the deadline, and get a bird-eye view for all exhibitors profiles and their submitted data.
Get started with Smart Events and 365 Communities
Talk to an ExpoPlatform event expert about your specific needs and see a live product demonstration.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Analytics](https://expoplatform.com/analytics/)
**Published:** April 15, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event Analytics & Insights
## Uncover trends in your events and communities with our new impactful analytics. Get instant data and insights on intuitive dashboards to measure success and generate ROI.
[Book a Demo](#form-section)
### Real-time lead intel for exhibitors and sponsors
- Follow up leads instantly with actionable insights from the ROI dashboard
- It tracks prospect activities and interactions with exhibitor profiles, marketing content, advertisements and more
### IMEX Frankfurt 2023
IMEX Frankfurt is a leading international trade show for the meetings and events industry. It serves as a platform for exhibitors to showcase their products, services and destinations to a global audience of event professionals, buyers and decision-makers.
[Read more](/case-studies/vinexposium-connect/)
### Track your entire event with dedicated dashboards
- The general analytics section contains 10 separate dashboards to cover key functions such as registration, marketplace, content, marketing and others in an infographic view
### Want to explore more features?
Book a live session with our event management expert!
[Book a Call](#form-section)
### Gather insights from downloadable reports
- Organisers can download a wide range of reports ranging from exhibitors or visitor scanned contacts to favourited items and sessions
- These reports can be customised to remove or include certain fields
### Analyse meeting and session-specific metrics
View insights from ongoing sessions and meetings in your event on individual dashboards. They offer granular details for online and real-time meetings as well as various kinds of sessions
- Track your entire event performance with dedicated dashboards
- Gather insights from customisable downloadable reports
- Track prospect activities and interactions with exhibitors and sponsors with real-time lead intel
- Analyse meeting and session-specific metrics
Get a bird’s-eye view of your events and community with analytics
Measure the success with real-time data and insights on an intuitive platform. Get a personalised demo of our event app by scheduling a call.
Get a free consultation
Phone \*
Number of exhibitions you run per year \*
—Please choose an option—5 or more1-40
How many exhibitors you have on average per show \*
—Please choose an option—500 or more100-500Up to 100
What solutions are you interested in?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [10 razões para escolher Expoplatform para seus eventos Smart & Comunidades 365- Portugese](https://expoplatform.com/escolha-a-tecnologia-de-eventos-expoplatform/)
**Published:** April 16, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Por que ExpoPlatform?
## 10 razões para escolher Expoplatform para seus eventos Smart & Comunidades 365
[Demonstração](#form-section)
Razão 1
### Confiado pelos principais organizadores mundiais
Os maiores organizadores de exposições e conferências em todo o mundo trabalham conosco. Somos uma plataforma que lida com públicos internacionais de grande escala.
Oferecemos ferramentas para eventos presenciais, híbridos e totalmente virtuais de alto nível. Isso inclui exposições, conferências, eventos corporativos, associações e muito mais
Razão 2
### Comunidade 365 para fazer negócios o ano todo
Conecte seu mercado o ano todo com nossa plataforma de comunidade 365. Envolva sua comunidade com conteúdo editorial, webinars regulares, grupos de interesse e um marketplace.
Razão 3
### Aplicativo Smart Events
Nosso app amplia digitalmente a experiência do evento inteligente, ajudando seu público a se conectar e criar network, gerar leads e compartilhar conteúdo em qualquer lugar
Razão 4
### Uma experiência totalmente personalizada
Oferecemos uma variedade de módulos para criar uma experiência personalizada para o seu público. Desde o registro até um mapa interativo do evento, escolha as opções de que precisa de maneira nativa com uma plataforma completa ou integre-se a suas soluções atuais.
### Aumente seus eventos e comunidades com ExpoPlatform
[Marcar uma reunião](#form-section)
Razão 5
### +250% de leads para seus expositores e patrocinadores
Dê aos seus expositores + 250% a mais de ROI com um sistema de inteligência de leads avançado. Você pode acompanhar todas as interações que os compradores têm com os expositores, ao vivo e online. O dashboard em tempo real reflete as interações com os exibidores online, produtos e conteúdo, bem como análise do local durante eventos ao vivo.
Razão 6
### Personalização com tecnologia de IA
Ofereça recomendações personalizadas de produtos para pessoas. Nosso algoritmo pessoa-objeto baseada em IA é única em oferecer aos seus usuários sugestões no estilo amazon para produtos, exibidores e conteúdo – além de facilitar conexões inteligentes entre usuários.
Razão 7
### Controle 100% dos seus dados
Os organizadores devem estar no controle dos dados do evento. Nunca os compartilharemos e sempre os excluiremos conforme necessário, ao contrário de outras plataformas.
A ExpoPlatform é compatível com GDPR e VSef. Leia nosso Data Manifesto para mais informações.
Razão 8
### A plataforma para descoberta de produtos
Use uma variedade de ferramentas para conectar compradores a novos produtos e serviços. Nosso Marketplace 365 inclui recomendações de produtos de IA, showcase hubs e uma nova ferramenta de solicitação de informações na busca de produto.
Razão 9
### Hosted Buyer para VIPs
Crie facilmente um serviço VIP totalmente gerenciado com nosso módulo de Hosted Buyer. Qualifique Hosted Buyers, agende reuniões individuais, encontre-os no local e avalie o sucesso das reuniões.
Razão 10
### Programa de Sustentabilidade “Reuniões Plantam Árvores”
Plante uma árvore para cada reunião confirmada através da plataforma ou aplicativo com o nosso sistema “Reuniões Plantam Árvores”. Você também pode acompanhar sua pontuação de sustentabilidade com base no número de árvores plantadas.
Conheça os eventos inteligentes e comunidades 365
Converse com um especialista em eventos da ExpoPlatform sobre suas necessidades específicas e veja uma demonstração ao vivo do produto.
Obtenha uma consulta gratuita agora
Telefone \*
Número de exposições que realiza por ano \*
—Please choose an option—5 ou mais1-40
Quantos expositores tem em média por exposição \*
—Please choose an option—500 ou mais100-500Até 100
Em quais soluções você está interessado?
Matchmaking & NetworkingEvent Sponsorship/ MonetisationHosted Buyer ProgramEvent RegistrationLead captureEvent AppSpeed NetworkingLead Capture ProEvent PlatformRound TablesEvent WebsiteMeeting Formats
---
### [Calendar Sync - Synchronize your schedule effortlessly](https://expoplatform.com/calendar-sync/)
**Published:** January 9, 2025
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
**Calendar Sync**
# Welcome to Calendar Sync
The Calendar Sync app is your assistant for synchronizing your schedule with Google Calendar, ensuring all important events are always at your fingertips.
### How Calendar Sync works:
##### 1. Synchronization with Google Calendar
Simply grant the necessary permissions to our Calendar Sync app, and you can import your ExpoPlatform schedule events into your chosen Google Calendar. Each time you press the “Sync to calendar” button in the interface, all events from your ExpoPlatform schedule are updated in the selected Google Calendar.
##### 2. Access from any device
You can sync your schedule events with Google Calendar from any device, whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
### Why choose Calendar Sync:
- **Ease of use**Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- **Data security**All data is protected and transmitted through secure channels. We care about your data, as detailed in our [privacy policy](/calendar-sync/privacy-policy/).
The Calendar Sync app helps you stay organized and ensures all important events are accounted for and displayed on time in your Google Calendar.
Start using Calendar Sync now and improve your planning!
---
### [ExpoPlatform Privacy Policy for Calendar Sync](https://expoplatform.com/calendar-sync/privacy-policy/)
**Published:** January 9, 2025
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# ExpoPlatform Privacy Policy for Calendar Sync
Calendar Sync is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and safeguard your personal information when you use our app to synchronize your ExpoPlatform schedule data with Google Calendar. By using our app, you agree to the collection and use of your information in accordance with this policy.
### Table of Contents
1. Information We Collect
2. How We Use Your Information
3. How We Protect Your Information
4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
5. Google OAuth and Permissions
6. Data Retention
7. Your Rights
8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
9. Contact Us
### 1. Information We Collect
When you use Calendar Sync, we may collect the following types of information:
- **Calendar Data:** We access your Google Calendar to synchronize your events and schedule. This includes the list of calendars available for event addition and details of events in the user-selected calendar for synchronization.
- **Account Information:** If you log in via Google, we do not collect or store your Google account information (e.g., your email address or user profile).
- **Usage Data:** We may collect information about your interaction with the app, such as errors that occur to identify issues, tokens to perform event synchronization, and calendar IDs to track which events were synchronized with the selected Google Calendar from your ExpoPlatform schedule.
### 2. How We Use Your Information
We use the information we collect for the following purposes:
- **To synchronize your calendar:** We access your Google Calendar data to synchronize your ExpoPlatform schedule between your device and Google Calendar, ensuring your events and appointments are up to date. Only ExpoPlatform schedule events are synchronized. Other user calendar events are not read, modified, or deleted, and they are not imported into the ExpoPlatform schedule.
- **To improve our service:** We analyze usage data to enhance the app’s functionality.
