THU 22.06 10:40-11.30
PROFILEPRESENTATIONMark Cochrane
Mark Cochrane is the UFI Regional Director, Asia Pacific. He is also the Managing Director of Business Strategies Group (BSG), a business intelligence and strategy consulting firm focused on the B2B media industry in Asia – with a particular emphasis on exhibitions and events in Asia.
Through its consulting practice and its relationship with UFI, BSG works with major exhibition organisers, venues and governments across Asia.
Mark has been based in Hong Kong for over 20 years and joined BSG in 2006. Prior to BSG, Mark worked in a variety of roles primarily focused on B2B media and market research including three years at Global Sources in marketing roles and three years at The Gartner Group as a senior research analyst. Mark earned an MBA from Thunderbird, the American Graduate School of International Management, in 1997. Mark is on the board of the Business Information Industry Association and presents regularly on the exhibition industry at various conferences and events in Asia.
PRESENTATION |
The State of the Asian Exhibition Industry After COVID
COVID hit the global exhibition industry hard. It was an unprecedented crisis. Prior to the pandemic, Asia was the fastest growing exhibition region in the world. In the post-pandemic era, what has changed? What has not? Which markets are recovering fastest? What will the next one to two years look like for our industry in Asia?
THU 22.06 11:35-11.50
PROFILEPRESENTATIONRichard Ireland
A Master’s graduate from the University of Sydney, Richard has been involved in ‘live events’ for the past 29 years. He has launched numerous exhibitions, conferences, training eventsand digital communities over a broad range of industries throughout Asia Pacific.
Richard is currently the CEO of Clarion Events Asiaand his role is to expand Clarion’s footprint in the region via organic growth, launch and via acquisition. He has held this role since 2014. He has oversight of Clarion’s Shanghai business, Clarion’s Indonesian business and the Clarion business in Singapore. He was previously the CEO of Terrapinn Asia Pacific. He has lived and worked in Singapore since 1995 and has been a permanent resident since 2004.
Richardis currently President of the Singapore Association of Convention Organisers and Suppliers and has led the association through the re-opening post pandemic, helped drive the sustainability and talent initiatives, was a committee member of the TR 84 Standards Committee and led the role out of the Safe Event Management courses. Over 3200 certified SG SafeEvent Ambassador have been trained during Covid-19.
Richard has regularly trained both exhibition and conference management to industry.
Richard has consulted to a number of business media companies in Asia Pacific focusing on strategy and performance improvement.
Richard has pitched, won and managed joint venture partnerships with some of the region’s and world’s largest trade associations and governments and has led various m&a transactions in the region.PRESENTATION |
Singapore, the green gateway to capturing growth opportunities in Southeast Asia
The presentation will uncover the industry‘s response post re-opening and why Singapore remains an attractive destination for the holding of MICE events. It will outline key industry events that are held in Singapore, the demographics of attendees and why Singapore remains unique in attracting and delivering truly regional and international events. With global businesses and connectivity back in full swing , Singapore is currently witnessing tremendous enthusiasm from customers to explore the Asian market with Singapore as a major hub. And China’s reopening has only strengthened Singapore’s appeal as the gateway to the region as they look to re-establish its presence and anchor new events in Southeast Asia. The presentation will now move into some trends emerging post pandemic and how this may impact business planning for the supply and contractor sector.
THU 22.06 11:50-12.05
PROFILEPRESENTATIONMichael Kruppe
CEO/General Manager
Company: SNIEC–Shanghai China
Other positions:
- Boardmember German Centre of Commerce and Trade Shanghai
- Boardmember UFI, Global Exhibition Association
- Boardmember German Chamber of Commerce East China
- Vice Chair, Chinese Venue Association
- Chair, Pudong Modern Industry Association
Awards:
- 2017 Shanghai Magnolia Award given by Han Zheng
- 2018 Person of the year in the Exhibition Industry
- 2021 Honorary Shanghai Magnolia Award given by Li Qiang
Career background
1986-2002
- Manager at Helm Group in Germany, China and Hong Kong
- Worldwide Sales/Marketing and Procurement of ingredients and raw material for chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals and steel industry
- Organizer of exhibitor events worldwide on relevant exhibitions, conferences and forums
2002-2013
- General Manager for German and lrishcompanies in China.
