To mark Global Exhibitions Day, #GED2021, on 2 June, Exhibition and Event Association of Australasia (EEAA) is to host a hybrid seminar featuring high-profile speakers and networking drinks.
The annual world-wide GED campaign was established by UFI, the global association for the exhibition industry, and is supported by 40 partner associations and industry bodies from 90 countries and regions.
How exhibitions drive economic recovery by enabling growth is the key theme of #GED2021, and Claudia Sagripanti, Exhibition and Event Association of Australia (EEAA) chief executive says Australia has developed world’s best practice in hosting COVIDSafe events and will share the learnings from consumer and tradeshows.
“Exhibitions and business events are key to rebuilding economies, and we will be aiming to highlight the sector’s capability to propel the economy forward particularly at this time,” Sagripanti says.
“We will be showcasing the power of exhibitions and why a focus on the work of the sector should be a top priority for business and governments in the current climate,” she adds, noting that, just before Covid, the business events sector in Australia contributed more than AUD$35bn to GDP, ran over 430,000 events annually and employed more than 229,000 people.
“The sector is a major contributor to Australia both financially and for its ability to expand marketplaces by bringing buyers and sellers together and offering a platform for launching innovation and new product,” Sagripanti says.
After the success of #GED2020 in which an online webinar attracted over 800 people from Australian and internationally, this year’s event will be hybrid, with a welcome return to in-person element for those who can attend the International Convention Centre Sydney.
The seminar will feature leading thinkers in the sector and offer a local and international perspective and experiences. Delegates will hear from:
Harvey Lister, chairman and chief executive, ASM Global (Asia Pacific); Paul Bloxham, chief economist, Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities, HSBC; Chris Skeith, chief executive officer, Association of Event Organisers UK; Chris Kilbee, executive director, ASEAN at Informa Markets based in Singapore; Simon Burgess, general manager, Adelaide Convention Centre; Jimmy Busteed, general manager – Sales Australian Turf Club; Kym De Britt, CEO, Australian Dental Industry Association; Jane Ford, CEO, Exhibitions & Events Australia and New Zealand; Geoff Donaghy, chief executive officer, International Convention Centre Sydney.
For ticket price details and to register for the event, which starts at 14.30 Sydney Time on Wednesday, 2 June 2020, click here