### 3. How We Protect Your Information
We implement reasonable security measures to protect your personal information and prevent unauthorized access or disclosure. Your Google Calendar data is securely transmitted via Google’s OAuth 2.0 authentication system, and we do not store sensitive calendar data on our servers.
### 4. Data Sharing and Disclosure
We do not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties.
### 5. Google OAuth and Permissions
When you sign in with your Google account, you grant us permission to access specific information from your Google Calendar. We only request the permissions necessary to synchronize your calendar events. You can manage and revoke permissions at any time through your Google account settings.
### 6. Data Retention
We retain your calendar synchronization data as long as necessary to provide the service, improve the app, and fulfill the purposes outlined in this privacy policy. If you no longer wish to use Calendar Sync, you can revoke access to your Google Calendar through your Google account settings.
### 7. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- **Access and update your information:** You can review and update your Google Calendar data at any time.
- **Revoke consent:** You can withdraw your consent for our access to your Google Calendar data at any time by disconnecting the app from your Google account. Once disconnected, Calendar Sync will no longer have access to your calendars and events.
### 8. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the updated Privacy Policy on this page. You are advised to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.
### 9. Contact Us
Questions, comments, and requests regarding this Privacy Policy are welcomed and should be addressed to .
---
### [Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter](https://expoplatform.com/thank-you-for-subscribing-to-the-newsletter/)
**Published:** August 19, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you for subscribing to the newsletter
Here are some of the [free resources you can expect](/resources).
[Get Yours Now](/resources)
---
### [Download: A Primer on LLMs](https://expoplatform.com/download-a-primer-on-llms/)
**Published:** July 1, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you!
Your copy is waiting
Download the file [here](https://expoplatform.com/publications/hitchhikers-guide-llms-1.pdf).
[Back to homepage](/)
---
### [Event watching](https://expoplatform.com/event-watching/)
**Published:** May 14, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Event
Watch to learn:
1. What is the Metaverse and why does it matter to the exhibition industry?
2. What Trends are there?
3. What could this mean for tradeshows in the next five years?
4. What issues does it raise for the exhibition industry?
5. How to get started
Book a Demo now and get **free SMART event consultation**
or
[Return to home page](/)
---
### [Thank you for watching (Manual)](https://expoplatform.com/thank-you-for-watching_manual/)
**Published:** June 29, 2021
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you
We’ll be happy to help you facilitate seamless exhibitor journeys and boosts their ROI. Schedule a 1-2-1 demonstration with our event consultant.
[Pick a Time for a Full Demo](https://expoplatform.pipedrive.com/scheduler/Eyab4tR/expoplatform-30-minutes-demo-meeting)
---
### [Thank you for watching - Marketplace tender](https://expoplatform.com/thank-you-for-watching/)
**Published:** October 5, 2021
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you
We would be happy to help you scale up your online marketplace and event community, and give you a full overview of the platform.
[Get a free demo](/request-demo/)
---
### [Thank you for subscription](https://expoplatform.com/thank-you-for-subscription/)
**Published:** March 8, 2021
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you for
subscription
[Return to Home Page](/)
---
### [Thank you downloading The Future of Events series of ebooks](https://expoplatform.com/thank-you-downloading-the-future-of-events-series-of-ebooks/)
**Published:** May 13, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you for
your request
We have just sent the ebooks to your e-mail address.
If you have not received the email, you can also download them [here](https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1U4oZNzHyaReSCiu-DG90oJ86I9DXNyQU?usp=sharing).
[Book a Free Demo](/request-demo/)
---
### [Thank you downloading - Associations PDF](https://expoplatform.com/thank-you-downloading-the-pdf/)
**Published:** July 23, 2021
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you for
your request
We have sent the PDF to your e-mail address.
If you have not received the email, you can also download the PDF [here](https://expoplatform.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/expoplatform_digital_ranking_of_association_websites.pdf).
[Book a Demo](/request-demo/)
---
### [Thanks for applying](https://expoplatform.com/thanks-for-applying/)
**Published:** October 10, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thanks for applying
We will review your application and get in touch soon.
[Return to Home Page](/)
---
### [watch recording of the session - 'how smart events make you money'](https://expoplatform.com/watch-recording-of-how-smart-events-make-you-money/)
**Published:** April 13, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# How Smart Event Make you Money
Watch the recording of the session to learn:
1. How to improve live experiences with Smart Event Technology
2. What are the new ways of driving digital revenue?
3. What are the right tools to help you make you money?
4. How ExpoPlatform can help you get started with better revenue generation
Book a Demo now and get **free SMART event consultation**
or
[Return to home page](/)
---
### [Subscribe](https://expoplatform.com/subscribe/)
**Published:** October 19, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Thank you for
subscription
[RETURN TO HOME PAGE](/)
---
### [New releases request](https://expoplatform.com/new-releases-request/)
**Published:** January 20, 2022
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# New Releases
Please enter your password to see new releases
Explore New releases
---
### [Blog](https://expoplatform.com/blog/)
**Published:** September 20, 2019
**Author:** ExpoPlatform
---
## Team Members
### [Tanya Melnyk](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/tanya-melnyk/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Product developement team
---
### [Olga Vialykh](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/olga-vialykh/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Departments:** Management team
---
### [Anna Ratashniuk](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/anna-ratashniuk/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Growth team
---
### [Conor Riordan](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/conor-riordan/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** Olga Mazur
**Departments:** Growth team
---
### [Bartosz Malec](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/bartosz-malec/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
---
### [Alina Bavrovska](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/alina-bavrovska/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Growth team
---
### [Julia Oliveira](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/julia-oliveira/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Customer success team
---
### [Maksym Nosenko](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/maksym-nosenko/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
---
### [Susan Merola](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/susan-merola/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Growth team
---
### [Ilaria Basile](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/ilaria-basile/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
---
### [Ajay Singh](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/ajay-singh/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Customer success team
---
### [Jordan Yeates](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/jordan-yeates/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
---
### [Christopher Haddow](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/christopher-haddow/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Growth team
---
### [Céline Laukemann](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/celine-laukemann/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
---
### [Maria Drozdova](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/maria-drozdova/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Growth team
---
### [Jens Schindler](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/jens-schindler/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Departments:** Growth team
---
### [Mykyta Fastovets](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/mykyta-fastovets/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Management team
---
### [Tanya Pinchuk](https://expoplatform.com/team_members/tanya-pinchuk/)
**Published:** April 26, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Departments:** Management team
---
## Case Studies
### [IMEX Frankfurt 2026](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
**Published:** July 27, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# IMEX Frankfurt 2026:
Record meetings, record buyers, record value
Organiser
IMEX
Sector
Exhibitions
Venue
Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
### About the event
IMEX Frankfurt 2026 delivered another record-breaking edition of Europe’s largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
The event welcomed **13,515 participants** – including **4,700+ buyers** – while generating **73,000 appointments** across one-to-one meetings, stand presentations and group appointments. Buyer attendance increased year on year, reinforcing IMEX Frankfurt’s position as Europe’s most important business platform.
### More buyers. More meetings. More business.
0
Total Meetings
0
Lead Scans
0
Buyers
0
Favourites
0
Conversations
### What makes IMEX Frankfurt special
IMEX Frankfurt brings together destinations, venues, agencies, event planners and suppliers from across the global meetings and events industry.
Success for the organizer depends on creating valuable connections between buyers and exhibitors while maintaining a seamless attendee experience.
ExpoPlatform supported this objective as the official technology partner, building on a relationship that now spans multiple editions of IMEX Frankfurt and IMEX America.
### Growing pains
As IMEX Frankfurt continues to evolve, the IMEX Group needed technology that could support growth without creating friction for users.
Key priorities included:
- Maintaining platform stability under increasing traffic
- Making exhibitor discovery intuitive for buyers
- Simplifying meeting scheduling across thousands of participants
- Supporting 2,900 exhibiting companies with diverse operational requirements
- Delivering a seamless experience across mobile and web
- Continuing to evolve the platform through exhibitor and attendee feedback
- Enhancing customer experience while preserving the familiarity users expected from previous editions
### Building a complex event
ExpoPlatform delivered a tailored tradeshow technology ecosystem that balanced scale, stability and continuous innovation.
The solution included:
- Advanced matchmaking and exhibitor discovery tools
- Intelligent meeting scheduling designed for high-volume meeting programmes
- Integrated mobile and web experiences with synchronised agendas
- Recommended exhibitors, personalised for each attendee
- Lead capture and badge scanning tools for exhibitors
- Real-time reporting and analytics for IMEX
- Exhibitor management capabilities designed for varying booth structures
- Continuous platform enhancements based on feedback from previous IMEX shows
- Dedicated support and collaboration with the IMEX team throughout planning, delivery and post-show analysis
The result was a technology experience that remained intuitive for attendees while giving IMEX the flexibility and control required to manage one of the largest shows in the global meetings industry.
### Record buyer engagement
The strongest indicator of success at IMEX Frankfurt remains the volume and quality of business connections.
The event welcomed 4,739 buyers from 94 countries, including 3,731 hosted buyers and 1,008 buyer attendees. Buyer numbers increased by 6% year on year, creating more opportunities for exhibitors across every sector of the industry.
