Thais wow exhibition elite

Thailand and its facilities faced an unprecedented test when UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, held its 71st annual Congress in Bangkok from November 23-27 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). The event brought together a total of 370 delegates, representing the world's leading trade fairs and exhibitions from 53 countries. The congress consisted of the yearly UFI executive committee meeting, general assembly, and also meetings of its regional chapters from Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa/the Middle East. A series of speakers were charged with providing insight and strategic intelligence on innovations in the industry as well as tracking growth trends. They included Andrew Morris, chief executive of The NEC Group (Birmingham), Gary Shapiro president of the Consumer Electronics Association; and Xianjin Chen, chairman of the Shanghai International Exhibition Company. The sessions were moreover highlighted by a special Asian Roundtable, the first time such an item has been added to the agenda, which discussed development issues in the regional exhibition industry and was moderated by UFI Asia Pacific Chapter chairman and senior vice-president of CMP Asia, Michael Duck. The event was rounded off on the Saturday with a visit to The Grand Palace, before lunch on the banks of the Chao Phraya River at a traditional Thai home-turned restaurant, The Supatra Riverside. Then the programme continued with a visit to the Vimanmek Palace, the largest building in the world made exclusively of golden teak wood that is now a museum housing gifts presented to the kingdom by foreign heads of state over the years. Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau director general Peerapong Oeusoonthornwattana said the event was an ideal showcase to a very important niche group of Thailand's capabilities as a prime destination for trade exhibitions. "As the venue host, Thailand illustrated to top-notch industry headers and decision makers its readiness as a premier exhibition destination in Asia with the country's modern infrastructure for its exhibition industry." The bid was won by the Trade Exhibition Association (Thailand) led by president, Charnchai Svangsopakul. The TEA Organising Committee selected BITEC as venue and PCO, with the aim of professionally showcasing the country's exhibitions industry, impressing delegates and enhancing Thailand's reputation as a destination capable of competing against more accepted exhibition destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong. Positive feedback from the organisers suggest that Thailand once again delivered at the highest level. VERDICT VINCENT GERARD, UFI MANAGING DIRECTOR UFI managing director, Vincent Gerard, called the UFI Congress an "outstanding success". "All UFI members are eligible as hosts for UFI's annual Congress. In 2004, we were delighted to accept the invitation of the TEA and we couldn't have had better partners," he told CEI Asia Pacific. "By working with the management of BITEC, we made a trio which was strong from all perspectives and ensured that this year's Congress was an outstanding success." Gerard added that the interest in Thailand was also high among all members, contributing to the overall success of the event. "Thailand was a great attraction for our members. Combined with an excellent venue and exciting programme, UFI was able to attract a record number of CEO-level member participants from 54 nations across the world." He added that there were no aspects of the event that he would change in hindsight. "Our teams worked together to make this event an easy one to manage. Our programme was exciting and our members participated fully. "What more can an organiser ask for?" There was, however, one outstanding and memorable aspect - the hospitality. "We were all moved by the genuine hospitality expressed by the Thai people. "UFI has a policy of rotating events among geographic regions, but I'm certain that UFI members would be delighted to return for other UFI events in the future," Gerard said.