EMECA NEWS

EMECA General Assembly gathered on 23rd October 2025 at Fiera Milano, Italy

EMECA General Assembly gathered on 23rd October 2025 at Fiera Milano, Italy EMECA Members optimistic about sales growth in 2025 and 2026 Reaction to multiple ad hoc challenges due to the geopolitical environment and uncertainty, including intensified diversification of exhibition topics, other events and services, and international business Investments in… read more

EMECA GENERAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED AT FERIA INTERNACIONAL DE LISBOA, PORTUGAL

  EMECA General Assembly celebrated at Feira Internacional de Lisboa, Portugal EMECA members' turnover outlook is excellent for 2025 Main focus on challenges in international business due to the geopolitical environment and uncertainty, leading to diversification and re-regionalisation Greenpact launched by Grupa MTP wins BELA Award 2025 Istanbul Expo Center approved… read more

EMECA Best Exhibition Launch Award - BELA 2025

EMECA’s BELA Award 2025, which recognises the best exhibition launch of the previous year, was presented to Greenpact, an event organised by Grupa MTP Poznań in collaboration with the Polish Chamber of Commerce. This B2B exhibition and congress, demonstrated an international outlook and ambition for impact, with a strong focus on content that responded to the needs and… read more

COMMISSIONER TZITZIKOSTAS AND MEPS ENGAGE WITH THE TRAVEL AND TOURISM INDUSTRY FOR A SUSTAINABLE AND RESILIENT FUTURE

  Commissioner Tzitzikostas and MEPs Engage with the Travel and Tourism Industry for a Sustainable and Resilient Future [Brussels, 10 December 2024] Today, 10 leading European travel and tourism organisations convened in the European Parliament for a high-level meeting with Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, MEP Daniel Attard… read more

EMECA Best Exhibition Launch Award - BELA 2024

Quantum Effects launched by Messe Stuttgart wins BELA Award 2024 The BELA Award 2024, EMECA’s award for the best exhibition launch in the previous year, went to Messe Stuttgart for their “Quantum Effects”, a trade fair and conference for application-oriented quantum technologies. It fulfilled all criteria that EMECA supports with its BELA-Award for new, innovative… read more

EMECA GENERAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED AT BILBAO EXHIBITION CENTRE; SPAIN

EMECA General Assembly celebrated at Bilbao Exhibition Centre, Spain EMECA Members’ turnovers reach record level in 2024 Main focus on challenges due to the geopolitical environment, continued pressure on margins and the process to sustainable industry solutions Quantum Effects launched by Messe Stuttgart wins BELA Award 2024 Elzbieta Roeske (Grupa MTP) elected next… read more

INDUSTRY SENDS CLEAR POLICY MESSAGE PRE-ELECTIONS

Brussels celebrated its Presidency of the Council of the European Union by convening EU Dialogue: Driving Positive Change In the Meetings Industry. This was a City Destinations Alliance / European Exhibitions Industry Alliance (EEIA) / Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) co-hosted advocacy event designed to mirror the same message within policy circles of the European… read more

THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY MANIFESTO - PRIORITIES FOR THE NEXT EU LEADERSHIP 

Conclusions from the EU Dialogue conference on the Meetings industry, April 2024, Brussels   With this Manifesto, we call on national and regional authorities, the newly elected members of the European Parliament and the next European Commission to work with the meetings’ sector in areas such as the added value of meetings to the visitor economy, the European… read more

EMECA GENERAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED AT MESSE STUTTGART, GERMANY

⦁    EMECA Members’ activity at record level ⦁    Sustainable transition, measuring and reporting main focus ⦁    Bella Center Copenhagen new member The EMECA members met at Messe Stuttgart premises for their spring General Assembly 2024. “EMECA members represent leading trade fair venues and exhibition organisers in Europe. The performance of the industry has not only… read more

GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY 2024

  Happy Global Exhibitions Day 2024! Celebrate with us the 9th Global Exhibitions Day. This year's theme: "Exhibitions are catalysts to sustainable futures".   THE GLOBAL EXHIBITION INDUSTRY IS OF MAJOR ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE Exhibitions, commonly referred to as trade shows or fairs, have a simple purpose: bringing industries together to build community and create supply… read more

THE EU BUSINESS HUB - Japan and the Republic of Korea - JOIN THE LAUNCHING EVENT!