Buying power remained exceptionally strong.
- 22% controlled budgets exceeding $10 million
- 13% controlled budgets between $5 million and $10 million
- 29% controlled budgets between $1 million and $5 million
- 36% controlled budgets up to $1 million
For exhibitors, these figures translated directly into commercial opportunity.
### Buyer Power Visualisation
Total buyers at the show
## 0
**buyers from 94 countries**Hosted buyers 3,731 · Buyer attendees 1,008
▲ +6% year-on-year
### Results
Engagement levels continued to rise across every major platform metric.
Attendees used the platform extensively to discover suppliers, save favourites, communicate directly and schedule meetings before arriving onsite.
- 73,395 total meetings – up 8% on 2025
- 668,189 conversations – up 18% on 2025
- 899,526 favourites
- 118,564 lead scans
- 13,515 participants
- 2,963 exhibiting companies
### Organiser Perspective
“What’s great about **ExpoPlatform** is that it’s an **exhibition-led platform**, which is really important because there is a massive complexity in how our exhibitors need the platform to behave and perform.
What ExpoPlatform allowed us to do was really **tailor the solution**, so we had the benefit of this **big foundational system** – but then we could really personalise elements of it for our show and for our exhibitors. **That was very powerful**.
You have a **great team and** they work really well in **partnership** with us.
Carina Bauer
CEO of IMEX Group
### A partnership that continues to deliver
The relationship between IMEX Group and ExpoPlatform extends beyond platform delivery.
Both organisations continue to refine the attendee experience through shared learning, iterative development and long-term collaboration. Platform enhancements introduced for one show create benefits for future editions.
The result is measurable growth across meeting numbers, engagement and lead generation supported by the improvements made across the show platform.
### Key takeaways
- Record buyer attendance increased meeting opportunities across the show
- 73,395 total meetings
- Nearly 119,000 lead scans strengthened ROI and post-event follow-up
- AI-powered discovery and recommendations simplified networking at scale
- Continuous platform development supported ongoing event growth
- Long-term collaboration enabled innovation without compromising stability
IMEX Frankfurt 2026 demonstrated how a mature technology partnership can support continuous growth while maintaining a seamless attendee experience.
### Deliver meetings like IMEX Frankfurt
[Book a consultation now](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Wine Paris 2026](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/wine-paris-2026/)
**Published:** July 2, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Wine Paris 2026
ExpoPlatform provides scaled-up platform in five-year strong partnership
Organiser
Vinexposium
Sector
Wine & Spirits
Venue
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
### What is Wine Paris all about?
**Wine Paris** is a premier international trade event that unites professionals from across the wine and spirits industry to connect, exchange insights and explore new business opportunities.
This year’s edition highlighted emerging trends, product innovations and industry developments through a dynamic program of tastings, expert-led seminars, workshops and networking events.
**ExpoPlatform** facilitated broad discovery opportunities between visitors and buyers, with over 22,000 confirmed meetings. This resulted in a high volume of quality leads.
### Combined event results
0
Active products
0
Unique badge scans
0
Confirmed Meetings
0
Exhibitors & sponsors
0
Total registered visitors
### The Challenge
ExpoPlatform has been the official tech provider for Wine Paris for five consecutive years. This year, Vinexposium required a scalable platform to accommodate an increased number of attendees, exhibitors and products.
Wine Paris required:
- Streamlined networking tools to facilitate a large number of meetings
- Advanced lead generation software with customizable features
- An interactive floor plan for easy navigation
- Real-time data analytics to instantly score the quality of connections
ExpoPlatform needed to provide an easy discovery journey with robust analytical software that proves ROI.
### ExpoPlatform’s Solution
ExpoPlatform delivered a connected suite of digital products designed to support discovery, networking, navigation and lead generation at scale.
The platform gave Wine Paris the tools to help attendees find relevant exhibitors and products, arrange meetings, navigate the show floor and capture valuable leads onsite.
Core components included:
- **Lead Capture Pro** for advanced badge scanning, lead retrieval and exhibitor ROI tracking
- **Interactive Floor Plan** to help visitors easily navigate the venue and discover exhibitors
- **Event Mobile App** to support onsite engagement, profile access and real-time activity
- **Networking software** to enable meeting discovery, scheduling and buyer-seller connections
These products worked together to create a seamless event journey – from pre-event planning and meeting scheduling to onsite navigation, lead capture and post-event analytics.
### The Results
Wine Paris 2026 delivered strong engagement across discovery, networking and onsite lead generation.
Key results included:
- **66,765 total registered visitors,** a 16% increase compared to 2025
- **6,523 exhibitors** and **sponsors**
- **22,192 confirmed meetings**
- **9,118 total badge scans** and **6,661 unique badge scans**
- **€5.9K gross revenue** generated through Lead Capture Pro
These figures demonstrate how a connected event technology ecosystem can support large-scale trade shows by improving discovery, increasing qualified interactions and giving organizers clear data to measure performance.
### Key Takeaways
Here are some of the main highlights from Wine Paris 2026:
- Five-year partnership between Vinexposium and ExpoPlatform continued to support growth and digital innovation
- More than 22,000 confirmed meetings created valuable business opportunities across the event
- Interactive Floor Plan drove strong discovery engagement with more than 244,000 views
- Real-time data and analytics gave organizers stronger visibility into event performance
- A connected technology ecosystem helped improve networking, navigation and measurable ROI
The continued partnership between Vinexposium and ExpoPlatform shows the value of long-term collaboration. With each edition building on shared learning, product adoption and event performance.
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [The Meetings Show APAC](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
**Published:** June 18, 2026
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# The Meetings Show and Business Travel Show Asia Pacific
One Platform. Multiple Audiences. Better Results.
Organiser
Northstar Travel Group
Sector
MICE
Venue
Marina Bay Sands, Expo & Convention Centre, Singapore
### What is the event?
**The Meetings Show Asia Pacific** and **Business Travel Show Asia Pacific 2026** saw ExpoPlatform power an event technology experience designed to maximise meetings, simplify navigation and connect buyers with the right suppliers at scale.
The goal was clear – deliver a hosted buyer meeting experience across two co-located events that matched the scale and expectations of a growing international audience.
**10**
**Average number of meetings per hosted buyer**
### The challenge
Running two co-located events on one platform introduced both opportunity and complexity. Buyers and exhibitors needed clear event journeys while still benefiting from the wider audience ecosystem.
The platform needed to:
- Support a high volume of pre-scheduled meetings
- Enable easy discovery of buyers and exhibitors
- Provide a seamless experience across mobile and web
- Reduce friction in scheduling and navigation
- Deliver consistency with the UK edition while adapting to a new regional audience
### How ExpoPlatform tech helped
ExpoPlatform delivered a fully integrated platform experience across both events, combining matchmaking, meeting scheduling, networking and mobile agendas within one ecosystem.
Participants could search attendee profiles, apply preferences and schedule meetings quickly through a streamlined interface. Mobile access ensured attendees could manage meetings, education sessions and floor navigation on the go.
The shared platform structure also allowed Northstar Travel Group to maintain consistency across both brands while giving each audience its own identity and networking flow.
### Combined event results
High-volume meetings. High-value outcomes.
0
Hosted buyers
0
Confirmed meetings
0
Favourites
0
Unique conversations
0
Avg meetings per hosted buyer
### Engagement breakdown
Comparison of key interaction types during the event
“ExpoPlatform has been a **fantastic** and **easy-to-use tool**. It is very vibrant and easy for attendees to navigate.
The **appointment system made it simple** to search for buyers and sellers, review profiles and set preferences. The education sessions are also very easy to navigate.
Most importantly, **everything is combined into one agenda that works on mobile**, helping attendees manage their time and move around the show floor.”
**Nelson Khoo**, Events Director at Northstar Travel Group
### Why it worked
Success for both events reflected the strength of a growing partnership between Northstar Travel Group and ExpoPlatform.
The UK editions established the operational model, while the Asia Pacific editions proved that the same approach could scale internationally while adapting to different audiences and event formats.
This resulted in consistency without rigidity. Buyers and exhibitors understood the platform immediately, reducing onboarding friction and increasing engagement from the start.
### Key takeaways
- One platform successfully powered two co-located events
- Hosted buyers averaged 10 meetings across both shows
- Unified mobile agendas simplified attendee journeys
- Matchmaking tools increased meeting relevance and efficiency
- Shared infrastructure supported operational consistency
- Proven partnership model scaled successfully from the UK to APAC
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific and Business Travel Show Asia Pacific demonstrated how connected event technology can support multiple audiences without compromising user experience.
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [IMEX America 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2023/)
**Published:** November 3, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Record-breaking IMEX America 2023
Organiser
IMEX Group
Sector
Exhibitions
Venue
Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, Nevada
## About the Event
IMEX America is a leading tradeshow for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. It brings together buyers and exhibitors from around the world to explore industry trends, discover innovative tech solutions and build valuable connections. It is held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The IMEX Group had already announced ExpoPlatform as its official tech partner for three years following the success of IMEX Frankfurt.
For IMEX America 2023, ExpoPlatform improved the web platform and event app with new, customised features to maximise business connections and ease of use.
