Rapid Rise of Technology-driven Solutions Focus at UFI Open Seminar in Asia
March 8, 2016
Almost 270 delegates from 21 countries and territories gathered in Chiang Mai at the end of February to discuss and debate the future of the exhibition industry. T
Technology, and the internet in particular, has long been a potential opportunity as well as a source of concern to business event organizers.
At this year’s UFI Open Seminar in Asia, industry leaders shared their views on the future of the exhibition industry as more and more event-related online platforms and mobile apps come to market.
The 11th edition of the seminar was held in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai and was hosted by UFI Diamond Sponsor, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).
The event featured two days of networking and learning as well as a Sustainable Development Focus Meeting, a CEO Golf Tournament, committee meetings, city tours and much more.
More “than a third of UFI’s membership is now based in Asia, so it’s not surprising that the UFI Open Seminar in Asia has become our second largest event after the global Congress,” said Kai Hattendorf, UFI’s managing director.
He added, “This seminar has grown into an essential platform for the Asian exhibition industry to meet and discuss the issues and challenges facing our industry in the region. Given the rapid rise of technology-driven solutions, this year’s seminar was a particularly robust discussion about the forces shaping the future of our industry.”
Supawan Teerarat, vice president at TCEB, said, “TCEB has a long-running and valued relationship with UFI, so we were honoured to host the 11th UFI Open Seminar in Asia. The exhibition industry in Thailand continues to goes from strength to strength and so we were delighted to have the opportunity to showcase Thailand’s world-class venues and service capabilities to our colleagues from around the region.”
As always, the seminar featured an engaging line-up of industry leaders. ITE Group’s Digital Director Baris Onay opened the seminar with his take on the convergence of digital tools and face-to-face events.
Mao Daben and Gu Xuebin discussed the latest innovations in China, Asia’s largest exhibition market. Koelnmesse’s Christian Glasmacher moderated a panel that explored mobile marketing trends at events. Other speakers
included SISO’s David Audrain, jwc’s Gerd Weber, Tracy Short of SMG Malaysia, and many others.
The program also included a sold-out Sustainable Development Focus Meeting, the second edition of the UFI CEO golf tournament, a members’ meeting of UFI’s Asia Pacific Chapter as well as an UFI Associations Committee Meeting.
In addition to TCEB, our host and Diamond Sponsor, other key supporters of this Open Seminar in Asia were Diamond Sponsors: Global Experience Specialists (GES) and Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE). The seminar’s Silver Sponsor was the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB).
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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