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝘂𝗯 – 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗼𝗳 𝗞𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗮 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁! Date: May 28th, 10:00-11:30h Format: Online 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁? The EU Business Hub Launching Event aims to introduce the stakeholders in Europe, Japan and Korea to the programme and highlight the benefits of the programme, unveiling the first missions’ calendar. 𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗲? Representatives of… read more

EU DIALOGUE: A SUCCESSFUL EVENT AROUND THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY

On 17 April, visit.brussels, in partnership with JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council), CityDNA (City Destinations Alliance), and EEIA (European Exhibition Industry Alliance), hosted the EU DIALOGUE: DRIVING POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE MEETINGS INDUSTRY. Organised as part of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, over 180 industry professionals and… read more

EU TOURISM: RESILIENCE IN THE CLIMATE CRISIS ERA

  Travel and tourism industry unites to tackle climate change [Rhodes, 9 April 2024] Association representatives from the European travel and tourism sector (business and leisure)[1] met in Rhodes, Greece, to sign a landmark declaration promising decisive action towards more sustainable travel and tourism. The joint declaration will serve as a roadmap to foster… read more

STATEMENT ON THE UNFOLDING SITUATION IN ISRAEL

EMECA fully supports the statement issued by Joint industry Meetings Council (JMIC), the global association for the meetings industry: JMIC Statement on the Unfolding Situation in Israel Acts of terror should have no place in our world. The killings of innocent civilians by Hamas are unacceptable, and this goes against the core of our industry's purpose. The global… read more

EMECA GENERAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED AT FERIA VALENCIA, SPAIN

- EMECA Members’ activity at 2019 level, multiple challenges continue - Sustainable transition towards net zero carbon emissions main focus - Metropolitan Expo Athens, Greece, new EMECA member and EMECA Board 2024 elected   The EMECA members met at Feria Valencia premises for their autumn General Assembly.   Jorge Fombellida, General Director of Feria de Valencia, and… read more

POSITION PAPER - REVIEW OF EU LEGISLATION ON DESIGN PROTECTION 2023

EEIA once more draws attention to the review of EU Legislation on Design Protection.  EEIA calls for Exhibition Certificates’ recognition by EUIPO by adopting a modern definition of business exhibitions and trade fairs. Download the POSITION PAPER.   read more

EMECA AND UFI CONTINUE AND INTENSIFY COLLABORATION

  EMECA and UFI Presidents intend to continue and intensify collaboration. Meeting at Messe Stuttgart on challenges and opportunities of the business events sector. EMECA (European Major Exhibition Centres Association) President Roland Bleinroth welcomed UFI (Global Association of the Exhibition Industry) President Michael Duck at Messe Stuttgart premises for an… read more

EMECA GENERAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED AT MCH IN BASEL, SWITZERLAND

EMECA Members’ activity reaches pre-pandemic level, multiple challenges remain The National Outdoor Expo 2022 launched at NEC Birmingham wins BELA Award EMECA supports Net Zero Carbon Events as Gold Sponsor The EMECA Members met at the premises of MCH in Basel for its spring General Assembly. “We see a very positive trend with a strong performance of nearly all EMECA… read more

EMECA Best Exhibition Launch Award - BELA 2023

The National Outdoor Expo 2022 organised by Raccoon Media Group and held at the NEC Birmingham is the winner of the first BELA Award 2023   EMECA has awarded Raccoon Media Group the BELA - Best Exhibition Launch Award 2023 for its outstanding achievement with the National Outdoor Expo 2022. EMECA created the BELA Best New Exhibition Launch Award on the occasion of… read more

UPDATE 2023-05-15: EEIA PUBLISHES STATE AID LIST IN CONTEXT OF RUSSIA’S INVASION OF UKRAINE

The European Exhibition Industry Alliance publishes a list of member states measures approved under the European State Aid Temporary Framework in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The document lists support from the EU and European governments to households and businesses in general and can be downloaded here: EEIA European State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework… read more

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PROTECTION AT FIERA MILANO

Collaboration between Fiera Milano and EUIPO aimed at raising awareness of intellectual property issues among companies   Milan, 04 April 2023. The trade in counterfeit products constitutes one of the most significant criminal phenomena facing companies and, in particular, impacts those who invest in creativity, innovation and research.   For this reason, Fiera Milano… read more

