Dear fellow IFES Members,
Dear Friends,
The exhibition and events industry is facing a demanding period. Cost pressures are high, conditions are changing, and headwinds are being felt across our community. In times like these, how we respond matters. Fair competition remains essential, but we can meet the challenges ahead more effectively when we also work together.
Our strength lies in the breadth of our global network: people and businesses with different experiences, perspectives and expertise, connected by shared goals. When we bring those perspectives together, we can spot opportunities, minimise risk, share knowledge, and shape a stronger future for the whole exhibition ecosystem.
That is the spirit behind Global Minds. The initiative is designed to unite international perspectives and drive collective progress for the benefit of the exhibition industry as a whole. It reflects a simple belief: our industry is strongest when the entire community, right across the value chain, has a voice and can contribute.
Collaboration is especially valuable in a tough commercial environment. It helps us understand shared risks, find practical solutions and create value for partners and stakeholders along the value chain. It does not diminish fair competition. Rather, it gives us a foundation for competing responsibly while working together where common effort can benefit the wider industry.
Our joint Code of Conduct gives us a clear basis and compass for doing this. I encourage everyone within our lovely association to put its principles into practice: to build respectful, fair and constructive relationships, and to look for ways to create added value together. When we share insight and address challenges openly, we can reduce uncertainty and help our partners and businesses move forward.
Our network is also growing wider, bringing in valuable expertise from connected verticals. Alongside exhibition and event service providers, our community includes consultancy and HR advisers. Members who need support in these areas can draw on that knowledge and experience within IFES. And members with expertise to share have an opportunity to contribute to the progress of the whole community by actively joining and participating in our committees or working groups.
Let us make full use of the connections and fundamental trust we have built, welcome the perspectives now joining us, and turn our shared goals into practical action. By working collaboratively across borders and across the value chain, we can create value, strengthen our partnerships and shape the future of our industry together in a meaningful and fair way.
With my best regards,
Yours
Jorg
