New deal brings stronger US-Russia ties for expo industry

Exhibition organisers in Russia are the latest to strengthen ties with US-based event organisers after a new partnership deal was signed between two leading industry associations.

The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), which has its headquarters in Dallas, Texas, has signed a reciprocal membership agreement with the Russian Union of Exhibitions and Fairs (RUEF).

"We are excited and enthusiastic about entering into this agreement with our friends and colleagues at RUEF to offer a new benefit and community for IAEE members," said IAEE president and chief executive David DuBois. “We look forward to collaborating and extending the available resources to members of both associations in the future.”

Founded in 1994, the REUF also represents organisers in Moldova and the Ukraine. It became a member of global exhibition industry association UFI in 1994.

Members of each organisation will benefit from reciprocal member-level pricing for organisation events, recognition of professional designations, shared research, news and information as well as co-sponsored projects to encourage interaction between members.

Speaking about the partnership, RUEF president Sergey Alexeev said: "It is very satisfying for RUEF to enter into this agreement with IAEE, and we are pleased with the opportunities that will now exist for our members. We look forward to working together to provide benefits to exhibitions and events industry professionals globally which will allow the industry to further grow."

IAEE has 25 similar agreements with industry associations around the world.

As previously reported in EW, the association recently formed a partnership with the Malaysian Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (MACEOS).