AUTUMN GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN EMECA'S 30TH YEAR HELD IN ATHENS, GREECE

EMECA has celebrated its General Assembly in Athens, Greece, hosted by Nürnbergmesse.   EMECA Members’ exhibition activity is back stronger and faster than expected. Full recovery in terms of turnover will be reached already in 2023 for most Members.Roland Bleinroth, CEO of Messe Stuttgart, was elected EMECA President 2023-2024 To mark the 30th anniversary of EMECA, an… read more

UFI CONNECTS ONLINE SESSION IP RIGHTS

Help your exhibitors protect their IP rights: Support & training offer by EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) for organizers In 2020, as part of its Strategic Plan 2025, the EUIPO launched the Ideas Powered for business Programme. This programme aims to empower EU SMEs to protect and enforce their IP rights and inform them of the benefits of IP for their… read more

EMECA’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED IN RIMINI, ITALY

During the last GA, EMECA Members report exhibition activity is back with busy calendars in 2022 and full recovery expected 2023/2024. For this year 2022, the average turnover may reach 87% of 2019. In addition, ExCeL London (UK) has become new EMECA Member and linked to the 30th Anniversary, an award for young or start-up organisers launching new shows is being… read more

THE EUIPO SIGNS COLLABORATION AGREEMENTS WITH EMECA AND UFI

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has recently signed collaboration agreements with EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association and UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.  With these agreements, the EUIPO consolidates its connection with exhibition venues and event organisers across the entire value chain, reaching out to… read more

GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY 2022

The 2022 Global Exhibitions Day highlights 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. Meeting in person creates trust, the basis for co-operations and business deals. Exhibitions are an effective and… read more

30TH ANNIVERSARY EMECA GENERAL ASSEMBLY IN RIMINI

EMECA Members held their General Assembly in Rimini, hosted by Italian Exhibition Group. This year, EMECA celebrates its 30th Anniversary – it was founded in 1992. Members discussed news, challenges and opportunities in the exhibition sector related to the pandemic, impact of the war in Ukraine and other relevant developments and trends. read more

TOURISM MANIFESTO - TOWARDS FREE MOVEMENT OF TRAVELLERS WITHIN AND INTO EUROPE

Resilience of the EUDCC System is Critical for EU Tourism Crisis Preparedness The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, the voice of the travel and tourism sector in Europe, welcomes the ongoing progress of the revision of the EU Digital COVID Certificate (EUDCC) Regulation.  While we strongly support countries in their efforts to progressively remove restrictions in the… read more

INTERVIEW "GREEN TRANSITION" - TAGUNGSWIRTSCHAFT WITH BARBARA WEIZSÄCKER

Green Transition "Trade shows can become the driving force toward climate neutrality" By Gwen Kaufmann   Friday, 8th April 2022   If an entire continent plans to stop emitting greenhouse gases, it will trigger a major wave of change. In all industries and sectors of the economy, a development towards climate-protecting production and processes is required. For… read more

EMECA STATEMENT ON THE UKRAINE CRISIS

The European Major Exhibition Centres Association joins its voice to all those who are speaking up to express their solidarity to Ukraine and to condemn the unjustified military aggression by Russia on Ukraine. War must never represent a means to resolve controversies. The attack not only destroys Ukraine territory and its people’s lives but endangers the security and stability of the entire European continent. The European basis is “United in Diversity”. While remaining proud of their own national identities and history, Europeans are determined to transcend their former divisions and, unite ever more closely, to forge a common destiny. Invading another country is simply unacceptable. EMECA as a European association believes that the values that… read more

POSITION PAPER - EU TO OPEN INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

The European Exhibition Industry welcomes European countries’ lifting internal measures and restrictions on international travel calls for immediate adoption of an updated framework to travel from outside the EU that is fit for purpose expects coordinated implementation of such a framework across all Member States once more encourages the Council and all Member States to specifically enable smooth business travel and to protect the safe functioning of the economy and its exhibition platforms for R&D, innovation and trade EEIA recognises the efforts of the Commission and the recent adoption of recommendation by the Council for intra-EU travel, focussing on the status of the traveller instead of a country-based approach. As the peak of the… read more

EU’s Overseas Trade Fairs 2.0 (OTF 2.0) European pavilions at CES Las Vegas and Arab Health Dubai

The OTF 2.0 Programme kicked off successfully with EU pavilions at CES in Las Vegas and at Arab Health in Dubai. The European Commission funds selected European start-ups and SME’s to export their innovations at exhibitions overseas. The programme will cover 15 shows in 2 years. It is managed by Deloitte and the European Exhibition Industry Alliance’s Sara Lanzilotta is… read more