0
Favourites
0
Meetings
0
Unique scans
0
Participants
0
Exhibitors
Event Website
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Smart Event App
Meetings & Schedules
Exhibitor Events
Education Sessions
Lead Intelligence
Integrations
Floorplan (ExpoFP)
## Challenges
- Disjointed end-user experience: registration, website and meetings were in different portals
- Extensively customised legacy system
→ Expensive to deploy and maintain
→ Impossible to innovate
→ Complex and prone to error (human and software)
- Exhibitor lead scanning only via external scanner rentals
- No appointment making in the mobile app
- Very basic floorplan
- No ability to track exhibitor performance outside of pre-booked meetings statistics
- Post-show data collected from a variety of different systems and consolidated manually
- Outdated user experience
- App only displayed basic information and didn’t facilitate managing schedule
## What has been done
- Integrated SSO with Azure B2C, creating a centralised identity across all IMEX event platforms
- Deployed free lead scanning for each exhibitor team member in the show app, online or offline (124,000 contacts were scanned during the show)
- Delivered a three-way integration for the floor plan and blue-dot navigation (with ExpoFP and CrowdConnected)
- Enabled management of “group meetings” (exhibitor events)
- Enabled booking of meetings via the app to top up pre-scheduled hosted buyer meetings (over 3,000 meetings booked on-site via app only)
- Created more efficient meeting and calendar management, resulting in the highest number of meetings at any IMEX event ever (more than 80,000)
- Provided powerful dashboards that allowed the IMEX team to monitor and report on important KPIs in real time
- Undertook two significant development projects to close gaps between IMEX needs and ExpoPlatform’s initial capabilities
## Results
- Played a critical role in enabling a record number of meetings to take place
- Delivered a record number of exhibitor lead scans in the history of IMEX events
- Exhibitors very happy with new technology deployed (first experience of ExpoPlatform at IMEX America)
- IMEX recognised as leader in value delivered through successful technology deployment
- Internet slowdowns had no impact on app performance
### Reduce costs, boost ROI – find out how!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
## Delivering the biggest edition ever
The 12th edition of the show saw the ExpoPlatform team upgrade the event management platform with a range of advanced, powerful tools.
This included **in-app free lead scanning** for each exhibitor team member as well as the ability to **book meetings with the event app**.
Connections were optimised using **meeting and calendar management** as well as allowing exhibitors to **host group meetings and event spaces**.
The **interactive floor plan** and **blue-dot navigation** aided a **seamless experience around the venue** for participants, thanks to our integration with ExpoFP and CrowdConnected.
IMEX America 2023 created new records for participation and engagement at an IMEX event, with CEO Carina Bauer calling it the group’s **“biggest show ever”**.
## IMEX solidifies tech leadership
Over 80,000 meetings were scheduled, while more than 124,000 lead scans were made through the event app – both a record in the history of IMEX events.
The official IMEX app received praise from buyers and exhibitors for its user-friendly design and advanced features – **3,000 meetings** were booked onsite via the app alone.
The success of its 2023 Las Vegas show **reaffirmed IMEX’s leadership in** delivering value through tech and fostering human connections.
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
“ExpoPlatform has been a great partner and hugely responsive in adapting to our specific needs – this gives us great confidence in how we can continually improve the platform for our clients’ benefit in the future and supports our business priority of delivering an enhanced experience.”
Gary Coombs
CIO, IMEX Group
“First and foremost, we wanted a platform designed to add value for our attendees and exhibitors and enhance their experience at our shows. ExpoPlatform has an innate understanding of our requirements as a tradeshow organiser and the sheer breadth of the platform allowed us to customise the setup so that it fits our needs and those of our clients. The result was a new online platform with a range of features and tools carefully designed to maximise business connections and ease of use.”
Jordan Yeates
Senior product manager, Formerly of IMEX
“I am so unbelievably proud of what we achieved with IMEX America 2023! We delivered a new tech stack, for a new audience, which facilitated record numbers and delivered an experience celebrated by all. I have never been prouder than I am today to have owned the ExpoPlatform implementation and to have been part of the team which transformed the tech foundation for IMEX.”
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [IMEX Frankfurt 2025](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2025/)
**Published:** June 2, 2025
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# IMEX Frankfurt 2025
A Record Year for Meetings and ROI in a Growing Global Partnership
Organiser
IMEX
Sector
Exhibitions
Venue
Messe Frankfurt,
Frankfurt, Germany
### About the Event
**IMEX Frankfurt 2025** marked the third edition of IMEX Group’s flagship event delivered in partnership with ExpoPlatform. **Over three years**, the collaboration has shaped one of the most digitally advanced experiences in the global meetings and events industry.
The event saw a **10% increase in confirmed meetings** compared to the previous year. Engagement also continued to rise across key metrics, with notable growth in badge scans, conversations and exhibitor interactions.
**67,000**
**Total Meetings**
### The value enhances as our partnership continues
0
Total participants
0
Exhibiting companies
0
Total meetings
0
Unique badge scans
0
Unique conversations
0
Exhibitor favourites
### Want to elevate experiences like IMEX?
[Book a Free Tech Demo](/request-demo/)
Smart Event App
Event Website
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Meeting Schedules
Education Sessions
Exhibitor Events
Lead Intelligence
Integrations
Floorplan (ExpoFP & Crowd Connected)
### The Challenge
IMEX Frankfurt is an industry leading event with high expectations. That means innovation must align with reliability.
IMEX Group set out to:
- Make it easier for attendees and exhibitors to discover each other
- Improve the planning and quality of meetings
- Give attendees tools to prove their return on investment
- Deliver a consistent experience across web and mobile
- Evolve the platform to meet rising expectations from users and stakeholders
ExpoPlatform was responsible for building on the success of previous editions. The aim was to refine platform features and improve user experience.
### ExpoPlatform’s Solution
IMEX Frankfurt 2025 featured the most advanced version of the ExpoPlatform solution to date.
The platform included:
- A new “Rate Your Meetings” feature to allow attendees to leave notes and export them as leads
- Full mobile parity with the web platform for agenda planning, search and lead exports
- A “Recommended for You” section in the exhibitor directory to simplify discovery
- Revamped integrations with ExpoFP for interactive floorplan and CrowdConnected for indoor wayfinding
- Lead scanning tools built into both mobile and web workflows
### The Results
IMEX Frankfurt 2025 set new standards in key areas of engagement and performance.
- Conversations passed 559,000
- Badge scans totaled over 100,000
- Favourites reached more than 74,000
- Attendees used the meeting rating feature to capture lead quality and track ROI
- Organisers used meeting data to improve their understanding of attendee behavior
- 10% increase in confirmed meetings compared with 2019
### Key Takeaways
Here are some of the main highlights from this edition of IMEX Frankfurt:
- IMEX and ExpoPlatform have completed three successful editions together
- Meeting tools have improved and are used more widely than ever
- Discovery tools and exhibitor engagement saw measurable increases
- Mobile and web features now support the full event journey
- Planning and onsite execution are fully aligned in one seamless platform
There’s **more meetings than ever** – that’s a huge indicator that people are finding it easier to book meetings.
They’re also finding it easier to find exhibitors that are of interest to them. And, not only that, **more lead scans are happening at every show too**.
So all of the key KPIs that our buyers, exhibitors and attendees expect to have at IMEX are improving.
Thus the **value of the show is being enhanced**, as the platform and our partnership continues to develop.
**Jordan Yeates**, Formerly of IMEX
### Hit new levels of ROI with ExpoPlatform
[Get a Free Consultation](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Security & Policing 2025](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/security-policing-2025/)
**Published:** May 29, 2025
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Security & Policing 2025
Organiser
ADS / Dods Events on behalf of JSaRC
Sector
Security
Venue
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre
### About the Event
**Security & Policing** is the official UK Government global security event.
This event offers a world‐class opportunity to meet and discuss the latest advances in delivering national security and resilience with leading UK suppliers, UK and overseas Government officials and senior decision makers across the law enforcement and security sectors.
There is no general admittance to Security & Policing and all visitors and exhibitors are subject to Home Office approval.
**ExpoPlatform** partnered with organiser **ADS** to power the event’s technology across registration, exhibitor tools, mobile engagement and data reporting – helping to deliver a streamlined and secure experience.
**47%**
**Increase in conversations**
Exhibitors
Team members
Visitors
Sessions
Speakers
App
Products
Floorplan
Hosted Buyer
Matchmaking
Connections
0
Products
showcased
0
Attendee accounts imported
0
Exhibitor team members (1,363 active)
0
Activated profiles (35.09%)
0
Exhibitors
0
In-app
conversations
0
Favourites across exhibitors, products & sessions
0
Mobile app
downloads
### The Challenge
Delivering a high-security event with restricted access posed several technical and operational challenges. Organisers required a digital platform that could:
- Manage **secure, segmented attendee flows** based on badge type and approval
- Provide **structured exhibitor tools** for product display and team engagement
- Ensure **high performance** under strict data governance protocols
- Support **streamlined onboarding** for attendees and exhibitors alike
- Enhance **meeting and networking capabilities**, even within closed environments
A custom-configured solution was needed to bring clarity, engagement and control to every stage of the event lifecycle.
