JHB Expo Centre CEO joins UFI executive committee

Johannesburg Expo Centre CEO, Craig Newman, has been appointed onto the UFI executive committee by the main Board of Directors of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

This follows last week’s announcement of Newman’s election as a member of the Board of Directors for a three year mandate, which commenced after the UFI General Assembly in Bogota, Paris on 30 October 2014.

UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is the association of trade show organisers, fairground owners, national and international associations of the exhibition industry, and its partners. As of 2014, it has more than 600 members from 85 countries.

The main objectives of the UFI Executive Committee include dealing with matters of interest for national and international associations of the exhibition industry. This takes into account information on national exhibition markets, the worldwide promotion of trade fair media, a global statistical overview of the tradeshow industry and much more.

“We wish to congratulate Craig Newman on his appointment to the UFI Executive Committee,” says Paul Woodward, UFI Managing Director. “Newman has served the African exhibition and events industry with distinction for a number of years now, and we are sure he will make a considerable contribution through his appointment to this important global platform.” 

Last week over 300 delegates from 46 nations gathered in Bogota for UFI’s 81st Congress, bringing together leaders and strategic thinkers for a three -day review of the state of the exhibition industry.Howdy, Martin Hiller

Renaud Hamaide, UFI President, described the three-day programme: “Our theme this year ‘Fit to Compete’ will have us examine new markets, structures, products and revenue opportunities. We review the role of the exhibition industry within the marketing mix and look at trends for the future. In order to gain a good understanding what people in our industry consider important for being competitive.”

The 81st UFI Congress includes a number of internal meetings including the UFI Board of Directors Meeting, the UFI Annual General Assembly, UFI Regional Chapter meetings and a meeting of the UFI Associations’ Committee – which brings together over 50 national and international exhibition related associations. The annual UFI Congress moves from region to region and will next be hosted by Fondazione Fiera Milano and Milano Congressi in Italy from 4-7 November 2015.

“I am once again, honoured and humbled by the UFI’s belief in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to this platform,” says Newman. “I look forward to seeing what the future holds for the global exhibitions and events industry and the part that Africa’s exhibitions industry can play in this development.”