On November, 11, UFI members waved farewell to each other
after spending 3 days at 78-th UFI Congress. Aimed to examine key industry
issues congress managed to bring together almost 400 delegates from 52
countries at the state-of-the-art Feria Valencia Exhibition Centre, Spain. This
outstanding attendance of 2011 edition breaks all records for UFI Congress’ in
Europe and confirms this year’s theme, “Bridging Continents – Linking People”.
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| Mariya Shtanhrat and Paul Woodward |
UFI Managing Director Paul Woodward stated that “as the
voice of the global exhibition industry, UFI represents member organisations
managing over 12 million square meters of exhibition space and organizing over
3000 international exhibitions around the globe”.
This year’s event was marked by integration of innovative
solutions and discussions of industry trends in informal and relaxing
atmosphere.
Two ExpoPromoter representatives took part in the event –
Mariya Shtanhrat, ExpoPromoter Business Development Manager, and her associate
Julia Kliuchkovska.
On their return Mariya and Julia infected all our staff with
their extremely positive impressions about the Congress. This excitement couldn`t
be left unnoticed!
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| H.S. Bedi & Julia Kliuchkovska |
Old friends` meeting is the best description of the atmosphere of
the event. Thank to modern means of communication, which help connecting people
and establishing friendly relations online, participants met as if they’d known
each other for years – although for some of them it was their first meeting in
person. Whether being connected on LinkedIn, making friends on Facebook or
following on Twitter everyone felt like home – familiar faces no matter how you
slice it :)
Mariya Shtanhrat, ExpoPromoter Business Development Manager:
“It was a great trip! Wonderful weather, hospitable Spain,
beautiful Valencia and tasty national cuisine left warmest recollection.
”This is not the first UFI event I visit, so I was glad to
see many people I already know and pleased with a friendly reception.
”Generally, the program of the UFI event was well considered,
as usual.
Presentations` topics were truly urgent, useful information
was spiced with sense of humor and speakers artistically got out the message to
the audience. The most unforgettable speaker is definitely Stephane Garelli,
Professor at IMD, Institute of Development Management (Switzerland) – his
natural charisma sticked to everyone’s memory! Regular coffee breaks gave perfect
opportunity to meet new people, talk business and not only :) .
”Not to forget about Valencia sightseeing tour, which
impressed us with city’s beauty and lively atmosphere combining history and
modernism. And of course, a seabreeze… :)
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| Dinner at Valencia Opera House |
”Still one of the best attractions was a sophisticated dinner
in enchanting atmosphere at Valencia Opera House (Palau de les Arts Reina
Sofia). We had a great time together!
”However, the only disadvantage of the Congress is a lack of
time to get to know all of the delegates. So many people to meet and so little
time to do that!”
Once more UFI did a great work to encourage event industry
development, create the opportunity to network with a wide range of expo
professionals, share best practices and industry innovations. For example, this
year everyone appreciated convenience of a useful device Poken, created to
collect and exchange digital information in the real world with one touch. So
participants had no need to collect paper business cards – UFI members went green:)
As Poken officially announces on their Twitter account over 2000 paperless docs
collected in pokenHUB of 400 delegates and 10 000 exchanged social business
cards.
We look forward to see everyone at future UFI events. We are
always open for communication and cooperation – stay in touch with us on
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.
P.S. Warm congratulations to Arie Brienen (CEO Jaarbeurs
Holding, Netherlands), who took over as UFI President at the end of the
Valencia Congress.
More photos from the 78-th UFI Congress on ExpoPromoter Flickr page
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