### ExpoPlatform’s Solution
Delivering a high-security event with restricted access posed several technical and operational challenges. Organisers required a digital platform that could:
- **Security-conscious registration** approval system using hosted buyer module
- **Custom registration pathways** with group segmentation and badge-level visibility
- **Exhibitor self-service tools** to manage profiles, products and team access
- **Data import automations** to simplify onboarding at scale
- Digital badges with visitor photos to reduce the need for repetitive ID checks
- **Branded mobile app** for navigation, messaging and content planning
- **Meeting booking functionality**, with enhanced prompts and analytics
- **Detailed back-end reporting** for real-time performance insights
ExpoPlatform also supported enhanced event delivery through proactive recommendations on email campaigns, QR code usage, API call reviews and platform governance improvements.
### The Results
This edition’s tech offerings helped with the quality of engagement and exhibitor participation increased with more teams using digital tools.
The results show:
- **47% increase** in conversations (7,423 in 2025 vs. 5,045 in 2024)
- **3% increase** in overall favourites (15,324 in 2025 vs. 13,558 in 2024)
- **58.6%** of exhibitors published at least one product (up from 32.3%)
- **2,026 mobile downloads**, with 102,845 page views in March alone
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [IMEX America 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-america-2024/)
**Published:** October 29, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
# IMEX America 2024
Organiser
IMEX Group
Sector
Exhibitions
Venue
Mandalay Bay,
Las Vegas, Nevada
### About the Event
**IMEX America** is the premier tradeshow for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. It is held annually in Las Vegas by the IMEX Group.
The three-day event serves as a major platform for industry professionals to connect, network, discover trends and showcase innovative products.
For the 2024 edition, ExpoPlatform continued its successful partnership as the event’s official tech provider, fuelling connections and meetings with its web and mobile app solutions.
0
Unique scans
0
Exhibiting companies
0
Favorites
0
Participants
0
One-to-ones, group appointments & presentations
Smart Event App
Event Website
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Meeting Schedules
Education Sessions
Exhibitor Events
Lead Intelligence
Integrations
Floorplan (ExpoFP & Crowd Connected)
### Tech-ing up for 2024
IMEX America 2024 built on its successful partnership with ExpoPlatform, using an improved version of the event tech suite that powered the previous year’s record-breaking edition.
The event anticipated new heights for participation of buyers and exhibitors, with over 150 education sessions also planned.
Our team implemented a number of enhancements to the platform to ensure a seamless and more engaging experience. These included:
1. Newly refactored iOS app with more seamless performance
2. New features added such as:
- List view for the My Schedule tab
- Scheduling feature to show availability of both parties when booking meetings
- Web platform enhancement – recommended listing of exhibitors and products (turned off by default)
### Hitting new heights of engagement
The IMEX event app proved to be a crucial tool in maximizing meetings and connections.
Its intuitive interface allowed attendees to browse exhibitor profiles, schedule meetings – even before doors opened – and engage in meaningful conversations, which increased the acceptance rate for meeting requests.
Participants fully utilized the app’s free lead scanning feature, resulting in a record number of unique scans.
The education sessions were also a huge hit, with ExpoPlatform’s tech powering the interactive sessions and facilitating knowledge sharing.
In addition, our integration with ExpoFP and Crowd Connected to produce an interactive floorplan helped provide seamless navigation abilities to participants using blue-dot wayfinding.
They could quickly locate booths and sessions on the show floor – helping to optimize their time and reduce stress.
### Setting new records, year after year
IMEX America 2024 continued to soar new heights, with this year’s show surpassing the previous year’s records. Here’s a look at the numbers:
- **15,800+ attendees** (highest participation recorded to date)
- **85,000+ pre-scheduled meetings** (80.1% acceptance rate)
- **161k+ unique scans** (24% rise from 2023)
- **675k+ favorites** (42% jump from last year)
- **574k+ conversations** (46% increase from 2023)
The massive success of the 13th edition of IMEX America reflects a strong business pipeline and renewed confidence in the sector.
By surpassing its own benchmarks year after year, IMEX America has once again positioned itself as the leading force in the global meetings and events industry.
“Over the last couple of years we’ve been through a major digital transformation – this was hard work but it has really shifted the dial in terms of offering enhanced value and a seamless experience for all of our attendees.
We’re now in a prime position to build on that and IMEX America 2024 saw us extend our work with ExpoPlatform to further enhance the platform’s value and boost business growth for participants. Driving buyer-exhibitor connections was front and centre of our aim and our partnership with ExpoPlatform has helped us to achieve this.”
**Gary Coombs**IMEX Group Chief Operating Officer
### Reduce costs, boost ROI – find out how!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [IMEX Frankfurt 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2024/)
**Published:** May 23, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# IMEX Frankfurt 2024
Organiser
IMEX Group
Sector
Exhibitions
Venue
Messe Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
## About the Event
IMEX Frankfurt is the largest tradeshow in Europe for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. It allows exhibitors to showcase products and services to an international crowd of buyers and decision-makers.
ExpoPlatform worked with the IMEX Group to **introduce a range of improved digital features to enhance experiences**, making it more streamlined for participants.
This partnership saw the 2024 edition achieve **unprecedented numbers for engagement** and business value – with a record **53,800 confirmed meetings** and **82,726 unique badge scans**.
0
Total meetings
0
Conversations
0
Confirmed meetings
0
Unique badge scans
0
Favorites
0
Total unique logins
Smart Event App
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Event Website
Permission Matrix
Interactive Floorplan
Lead Intelligence
Exhibitor Events
Analytics
Online Networking
“With ExpoPlatform’s help we’ve built out a more robust, personal and intuitive customer journey – a development that’s been in our sights for a while.
And now that our show app is more integrated and packed with core, hard-working new features, we have a wealth of strong data in our hands.
This will allow us to more accurately define – and design – enhancements that will benefit all our clients in the future.”
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
## Building a bespoke journey for attendees
This was the second consecutive year ExpoPlatform was the official event tech partner at IMEX Frankfurt.
The sheer scale of the show meant it was challenging to ensure time was as well spent as possible over the three days.
This year’s focus was to **enhance the buyer experience** with a tailored and seamless event journey.
The ExpoPlatform team brought in a **raft of improvements to the web platform and mobile app** solutions to facilitate this. Here are the results:
- Meeting requests could be sent quickly with pre-built message templates to streamline the process
- Connections and post-show follow-ups were maximized with custom questions added to meeting and lead retrieval solutions
- Seamless navigation with a clickable, interactive floorplan
- All new meetings were synced up and updated consistently with the automatic refresh feature.
## Unprecedented tech-empowered engagement
IMEX Frankfurt 2024 recorded unprecedented engagement numbers powered by tech, surpassing last year’s figures by a significant margin.
A consolidated all-in-one event tech platform cut out the need to deal with multiple tools, saving time for participants to network and make more connections.
Here are the figures:
- **87% of all meeting requests accepted**
- **53,800 total confirmed meetings** – up 13% from 47,700 in 2023
- **82,726 unique badge scans** – up 11.5% from 74,221
- **461,662 favorites** – up 63% from 284,000
More than 50,000 meetings were set up before the event even got underway, with thousands more being confirmed during the show through the web platform and app.
The high attendance numbers and increased participation levels ensured yet another strong showing for IMEX Frankfurt.
### Reduce costs, boost ROI – find out how!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [CMPL Expo Mumbai 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/cmpl-expo-mumbai-2024/)
**Published:** May 29, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
# CMPL Expo Mumbai 2024
Organiser
CMPL Expo
Sector
FMCG
Venue
Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai
### About the Event
CMPL Expo, also known as the **Contract Manufacturing & Private Label Expo**, is a specialized trade show that brings together manufacturers, suppliers and industry professionals in the contract manufacturing and private label sector.
This event showcases the latest trends, technologies and services in contract manufacturing, private label products and white-label solutions.
ExpoPlatform **implemented customized web and mobile app solutions in just 1.5 months** to digitize the event processes and boost engagement.
0
Participants
0
Exhibitors
0
App logins
0
Favorites
0
Interactions
### Solutions used
Smart Event App
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Kiosk & Badging
Online Registration
Floorplan (ExpoFP)
Lead Intelligence
Session & Agenda
Analytics
Meetings & Schedules
Online Networking
Email Marketing
Onsite Support
### Delivering bespoke tech solutions with swift turnaround
For CMPL Expo Mumbai, the organizers were keen to **boost attendee engagement through tech-enabled visitor experiences**.
They wanted to **transition from manual workflows to a fully digitized platform** and streamline their event processes.
The ExpoPlatform team provided a comprehensive event technology solution using all the modules (except the event website) in a **fast turnaround of 1.5 months**.
This included:
- Designing and developing custom pages on web and app
- Creating a fully functional event app from scratch
- Setting up the exhibitor team members
- Delivering an easily deployable onsite check-in module that prints badges in seconds
- Providing a fully customized user experience aligned with CMPL Expo’s branding and functional needs
### Successfully piloting seamless buyer-exhibitor journeys
The **smooth interface, convenience and ease of using an all-in-one event platform** were roundly praised by both attendees and exhibitors.
