With the rollout of vaccination programmes across the world, the global exhibition industry is turning its sights towards renewed prospects.
Last week, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) announced figures revealing the impact of exhibitions on the global economy. These indicate that US$334 billion of sales are made across 4.8 million exhibitors annually, generating $201 billion in GDP.
“In the wake of a pandemic that has left commercial sectors and regional economies on the brink of collapse, trade platforms offer an opportunity to rebuild supply chains that have remained relatively stagnant throughout the pandemic, bringing buyers and sellers together to network, do business, learn and innovate at a time when they need it most,” said UFI in its official communication issued on 6 May 2021.
A key aspect of ensuring exhibitions are able to safely host visitors at previous levels in markets such as Europe has been the implementation of the All Secure Standard – a medically-vetted best practice guide that has been brought together by a number of organised events companies. It looks at four cornerstones: protect and detect; cleaning and hygiene countermeasures; physical distancing; and communication.
During this year’s Global Exhibitions Day on 2 June 2021, UFI will recognise the economic contribution made by exhibitions.
READ: Exhibition industry’s global coalition for getting back to business, safely and successfully
