By Prudence Lui
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Wallace: data, data, data.
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The Paris-based global exhibition industry association, UFI, has appointed its first president from Asia. Sitting in the hot seat this year is Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre managing director, Mr Cliff Wallace. He is also the first person from the venue management sector to hold this position.
At the top of Mr Wallace’s agenda is the establishment of a “full-time research department to gather meaningful and relevant industry information” for members. He told TTGmice it would collect data on “operational enhancements, environmental improvements, technological advances and business trends (that)...help members understand what is occurring and what may occur in our industry. These details will help us to better control our destiny”.
He added: “If there is no data, we can’t address any issues and would lose the clients.”
Education is another of Mr Wallace’s priority. He wants to “upgrade programmes such as seminars and national meetings” and extend them to entry level and middle management staff in addition to senior executives. Also on the cards is tapping on “external experts” to “help determine issues like the buying pattern of young people”.
The new UFI president elaborated: “Look at our next generation who are tech-literate, this reflects on changing buying patterns.
“The industry faces dynamic changes and challenges...We need to make ourselves competitive and diversification is vital.”
On the importance of the assocation to this region, Mr Wallace said: “Undoubtedly, Asia plays a vital role due to the explosion of the exhibition industry.
“I hope UFI will be a major positive influence to China, and help develop its exhibition industry.”
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