We must get numbers right for future growth

We must get numbers right for future growth The Union des Foires International (UFI) organisation held its annual conference and general meeting in Hong Kong in early November. One of the criteria we in the Asia/Australasia Chapter identified as being most important for future growth in the region is that of credible and audited figures. We need figures that can be audited by independent sources, which can verify the figures, just as accountants do with companies. To become an UFI member, applicants must have their shows or venues audited by accredited UFI inspectors, who compile reports following well-defined rules. Only then may an applicant be considered for membership, receive the UFI "seal of approval" and the right to carry its logo. We need to show exhibition organisers and exhibitors alike that genuine figures are the ones that owners/marketing managers must see and believe. More national pavilion organisers are demanding audited figures from fair organisers to apply for government funding for their exhibitors. But, as we know, Asia is littered with exhibitions making false and incorrect statements. We need to rectify this in Asia for the good of our industry and for future development. The Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Trade Development Board have gone a long way to achieve this with their own certification scheme. But how do those countries or regions that do not have such forward-looking boards verify their figures? They need to look to their own accountants to set up systems. Most global accountancy companies are willing to carry out trade fair audits. Today, with computer registration, it makes verification even easier. Mr Michael Duck is chairman of the UFI Asia/Australasia chapter and senior vice-president of Miller Freeman Asia