WARNING ON UNAUTHORISED DATABASE OFFERS

UPDATE 2021-12-09: New unofficial mailings offering "FIT Expo 2021" Attendees/Visitors/Registrants list. Find more information (in Polish) on the MTP Poznań Expo and the Polish Chamber of Exhibition Industry website.   Unauthorised exhibitors and visitors databases continue to be offered by mailings. Such mails pretend to offer official data for specific show, using the brand name and other features that suggest it is an official mail from the respective exhibition organiser. EMECA warns on accidentally purchasing such data. EMECA Members should actively warn their exhibitors and visitors. Those clients who purchase these data at a high price will have great difficulties to get their money back. In the past, disputing the contracts and legal action… read more

TOURISM MANIFESTO - Position on the European Commission’s Proposals for Council Recommendations on Intra-EU and International Travel

EEIA is part of the TOURISM MANIFESTO and strongly endorses this Position Paper.   70 travel and tourism organisations express their support to any effort – based on scientific evidence – to keep protecting and ensuring the freedom of movement and avoid a patchwork of diverging national measures within the EU/EEA as well as internationally. In light of the evolving… read more

URGENT CALL FOR A COORDINATED APPROACH TO BUSINESS RELATED TRAVEL

  The European Exhibition Industry - welcomes the Commission’s proposals to strengthen coordination of safe travel in the EU and for an updated framework to travel from outside the EU and expects swift adoption implementation - calls for a coordinated approach to swiftly adapt the EU Digital COVID Certificate’s validity and to adopt the unified EU Digital Passenger Locator Form - encourages the Council and all Member States to specifically enable smooth business travel and to protect the safe functioning of the economy and its exhibition platforms for R&D, innovation and trade   Download the latest Position Paper of the European Exhibition Industry Alliance: An urgent call for a coordinated approach to business related travel. read more

EEIA met with EUIPO

EEIA welcomed Nicolas Vigneron and Alessandro Corrado from the European Union Intellectual Property Office in Alicante. We discussed possible collaboration for the promotion of EUIPO’s new tools for SMEs, via webinars, newsletters, exhibitions’ websites. Furthermore, EEIA stressed the need to enshrine the modern definition of professional exhibitions into the EU Design… read more

EMECA GENERAL ASSEMBLY CELEBRATED IN PERSON AT JAARBEURS UTRECHT

EMECA Members restart strong, with packed Q3-Q4 calendars, while overseas exhibitors’ and visitors’ attendance still low Call for facilitating international travel for WHO vaccinated attendees of trade fairs   Jaarbeurs Utrecht hosted this autumn’s EMECA General Assembly, the first in-person meeting since the pandemic started. “It marks the moment of strong restart of… read more

GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY 2021: EUROPEAN EXHIBITION INDUSTRY ALLIANCE PUBLISHES NEW POSITION PAPER

The European Exhibition Industry - welcomes the EU Digital Covid Certificate and urges all European countries to restore and maintain safe travel for business purposes at any time  - calls for recognising and involving trade fairs and other professional events as the key instrument for green and digital transformation of all industries   Industry and business communities need live exhibitions and events As vaccination campaigns are advancing fast and additional safeguards like Covid tests and health protocols are widely available, it is high time for companies and R&D communities to resume their most efficient way of meeting and doing business. While the exhibition and events industry has proven rapid development and adaptation of… read more

EU DIALOGUE AND UPDATE IN RECOGNITION OF GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY - 01.06.2021

On the occasion of this year’s Global Exhibitions Day, we will discuss the state of our industry in Europe at this point of the pandemic, the perspectives for reopening & restarting and explore opportunities for the mid and long term with Eric Philippart from the European Commission. Testimonials from several countries and subsectors of the exhibition industry will… read more

EUROPE’S TRAVEL & TOURISM SECTOR WELCOMES ADOPTION OF “EU DIGITAL COVID CERTIFICATE” REGULATION AND URGES SWIFT IMPLEMENTATION

The European Tourism Manifesto alliance of more than 60 travel and tourism organisations warmly welcomes the adoption of the “EU Digital COVID Certificate” Regulation. The Alliance calls on Member States to ensure swift implementation before July to support the restart of the sector in time for the vital summer season, and to restore freedom of movement within the EU and… read more

