Global Exhibitions Day (GED) recognises the important role that trade exhibitions play in driving economies throughout the world. Exhibitions have traditionally played a role in bolstering and growing economic sectors. The 2022 GED campaign will focus on the irreplaceable value of physical exhibitions and face-to-face business events in creating platforms for economic growth and recovery, as well as being the perfect occasion to network and meet new people. While the event is facilitated by the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI, all businesses and professionals in the sector are encouraged to join the GED celebrations on June 1, 2022 by highlighting the impact of exhibitions on local economies – both in building businesses and connecting people from around the world. “We have seen many examples of trade shows taking place all over the world. Many of you participated in Global Exhibition Day (GED) activities in the past. Let’s make use of this excellent platform for the industry to celebrate collaboration, invest in advocacy efforts and recognise success,” said Monica Lee-Müller, UFI President. UFI is inviting all event industry professionals and enthusiasts to get ready for, and get involved in the many different events that will take place around the world – and help make GED2022 the best Global Exhibitions Day yet!
How can you contribute to this year’s GED and be part of a dynamic global community?

• Regularly visit www.globalexhibitionsday.org for updates and developments
• Join a local GED2022 initiative or be inspired to set up your own
• Follow #GED2022 on social media via Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, WeChat and LinkedIn
• Share photos of you and your colleagues with the GED logo – click here to download
• Share stories from your exhibition, a product launch, a notable person who attended your show, a quote from an exhibitor, or ROI statistics
• Create your own “voices of the exhibition industry” card and share your thoughts on the future of the industry (template available here)
• Ask your government officials for endorsement and recognition of the exhibition industry
• Come up with your own idea and celebrate the day how you want!

As in previous years, GED partners work together to advocate for the exhibitions industry. (ufi)
www.globalexhibitionsday.org

Visit Dallas has announced that plans for a new 2.5-million-square-foot convention centre located adjacent to the current Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas have been approved by the Dallas city council. The new centre will feature 800,000 square feet of exhibit space and 400,000 square feet of breakout space, including a 100,000-square-foot ballroom. Construction on the $2 billion centre is expected to begin in 2024 to be completed in 2028. "This news is a game-changer for Dallas and will put our city on the map as the preeminent large-city convention and meeting destination in the nation", said Craig Davis, Visit Dallas president and CEO. "The centre will be the anchor for a lively new Convention Center District that will excite convention goers and revitalise southern Downtown Dallas, making it a place for locals to enjoy alongside our convention attendees." The planned convention centre will feature large, elevated ballrooms with outdoor event terraces boasting views of the Trinity River and Downtown Dallas. A welcoming entry and lobby will greet convention goers and create space for activities and programming, Visit Dallas states. The centre is expected to nearly double annual attendance and associated revenue for the city. The surrounding Convention Center District will connect Downtown Dallas with neighbouring entertainment districts, like Cedars and the planned Rail District, creating a walkable destination designed to attract both locals and visitors. (kf) 
www.visitdallas.com/about/press-releases/2022/convention-center-expansion.html

Jewellery & Gem WORLD (JGW) is moving from Hong Kong to Singapore to organise JGW Singapore for the edition from September 27 to 30, 2022. The change in the event location is a one-off special measure that will only apply to 2022, the organiser of the fair, Informa Markets Jewellery, announced. "The last two years have been extremely challenging for all market participants", said David Bondi, senior vice president of Informa Markets in Asia. "The vast majority of market participants from the entire sector have told us that they would like safe physical trade fairs in which they can participate." The jewellery department of the group– Informa Markets Jewellery – is focusing on safety and rebuilding business in its event planning and has identified Singapore as the ideal host for its flagship exhibition in 2022. The city state is planning to further continuously relax travel and social restrictions. The COVID infection wave is reaching its zenith and the location offers international exhibitors and buyers a practicable location where they can do business face to face. It offers greater flexibility to those who cannot fly to Hong Kong because of the current border restrictions and self-isolation requirements. In addition to the wholesale purchasing event in Singapore, special editions of the jewellery and gemstone exhibitions will take place in June and September in Hong Kong: Jewellery & Gem ASIA Hong Kong (JGA – Special Edition) is planned from June 16 to 19, Jewellery & Gem WORLD Hong Kong (JGW – Special Edition) is to be held from September 16 to 19. These special exhibitions that are open both to B2B buyers and jewellery lovers, will presumably also attract visitors residing in China as soon as cross-border travel restrictions have been lifted. Informa Markets Jewellery will also introduce Jewellery & Gem ASEAN Bangkok (JGAB) from November 2 to 5. JGAB is a B2B cash-and-carry event aimed specially at buyers from Southeast Asia, who require immediate replenishments for the important Christmas and New Year season. (kf) 
https://imjewellery.jewellerynet.com/jgwsg-introduction/

Messe Frankfurt India and Auto Component Manufacturers of India (ACMA) have announced a shift in the exhibition cycle for their leading aftermarket exhibition ACMA Automechanika New Delhi. The change signifies the move of the Indian edition from odd years to even years, with the next physical edition scheduled from February 1 to 3, 2024 at Pragati Maidan New Delhi. The first post-pandemic edition in New Delhi to be staged in February 2024, will mark a key shift in the development of the event, supporting component advancements for shifting mobility trends as well as mark the start of its new cycle in even-numbered years, the organisers state. In alignment with the OICA calendar of global auto shows, the Auto Expo will be held every odd year from 2023 onwards. The Components Show held in tandem with the Motor Show will thus take place at the same time. "The shift to an even year cycle will ensure the industry has a common networking point every year and secures business continuity", Mr Raj Manek, executive director and board member, Messe Frankfurt Asia Holdings Ltd, shared, explaining the necessary change of timescale for the Indian edition of the renowned platform. Mr Vinnie Mehta, director general – Automotive Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA) said: "With the changes in calendar of global auto shows and readjustment of the exhibition cycle to even years, I am sure that ACMA Automechanika New Delhi will continue to be a successful event and its legacy carried on". (kf) 
acma-automechanika-newdelhi.in.messefrankfurt.com/ACMAAutomechanikaNewDelhi_shifts_exhibition_cycle

