UFI Congress Draws Record Attendance in Abu Dhabi; Chen Named UFI President
November 7, 2012
The 79th Annual UFI Congress wrapped up Nov. 8 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre in Abu Dhabi with a record number of 475 attendees from 55 countries who gathered to pinpoint where there were areas of growth in the exhibition industry.
UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, which represents exhibition organizers, venue managers and partners of the industry, has seen its own organization grow in leaps and bounds recently as it surpassed the 600-member organization mark and now numbers 612 from 85 countries in its global membership.
Since last year’s UFI Congress in Valencia, UFI has welcomed an additional 36 new member organizations, including Italy-based Fiera di Vicenza, Egypt-based Pyramids International Group, Iran-based Samee Paad Novin Company and Moscow-based Crocus Expo IEC.
Besides new exhibition organisers, UFI also added new venues such as the China National Convention Centre in Beijing and Anhembi Parque in S?o Paolo, as well as new associations that include the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority and the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, to name a few.
“With remarkable growth like this, even in such challenging economic times, it’s clear that UFI provides recognized, value-adding assistance and support to our members,” said Paul Woodward, UFI managing director.
UFI research points to continued growth in China, with the country accounting for 46 percent of the global increase in indoor available exhibition space with 69 percent of this increase related to new venue construction.
In step with the ever-expanding industry in China, UFI members elected their first president from the country - Chen Xianjin of the China Association of Exhibition Centres.
“Our association’s history reflects the development of the world exhibition industry and it is also the global economic development history in miniature,” Chen said.
He added, “Today, China represents 15 percent of UFI’s total membership and there are many stories about international exhibition companies coming to China and succeeding. It’s my intention to use the advantage of my origin from Asia to better connect Asian members with those from Europe and other continents.”
The UFI 2012-2013 presidential trio of Chen Xianjin, president, Renaud Hamaide (Comexposium, France), incoming president and Arie Brienen (Jaarbeurs Holding, NL), past president, took office immediately following the close of the UFI 79th Congress.
Next year’s annual meeting will be held Nov. 13-16 in Seoul, South Korea.
“I have a wish that a year from now when we celebrate the 80th anniversary of UFI Congress in Korea, I can hear our members say that thanks to the support and help from UFI, and with the valuable information and services it provides, they successfully overcame negative factors emerging from the complicated and fast-changing situation of the global economy and achieved new progress,” Chen said.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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