EEIA RELEASES REPORT OF EU AND GOVT. MEASURES TO MITIGATE COVID-19 CRISIS

+++++ UPDATED LIST MAY 13, 2020 +++++ EEIA RELEASES DOCUMENTATION ON ECONOMIC MEASURES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENTS TO SUPPORT EXHIBITION INDUSTRY TO MITIGATE COVID-19 CRISIS Report shows EU and national governments’ support for businesses and the economy in general Report also covers action taken by the exhibition industry to provide support to communities through the COVID-19 crisis The European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA), which is a partnership between UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association, is today releasing documentation that lists support from the EU and national governments in Europe for businesses in general, and the exhibition industry in particular.  “By… read more

EUROPE’S EXHIBITION INDUSTRY - WELCOMES EUROPEAN COMMISSION’S GREEN CERTIFICATE PROPOSAL AND COMMON PATH TO SAFE RE-OPENING - DEMANDS SPECIAL FOCUS ON BUSINESS TRAVEL

“EEIA welcomes the European Commission’s legislative proposal to create a Digital Green Certificate to resume safe travel in the EU. We now call upon the European Parliament and the Member States to ensure its quick approval and its swift technical implementation. We also expect that it will be interoperable with other international systems to facilitate travel on a global scale”, says Barbara Weizsäcker, Secretary General. The Digital Green Certificate is planned to be common, interoperable and mutually recognised within the EU, proving that a person has been vaccinated, tested or recovered from a Covid-19 infection. It will be free of charge, non-discriminatory and shall ensure minimum restrictions to travel. Additionally, the communication on a… read more

TOURISM MANIFESTO - TOURISM4RECOVERY: TRAVEL & TOURISM STAKEHOLDERS URGE INVESTMENT IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AS PART OF EU RECOVERY

- Over 60 European organisations call for tourism to be firmly anchored in EU national Recovery and Resilience plans. - European Tourism Manifesto alliance presents list of reforms and investment ideas to support tourism and make EU economies more resilient. - New #Tourism4Recovery campaign launched to support the call and showcase impact of investments in sustainable tourism.   The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, which represents over 60 European travel & tourism stakeholders covering the whole value chain of travel operations across Europe, has called on European governments to include tourism as a strategic part of their national Recovery and Resilience plans. The ‘Call for Action: Accelerate Social and Economic Recovery by Investing… read more

THE EUROPEAN EXHIBITION INDUSTRY WELCOMES EUROPEAN COUNCIL PLAN TO DEVELOP DIGITAL VACCINATION CERTIFICATE AND CALLS UPON EU TOURISM MINISTERS TO SAFELY RESTORE TRAVEL IN A COORDINATED APPROACH

Fragmented travel regulations and restrictions within the EU and globally remain a major barrier for international exhibitions and professional events to resume business. Instead, increasing and speeding-up vaccinations combined with cost-effective rapid testing and intelligent tracing solutions will foster both the protection of health and enable travel within Europe and worldwide and to start the economic recovery.  EU-wide and globally compatible digital health certificates are a key tool to re-establish confidence among travellers, freedom of movement and rebuilding connectivity. Such application should be of use to the entire travel and hospitality chain and include specifically trade fairs and business events for safe and seamless experience.… read more

TOURISM MANIFESTO - EUROPE'S TRAVEL & TOURISM SECTOR CALLS ON EU GOVERNMENTS TO CHART RESTART PLAN IN TIME FOR SUMMER

Over 60 travel and tourism organisations unveil concrete recommendations for re-opening travel & tourism in Europe, including creation of Commission-led Task Force to restore freedom of movement.  The European Tourism Manifesto alliance, a group of more than 60 public and private travel and tourism organisations and the voice of the sector in Europe, today unveiled a series of joint recommendations for EU Member States on how to relaunch travel and tourism in Europe in time for summer 2021. At the heart of the recommendations is the development of an EU roadmap for safely restoring travel once countries emerge from national lockdowns to be developed and implemented in close cooperation with industry and social partners. A dedicated Commission… read more

TOURISM MANIFESTO - CALL FOR ACTION: ACCELERATE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC RECOVERY BY INVESTING IN SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