The event solutions **streamlined navigation, improved meeting scheduling and enabled connections** through the show app. Visitors could **quickly print badges at onsite kiosks**, ensuring smooth entry and avoiding long queues.
CMPL used ExpoPlatform’s solutions as a pilot to gauge the effectiveness of event tech in facilitating attendee engagement and streamlining event operations.
The success of this pilot run was key to their decision to **re-deploy these solutions for the upcoming CMPL Expo in Delhi** this November.
“We used ExpoPlatform on a trial basis to see how seamless the experience would be for exhibitors and visitors.
And I must say, for the first attempt, I was definitely seeing this experience.
There’s ease of access in the user interface, exhibitors could create their profiles, use the best of technology that’s available to them.
Visitors could access the floorplan, connect with exhibitors, preschedule meetings and also exchange contact cards through the app.
We look forward to a long and fruitful association with ExpoPlatform.”
**Gary Coombs**IMEX Group Chief Operating Officer
### Reduce costs, boost ROI – find out how!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Seawork 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/seawork-2024/)
**Published:** July 30, 2024
**Author:** Mohammad Omar
**Content:**
# Seawork 2024
Organiser
Mercatormedia
Sector
Maritime
Venue
Southampton, UK
### About the Event
Seawork is **Europe’s largest premier maritime trade event** that focuses on commercial marine and workboat sectors.
The event is hosted at Southampton’s Mayflower Park in the UK and **features a range of on-water demonstrations, conference programs and networking opportunities** for maritime professionals.
At the show’s 25th edition, **ExpoPlatform delivered onsite event tech solutions to enhance the registration process**, improve lead retrieval and drive engagement.
0
Participants
0
App logins
0
Conversations
0
Unique badge scans
0
Favorites
### Solutions used
Smart Event App
Online Registration
Email Marketing
New Website Builder
Kiosk & Badging (with KLAY)
### Improved check-ins and engagement
Seawork 2024 expected **greater attendee participation than past editions**, making it essential to have a smooth check-in process for seamless visitor flow.
**Enhancing engagement and networking** between buyers and exhibitors was essential for its success.
ExpoPlatform collaborated with the MercatorMedia team to deliver on those goals with the following solutions:
- **New Website Builder** to implement features that boosted traffic and attendee sign-ups.
- **Kiosk and badging solutions** through partnership with KLAY, simplifying badge printing and improving visitor flow.
- **Automated emails to send digital badges** to visitors for easy scan and print of badges.
### Tech-fuelled record rebookings
The registration process – backed by robust onsite kiosk and badging solutions – was a big success. **Attendees seamlessly printed their badges**, creating a smooth check-in experience.
The Smart Event App was widely used, driving engagement which saw exhibitors praise the lead scanning features.
Organizers **greatly appreciated the onsite support** provided by the ExpoPlatform team for prompt resolution of any issues.
Here are some stats:
- **3877 total app logins**
- **3312 unique badge scans**
- **14377 favorites**
- **2480 conversations**
The 25th edition of Seawork was a massive success, driven by more participation and engagement than ever before. This led to **record re-bookings for the 2025 show**, hitting over 30% just a week after the 2024 show closed.
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/cosmoprof-worldwide-2024/)
**Published:** March 27, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Cosmoprof Worldwide 2024
Organiser
Bologna Fiere
Sector
Beauty & Cosmetics
Venue
Bologna, Italy
# About the Event
Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is a leading tradeshow for the beauty and cosmetics industry since 1967.
The event consists of **three shows under one roof**, each focused on a different part of the beauty industry.
**Cosmopack** deals with the supply chain, **Cosmo Perfumery & Cosmetics** covers finished products and retailers and **Cosmo Hair, Nail & Beauty Salon** caters to the professional beauty market.
For the 55th show edition, ExpoPlatform boosted networking and meetings using a tailored AI-driven Hosted Buyer platform, helping operators in sourcing innovative products.
0
Visitors
0
Exhibitors
0
Interactions
0
Products
0
Favorites
Hosted Buyer
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Analytics
# Powering curated connections for beauty professionals
This year’s Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna was bigger than ever – reporting a **9% increase in the presence of international stakeholders than last year**.
The same-day launch of all pavilions created an optimal environment for buyers and exhibitors to network and maximise their business potential.
ExpoPlatform collaborated with the BolognaFiere team for the **sixth consecutive year** to provide a customised networking and meeting platform **Cosmoprof My Match**.
This **AI-powered Hosted Buyer tool** enabled participants to schedule meetings, send messages and organise their agenda even before the event went live.
Users could also explore the products and services offered before, during and after the event through **curated recommendations and matches**.
# Driving high-value buyer engagement with tech
The four-day show saw an impressive turnout, with **248,500+ visitors** from 150 countries and **3,012 exhibitors** from 69 countries – a 4% increase from the previous year.
ExpoPlatform’s Cosmoprof My Match drove **targeted networking** and engagement and **improved efficiency** through pre-booked meetings with potential partners.
Here are the highlights:
- **17,000+ products**
- **45,000+ favourites**
- **101k+ interactions**
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Pulp & Beyond 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/pulp-beyond-2024/)
**Published:** April 17, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Pulp & Beyond 2024
Organiser
Messukeskus
Sector
Pulp and Paper
Venue
Helsinki, Finland
# About the Event
Pulp & Beyond 2024 is a leading event in the Scandinavian region focusing on the future of the forest-based bioeconomy.
The show at Helsinki Expo and Convention Center brought together key industry players to discuss, explore and network for the latest **trends** and **innovations** such as carbon-neutral mills, sustainable products and waste reduction.
It also highlighted **advancements in automation, digitalisation, AI and robotics** for paper and pulp production.
ExpoPlatform’s AI-powered event management solutions helped connect sustainability experts from around the globe – including **more than 8,000 visitors and 300 exhibitors**.
0
Exhibitors
0
Visitors
0
Total meetings
0
Favourites
0
Interactions
Smart Event App
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Event Website
Online Networking
Interactive Floorplan
Lead Intelligence
Exhibitor Events
Analytics
Integrations
Hosted Buyer
Email Marketing
# Fuelling a tech-enhanced comeback
This was the organiser’s **first in-person show of Pulp & Beyond after Covid-19** so it was deemed crucial to present the audience with a modern, digitally-enabled experience.
The paper and pulp industry is a flourishing, tightly-knit sector in Finland and **maximising participant networking was key for the 2024 edition**.
It also saw international participation from leading players.
ExpoPlatform provided an all-in-one event management platform with AI-powered matchmaking at its core to **modernise the show with a digital layer** at every touchpoint.
# Spurring sustainable connections through matchmaking
The three-day show provided e**xcellent networking opportunities for leading sustainability players** – powered by ExpoPlatform’s AI Matchmaking solutions.
Increased participation and strong engagement numbers **established the event’s stature as a pioneer** to accelerating growth and partnerships in the forest-based bioeconomy industry.
Pulp & Beyond’s post-coronavirus comeback proved to be a successful one – the tech-enhanced avatar **set the ball rolling for other events in the region** by the organiser.
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [MRO Americas 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/mro-americas-2024/)
**Published:** April 17, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# MRO Americas 2024
Organiser
Informa
Sector
Aviation
Venue
Chicago, Illinois
# About the Event
MRO Americas is a prominent aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) event that connects industry professionals, experts, and suppliers from around the globe.
The 2024 edition of the show **brought together more than 17,000 aviation aftermarket professionals** to showcase innovations, discuss trends and collaborate for business opportunities.
ExpoPlatform provided a range of tech-enabled solutions to **boost engagement, networking and sustainability** at the event.
0
Participants
0
Trees planted
0
Favourites
0
Interactions
0
Meetings
Smart Event App
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Floorplan (ExpoFP)
Meetings & Messages
Sessions
Integrations
Online Sponsorship
# Connecting 17k+ aviation maintenance experts
MRO Americas prioritizes **connections** and **conversations** through presentations and panel discussions on industry trends and to drive meaningful partnerships.
The ExpoPlatform team significantly **enhanced these activities with smart event tools** like Mobile Event App, Sessions module, Floorplan and more.
This kickstarted networking, meeting bookings and engagement well before the show went live.
We also shared best practices suggestions to **help the organiser maximise the potential of event solutions** and increase attendee participation.
# Engagement powering sustainability
Active attendee engagement is a key indicator of event success and MRO Americas achieved it while going green.
Our interactive floorplan (ExpoFP integration) **streamlined visitor movement across the show floor**, helping them check sessions and exhibitor locations across two levels without wasting time.
The Smart Event app was launched two weeks prior to the show, enabling participants to **converse and connect beforehand**.
The organiser successfully integrated ExpoPlatform’s sustainability program Meetings Make Trees, resulting in 1,000 planted trees in the US for meetings confirmed on the event app. That’s 500 by the organiser and 500 by ExpoPlatform.
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Beauty Istanbul 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/beauty-istanbul-2023/)
**Published:** February 7, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Beauty Istanbul 2023
Organiser
International Exhibitions LTD.
Sector
Beauty
Venue
Istanbul, Turkey
## About the Event
Beauty Istanbul is a **premier tradeshow and business platform** for the cosmetics and beauty industry in Turkey and the wider region.
