Chris Skeith to be next UFI CEO

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Paris, 1st October: Earlier this year, Chief Executive Officer of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, Kai Hattendorf, announced to step down and the association has selected Chris Skeith, OBE, to be the next CEO on 1st January 2025.

Skeith is now serving as CEO of the Association of Event Organisers (AEO), the association for organisers of events in the U.K. and internationally.

Geoff Dickinson, UFI President, said, “We interviewed several excellent candidates both from within and outside of UFI, and with Chris, we are convinced that we have selected an excellent leader to continue the development and evolution of UFI as our industry’s globally leading trade body. Chris has been active in UFI for many years, chairing the Associations Committee and serving on UFI’s Executive Committee. In his AEO role, he has worked closely with our present management team, Kai and Adeline, on many issues, from Event Management to Advocacy. He is uniquely qualified to take on the role of the UFI CEO with his excellent track record.”

HK Sevens 2025 at Kai Tak

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Hong Kong, 2nd October: Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR) announce the new stadium to host Hong Kong Sevens, Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) stadium. HKCR will work closely with KTSP and relevant government departments to ensure the event would run smoothly.

According to media releases, KTSP is scheduled to be ready by March 2025, and Hong Kong Rugby Sevens weekend will be the first major international event to be held at the stadium. The Sevens weekend will be held from 28th to 30th March 2025, and it is expected 150,000 people will attend the event.

The stadium is designed specifically for rugby sevens, featuring more than 20 changing rooms for multiple teams, referees and other personnel involved in Sevens matches, and also with dedicated dinning and rest areas for players. In addition, the stadium is equipped with a soundproof retractable roof, which allows events to be held under any weather conditions, and bowl cooling system to ensure a comfortable viewing experience from every single seat.

John Sharkey, the new sport park’s project director, was quoted, “As Hong Kong’s home venue, we are truly honoured and excited to host this globally prominent sports event at KTSP. For Hong Kong, this sporting occasion not only promotes the development of local rugby but also showcases the city’s capability to host world-class events, enhancing its status as a mega events capital.”

MDA’s medical fairs record outstanding participation

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Singapore, 23rd September: Messe Düsseldorf Asia’s (MDA) MEDICAL FAIR ASIA and MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA, leading trade fairs for the medical healthcare and medical technology sectors in the region, concluded with record attendance from both visitors and exhibitors.

The co-located fairs were held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, in Singapore, from 11th to 13th September 2024. More than 1,000 exhibitors from 45 countries and regions, and 19 national and group pavilions showcased their medical healthcare solutions at the fairs and attracted a total of 13,725 attendees from 60 countries and regions to attend the exhibitions and the concurrent conferences and seminars, with 40% were from outside Singapore.

Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, MDA, stated, “We are thrilled with this year’s turnout and the international vibrancy on the showfloor. In addition to a significant increase in exhibitor participation compared to 2022, we saw nearly a 34% increase in visitors, including group delegations from major hospitals and distributors from neighbouring countries.”

The next edition of MEDICAL FAIR ASIA and MEDICAL MANUFACTURING ASIA will return to Marina Bay Sands, running from 9th to 11th September 2026.

Quick takes

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25,000+ visitors at Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair 2024

The Delhi Jewellery & Gem Fair (DJGF) 2024 took place at Pragati Maidan, from 29th September to 1st October 2024, featuring over 650 exhibitors to showcase over 150,000 designs. More than 25,000 trade visitors attended the fair to connect, foster business growth, and explore the latest trends and innovations in the jewellery sector.

DIDAC India 2024 concludes with 21,000+ visitors

India’s only event dedicated to educational resources and technology-based products, Didac India 2024, was held from 18th to 20th September at Yashoobhomi, bringing together global stakeholders, educators, and innovators to drive the future of education and skill development. With over 280 exhibitors and 21,000 visitors, the event showcased over 5,000 cutting-edge educational solutions, imparted transforming the way education and skills.

MMI presents largest-ever analytica Anacon India

Messe München India’s (MMI) analytica Anacon India, India Lab Expo, and Pharma Pro&Pack Expo 2024 opened on 26th September and ran until 28th September, at HITEX Exhibition Center. Over 500 technology suppliers from some 14 countries and regions at the events, making it the largest edition. The co-located events exhibits covered the entire spectrum of laboratory technology, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and packaging.