- Responsible for setting up sales and marketing strategies in China and Asia , mainly for MNC targeting local and international players in the region.
- Setting up 2 new large factories and operations in Shanghai.
- Continuing to plan and execute shows as an exhibitor.
2014-now
CEO / General Manager – SNIEC
Shanghai New lnternationalExpo Centre
China’s most successful exhibition centrewith annually ard. 8mio. visitors, 100.000exhibitors and an average occupation rate of 75 pct in 2019, ww No.1, covering a total area of 300.000 m2PRESENTATION |
Developments in Asia (CHINA RELOADED 2.0 / Changes and Challenges to be watched)
Michael Kruppe, CEO / General Manager of the Shanghai New lnternational Expo Centre will highlight the Chinese market and analyse the Chinese view on regulations, strategies and ESG in general. He will give insight about large shows and their challenges and different goals in an effort to match the highly regulated chinese market.
THU 22.06 12:05-12.20
PROFILESarah Markey-Hamm
Sarah is CEO of ICMS. She is driven by a passion for events and is a firm believer in the power of face-to-face interactions to build communities, inspire and promote change. Value for clients has been, and always will be, the core of her business thinking. She relishes in master planning, developing and implementing innovative events and concepts that inspire, stimulate and engage audiences.
Thanks to her client relationships and creative spirit, Sarah is a driving force in today’s meetings and events industry and holds influential positions in many industry organisations. She regularly speaks at international events and often sits on industry panels, offering insights into building world class meetings.Sarah is Presidentof IAPCO, the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers.She has been Chair of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Australian National Committee and has also held positions on the ICCA Meetings Advisory Group. She has also been a board member of the Business Events Council of Australia (BECA), and past President of the Meeting Events Australia (MEA) Victorian Chapters.
THU 22.06 14:20-15:05
PROFILEPRESENTATIONClaudia Nam
Claudia Nam is a DP Design Director. She’s a design strategist with a special interest in placemaking and experience design. Her wealth of experience in architecture, exhibition, pavilion, installation, interior design, product design and urban planning are underpinned by creative thinking which forms the basis of her design process. Non-linear and iterative, she embraces a disciplined problem-solving approach with the dynamic freedom of creativity. Empathetic and holistic user-centered perspective is backed by analytical and rational research which leads to unique and innovative solutions.
Her interdisciplinary design journey has evolved together with the increasingly interconnected world of design and experience. The increased blurring and blending of boundaries have not only eroded norms but also created greater mutability across socio-economic roles, identities and structures. Fluidity, thus, is the new currency in the ever-shifting currents. She intuitively understands the growing layers of collaboration and cooperation required to derive and deliver the most fitting solutions to the way we inhabit spaces, however transient.
Claudia leads passionate and talented teams with a comprehensive portfolio of broad project typologies. A wide range of these projects have been successful in both local and international competitions. The latest being the winning entry for the Singapore Pavilion at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, led by Kingsmen Exhibits.
Personally, she has benefitted from early and continued exposure to a richness of cultures which has instilled a diverse and varied view of the world and the ever-evolving built environment. Now based in Singapore, she has lived in Buenos Aires, Sydney, Seoul and Shanghai.
PRESENTATION |
The Value of Design in Creating Transformative Experiences
A designer’s insights on exhibitions and events in the broader context of crafting experiences and placemaking, to build vibrant and resilient communities through design.
The importance of collaboration between the growing diversity of global industry specialists such as designers, policymakers, and community stakeholders, will be highlighted through case studies with a focus in Singapore.
THU 22.06 15:00-15:45
PROFILEPRESENTATIONAndrew Cheng
Group Chief Executive Officer, Kingsmen Creatives Ltd.
An economist by training, Andrew is the Group Chief Executive Officer of Kingsmen Creatives Ltd , the creators of experience and a company listed on the Mainboard of the Singapore Exchange. The Group through its creative integrated capabilities, delivers seamless, innovative and engaging experiences around the world. Andrew oversees the Group’s day-to-day management, as well as its corporate affairs, business development and strategic planning functions. He has more than 30 years of experience in marketing, sales management, consulting, business development and investor relations across various industries.
PRESENTATION |
The Pulse of Asian Consumers – An Asian Perspective
Asia, the fastest growing consumer market in the world is expected to account for half the global consumption growth in the next decade. The region represents tremendous opportunities for businesses.
