Bangkok to Host 2011 UFI Open Seminar

Thailand has been chosen as the host venue for the 2011 UFI Open Seminar in Asia, which will be held at the Centara Grand at Central World from 24-25 February 2011.

The event, which is organised by UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, will be co-hosted by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) and the Thailand Exhibition Association (TEA).

 “The theme of this year's seminar is "Elements of Success" and we have an exciting line-up of speakers who will be addressing trends and issues currently impacting the exhibition industry in Asia including: the role of social media, trends in event marketing, crisis planning and opportunities stemming from sustainable development policies,” said Mr. Mark Cochrane, regional manager of UFI Asia Pacific. “We are also pleased to announce that in the lead up to the Open Seminar in Asia, UFI will also host a Sustainable Development Focus Meeting in Bangkok on 23 February 2011. This event will feature speakers from leading exhibition organisers, suppliers and venues from markets across Asia including Thailand, China and India. Delegates will learn of the latest sustainability trends and policies from key players in the exhibition industry.”

To express its appreciation to international delegates attending the 2011 UFI Open Seminar in Asia in Bangkok, TCEB is extending the Extra Night, Extra Smile campaign to delegates. The initiative offers one extra free night to any delegate staying for two nights or more during the seminar. In addition, the campaign's wide array of privileges which include an airport immigration fast track, cultural excursions, sightseeing and discounts at leading shopping malls will also be offered to seminar delegates.

The 2011 UFI Open Seminar in Asia is expected to help enhance competitiveness of the Thai exhibition industry. Last year, trade and consumer fairs in Thailand attracted more than 10.4 million local and international visitors, generating approximately 22 billion baht in revenue. The entire MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) industry attracted some 628,000 international delegates, earning approximately 45.5 billion baht last year.

Mr. Patrapee Chinachoti, President of TEA, said “The 2011 UFI Open Seminar in Asia presents an ideal platform for exhibition industry players to exchange the latest information and ideas on organising world-class trade and consumer fairs at both a national and international level. Furthermore, the hosting of the UFI seminar will raise awareness of Thailand as the premier host country for international events, as well as a leader in "green events" as a result of our Go Green events campaign launched two years ago in collaboration with UFI and TCEB.”

The 2011 UFI Open Seminar in Asia is now accepting registrations. To take advantage of the early-bird rate, delegates need to register by 21 January 2011. The early-bird registration fee for UFI members is US$385 and US$545 for nonmembers. Registrations after 21 January 2011 will be US$420 for UFI members and US$610 for non-members.

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