Geoff Dickinson
UFI President
Today marks a momentous occasion as we celebrate Global Exhibitions Day (GED) 2024, a day dedicated to acknowledging the transformative power of exhibitions and their profound impact on our world. Exhibitions are more than just gatherings; they are dynamic platforms that drive progress, economic growth, sustainability, and community connection.
Exhibitions have always been at the forefront of innovation. These events are the gathering places where visionaries and experts discuss, create, and showcase solutions to our most pressing challenges. By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, exhibitions inspire action and catalyse global progress. They are where the future is imagined and built.
The economic impact of exhibitions cannot be overstated. They are powerful engines of commerce and industry, essential for connecting businesses, driving investment, and spurring job creation. Exhibitions fuel economic prosperity and drive sustainable development by bringing together diverse industries and fostering cross-sector partnerships. They are the heartbeat of commercial activity, ensuring continuous growth and innovation.
Moreover, exhibitions embody sustainability in a unique way. By gathering communities in one place and leveraging shared resources, they represent a sustainable approach to business and development.
In an increasingly digital world, exhibitions’ invaluable role in connecting people face-to-face is invaluable. They serve as community builders, fostering meaningful interactions and forging lasting relationships. Exhibitions strengthen social bonds and cultivate a sense of belonging within our global community. They remind us of the importance of personal connection and collaboration in achieving our collective goals.
As we commemorate Global Exhibitions Day 2024, it is essential to share these messages with policymakers, media, colleagues, customers, family, and friends. For the past 40 years, I have witnessed firsthand how exhibitions have been a catalyst for a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world. This industry’s purpose is clear and will continue to guide us toward a better future.
Happy Global Exhibitions Day! Here’s to the continued success and innovation that exhibitions bring to our world.
Graduated of the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom, Geoff Dickinson began his career in publishing with emap in London. He worked for a variety of events businesses holding numerous senior roles and he spent over a decade as an entrepreneur in Dubai launching two successful exhibitions businesses. In 2010 he returned to the corporate world by becoming the CEO of dmg events, a leading organiser of more than 80 events in 25 countries and a publisher of trade magazines. Dickinson has supported the association’s mission for many years, taking part in several UFI events as a speaker and being a sponsor of various UFI activities.
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