Held annually in the Turkish city, the event brings together buyers and exhibitors in the beauty industry to connect, explore new products and innovations and do business.
ExpoPlatform provided event tech solutions for Beauty Istanbul for the **second consecutive year in 2023**. Another successful outing ensured **our tech was selected by the organiser for the 2024** show also.
0
Visitors
0
Exhibitors
0
Meetings
0
Messages
Website Builder
AI-Powered Matchmaking
Online Networking
Smart Event App
Analytics
Online Registration
Lead Capture
Email Marketing
Floorplan (ExpoFP)
Meetings & Schedules
## Hassle-free end-user experience
The organisers first came across ExpoPlatform during a Cosmoprof event and were **looking for an established industry platform** to provide a good user experience.
The success of the 2022 event reposed their confidence in ExpoPlatform – and for the 2023 edition, their **main goal was to achieve maximum engagement** in a hassle-free manner.
Our platform’s **seamless back-end functionality** ensured a smooth operational experience for the organisers.
It remained **live for nearly nine months** for attendee interaction and networking.
## Implementing multi-lingual engagement
Beauty Istanbul 2023 witnessed strong regional and international participation, clocking more than **41k visitors**.
To maximise attendee engagement, our team implemented **multi-language capability in four languages** – Turkish, English, French and Russian.
It was a big success, driving **65k+ profile views** and nearly **6k profile favourites**.
The **ExpoFP floorplan integration** in the event app also received positive visitor feedback for its **seamless navigation features** and ability to **easily locate exhibitors**.
“What we really liked about ExpoPlatform is the software capability, the speed and also the people – like the technical account managers.
We can discuss anything, they are very helpful with any customizations.
You also have to have stability, because you are offering something to your customers and you have to stand by it.
The platform provided stability and the confidence that we now have for our online business platform.”
Mehmet Yavuz
Project Manager, Beauty Istanbul
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [GITEX Global 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/gitex-global-2023/)
**Published:** February 9, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# GITEX Global 2023
Organiser
Dubai World Trade Center
Sector
IT
Venue
Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai
## About the Event
GITEX Global (Gulf Information Technology Exhibition) is the **world’s largest tech showcase** highlighting the latest trends, innovations and advancements in AI, cybersecurity, mobility, sustainable tech and more.
The 43rd edition of the event, themed ‘AI in everything’ was hosted across 41 exhibition halls at the Dubai World Trade Centre. **Around 187,000 attendees** and **6,000 exhibitors** participated in the show, including leading innovators, tech-preneurs and industry leaders from around the globe.
ExpoPlatform worked with the organiser to create an **all-in-one smart event platform** with advanced features to set up hosted buyer meetings, drive quality engagement and maximise lead generation.
0
Sessions
0
Confirmed meetings
0
Exhibitors
0
Visitors
0
Unique lead scans
0
Favourites
0
Interactions
Smart Event App
Lead Intelligence
Event Website
Online Networking
Hosted Buyer
Interactive Floorplan
Analytics
## Powering connections with next-gen tools
This was the third consecutive time ExpoPlatform provided event tech solutions for GITEX GLOBAL – and the aim was to provide an enhanced, value-driven experience to both visitors and exhibitors.
A key challenge set out by the organisers was that GITEX 2023 would be held across two venues. Not only were the two venues located on opposite sides of Dubai, but the new one also spanned several floors. Native integration and a close partnership with **ExpoFP** allowed us to provide a **unique interactive floorplan** and **wayfinding**.
This meant users could easily locate an exhibitor or a conference room and **find their way across two waypoints** even if they were located in different venues and required transportation in between.
Smooth integration with multiple vendors was critical to GITEX’s success. Apart from ExpoFP, we also worked closely with our partners **InfoSalons for registration and badging** and **Xporience for exhibitor manual** to ensure a seamless show.
Being one of the highlights of GITEX, the concierge meetings programme is also one of the biggest challenges for tech. **Thousands of meetings are pre-arranged through a dedicated concierge team**. The agenda is often updated and rescheduled during the show days, which requires constant communication with both parties.
To deliver such a dynamic meetings programme, we provided **advanced hosted buyer tools to arrange, communicate and navigate these meetups**.
ExpoPlatform also offered a **daily deep dive into performance** for organiser analysis of team and meetings programme success.
## Supercharging meetings and leads to record highs
One of the biggest success areas of GITEX 2023 was the **concierge meetings programme** for investors.
Through email, push notifications, calendar sync and agenda download features, we helped the DWTC team successfully deliver a **record-breaking 12,000+ highly curated meetings**.
Our platform enabled DWTC to create a **highly customised event management experience for themselves** – as well as unique, tailored journeys for their customers.
With nearly **60,000 GITEX Plus app downloads**, attendees could experience the show at their fingertips.
This meant easily accessing sessions, exhibitors, products and attendees – powered by **AI recommendations and extensive filters** – to make the most of their time and get maximum value from GITEX.
Another major highlight of the show was the in-app digital badge scanning and lead retrieval – which resulted in an astonishing **698k+ unique lead scans**, helping exhibitors streamline their sales pipeline and drive up their ROI.
In addition, our API integration with ExpoFP, InfoSalons and Xporience drove **seamless end-to-end data flows** across the online event platform.
This ensured **smooth communication and alignment between stakeholders**, despite tens of thousands of attendees registering onsite every day.
### Increase your exhibitor leads with ExpoPlatform
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2024](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/wine-paris-vinexpo-paris-2024/)
**Published:** February 22, 2024
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2024
Organiser
Vinexposium
Sector
Wine & Spirits
Venue
Paris
# About the Event
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris is a leading industry event that brings together professionals from the wine and spirits sector for networking, knowledge sharing and business opportunities.
The 2024 edition showcased the latest trends, innovations and products in the industry, featuring tastings, seminars, workshops and networking sessions.
This year was also a **record-breaker** in two ways – there was a 40% increase in pre-booked meetings, with 59% of exhibiting companies having at least one meeting scheduled before the show even started.
ExpoPlatform worked with the organiser Vinexposium for the **third consecutive year** to power meetings and connections through its all-in-one event tech platform.
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Pre-booked meetings
0
Exhibitors had pre-booked meetings
0
Unique conversations
0
Visitors
0
Exhibitors
0
Favourites
Multilingual Event Website
Permission Matrix
Hosted Buyer Management
Smart Event App
Meetings Reminders
Integration (Klipso)
Lead Capture
Integration (Tech Event)
Floorplan (ExpoFP)
# Supercharging engagement with high-value connections
Vinexposium has used ExpoPlatform’s event tech solutions for the past three years, **renewing the partnership each time** after the success of our services.
For the 2024 edition of the show, our team **developed a multilingual website** in French to boost engagement.
Our team **greatly enhanced the UX of the event platform** by creating filters for exhibitor meetings – helping buyers explore grape varieties, products and companies.
We also implemented two API integrations with a constant live feed to **deliver high-value networking**, ensuring an optimised data flow to remind buyers and exhibitors of pending meetings and connections.
# 59% of exhibiting companies had pre-booked meetings
Wine Paris & Vinexpo Paris 2024 saw an increase of more than 1,000 exhibitors compared with 2023 – to **4,074 this year**. Here are some results:
- Our event tech solutions – especially the integration with Tech Event and Klipso – drove **10,148 confirmed pre-booked meetings**. That’s an increase from 6,719 in 2023.
- More than three quarters of exhibiting companies – **a record 59%** – had a meeting set up before the event even got underway.
- More than **17k hosted buyer connections** were made.
- Single sign-on (SSO) with the organiser’s CRM enabled **seamless access to users** with unified credentials.
- Mobile event app was roundly praised – **easy to use and navigate** with 10k+ badge scans recorded.
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [Informa Markets Fashion 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/informa-markets-fashion-2023/)
**Published:** August 23, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# Informa Markets Fashion 2023
Organiser
Informa Markets
Sector
Fashion
Venue
Las Vegas
## About the Event
Informa Markets Fashion events are premier industry trade shows and marketplaces for the global fashion industry. They are hosted throughout the year, with notable ones including **Magic, Project** and **Sourcing Magic**.
Each show is dedicated to a specific segment of the fashion industry, such as women’s wear, men’s wear, footwear, accessories and beauty.
These events **showcase the latest trends, collections and innovations in fashion** – allowing attendees to discover and source new products, network with industry professionals and gain insights into the future of the fashion market.
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Active participants
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Exhibitors
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Sessions
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Favourites
## Solutions used
Website Builder
AI Matchmaking
Smart Event App
Analytics
Online Networking
Education Sessions
Integrations
## Three events, one platform
Informa Markets has a strong working relationship with ExpoPlatform and is familiar with our platform and its features. Our team has **successfully collaborated with them for several major events like CPHI, Pharmapack, FIME, FI Europe** and more.
For the Las Vegas fashion event, we created a **customised umbrella website** for these three shows – Magic, Project and Sourcing Magic. The website used **advanced features like filtered exhibitors and session lists** to ensure the best interactive experience between buyers and suppliers.
We also introduced a **new Recommendation section which was absent in previous events**. This enhanced the attendees’ experience by helping them receive personalised suggestions, tailored sessions and relevant networking opportunities.
