CHICAGO—A just-inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, and the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) has a twofold purpose: to re-establish a regular exchange between the associations benefitting their respective members, and to help promote the exhibition industry at large.
Though it is too early to outline specifics regarding research, events or other initiatives around which the two powerhouse organizations plan to collaborate, there’s marked enthusiasm on both sides.
“It’s still too early to discuss specific collaboration projects between UFI and IAEE,” Kai Hattendorf, UFI Managing Director and CEO, said. “The MoU is about taking the time to talk to each other again and see where there are alignments around areas like events or research.”
IAEE President and CEO Marsha Flanagan, M.Ed., CEM echoed Hattendorf’s sentiments, adding that she was “excited about the partnership,” and setting up consistent calls to explore how to proceed.
Potential areas covered by the MoU might include collaborations on upcoming events, such as the China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO), of which both associations are co-organizers, and industry research.
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The most immediate focus will be on advocacy, such as supporting the Exhibitions and Conference Alliance (ECA)’s annual Legislative Action Day on May 30 in Washington, D.C., which will bring members of the business events industry to Capitol Hill to meet with law- and policy-makers. This year’s advocacy efforts will be aligned with ECA’s public policy agenda, which includes a variety of initiatives from music licensing to communicable disease coverage to visa processing times.
IAEE will also contribute to building industry awareness on June 5 during Global Exhibitions Day, which is spearheaded by UFI. In recent years, the event has sparked activations and activities from industry members in more than 100 countries and regions around the world. Interested participants can find tools and resources to help with their promotional efforts on the GED web site, including a #GED2024 Toolkit with customizable visuals and a ‘Global Economic Impact of Exhibitions’ infographic to highlight the relevance of our industry globally and regionally. There are also suggestions about how to make the most of the day, and a tool for participants to add their effort to a global map.
Reach Kai Hattendorf at kh@ufi.org; Marsha Flanagan at mflanagan@iaee.com