The new Recovery and Resilience Facility, proposed by the European Commission to help the EU rebuild after the pandemic, offers an unprecedented opportunity to support tourism-related reforms to ensure that the sector helps to drive digital and green transitions, and thereby strengthens both economic and social resilience. Following its urgent call to Member States to make tourism a strategic element in their national recovery plans, the European Tourism Manifesto alliance has published a detailed paper presenting a non-exhaustive list of reforms and investment ideas related to travel and tourism that would contribute to making EU countries’ economies more resilient, so we will be better prepared to respond to future opportunities and challenges.… read more

EEIA REPORT ON EUROPEAN STATE AID FOR COVID-19

The EEIA has published an updated report on measures taken by European governments to support the exhibition industry through the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. The report, first published in March last year, shows support programmes for the exhibition industry specifically, as well as programmes for businesses in general. The report aims to support lobbying and advocacy efforts by providing easily accessible and comparable country-based information about various programmes across Europe.  Similar reports for other regions will be published by UFI shortly, together with an executive summary highlighting global best practices in terms of government programmes and support. “By gathering and sharing examples of general financial measures and dedicated… read more

EUROPEAN EXHIBITION INDUSTRY ALLIANCE WELCOMES EU COUNCIL RAPID ANTIGEN TESTS AND VACCINATION DECISIONS AND CALLS FOR SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION

“EEIA welcomes yesterday’s European Council decisions related to rapid antigen tests and vaccinations. Even though the current situation justifies the current restrictions to contain the infections, Europe should prepare as quickly as possible to support and empower free movement of people, especially for business purposes, in a safe and controlled way”, says Barbara Weizsäcker, Secretary General.  Strengthening the use of rapid antigen tests and the mutual recognition of COVID-19 test results along with accelerating vaccinations will contribute to containing the pandemic and resuming safe and seamless travel in a responsible manner. Furthermore, building a common system of proof for tests and vaccinations is vital.  Therefore, EEIA calls for the… read more

EEIA POSITION PAPER ON DIGITAL VACCINATION CERTIFICATE / IATA TRAVEL PASS

Exhibition Industry supports- Greek initiative for EU digital vaccination certificate - Global solution with IATA Travel pass  EU and global travel regulations still major barrier Fragmented and quickly changing travel restrictions and quarantine/test requirements within the EU and globally remain a major barrier for international exhibitions and professional events to resume business. Quarantine days for business travellers have a major impact on single business and economic activity in general. Instead, increasing and speeding-up vaccinations combined with targeted, intelligent and cost-effective testing and tracing solutions at the appropriate scale for travellers should prevent quarantine. It would foster both the protection of health and… read more

UFI CONNECTS ONLINE SESSION

Exploring synergies with Enterprise Europe Network – Helping companies innovate and grow internationally In these challenging times, cross-fertilization is key. The Exhibition Industry should look outside their usual sphere, discover different approaches and initiate new collaborations. The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) could be such an example. EEN is a successful… read more

RICARD ZAPATERO, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS DIRECTOR OF FIRA DE BARCELONA, ELECTED EMECA PRESIDENT 2021-2022

Ricard Zapatero, International Business Director of Fira de Barcelona, has been elected as EMECA President for the upcoming period 2021-2022. Maurits van der Sluis, COO of RAI Amsterdam and current EMECA President, will take up the role of Vice President Strategy for the next term. Additionally, according to the election cycle, two more positions were to be filled: Roland… read more

THE LARGEST EUROPEAN EXHIBITION CENTRES HEAVILY IMPACTED BY THE CRISIS ARE MOBILISING FOR A REOPENING ON 1 SEPTEMBER 2020 AT THE LATEST

The EMECA association, which represents the European major exhibitions centres, alerts on the urgency of their reopening and calls for strong financial support from European and national public authorities to ensure the survival and the economic recovery of an entire industry. European exhibitions promise to deploy on all venues sanitary facilities meeting the highest sanitary standards and ensure the safety of exhibitors and visitors. The European exhibition industry, global leader in terms of capacity, quality and location is one of the sectors most strongly impacted by the Covid-19 crisis, as are travel and tourism. “Exhibitions are a source of business and socio-economic impact as well as a source of social ties. However, now that we are ready… read more

GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY 2020

Our message for GED 2020: EXHIBITIONS ARE KEY TO REBUILDING ECONOMIES! We will concentrate on the idea of connecting, reconnecting, starting and rebuilding communities and economies. We want to promote the message that face-to-face exhibitions are the fastest way to reconnect with your marketplace and that the connections made at exhibitions will lead to the renewal of… read more

