Record-breaking participation at UFI in Singapore

The 77th UFI congress which will be held at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) from November 10-13 has drawn record breaking attendance to the association’s annual event. Four hundred and seventy-five leaders and strategic thinkers from the global exhibition industry from more than 50 countries will be gathering to share their professional views on the course of the industry, exchange ideas and network with one another in the outstanding MBS venue.


SACEOS, the association representing the MICE industry in Singapore, has managed the local organization of the 2010 UFI event, strongly supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, and UFI congress platinum sponsors MBS and Resorts World. UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry last held its Congress in Singapore in 1994.

“We are delighted to welcome participants at this November gathering of the global captains of the exhibition industry in Singapore,” said Edward Liu, SACEOS president. “This marks a significant milestone in the continuing expansion and growth of the Asian exhibition industry in the new millennium. SACEOS is indeed honored to play host to this international gathering.”

“As Singapore’s economy records strong growth this year, the MICE industry has also grown in tandem,” said Ms. Melissa Ow, assistant chief executive, Industry Development (II) Group, Singapore Tourism Board. “Indeed, over the years, we have built a robust calendar of tradeshows and business events. UFI’s decision to hold its 77th Congress in Singapore underscores our city’s position as a leading exhibition hub in the Asia Pacific.”

In explaining the choice of this year’s Congress theme, Successful Business in Changing Times, UFI President, Manfred Wutzlhofer said, “Despite the way in which the world financial crisis caused significant economic problems, the exhibition industry has shown that its development is stable and strong. Participation at exhibitions by companies of all types and in many sectors of the economy continues to be an essential part of their business development programs. It can give them fresh impetus in difficult times and, at best, help them move back onto an upward trend.”

A number of additional internal UFI meetings, including the Annual General Assembly, the UFI board of directors meeting, the meetings of UFI’s three regional chapters and a meeting of the UFI associations’ committee which brings together national and international exhibition related associations, were planned during the three day session.