AFECA to strengthen Asian voice

By Patricia Wee SINGAPORE Seven exhibitions and conventions associations in Asia have banded together to form the Asian Federation of Exhibition and Convention Association (AFECA). The first federation of its kind in Asia, AFECA will assume similar roles to that of international bodies such as UFI (The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) and IAEM (The International Association of Exhibition Management). Industry players generally felt that by joining AFECA, they will have a stronger Asian voice in an industry dominated by European and North American presence at international forums. The first AFECA assembly meeting took place at the inaugural IECM2004@Singapore at Singapore Expo last month. The association was initiated by the Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS). President of SACEOS and newly-elected president of AFECA Protem Committee Dilys Yong said: "AFECA will help shape the destiny of Asia's industry as well as promote its further growth and development." Managed by a committee comprising presidents of member associations, AFECA's secretariat office will be based in Singapore for two years, after which it will be rotated among member associations countries. High on the association's agenda is driving the development of the ISO Exhibition Terminology standard, said Yong.