IFES CONVENTION 2008
The International Federation of Exhibition and Event Services hosted its Annual Convention in Milan, Italy from 20 - 22 June. This year’s convention was evolving around the theme of “Sharing (More) Business”. About 130 exhibition service professionals took part in the intensive, but educational 2-day program. In line with IFES' efforts to support international business cooperation in our industry, this year's convention was focused on networking and sharing experience on doing business globally, especially in regions where the exhibitions and event market is growing rapidly.
This year’s line up of speakers made the Convention a truly international event. The highlight of the convention was an impressive presentation made by Mr. Cliff Wallace, president of UFI, about Worldwide Exhibition Trends. Other speakers flew in from all over the world, to present both the benefits and challenges of doing business in upcoming markets such as Asia, Middle East, Eastern Europe and South America.
The innovative speeddating session during the first day of the Convention aimed to bring the participants in contact with as many other participants as possible. This proved to be a major success and allowed the participants to select their potential business targets with whom more business could be discussed during the enjoyable social events.
The Convention concluded with handing over of the IFES presidency from Mr. José Maria Pérez de Olacoechea to Mr. Moreno Zaccarelli. Mr. Pérez de Olacoechea received the presidency over IFES in Milan, 2006. During the presidency of Mr. Pérez de Olacoechea, the IFES membership has increased to over 30 countries. IFES has established working alliances with other organizations such as UFI and the partner network has strengthened incredibly by the launch of the International Partnerguide. Mr. Moreno Zaccarelli has expressed its intention to further encourage business partnerships by launching phase 2 of International Partnerguide; to play a more active role in policy development, with special focus on health and safety issues; to further increase IFES Membership by attracting members in new areas linked to our industry; and to better position IFES for the future, notably by developing the convention to the must-be event of our industry.
IFES would like to thank Mr. José Maria Pérez de Olacoechea for his leadership and efforts of the past three years, and welcome Mr. Moreno Zaccarelli as the new President. PRESENTATIONS AT IFES CONVENTION 2008
- IFES in 2008-2009, Moreno Zaccarelli, IFES President
- Global Exhibition Trends, Cliff Wallace, UFI President
- Focus on Eastern Europe, Klaus Schabatka, Central European Fair Alliance (CEFA)
- Focus on the Middle East, Hazem Hamada, UG Expo
- Focus on South America, Javier Cardona, InterExpo
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