RIYADH: The global exhibition industry has proved its relevance as a cornerstone of business and societal growth, defying predictions it will become obsolete, according to the CEO of the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, UFI.
During an interview with Arab News, Kai Hattendorf highlighted the importance of face-to-face interaction in an era dominated by digital connectivity. He said while technology continued to revolutionize how people connected, the booming exhibitions industry suggested the requirement for physical gatherings was stronger than ever.
Hattendorf pointed to the industry’s resilience against repeated claims that it would be overshadowed by advances like the internet, social media and even the metaverse.
“The more digital our environments become, the bigger the need to meet in person,” he said, emphasizing that digital tools alone could not replicate the authenticity of human connection.
Reflecting on the lessons of the pandemic, he said the inability of meeting physically underlined the value of in-person interactions and likened human relationships to a smartphone battery: “If you don’t recharge it, it stops working.”
The exhibition industry was also a powerful barometer of economic growth, thriving where markets were expanding, he added. Hattendorf identified the Middle East and Asia as key drivers of global growth, pointing to strengthening economies in the Gulf Cooperation Council and Asia-Pacific regions.
He said these areas not only contributed to economic progress, but also led innovation and societal development. Exhibitions and business events play a crucial role in these advancements, he added, acting as marketplaces and meeting points where industries could connect and collaborate.
The industry is not without challenges, with inflation, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions presenting significant hurdles for organizers, but Hattendorf expressed confidence in the sector’s ability to adapt.
He also acknowledged the shift from globalization to regionalization in the exhibitions landscape. Rather than relying on a single global event, international organizers now manage portfolios of regional shows across multiple continents. This diversification not only mitigates risks but also creates a broader, more resilient growth model.
Through its adaptability and focus on fostering authentic human connections, the exhibition industry continues to evolve, said Hattendorf, serving as a vital enabler of economic and cultural exchange. Even in an increasingly digital world, the need for meaningful, face-to-face interactions will only grow stronger, he added.