Operating in Asia however poses unique sets of challenges and nuances as the region is not homogenous. Where the real opportunities lay will require an appreciation of the region’s diversity, unique cultures and rapidly changing consumer behaviours – all of which are undergoing significant changes in the way its people work, play and live.
Appreciating these perspectives are a step to understanding how evolving consumption patterns will impact business opportunities ahead.
THU 22.06 16:35-16:50
- PROFILEPRESENTATION
Paco Collazo
Paco is the CEO of Happy Projects, a company that designs and produces stands, live events and brand activations, mainly in the US but more and more in Europe as the world continues to open.
He has over 18 years of experience in the industry, working his first 15 in SISTEXPO a family business that this year turned 40 years old.
He currently serves as the International Director for the EDPA in USA, an active member of ESSA UK and IFES.
During his career he has given conferences at Exhibitor Live, ACCES EDPA, Euroshop and some classes at local universities.
He describes himself as a very creative, curious, friendly, and detail-oriented man, always on the search for new experiences and learnings.
Paco loves his family, good food, cocktails and traveling.
PRESENTATION |
How to get young members into the industry
Making the live events industry attractive to young people requires a proactive approach that focus on highlighting the unique aspects of the industry and its potential for growth & creativity.
By implementing certain strategies, you can make the live events industry more attractive to young people and help them see the potential for growth and creativity in this exciting and dynamic field. We need to help them discover the exciting career opportunities available in this dynamic field.
If we want to effect change in the industry, we need to begin from within, we need to understand that the next generation and chapter of our companies and association is closer than we think.
THU 22.06 16:50-17:05
- PROFILEPRESENTATION
Dominique Bohler
Born in 2000, Dominique Bohler surely is one of the youngest speakers at our IFES World Summit. Already during his high school years, he was quite engaged socially being the student body president and organizing multiple charity events at his and neighboring schools. After graduation Dominique spent two years of voluntary social service in France and Luxembourg. Currently he is enrolled in a bachelor’s program studying International Business Management close to Frankfurt, Germany and joined the IFES management office back in September last year. There he assists with all kinds of daily work but concentrates especially on sustainability related projects.
PRESENTATION |
Investing in your employees…
Investing in your employees means so much more than just paying a fair and regular salary. Investing in your employees means showing you care, being interested in their development and growth, listening to their specific needs, supporting them in their goals. In order to get new employees into our industry and keep those we already have we need to continue to build families – environments of appreciation, expectation and understanding.
THU 22.06 17:05-17:20
- Andrew Stevens
Project/Account Manager
stevensE3
PROFILEPRESENTATIONAndrew Stevens
I am a project/account manager at my family business of stevensE3. We have been a family-owned business since 1927, evolving as we have grown. I have been in the industry since 2015 starting out as an installer/CAD designer for the CNC and then grew into the role I hold now. I started out as a project manager right before the pandemic hit and have grown from there.
I have extensive experience in dealing with technologies concerning LED Screens and the video building for those screens as well as on the physical and programming sides of computer assembly etc.
PRESENTATION |
How can we keep young members in the industry and promote a “healthier work/life balance” in our staff
Stressing the importance of helping build strategies for your team to help them achieve a healthy lifestyle within your organization. I discuss strategies that you can work on with your team to help them develop a more balanced lifestyle without impacting your ability to accomplish the work we do in a very demanding industry, and the effects that these strategies can have on the overall mental health of your staff.
I will also be touching on why this is so important to the incoming generation and why we must work together within our organization to foster this healthy environment if we are to hold on to the next generation of workers in the industry.
FRI 23.06 09:40-11:00
- PROFILEPRESENTATION
Joseph Kowalsky
Joseph Kowalsky joined U.S. Vet Shows as an Event Director, and in this role he will be managing the U.S. vet events. Kowalsky, who’s been in the events industry for more than eight years, joined CloserStill Media from Emerald, where he was Show Director for the Photography Market Portfolio. He was also a winner for the 2022 UFI Next Generation Leadership Grant.
Reach Joseph Kowalsky at [email protected]PRESENTATION |
Thrive with Talents and Rebranding
This disruptive talk presented by UFI’s Next Generation Leaders 2022 will show how harnessing talents and reimagining our branding as a community building industry is directly linked to revenue optimization.