EEIA RELEASES REPORT OF EU AND GOVT. MEASURES TO MITIGATE COVID-19 CRISIS

+++++ UPDATED LIST APRIL 24, 2020 +++++ EEIA RELEASES DOCUMENTATION ON ECONOMIC MEASURES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENTS TO SUPPORT EXHIBITION INDUSTRY TO MITIGATE COVID-19 CRISIS Report shows EU and national governments’ support for businesses and the economy in general Report also covers action taken by the exhibition industry to provide support to communities through the COVID-19 crisis The European Exhibition Industry Alliance (EEIA), which is a partnership between UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry and EMECA, the European Major Exhibition Centres Association, is today releasing documentation that lists support from the EU and national governments in Europe for businesses in general, and the exhibition industry in particular.  “By… read more

CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK – IMPACT ON THE EUROPEAN EXHIBITION INDUSTRY

Remedies to ease the emergency and allow recovery Number of exhibitions cancelled or postponed in Europe: over 220 The outbreak of the coronavirus has created a complex situation and impacted the exhibition industry heavily. Over 500 trade fairs and exhibitions have already been cancelled or postponed globally. Initially, the main consequences were felt directly in Asia, but now more than 220 trade fairs in Europe have been cancelled or postponed. This creates huge domino effects for many industries. Both sides, companies that are involved in staging exhibitions and the companies that exhibit or source on trade fairs are already massively suffering under the current wave of postponements and cancellations. Business generated by companies that… read more

EMECA STATEMENT ON THE NOVEL CORONA VIRUS OUTBREAK

The exhibition industry serves a highly integrated global economy. We benefit from its advantages and are affected by its disadvantages in times of crisis. Currently, the outbreak of the Covit-19 hits people in China very hard and it starts expanding its effects into many countries around the world. We express our deep sympathy and support to everyone affected by the virus. The exhibitions we organise are platforms for industries to showcase their innovations, products and services and for people to meet personally. These sectors have global value chains and serve markets worldwide. If they are interrupted the effects are also visible on the show-floors around the world. Disruptions may be caused by political challenges like trade wars or practical… read more

2019 ANOTHER YEAR WITH REVENUE GROWTH FOR EMECA MEMBERS - NEC BIRMINGHAM BACK AS EMECA MEMBER - ELZBIETA ROESKE AND HERBERT MARNER EMECA BOARD MEMBERS 2020

Continued growth including again record results for many EMECA members was reported during its General Assembly held at VIPARIS, Porte de Versailles. A good level of investments into infrastructure and digitalisation persists. Besides, all members continue broaden their offer and to increase their sales in services. On the downside, external threats like the persisting… read more

PENGUINPASS WINS THE EMECA DIGITAL BUSINESS INNOVATION PLATFORM – INDOOR NAVIGATION COMPETITION

“Penguinpass has been declared the winner of the Digital Business Innovation Platform – Indoor Navigation competition”, announces Maurits van der Sluis, President of EMECA. “After careful evaluation, the C-level decision makers of the leading trade fair organisations in Europe have voted for the solution offered by Penguinpass”. During the General Assembly, taking… read more

EMECA CELEBRATES GLOBAL EXHIBITIONS DAY 5TH JUNE 2019

Happy Global Exhibitions Day! EMECA celebrates Global Exhibitions Day #GED19 today during its General Assembly at Koelnmesse with its Members. Global Exhibitions Day is held annually on the first Wednesday of June. Find more informatione here. read more

NEW EEIA VIDEO "IMAGINE A PLACE... EUROPE. WHERE THE WORLD MEETS"

Right on time for Global Exhibition Day, EEIA, the European Exhibition Industry Alliance, presents "Imagine a place... Europe. Where the world meets" to celebrate our European exhibition industry! read more

EMECA DIGITAL BUSINESS INNOVATION PLATFORM – INDOOR NAVIGATION FINALISTS

Five young companies presented their Indoor Navigation systems to the EMECA Digital Business experts at NürnbergMesse. EMECA had called for submission of Indoor Navigation products and services for the exhibition industry. The aim was to identify young companies offering new systems that improve visitor experience and create added value for exhibition organisers, venues and their customers. In addition to the wayfinding system, the applications were expected to offer identification of the right business connections and matching searches with the best suitable goals – be it companies or persons. The technology should be user-friendly, easily accessible and speedy. Roland Bleinroth, CEO Landesmesse Stuttgart and EMECA Vice President underlines: “All… read more