Another core functionality was the **API integration**, which enabled **seamless data flow** and ensured all deadlines like exhibitor and participant launch were met on time.
## Accelerating brand reach and connections
Visual appeal is a key aspect of fashion events – and we implemented the same in the website and mobile app design of these shows.
The **user-friendly, easily navigable interface made it easy to explore three different shows on both the web and the app**. For instance, the sessions and exhibitors list had categories clearly separated by filters and different pages for each show.
This **encouraged interaction with the exhibitors and their products**, boosting event engagement.
Overall, **our platform proved to be the perfect foil for Informa Markets’ challenging requirements**. Our solutions opened up new opportunities for success and innovation in fashion – driving business growth, industry collaboration and knowledge sharing.
The organiser was pleased with the outcome and will again use our solutions for their Coterie Magic fashion show in New York in September.
“The ExpoPlatform team has been very helpful and thorough – ensuring API parameters work smoothly and mitigating any errors, allowing us to keep to strict deadlines.
The team really went above and beyond with our website for this cycle to ensure our experience was elevated for this season.
We’d like to say a big thank you for the continued partnership – we are truly grateful.”
Havina Sirohia
Senior Project Manager, Digital Operation and Event Technology, Informa Markets
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [International Rice Congress 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/international-rice-congress-2023/)
**Published:** December 20, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# International Rice Congress 2023
Organiser
DLG, International Rice Research Institute, Department of Agriculture
Sector
Agriculture
Venue
Manila, Philippines
## About the Event
The International Rice Congress (IRC) is a global conference held by the **International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)**. It brings together experts, researchers, policymakers and stakeholders in the field of rice production and research.
This event serves as a platform to address challenges and opportunities in production, formulate evidence-based solutions and promote collaboration to enhance sustainability, productivity and profitability in the sector.
The **6th edition of IRC** was held in Manila, Philippines, which is the home country of the IRRI headquarters.
0
Active participants
0
Speakers
0
Sessions
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Favourites
Website Builder
Lead Intelligence
Meetings & Schedules
Smart Event App
Analytics
Session & Speakers
## Fostering connections in a niche domain
The IRC is an academic event with a **focus on presentations, panel discussions and networking**. We worked with our partner DLG to deliver a customised event tech platform aimed at addressing these specific needs of the congress.
Our speaker and sessions module was fine-tuned with a **more interactive interface and added filters** to simplify the view and selection of various sessions.
We also customised the event mobile app to create a visually pleasing UI with enhanced functionality. This drove up app engagement significantly, resulting in **245k+ mobile app page views**.
## Tracking engagement and activity to pinpoint value
The organisers used ExpoPlatform technology to **track and measure participant activity** at different stages of the event, such as session visitors and the time they spent.
Our solutions also facilitated **event data retrieval through check-in applications and scans**, enabling the tracking of delegates checking in or out.
Participants further benefited from AI Matchmaking and Online Networking features to **connect with their peers** and expand their professional network.
### Boost exhibitor ROI at your events – learn how
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [LexisNexis Risk Solutions Tech Summit 2022](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/lexisnexis-tech-summit-2022/)
**Published:** March 10, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# LexisNexis Risk Solutions Global Tech Summit
Organiser
LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Sector
IT
Venue
Virtual
## About the Event
LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group Tech Summit is an annual event for the company’s technologists to share knowledge and strengthen relations.
ExpoPlatform helped transform its 2022 edition from live-only – serving 300 people in one location – to a completely virtual one with more than **3,700 active participants** across multiple locations.
The opening day focused on the internal technology audience and the public HPCC Systems open-source community. This was followed by four days of internal-only sessions dedicated to the growth and development of LexisNexis Risk Solutions technologists.
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Cost reduction
0
Attendees
0
Sessions
Event Website
AI Matchmaking
Online Networking
Online Meetings & Sessions
Analytics
Email Marketing
## 80+ sessions, improved user activation rate
Previous summits covered around 25 sessions in 2.5 days – this increased to more than **80 content-rich sessions spread over 4.5 days** using ExpoPlatform’s online solutions.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions relied heavily on permission-based access and participant reviews using an internal and external component.
They extensively used our online sessions to help participants across the globe to join virtually, interact with speakers and watch sessions on demand.
The ability to segment and distribute email communications to each of these audiences based on registration and permission status helped improve the **activation rate** immensely.
Reporting features also helped LexisNexis determine where their outreach was effective and where they could ensure greater participation.
## Increased social engagement
LexisNexis utilized features through ExpoPlatform to offer various social activities – including a **piano concert with an operatic accompanist**, charitable activities and games as well as a drink mixology session.
For the open source community day, a **custom voting form was used to organize a poster competition**. This helped LexisNexis introduce attendees to their subject experts as well as drive engagement with the community and its technologies.
These digital solutions ultimately helped **reduce the event cost by 66%**.
“After evaluating platforms, ExpoPlatform has become our platform of choice three years running.
The ease of setting up the event platform and the customer support received have made evolving an in-person event of 300 people into a highly successful virtual event for almost 4,000 people.
This saved us both travel and event costs while at the same time allowing us to expand to a much larger global audience.”
Jessica Lorti
Director, Technology Marketing, HPCC Systems, LexisNexis Risk Solutions Group
### Reduce costs, boost ROI – find out how!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[ IMEX Frankfurt 2026 ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
IMEX Frankfurt hit another record-breaking edition of Europe's largest trade show for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2026/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
[ The Meetings Show APAC ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
The Meetings Show Asia Pacific 2026 is a leading platform for the MICE industry, which saw around 26 targeted meetings per hosted buyer thanks to ExpoPlatform tech.
[Read More](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/the-meeting-show-apac/)
---
### [IMEX Frankfurt 2023](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfurt-2023/)
**Published:** June 9, 2023
**Author:** admin
**Content:**
# IMEX Frankfurt 2023
Organiser
IMEX Group
Sector
Exhibitions
Venue
Frankfurt, Germany
## About the Event
IMEX Frankfurt is a leading international trade show for the meetings and events industry. It serves as a platform for exhibitors to showcase their products, services and destinations to a global audience of event professionals, buyers and decision-makers. The event takes place annually in Frankfurt, Germany, and attracts thousands of participants from around the world.
IMEX partnered with ExpoPlatform for its 2023 show and launched an all-new online platform with enhanced capabilities to drive buyer-exhibitor connections.
A wide range of custom tools and features were developed to enhance the platform’s value and boost business growth.
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Meetings total
0
App logins
0
Unique messages
0
Profile favourites
0
Lead scans
0
Confirmed meetings
Event Website
AI Matchmaking
Smart Event App
Meetings & Messaging
Exhibitor Events
Hosted Buyer
## Spearheading a tech-driven revamp
IMEX exhibitions epitomise the heartbeat of the MICE industry. A successful IMEX reflects a dynamic and thriving events marketplace.
For its 2023 Frankfurt edition, the IMEX group was keen to present a new tech-driven experience that would **supercharge networking** between attendees and exhibitors.
The organiser was already in touch with ExpoPlatform due to our deep expertise in exhibition technology.
They started working with our team to develop a **customised, intuitive platform** with seamless desktop-to-app functionality.
We also worked on specialised features such as **Exhibitor Events**, which would power exhibitors to create their own custom meeting spaces.
## Setting new engagement milestones
IMEX Frankfurt 2023 saw more than 11,000 event participants from 90+ countries gather at the Messe Frankfurt exhibition grounds.
The show witnessed **record-touching numbers** in terms of buyer-exhibitor engagement.
Over **57,000+ total meetings** were made, of which 47,700 were confirmed meetings.
A whopping **285,000+ unique messages** happened on the platform, **74,000+ lead scans** done by exhibitors and buyers on the new IMEX app.
The **free QR scanning feature** in the app – usually a paid service – was a big hit as it helped generate quick connections and detailed reports of all scanned leads.
The overall **flexibility of the platform** also left the organisers impressed – the desired results were achieved even if a certain functionality was not available.
ExpoPlatform’s round-the-clock onsite and online support ensured any issues and queries were smoothened out in real-time to make IMEX Frankfurt a huge success.
“One of the main benefits was the ability for the exhibitors for the first time to get leads before they came on site so that’s all their online leads.
And now that they’re here, they get free badge scanning for the first time through the app.
And also one of the other things which is a major difference is that it’s a more personal approach now.
Each staff member has their own schedule, is in the attendee list, all of the buyers are in the attendee list.
Being able to literally put a face to the name, that’s also some of the feedback we got that people have really enjoyed the system.
It’s been a learning curve for all of us because we are learning to work together for the first time and helping our exhibitors and clients to navigate the platform.
I think the ExpoPlatform team have been real partners with us in doing that. That meant a lot to us, just to have partners that we can rely on.”
Carina Bauer
CEO, IMEX Group
### Reduce costs, boost ROI – find out how!
[Book a Call](/request-demo/)
### Our Success Stories
Discover how our clients and partners achieve outstanding results using ExpoPlatform’s innovative event technology.
[View more case studies](/use-cases/)
[  ](https://expoplatform.com/case-studies/imex-frankfur