UFI Open Asia Seminar Scheduled in March in Bangalore
January 6, 2014
Every year, exhibition organizers from all over the Asia-Pacific region gather at UFI, the Global Association for the Exhibition Industry’s Open Asia Seminar, and this year, the event will be held in March in Bangalore.
The focus of the event will be taking a look at innovative venue strategies, the importance of tackling the health and safety issue, the changing look and feel of exhibitions, marketing from the perspective of an exhibitor and much more, according to UFI officials.
Mark Cochrane, managing director of BSG Asia will deliver the opening remarks when the event begins March 6 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre.
Sessions on the first day start with examining “Macro Consumer Trends in India: Implications for the Events Industry” led by Devangshu Dutta, CEO of Third Eyesight in India.
Devangshu will draw on his extensive experience to share his views with delegates about the key consumer trends in India: What will be the key trends in 2014? Which sectors will drive economic growth in the coming years? What are the risk factors that could derail consumer spending?
Jochen Witt, president and CEO jwc GmbH in Germany will discuss “Venue quality – an essential basis for the trade fair and conference business”, as well as Aloysius Arlando, CEO, Singex Holdings Pte Ltd in Singapore also talking about “Innovative Venue Strategies in Asia”.
Later that day, other topics will include health and safety issues in exhibitions and connecting with India-based industry associations.
The next day will kick off bright and early Michael Duck, executive vice president of UBM Asia Ltd, Hong Kong, will lead a session how an international organizer can build a successful exhibition in India.
Richard Hobbs, Co-Founder, The HUB, Hong Kong will present another interesting session about his show that does not have the look or feel of a typical trade show. No booths, a department store layout and a “by invitation only” approach.
“Social Momentum” will be another topic at the event, including how does it influence fairs and exhibitions? In this session the speakers will look at the potential of combining trade fairs & social media from an exhibitors’ perspective.
In particular, the speakers will examine the different steps of exhibition concepts which will lead to social contacts before and during the fair.
Lastly, the day will end with Stanley Chu, founder and chairman, Adsale Exhibitions, Hong Kong, who will outline the development and deployment of Adsales’s innovative in-house educational programme.
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.
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