国際見本市連盟UFIは11月７日・８日の２日間、アラブ首長国連邦UAEの ADNECで第79回総会を開催。55か国から過去最多の475人が参加した。また連盟の会員数もこの１年間で36組織が加入し、85か国612社・団体と過去最多となった。
UFIの最高経営責任者ポール・ウッドワード氏は「このような厳しい経済状況のなかで会員数を増加できたのは、われわれの提供するサポートが展示会関係者にとって付加価値が高いと認識された証し」と語った。
The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) held its 79th general convention on November 7th and 8th at ADNEC in UAE. 475 people, a largest number in its history, from 55 countries attended the convention. The association welcomed 36 organizations as new members in past year and now holds 612 organizations from 85 countries which is a largest number in its history.
"The fact that we have increased our members In this hard economic environment is a proof that the support we provide is highly valued by those who are in the exhibition industry", said Mr. Paul Woodward, a managing director of UFI.
総会では、中国展示場協会総裁の陳先進氏がアジア・中国から初の会長に就任した。現在ではUFI会員の約15％が中国の企業や団体となっている。同連盟の調査でも展示会産業のインフラ投資の多くが中国に集中し、世界の展示場面積増加分の46％を占めている。また、多くの国際展示会企業が中国に進出し成功を収めており、そのような状況のなかでの陳氏の会長就任は、世界の展示会産業における中国のプレゼンス向上を印象づけた。
次回の80回総会は来年11月13日から16日、韓国・ソウルで開催される。
At the convention, Mr. XianJin Chen, president of Chinese Association of the Exhibition Industry, was appointed to be a new chairman of UFI. He is a first UFI chairman from Asia/China. Currently, approximately 15% of UFI members are Chinese companies and organizations. The study conducted by the association also shows that infrastructure investment in exhibition industry is concentrated in China, accounting 46% of worldwide increase in exhibition floor space. In addition, many international exhibition companies are now expanding and succeeding in China. The appointment of Mr. Chen for a chairman impressed Chinese presence in the global exhibition industry.
Next (80th) general convention will be held from November 13th to 16th next year in Seoul, Korea.
