How to Participate in the Global Event Industry Resilience Study by UFI and Explori 

March 24, 2020

If you’re an event organizer who has recently cancelled, postponed or gone virtual with your event, now’s the time to share how you’re doing with UFI and Explori. The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and the live event research specialists, respectively, are inviting event planners to participate in an international research project that aims to understand the impact of this significant disruption on attendees and exhibitors. The study will also identify best practices for future resilience.

To participate in this project, reach out to research@ufi.org or bespoke@explori.com, or go here.

“We are certainly in the midst of trying times, but a point will come where both individual shows, and the industry as a whole, will want to reflect,” said Kai Hattendorf, CEO of UFI. “We will need to evaluate the actions taken, the wider impact and what we can learn for the future.”

He continued, “We will also need the right data to continue to advocate for our industry to receive the support it needs to bounce back. Now is the time to start collecting this data to contribute towards future resilience and to learn and grow.”

The study, the results of which are planned for release in early summer, will aim to identify the following: 

  • The resilience of face-to-face events
  • The economic impact of business opportunities lost
  • The unrecoverable costs to visitors and exhibitors
  • The impact on brand equity of cancellation or postponement
  • How effective virtual events are at meeting customer objectives
  • Any direction as to how any impact can be mitigated in the future

 According to Sophie Holt, global strategy director for Explori, the study will be kept open for as long as the current disruption persists, and there is no cost to participate in the research. Event organizers who participate will receive a report of their own results along with an industry-wide insight piece based on anonymized aggregated data within about three weeks of participation.

So far, most major international organizers are participating in the study, along with a wide range of smaller for-profit and not-for-profit organizers and associations, she added.

“The insight will also be shared with all stakeholders who advocate on behalf of our industry,” Holt explained. “As with all Explori research, this project will be conducted with the highest regard for data privacy and results treated with the strictest confidence.” 

To participate in this project, reach out to research@ufi.org or bespoke@explori.com, or go here.

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.