Event industry profile ‘priority’ for new AEO chair

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 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.

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: https://t.co/k8OSQVOGgu pic.twitter.com/lRR6GwBRGd

— AEO (@aeonews) September 20, 2022

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: https://t.co/jcuKF76lY9 #UFIcongress pic.twitter.com/N6aMwcYVnx

— UFI (@UFILive) September 20, 2022

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 experience on your fingertips.
Register;https://t.co/6QJTNVbtKk. pic.twitter.com/O6F2jEAPoY

— GITEX GLOBAL (@GITEX_GLOBAL) September 22, 2022

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.

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, 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 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 Time to enjoy LA🌴 pic.twitter.com/7g4yZfBJuD

— ITS Congresses (@ITS_Congresses) September 22, 2022

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.

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