UFI Launches New Online Programming for Exhibition Professionals
April 1, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic may be keeping exhibition professionals away from one another, but the desire to connect, discuss and learn has only accelerated. To fill this need and support its membership after postponing its global events slated for this spring, UFI has launched UFI Connects, a new online program offering free talks, panels and webinars to help event professionals stay connected and prepare for what comes next.
According to Kai Hattendorf, managing director and CEO of UFI, the online content presented on this program is designed to mirror the live content delivered at UFI’s conferences and events throughout the world. The new programming, delivered via Zoom meetings, features video dialogues and Q&As and a live chat function, and can serve up to 500 people per session.
“As the COVID-19 pandemic keeps exhibition industry professionals apart, the need to talk, to discuss and to learn is bigger than ever,” Hattendorf said. “While our regular events and educational programs cannot take place as usual, UFI Connects is our way [of continuing] to deliver.”
The first UFI Connects sessions focused on the impact COVID-19 is having on the exhibitions and events industry around the world. Now available on-demand, they include:
COVID-19: The Situation In Latin America: Updates and insights from Pepe Navarro (Tarsus Mexico), Fernando Gorbaran (Messe Frankfurt Argentina) and Ana Maria Arango (UFI Regional Manager LatAm)
COVID-19: An Update From Asia: Updates and insights from Aloysius Arlando (SingEx Holdings, Singapore), Michael Duck (Informa Exhibitions Asia, HongKong), Anbu Varathan (BIEC, Bangalore) and Michael Kruppe (SNIEC, Shanghai); moderated by Mark Cochrane (UFI Regional Manager Asia/Pacific)
Empathy and Adapting During Times of Crisis: Updates and insights from Craig Newman (Johannesburg Expo Centre, South Africa), Trixie LohMirmand (Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE), Peter Hall (President EMEA, Informa Markets) and Peter Grinnal (CEO, REC, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia); moderated by Naji el Haddad (UFI Regional Manager MEA).
Next up on April 3 at 10 a.m. ET will be How to Navigate Business in Times of Crisis with Simon Foster (UK) in conversation with Cliff Wallace (U.S./China), moderated by Hattendorf. Register here.
Upcoming schedules and program announcements will be posted on the UFI website, as will previous episodes and programs.
So far, the UFI team is producing two live events per week, but the association has been receiving many requests for sessions and speaker proposals, Hattendorf added.
“As our industry’s global association, we are working to support you, our members and the industry at large through this unique situation,” said Mary Larkin, president of UFI and Diversified Communications U.S. “The recovery of the world’s economies will rely on our companies, on our skills. We will need to build and facilitate the market places – the meeting places – for industries and experts to come together once again.”
To learn more, go here. To make requests for sessions you’d like to see included in this program, email media@ufi.org.
Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram!
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.
Add new comment