In the wake of recent world events, IFES, the International Federation of Exhibition Services, and EDPA, the Exhibition Designers and Producers Association, think it important to make a joint statement to the exhibition industry : exhibitions live by the grace of face to face interaction and fulfil an essential role of confidence building between business partners.

Both Leslie P.C. Zech, IFES President and Dalton Jenkins, EDPA President are very outspoken about the role of the exhibition industry : "We cannot allow freedom of movement and commerce to be impeded as it constitutes the very basis of our industry and our civilisation. As suspicion already enters public life, our industry will play a fundamental role in keeping business upright. Hence we strongly recommend attending the first Joint Convention between our organisations - Global Focus 2001. This unprecedented convention will take place November 28-30, in Miami Beach. By demonstrating support for the Convention, you as an industry leader will be making a strong statement that our industry will not succumb to terrorist activities. Come and share our values : Global Networking and Sharing Knowledge; they will allow us to overcome the new challenges which lay ahead for us all!"

 To encourage your participation, we have extended the early registration discounts until October 12. Register online at  www.ifesnet.org or www.edpa.com .