- PROFILEPRESENTATION
Monika Baro
Business Developer | Sales Pro | Event Content Creator | Event MC | NGL (Next Generation Leadership) Grant Winner 2022, powered by UFI
Risky, adventurous, and fun-loving- these are how most people would remember Monika for. After a shot of caffeine, she can directly go to any exhibition floor and make instant connections as if it is her own show. Monika is a Filipino thriving in the kingdom of Thailand. When she started in exhibition sales, she was known by her customers to be a salesperson who would not take ‘No’ for an answer – that was, even if the door was closed, she would get through the window.
Monika believes that the impact of exhibitions goes beyond figures and square meters – it is also a vehicle for societal transformation and change. She is deeply passionate with anything that relates to sustainability that if you would ask her what super power she would like to have; it would be the power that can dissolve every plastic in the oceans in a snap. Prior to joining the exhibitions, Monika worked in the hospitality industry in Singapore where she developed her love for food, wine, and customer service. She is a mom of 2 who would listen to a song from Cardi B while getting her nails done to achieve her “work-life” balance. Traveling, singing, and dancing are among her hobbies, and her fondness for music and fashion makes her engage easily with the young generation.
PRESENTATION |
Thrive with Talents and Rebranding
This disruptive talk presented by UFI’s Next Generation Leaders 2022 will show how harnessing talents and reimagining our branding as a community building industry is directly linked to revenue optimization.
FRI 23.06 11:35-12:20
- Sukumar Verma
Managing Director (Maritime & Energy) at Informa Markets & Vice President for Industry and Enterprise at SACEOS
Informa Markets / SACEOS
PROFILEPRESENTATIONSukumar Verma
Sukumar is currently Managing Director (Maritime & Energy) for Informa Markets in Singapore, and Vice President for Industry and Enterprise at SACEOS, the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers.
His responsibilities within Informa Markets include a portfolio of B2B industry tradeshows, leading the international sales and event logistics teams and driving sustainable events implementation. His 20+ years of MICE experience include delivery of conferences and tradeshows across the world.
Passionate about developing a sustainable MICE industry, Sukumar is part of a range of industry working groups. He is the Co-Chair of the Singapore MICE Sustainability Committee driven by Singapore Tourism Board, and Chair of the Standards Committee tasked with developing sustainability standards for MICE in Singapore. He is also a member of the Industry Advisory Committee for Singapore Institute of Technology’s Hospitality Business Programme.
PRESENTATION |
Spotlight on Sustainability in Singapore
Sustainability and its impact on our industry from a global exhibition organiser’s perspective. Why can’t we afford to put sustainability on the backburner? How can stakeholders in the industry collaborate to ensure that exhibitions remain a sustainable marketing platform for exhibitors? Exhibitors want to stand out from the crowd – How do we encourage them to adapt and adopt more sustainable materials or solutions?
FRI 23.06 12:20-13:05
- PROFILEPRESENTATION
Michael Kruppe
CEO/General Manager
Company: SNIEC–Shanghai China
Other positions:
- Boardmember German Centre of Commerce and Trade Shanghai
- Boardmember UFI, Global Exhibition Association
- Boardmember German Chamber of Commerce East China
- Vice Chair, Chinese Venue Association
- Chair, Pudong Modern Industry Association
Awards:
- 2017 Shanghai Magnolia Award given by Han Zheng
- 2018 Person of the year in the Exhibition Industry
- 2021 Honorary Shanghai Magnolia Award given by Li Qiang
Career background
1986-2002
- Manager at Helm Group in Germany, China and Hong Kong
- Worldwide Sales/Marketing and Procurement of ingredients and raw material for chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals and steel industry
- Organizer of exhibitor events worldwide on relevant exhibitions, conferences and forums
2002-2013
- General Manager for German and lrishcompanies in China.
- Responsible for setting up sales and marketing strategies in China and Asia , mainly for MNC targeting local and international players in the region.
- Setting up 2 new large factories and operations in Shanghai.
- Continuing to plan and execute shows as an exhibitor.