Thousands of people have left their homeland, Ukraine, in search of protection and refuge. The exhibition industry with its halls and infrastructure is preparing to provide initial accommodation for refugees at many sites. Uwe Behm, member of the board of management of Messe Frankfurt responsible for the exhibition grounds, explains how that works: "We have quickly and unbureaucratically set up emergency accommodation on our exhibition grounds in Hall 1, as immediate assistance is required. This has become a first point of contact or intermediate station to provide people who have had to flee Ukraine with everything they need until they can be placed in longer-term accommodation." "We have a great desire to help people fleeing from Ukraine, to offer them protection and refuge in their distress ", says Dr. Jochen Köckler, chairman of the managing board, Deutsche Messe AG. Martin Buhl-Wagner, managing director (spokesperson) of Leipziger Messe Group of Companies concurs: "Solidarity and active help are what is needed now. We would like to contribute to ensuring the necessary help for initial accommodation and care of the refugees. As a globally open, internationally operating company, we not only consider that our duty, it is also our conviction." Wolfram N. Diener, president and CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, emphasises the great willingness of the exhibition sector to help: "On the day of construction, a large number of colleagues spontaneously lent a hand to make the accommodation possible as quickly as possible. Because we are moved by the fate of the people. And because we are deeply moved by the plight of the refugees. Receiving and accommodating them is a matter of course for us." (kf)

The deadline is soon approaching for the annual UFI Awards. Apply by March 21, 2022, and don't miss this chance to be recognised for your great ideas and initiatives.  
The 2022 awards and themes are:  

• Digital Innovation – how does your digital innovation support physical events?
• Industry Partners – success stories alliances shaping the future of the exhibition industry
• Marketing – best marketing strategy in a changing exhibition industry
• Operations & Services – how to get back in operations with onsite services & providers in uncertain times
• Sustainable Development – best carbon emissions reduction initiative

If you know somebody who you think should win an award, be sure to send them this link: www.ufi.org/awards

Apply now for the UFI NGL Grant, a prestigious talent accelerator programme that awards five outstanding, high-potential industry professionals who are driving change and innovation in their industry. 
Applications are open through 28 March 2022
View the brochure here. 
For more information, click here or contact us at nglgrant@ufi.org.

The executive committee of UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, met in an extraordinary session to discuss the association's continuing response to the military actions ordered by the Russian government in Ukraine. The committee has reviewed the actions taken by UFI since the onset of the attacks, beginning with the initial statement on the first day of the Russian military action, and the subsequent focus on humanitarian assistance. The committee acknowledged and applauded the work of many UFI members across the region who have provided shelter and support for refugees. From converting venues into refugee shelters to bringing supplies from across Europe, the level of aid and solidarity from businesses and individuals in the industry has been outstanding. 
On March 1, 2022, UFI made a call for donations to better support the work of institutions helping on the ground – the International Red Cross, UNIFEC, and UNHCR. Now, the committee has decided to launch a consolidated call for donations through the association. The executive committee states the following: "UFI's mission is to drive collaboration within the exhibitions and business events industry. As such, our association, along with all collaborative international organisations, relies on a foundation of respect for all individuals and adherence to a rules-based order. The military actions launched by the Russian government in Ukraine contradict our most fundamental principles. They cannot be allowed to stand." 
Based on the resolution by the UN General Assembly, the Executive Committee has made the following decisions: 

• UFI condemns the military actions ordered by the Russian leadership and calls on the Russian leadership to implement the UN resolution. 
• UFI will temporarily suspend access to UFI events and activities for representatives from Russian member businesses. 
• UFI has no ongoing sponsorship arrangements with Russian businesses and will not enter into any new agreements. 
• UFI has no events or on-site activities planned in Russia and will not award any UFI events or on-site activities to Russia. 
• UFI will continue to highlight and support the humanitarian actions undertaken by members to support the people who suffer from this conflict. 

Commenting on the decisions on the executive committee, UFI managing director and CEO Kai Hattendorf states, "I am grateful for our association's leadership, coming from twelve countries/markets from all over the world, to come to this clear response - balancing our association's non-political stance while standing up for humanity. UFI stands for humanity, and therefore we #standwithukraine. At the core, our industry is about people, and UFI is here to connect people. We also understand that we must differentiate between the actions of the Russian leadership and the Russian people. Right now, we must focus on ending the inhumane activities. Right now, we must focus on emergency humanitarian support, to help as many individuals as we can, as an industry. Only then can we use the role of events to help to heal the human, the cultural, and the economical wound, that will persist long after the violence has ended." (kf) 
www.ufi.org

The UFI Novel Coronavirus page is updated weekly. Please click here to view most recent updates on the reopening/closing of markets across the globe. Please contact us on reopen@ufi.org should you wish to report the safe reopening or any changes to the market in your region. (ufi) 
www.ufi.org/coronavirus