2014-now
CEO / General Manager – SNIEC
Shanghai New lnternationalExpo Centre
China’s most successful exhibition centrewith annually ard. 8mio. visitors, 100.000exhibitors and an average occupation rate of 75 pct in 2019, ww No.1, covering a total area of 300.000 m2PRESENTATION |
Developments in Asia (CHINA RELOADED 2.0 / Changes and Challenges to be watched)
Michael Kruppe, CEO / General Manager of the Shanghai New lnternational Expo Centre will highlight the Chinese market and analyse the Chinese view on regulations, strategies and ESG in general. He will give insight about large shows and their challenges and different goals in an effort to match the highly regulated chinese market.
- PROFILE
Arthur Zhang
Arthur is a visionary leader and seasoned veteran in experience marketing industry. Over his 23-year real-life career, he has dedicated himself to constantly developing a first-class professional organization with a mission to make success happen with clients and partners since 2000.
In life, Arthur is passionate about outdoor activities like 4WD traversing, cooking, music, tea, incense and reading.Expertise
Design Management
Event Production
Event Management
Sales & Marketing Management
International PartnershipWork Experience
- Thornehope Marketing Communications Inc., Shanghai, China
Chief Executive Officer - Naseba, Greater China
CEO
Education
- Tongji University
Master’s Degree of Project Engineering,
Design & Innovation, Project Management
- Shanghai University of International Business and Economics
Bachelor, Economics, International Trade & Investment
- Thornehope Marketing Communications Inc., Shanghai, China
- Sukumar Verma
Managing Director (Maritime & Energy) at Informa Markets & Vice President for Industry and Enterprise at SACEOS
Informa Markets / SACEOS
PROFILEPRESENTATIONSukumar Verma
Sukumar is currently Managing Director (Maritime & Energy) for Informa Markets in Singapore, and Vice President for Industry and Enterprise at SACEOS, the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers.
His responsibilities within Informa Markets include a portfolio of B2B industry tradeshows, leading the international sales and event logistics teams and driving sustainable events implementation. His 20+ years of MICE experience include delivery of conferences and tradeshows across the world.
Passionate about developing a sustainable MICE industry, Sukumar is part of a range of industry working groups. He is the Co-Chair of the Singapore MICE Sustainability Committee driven by Singapore Tourism Board, and Chair of the Standards Committee tasked with developing sustainability standards for MICE in Singapore. He is also a member of the Industry Advisory Committee for Singapore Institute of Technology’s Hospitality Business Programme.
PRESENTATION |
Spotlight on Sustainability in Singapore
Sustainability and its impact on our industry from a global exhibition organiser’s perspective. Why can’t we afford to put sustainability on the backburner? How can stakeholders in the industry collaborate to ensure that exhibitions remain a sustainable marketing platform for exhibitors? Exhibitors want to stand out from the crowd – How do we encourage them to adapt and adopt more sustainable materials or solutions?
- PROFILE
Alexander Alles
Alex Alles joined JMIC Joint Meetings Industry Council in August 2022. There he is responsible for the overall operations of the association as well as the project office of the Net Zero Carbon Events. NZCE is an industry-wide initiative aiming to help stakeholders of the meetings and events sectors to decarbonise.
Before joining JMIC, Alex held different positions, including marketing and finance. He was mainly dedicated to investment and trade promotion between Europe and Asia. Throughout his career, Alex has been organising numerous business events, from small meeting to large conferences.
FRI 23.06 14:05-14:50
- PROFILEPRESENTATION
Daniel Tjan
Daniel Tjan has been in the business of technology for 18 years. He drives Business Innovation at Gevme and has been working closely with Singapore’s leading Government, Enterprises, Education, and MICE clients on various event technology related projects. Over the course of his career, he had the opportunity to consult, train and interact with both senior management and end-users from different backgrounds and learning styles. From the use of software applications and hardware to effectively identify and resolve problems using technology by relating to technology to existing business processes.
PRESENTATION |
Beyond Boundaries: Unleashing the Potential of AI, Metaverse, AR, and Omnichannel in the Exhibition and Event Industry
Beyond Boundaries is an insightful presentation that explores the convergence of AI, Metaverse, Augmented Reality (AR), and Omnichannel approaches in revolutionizing the exhibition and event industry. The session highlights the limitless potential of these cutting-edge technologies in creating immersive experiences, enhancing audience engagement, and redefining the future of events. Join us as we unveil the key strategies for harnessing these innovations, discuss real-world examples of successful integration, and provide best practices to stay ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape. Embrace the future of exhibitions and events, and discover how to thrive in a world without boundaries.
